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Flaxseed and Thyroid Disease

Thyroid diseases can include thyroid cancer, thyroiditis and Graves' disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which are the most common causes of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism respectively. (See Reference 1) Flaxseed, or linseed, is harvested from the flax plant and is purported to have many health benefits, although there is little scientific evidence to support these claims. (See Resource 2)

  1. Hyperthyroidism

    • Hyperthyroidism is caused by thyroid disorders that make the thyroid generate excessive amounts of hormones. Symptoms such as anxiety, weight loss, increased heart rate and tremors can occur, as well as problems with the eyes, such as dryness or bulging. (See Reference 1, Overview)

    Hypothyroidism

    • Hypothyroidism happens when a problem with the thyroid causes the gland to produce very low amounts of thyroid hormone, causing symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance and fatigue. (See Reference 1, Overview)

    Flaxseed in Alternative Medicine

    • Flaxseed is used in alternative medicine to treat a number of nonthyroid conditions, including arthritis, constipation and high cholesterol. As of 2009, studies by the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine are underway to fully determine the effects of flaxseed as a treatment. (See Resource 3)

    Effects on Thyroid

    • The National Institutes of Health (NIH) note that although little scientific data is available about the effects of flax on the thyroid, some experts in natural medicine advise that patients avoid flaxseed in cases of hypothyroidism. (See Resource 2) The Univeristy of Maryland Medical Center also suggests that patients with thyroid disorders stay away from flaxseed and other foods that may interfere with thyroid function. (See Reference 3)

    Goitrogens

    • Thiocyanite, a substance found in flax products and other foods, such as apricots, rye, millet and broccoli, might act as a goitrogen-that is, it may block the uptake of iodine in the thyroid gland. When your diet is too rich in goitrogens and too low in iodine, it can cause the thyroid gland to swell and form a lump, or goiter. However, the typical diet in the United States contains enough iodine that problems like goiter have been practically eliminated, so goitrogens should not be a concern for the average American. (See Reference 2, pages 100-101)

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