Short Answer: Cabbage is bad for hypothyroidism because it has goitrogens, and they can interfere with thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, depression, and high cholesterol.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products, and eggs and avoid goitrogen-rich foods like cabbage, broccoli, and soy.
Now, cabbage is a cruciferous vegetable that has many health benefits. It is rich in vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants. They usually eat it raw in salads, cooked in soups or stews, or fermented as sauerkraut.
One cup of raw cabbage can give you 22 calories, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, 1 gram of protein, 54% of your daily vitamin C needs, and 85% of your daily vitamin K needs.
Cabbage is bad for hypothyroidism because it contains goitrogens.
Goitrogens can interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland and reduce the production of thyroid hormones. This can worsen hypothyroidism and cause symptoms like goiter (enlarged thyroid), cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, and constipation.
Furthermore, cabbage is a low-calorie food and low-calorie diets are bad for hypothyroidism.
Because they can lower your metabolic rate and make it harder to lose weight.
That’s why I suggest you limit your cabbage intake if you have hypothyroidism. Stick to one serving (one cup) or less per week to minimize the risk of goiter and other complications.
Also, you shouldn’t eat cabbage if you have an iodine deficiency or if you are taking thyroid hormone medication to prevent interference with absorption. Because iodine deficiency can increase the sensitivity to goitrogens and thyroid hormone medication can be affected by the fiber content of cabbage.
You can buy fresh cabbage in your local market or order it online.
Always choose firm, compact, and heavy heads with crisp leaves.
Because they indicate freshness and quality. You can store them in a plastic bag in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and stress management, is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.