There is an ever continuing conversation about whether soy is good for you. There are those who say soy is natural and healthy if it’s organic. Other’s say it is the processing of soy that makes it unhealthy.

I’m not saying either of these arguments is wrong.

What I am saying is, soy isn’t good to consume for anyone who has Hashimotos. I make this statement based on the fact that soy is an xenoestrogen. What that means is it can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Anything that effects the natural process of our body or how our organs function, can’t be good for us.

Consider this. I just mentioned that soy is an xenoestrogen. But not only that, but it’s an endocrine disruptor. Thes disruptors can start effecting the endocrine system as early as during development in utero – that means when you’re pregnant, and you eat soy, you are affecting the development of your baby. This risk is greater with those who have Hashimotos. Studies on this topic continue, in hopes to provide more accurate information.

One of the contributing factors of those who develop Hashimotos comes from what is known as estrogen dominance or an excess level of estrogen in the body.

In addition to soy being an xenoestrogen, it is also a goitrogen. Goitrogens suppress the thyroid gland by interfering with thyroid gland by interfering with the thyroid hormone production. This causes the thyroid to enlarge to counteract the reduction in hormone production. This enlargement is called a goiter. Those who develop Hashimotos are often told to avoid all goitrogens because of this.

This may or may not be true, because goitrogenic food are not all created equal. Each goitrogen food may contain different substances. Soy, however, has been linked to the development of Hashimotos or autoimmune thyroiditis. Most cruciferous vegetables don’t cause an issue for people. I can attest to that. I don’t have issues when I eat broccoli or cabbage.

There have been many studies done related to the effect of soy on the thyroid. For example:

A 2006 study that investigated the effects of soy and soy isoflavones on thyroid function in both men and women,

• found that consuming soy on a low-iodine diet may inhibit the absorption of synthetic thyroid medications,
• resulting in less thyroid hormone in the body.

In a study of 36 children with no thyroid dysfunction, and those children consumed soy

• had higher levels of free thyroxine, putting them in a hyperthyroid state. Since the majority of those who have Hashimoto’s need to keep their iodine intake low to keep inflammation low and the thyroid gland working properly,
• the study results suggested that the tiniest amounts of soy may affect thyroid function due to very low intakes of iodine.

A 2009 study found that infants

• who consume soy-based formulas and have congenital hypothyroidism are more likely to also demonstrate abnormal thyroid function.
• Other data collected from animal studies suggest that the phytoestrogens from soy-based formulas may inhibit thyroid peroxidase (TPO), and therefore may lower the concentration of free thyroxine in the body.
• This may then lead to abnormal thyroid function.

The same 2009 study did a comparison regarding asthma in adult women

• who were fed a soy-based formula diet compared to a cow’s milk formula diet as infants.
• The group that was fed soy-based formula as an infant showed a slightly higher incidence of asthma and allergy medication use, as well as longer menstrual cycles.
• They also experienced more discomfort during their menses.

There is plenty of information out there on the effects of soy on the body. The arguments for and against consuming soy will probably continue with no clear agreement on all sides.

I will tell you that once I removed soy from my diet, my thyroid responded positively. Today I show no signs of Hashimotos. I’m not taking any medication and even though I maintain a healthy diet, I am still able to “cheat” on occasion without affecting my thyroid function.

Having said that, I know, from being educated in Ayurvedic medicine, that every “body’ is different, like our fingerprint, no two are the same. To me this means that no two people should be treated the same. I offer this information as a guide for you, not a “must do”. Take what resonates and leave the rest.