Cruciferous vegetables, bamboo shoots, soybeans, peanuts, potatoes, and yams contain many goitrogens, isoflavones, and starch compounds that are not good for the thyroid, so people with the disease should limit them.
The thyroid gland regulates many functions in the body such as metabolism, controlling heart rate, regulating calcium in the blood… Doctor Tran Thi Tra Phuong, Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, It is recommended that people with thyroid cancer maintain a scientific and balanced diet and choose healthy foods to support the treatment process. Patients should also limit the following foods.
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cabbage, kale, cauliflower, and kale contain many vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. However, they also contain goitrogens, compounds that can interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland if consumed in excess. Patients need to limit the amount of food they eat according to the doctor’s specific advice for each case, and consider using it when the food is cooked to reduce goitrogen content.
Doctors at Tam Anh General Hospital advise patients on nutrition. Image: Hospital provided
Soybeans and products processed from soy: Soybeans are rich in protein and isoflavones, compounds that can affect thyroid hormone production. Patients need to eat soybeans, soy milk, and tofu according to the doctor’s advice.
Bamboo shoots: This food is rich in iodine, which contains goitrogens, which can reduce the absorption of radioactive iodine during treatment. Therefore, people with thyroid cancer should avoid eating a lot of bamboo shoots.
Mealies): People with weak immune systems eating a lot of corn can hinder the ability to absorb protein and fat. The amount of fiber in corn can cause digestive disorders, increasing side effects during treatment.
Types of potatoes and tubers: Potatoes, taro, and yams are rich in starch. When eaten in excess, they increase insulin production, causing fatigue and discomfort. People with thyroid cancer should limit the quantity according to specific advice from their doctor, and pay attention to balancing the diet of potatoes and tubers in their daily meals.
Nuts, peanuts: Millet seeds, flax seeds, pine nuts, and peanuts, although rich in nutrients, contain large amounts of goitrogens. Patients need to limit use to avoid impairing thyroid function.
People with thyroid cancer need to follow a diverse, nutrient-rich diet. Consider choosing beneficial foods such as green vegetables and fruits that are low in goitrogens. Patients should see a doctor and consult a doctor to develop a menu suitable for each stage of treatment.