Soy and Hashimoto's - Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD

How Avoiding Soy Can Benefit Hashimoto’s
There is a lot of controversy on the subject of soy — some people believe it’s a cheap, nutritious source of protein, as long as it’s organic or fermented; others believe it’s great for hormone balancing. However, soy may not be good for those with Hashimoto’s — in fact, it may actually be preventing you from healing.
Soy blocks the activity of the TPO enzyme and has been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Additionally, studies have shown that soy can affect thyroid medications, asthma, and menstrual cycles.
I’ve found that about 41 percent of people with Hashimoto’s are sensitive to soy, and 60 percent of them have reported gut symptoms such as abdominal pain, loose stools, nausea, or vomiting when ingesting soy. Another significant percentage reported mood-related symptoms, including brain fog and agitation. Anxiety and heart palpitations may also be more likely to come about from a sensitivity to soy compared to other foods.
During the first year of my pharmacy studies, I developed irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) with diarrhea, which seemed to be triggered by soy lecithin.
After cutting out soy lecithin-containing foods for a period of time, the frequency of my symptoms was reduced from daily to once or twice a week. At the time, I didn’t know that I had a thyroid condition, and it wasn’t until many years later that I was able to connect foods to the rest of my symptoms. After pharmacy school, I moved to Los Angeles and frequented posh sushi places, consuming miso soup, soybeans, and tofu, because I thought they were healthy.
Over the years, I continued to struggle with IBS, acid reflux, carpal tunnel, and many other symptoms… then I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s. I decided to try going gluten and dairy free, and many of my symptoms improved within days of removing those foods. After a while, I lost more weight than intended and needed to find more foods I could eat… So I decided to fully commit to this gluten and dairy free thing, and discovered gluten free/dairy free junk food!
I started eating soy-based crackers, breads, chips, milks, yogurts, and cereals. My IBS and acid reflux didn’t come back, but I became more anxious. I tested my thyroid antibodies and they jumped to 800 IU/mL (I had them down to around 300 IU/mL prior to that). After one month off soy products, my thyroid antibodies dropped from 800 IU/mL to 380 IU/mL! I believe that my thyroid condition became worse after I began eating soy-containing gluten free products. This is one of the reasons I decided to create a Hashimoto’s-friendly cookbook, to make sure people didn’t make the same mistakes I did in their attempts to eat “healthier.”
In this article, I’ll debunk some myths about the benefits of soy, and cover:
What is soy, and what are the common symptoms of soy sensitivity?
How does soy affect Hashimoto’s?
Hidden sources of soy
Soy free alternatives
What Is Soy?
Soy is obtained from the soybean. In its whole form, it is commonly known as edamame. Unfortunately, even in its whole form, it can be problematic for people — even those without thyroid issues! Soy is found in so many different forms, which makes it easy to be added to virtually any product on the market — from our food in whole and processed forms, to cosmetics and clothing.
In my experience, I’ve found that soy is one of the most common IgG reactive substances in those with Hashimoto’s. (You can test for this by taking a food sensitivity test like the 96 foods or 184 foods tests from Alletess, or by doing an elimination diet.)
Common symptoms of soy sensitivity may include: respiratory-related symptoms like runny nose or trouble breathing, gut symptoms such as abdominal pain or loose stools, brain fog and agitation, as well as anxiety and heart palpitations.
That said, even if you do not have a sensitivity to soy, if you have Hashimoto’s or low thyroid function, you may still benefit from avoiding it, as it can affect your thyroid health.
Soy and Hashimoto’s
So what makes soy problematic for people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis? First off, soy is a xenoestrogen, which means it can mimic the effects of estrogen in the body. Xenoestrogens are endocrine disruptors and can start affecting the endocrine system during development in-utero — and their effects can be permanent. To date, there have not been enough studies done to decide the risks associated with xenoestrogens, but it’s best to stay away from them as much as possible, as they can result in excess hormones and lead to exacerbated symptoms in those with Hashimoto’s.
Interestingly, a study was performed in 2015 on women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), some of whom also had Hashimoto’s. Scientists wanted to figure out why some women with PCOS developed Hashimoto’s and others didn’t, so they ran hormonal tests on all of the women involved. They determined that excess estrogen levels — also known as estrogen dominance — can trigger Hashimoto’s.
Another reason why soy can be problematic for those with Hashimoto’s is because it is a goitrogen. Goitrogens are substances that suppress the thyroid gland by interfering with thyroid hormone production. As a compensatory mechanism, the thyroid will enlarge to counteract the reduced hormone production. This enlargement is also known as a goiter.
You may have heard that you should avoid goitrogenic foods if you have a thyroid condition. This is only partially true, as not all goitrogens are created equally. Different goitrogenic substances are contained in various foods. Soy, in particular, has been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroiditis. Other goitrogenic foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, generally do not pose a problem for people with Hashimoto’s. I’ve written an entire blog post on goitrogens, which you can read here.
Though there have not been many studies done on soy in relation to Hashimoto’s, there are studies that show that soy can negatively affect the thyroid, especially when ingested on a low-iodine diet (which is often recommended for those with Hashimoto’s, as most have adequate levels, and an overdose of iodine can lead to exacerbated thyroid symptoms).
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.
It was also found, in a study with 36 children who did not present with thyroid dysfunction, that those children consuming soy had higher levels of free thyroxine, which put them in a hyperthyroid state. Since the majority of those who have Hashimoto’s need to keep their iodine intake low in order 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.
Meanwhile, 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.
This study also 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.
The removal of soy had such a profound impact on my health, and my clients seemed to benefit as well — yet “official” studies were limited. So, I decided to do my own survey in 2015 in respect to various interventions for thyroid disease and Hashimoto’s, to help me determine if going soy free was indeed a valid recommendation for people with Hashimoto’s, or just a bias I held due to my own experience. In my survey, 60 percent of respondents said that they felt better when they removed soy from their diet, and another 34 percent saw a reduction in their antibodies.
Debunking Common Soy Myths
Some people believe that soy is healthy as long as it is organic. However, this is just a myth. Aside from not having genetically modified (GM) properties, organic soy is still a goitrogen and it still acts the same as GM soy on the thyroid.
I’ve heard other myths regarding soy as well. Fermented soy is touted to be healthier than non-fermented soy, yet a study has linked fermented soy to a higher incidence of gastric cancer. Furthermore, although it can be easier to digest and can potentially help aid in the absorption of vitamins and minerals, such as B vitamins, magnesium and zinc, consuming fermented foods that do not contain soy offers us the same benefits.
There are also some people who claim that soy can benefit cardiovascular health due to the isoflavones found in soy, which are believed to decrease LDL cholesterol levels more effectively compared to milk and other types of proteins. However, a 2006 study showed that only 3 percent of the people in the study saw this benefit, which was not a significant enough finding to sustain that soy can be beneficial to heart health. The study, therefore, does not recommend supplementing with soy for cardiovascular health.
The cardiovascular study also found that soy does not have any great effects on menopausal or postmenopausal symptoms, including bone loss in postmenopausal women. Moreover, researchers did not find that the soy isoflavones were effective in treating breast, endometrium and prostate cancers, and therefore did not recommend supplementing with soy isoflavones for these conditions.
For this reason, many claims surrounding the benefits of soy are misleading, while there is significant research on the benefits of avoiding soy in people with Hashimoto’s.
Hidden Sources of Soy
If you are looking to avoid soy, it’s a great idea to start with eliminating it from your diet. However, this can be tricky. Soy can be found in almost every processed food. Take a look at random labels — you will find soy in most products — even organic ones! Many times, manufacturers will even “sneak” soy in, by labelling it with alternative names.
Some obvious sources of soy include:
Soy lecithin
Bean curd
Hydrolyzed soy protein
Soy milk
Soy sauce
Soybeans
However, there are also some not-so-obvious sources of soy:
Many vegan and vegetarian meat substitute products (burgers, ground “meat”, cutlets, etc.) may also contain soy, as well as some additives. Unless the product packaging says “soy free”, it’s best to investigate before consuming the product, by researching online or calling the company that makes the product. Some additives to be concerned about in vegan meat substitute products and other pre-packaged foods are vitamin E/tocopherol, glycerine, bulking agents, thickener, hydrolyzed vegetable/plant protein, and guar.
Soy Free Food Alternatives
I recommend skipping all dietary sources of soy in order to support your thyroid. Better yet, cut out all processed foods, as soy is often a hidden ingredient in these products as well.
Of course, cooking from scratch is going to be your best bet to avoid soy (as well as gluten and dairy). When we use wholesome, fresh and organic foods, we know exactly what we are putting into our bodies. This is called a “culinary approach” to your diet. As a side note, not relying on pre-packaged, prepared and processed foods will also help make reaching your other dietary goals possible, and you may feel healthier.
I am aware that there are times when this culinary approach is not possible, so I’ve gone ahead and listed my favorite soy, gluten and dairy free products that are Hashimoto’s approved! Of course, always read your labels, as manufacturers can change their ingredients without notice.
Some of my favorite pre-packaged products to make food prep a bit easier are:
Some pre-packed foods that you may think are healthy generally contain loads of unhealthy ingredients, including soy. One particular area of concern is salad dressing. Take a look at the back of any salad dressing bottle — it’s guaranteed that you will see soybean oil in most of them. An easy way to create a tasty soy free salad dressing at home, is to add the following ingredients in a ratio of 1:1:1, and seasonings to taste:
The possibilities are endless. For a fruity twist, you could add some 100 percent freshly-squeezed orange juice in the mix as well.
Soy Free Protein Options
Many vegetarian protein powders contain a soy isolate, and although convenient and cheaper, there are many other protein powders that do not contain soy. Rootcology has great protein powder options which you can add to your daily meals and smoothies. I created them to be free of harmful fillers, as well as soy, dairy and gluten, so that they would be safe for people who have Hashimoto’s!
Organic Vanilla Pea Protein – This organic, natural pea protein isolate is suitable for vegans and vegetarians, and has excellent digestibility. The certified organic North American-grown yellow peas are non-GMO and are produced with a natural fermentation process which uses no chemical solvents. Organic Pea Protein contains no sucrose, fructose, or artificial flavors/sweeteners. It is flavored with certified organic natural flavor and certified organic stevia leaf extract.
AI Paleo Protein – This is a great-tasting, dairy free protein powder, yielding 26 g of protein per serving. It contains HydroBEEF™, a highly concentrated, pure beef protein, produced through an exclusive proprietary process that allows the protein to be hydrolyzed into more peptides, resulting in easier absorption and assimilation. It contains beef from animals raised in Sweden without hormones or antibiotics, and is free of any GMO grains, grasses, and/or ensilage. Note: This protein powder is compliant with the Autoimmune Paleo diet.
Paleo Vanilla Protein – Yielding 21 g of protein per serving, this protein powder contains natural vanilla flavoring. Like the AI Paleo Protein, it contains HydroBEEF and is dairy free. Note: This one is not AIP compliant.
Of course, there are other options out on the market, so when looking, make sure yours is free of soy, as well as gluten and dairy (which are also common fillers in protein powders).
Avoiding Soy in Personal Care Products
Some products that you may not think soy has any business being in may still contain soy, and these products go beyond food. This includes cosmetics, soaps, lotions, and other personal care products. Recently, I was looking at a delightfully natural and organic lotion for myself. It had honey, shea butter, and other lovely ingredients. When I flipped it over, the main ingredient was soybean oil — no thanks!
If you are looking for some great personal care products free of soy and other not-so-friendly ingredients for thyroid health, I recommend you check out some of my favorite brands:
Ann Marie Gianni Skin Care: A line of natural skin care products that you can trust, because they use only herbs and extracts in their purest forms, straight from nature.
Spa Doctor: A natural skin care system with products and programs to help you achieve glowing skin and vibrant health at any age.
You can find all of these recommendations and more on my Thyroid Pharmacist Resources Page. In the meantime, read more about the importance of using natural skin care items to improve your health and decrease your body’s toxicity load, here.
Soy Free Supplements
Many supplements also include soy, which makes it very important to read labels on supplement bottles carefully.
One particular supplement, which is beneficial for Hashimoto’s, is also one of the hardest supplements to find without soy. That supplement is vitamin E. It works in synergy with selenium as an antioxidant, protects normal cell function, and enhances the function of certain energy-producing cells.
Please keep in mind, vitamin E is not the only supplement that you have to be concerned about. It’s important to check the labels on all your supplement bottles to make sure they are free from soy, as well as gluten, dairy, and other fillers. Some brands that I recommend are Pure Encapsulations, Designs for Health, and Rootcology. When reading supplement labels, you may see soy under a different name as well. One name to be aware of is lecithin. Furthermore, if it says “GMO free”, there is a chance that the supplement may be derived from soy. As always, it’s best to speak to the company’s manufacturer to be sure.
Next Steps
Now that you have all the tools you need to help navigate away from consuming and absorbing soy, you should be able to:
Identify what soy is – Soy is a goitrogenic and xenoestrogenic legume that can impair the absorption of thyroid hormones and contribute to excess estrogen within the body.
Avoid soy – Read labels, make food from scratch, and do your research on supplements and beauty products.
Debunk myths – Soy is not the best alternative to boost hormones, replace dairy free protein, or serve as a filler for supplements.
Be aware of symptoms of soy sensitivity – Many individuals have unexplained symptoms that are related to soy sensitivity, such as gut issues, mood imbalance, and anxiety, when soy is consumed.
Soy is everywhere, but you can avoid it and find soy free alternatives. If you prepare your own meals and research your labels before consuming products, soy avoidance can be possible!
Dr. Izabella Wentz
Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD, FASCP, is a clinical pharmacist, New York Times Bestselling Author, and a pioneering expert in lifestyle interventions for treating Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
She received a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the Midwestern University Chicago College of Pharmacy at the age of 23, and has worked as a community pharmacist, a clinical consulting pharmacist, as well as a medication safety pharmacist. She is a Fellow of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists and holds certifications in Medication Therapy Management and Advanced Diabetes Care.
Dr. Wentz has dedicated her career to addressing the root causes of autoimmune thyroid disease, after being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis in 2009. As a patient advocate, researcher, clinician and educator, she is committed to raising awareness on how to overcome autoimmune thyroid disease.
Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.
Reader Interactions
Comments
Thank you for this article and explanation. One thing I would like to add is that I have found that Coconut Amino Acids make a good substitute when you want to use a recipe which calls for soy sauce as an ingredient. As far as I know, it can be used without harm by Hashimoto’s patients. It is available in Whole Foods, among other places.
Hi , I agree about the soy, I have problems with my breathing when take it in foods. I’m sorry I have Hashimoto’s. I would like if you could get ahold of Dr. Oz. He thinks soy is healthy. I would hope you could correct him and educate him. I appreciate all the good and helpful information you give me and others. I have your book, Root Cause. I will plan to get your cookbook. Thank you Ms. Gomes
Thank you for this informative article but there’s one source that you forgot. That’s procedural sedation using Propofol which has 100 mg soybean oil/mL! My anesthetist was convinced that that was an insufficient amount to affect my thyroid, yet 1 1/2 hrs post procedure, my temp was down to 96.6 F and my basal heart rate was in the low 40s for the next 3 days. I also experienced constipation the evening of the procedure and increased arthritic thumb pain. I just shudder to think of the poor patients that don’t do well when they are kept on Propofol infusions while on ventilators.
Mary – thank you for reaching out. Many supplements also include soy, which makes it very important to read labels on supplement bottles carefully. It’s important to check the labels on all your supplement bottles to make sure they are free from soy, as well as gluten, dairy, and other fillers. When reading supplement labels, you may see soy under a different name as well. One name to be aware of is lecithin. Furthermore, if it says “GMO free”, there is a chance that the supplement may be derived from soy. As always, it’s best to speak to the company’s manufacturer to be sure. I currently use and recommend practitioner-only brands that are free of fillers and where the companies practice excellent quality control methods. I’ve created my own supplement brand, Rootcology, so I have complete control over what goes into each supplement and I only use high-quality, pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. As a pharmacist, I have learned that not all supplements are created equal. That’s why it was essential to create bioavailable products that are made with the greatest care to ensure the ingredients are safe, effective, and match what’s actually inside the bottle. Pure Encapsulations is another pharmaceutical-grade brand that I recommend. These supplements are normally only available through healthcare professionals. However, the company has agreed to allow me to set up a store on my website for the supplements I’ve found to be helpful for Hashimoto’s. Here are some resources you might find helpful:
I’ve had a full thyroidectomy in 2008. I’ve since learned about gluten issues thru the author of Wheatbelly, made some changes, and also learned how to stop taking Synthroid. No dr support, just me keeping looking for answers. I finally found out about, located to purchase, and now take dessicated thyroid twice a day now. I have no way to get assessed for Hashimoto’s, I have worsening gluten products-related reactions, and am just trying to find some relief. Can hashimoto’s information, suggested supplements, food guide, be used if I have no thyroid gland to even regulate?? K, thanks so much for any response!!
Narda – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. <3 My protocols are designed to help those with thyroid autoimmune disease heal by focusing on gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and root cause discovery and treatment. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism, it's an autoimmune disease that needs to be managed. Whether you have all, part or no thyroid, the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. We need to re-balance the immune system which begins in the gut. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and book's focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
One of my favorite splurge meals prior to being diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, was sushi. Do you think that I can get away with having sushi with soy sauce once every 4 to 6 months? I’ve been living a very healthy lifestyle for the past 30 plus years with a super clean diet. Now that I have Hashimoto’s, much of the healthy food that I was eating had to be eliminated. It’s almost impossible to get together for social gatherings now. I don’t want to be that guy who can’t eat anything, so I avoid them. I’ve found that living with Hashimoto’s is 10 times more difficult than being a type-1 diabetic, which I have been for the past 33 years. Thank you. Dave
Dave – thank you for reaching out. I understand how hard this all is. I recommend coconut aminos in place of soy sauce. It tastes delicious and there is no soy! Some sushi sources (such as imitation crab) can contain gluten so it’s advisable to stay away from any rolls, such as “california rolls” or anything else that contains “crab”. Raw fish may also contain parasites, and while many people can overcome these parasites, those with lowered immune systems may not do well, so eating vegetarian or cooked fish rolls would be best. The seaweed wraps also contain high amounts of iodine, so limiting your intake of sushi and having rolls that have rice outside the roll (as opposed to the seaweed wrapping the outer roll) would be best. I have found that finding ways to make safe healthy food alternatives and inviting my friends and family for dinners at my home helps me feel in charge of what I am eating and still be able to enjoy the company of social gatherings. I hope this helps!
Yes, I have been eating at home for the most part, due to my extreme dietary limitations with Hashimoto’s. I will bring my own bottle of Coconut Amino’s. I have been using it for years. Going out to meet with friends or work associates has been the main issue. But thank you for your advice.
Could you advise if I can take miso soup with sea vegetables being a thyroid patient ? If yes which miso – white, orange or dark red / brown ones(the darker the color the longer the product has been fermented) and how many times in a week can I consume this soup / broth ?
Disha – thank you for reaching out. <3 I recommend skipping tofu, miso and soybeans in order to support your thyroid. Better yet, cut out all processed foods, as soy is often a hidden ingredient in these products as well! The most common food sensitivities found in people with Hashimoto’s are gluten, dairy, soy, grains (corn, in particular), nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers), nuts, and seeds. Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity, in particular, has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well-known risk factor for Hashimoto's), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten? Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts, and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people will actually be able to get their Hashimoto's into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
I was just recently tested and I am vitamin D deficient. My number was 18. So, I am starting Vitamin D3 but I’ve also read that I need K2 at the same time. Would it be okay to take MK-7 that is made with fermented natto? Is that safe for a patient with Hashimoto’s? Thank you so much for your help.
Tea – thank you for reaching out. <3 Those with Hashimoto’s may be sensitive to soy. It can block the activity of the TPO enzyme and worsen the autoimmune attack on the thyroid. Soy can be hard to avoid, as it’s not only found in foods such as edamame beans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso, and soy sauce, but also in many processed foods and even supplements. Ingredients to look out for include soy lecithin, bean curd, hydrolyzed soy protein, soybeans, edamame, natto, okara, yuba, tamari, olean, gum arabic, carob, and hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Here is an article you might find interesting:
Thank you so much for your quick response. Because of current conditons with the virus it’s hard for me right now to get a soy free K2 supplement. So, with that in mind, would it be safe to take Vitamin D3 5,000 IU without the K2? Or should I stop the Vitamin D3 for now? Honestly, my doctor wasn’t concerned about my Vitamin D level at all. He told me it was because I am dairy free. Ugh!! So, I’m taking it on my own. I was actually in great physical pain with my back and shoulder joint and since taking it, I already feel better. But I don’t want to shoot myself in the foot, or create an imbalance by not taking it with K2. Thank you again. Please keep safe during this uncertain time.
What is the relationship between soy and carob powder? I’m looking at the evolutionary relationship (genus), but I really can’t find a connection. I’m curious because I’ve purchased about good-sized bags of the carob powder since I found it was a good source of calcium on the vegan diet.
Carey, thank you for reaching out. <3 I recommend avoiding all soy including fermented soy, edamame beans, soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso, and soy sauce. Additionally, you will want to eliminate processed foods and supplements, which often contain soy-based ingredients. This includes vegetarian and vegan products, which can include soy lecithin, bean curd, hydrolyzed soy protein, or hydrolyzed vegetable protein. Soy consumption is a known endocrine disruptor and has been linked to altered hormone function and increased thyroid antibodies. It is a Xenoestrogen chemical that mimics the effect of estrogen. As estrogen increases our need for thyroid hormone, it’s possible that exposure to these chemicals may increase TSH, resulting in a triggering of the autoimmune process. Xenoestrogens include a variety of substances like soy, BPA, phthalates, and parabens found in foods, plastics, and personal care products. In addition to being an endocrine disruptor, many of those with Hashimoto's are sensitive to it, bringing on common reactions to it and elevated antibodies. You may want to check out the article above further for more information. Here are a few other articles, which talk a bit more about soy and our gut health:
Leslie, thank you for sharing your experience. I don’t currently have information to share on the effects of soy candles but, I will add it to my list of possible future articles to research. I do recommend not using them however, if you are finding they are the source of your headaches. ❤️
Having thought I had cut out all sources of soy over the past couple of years (I used to have it in coffee and smoothies, plus tofu and miso soup etc.) I’ve just realised that there is soy in the coconut milk that baristas commonly use for my coffee – thanks for this article I will be sure to try cutting out this source of soy and see if that helps.. thanks for another great article Dr Wentz
Dr. Wentz, if I went back to using soy milk in my tea, don’t you think that I could benefit from more hormones considering that, since a cervical cancer diagnosis in 2019, I’ve had all my female parts removed? The onco got the cancer out w/ the initial cone biopsy (1B1), but afterward insisted I have a Radical Hysterectomy (or Radiation). 14 lymph nodes, tissue, my precious ovaries, uterus, fallopian tubes cervix, and part of my vagina later and there was no cancer found in any of it (cervical cancer downstaged to 1A2). I take 1mg Estradiol but it’s not the same as what my own body produced. I need more Progesterone in my life but the prescription pill just made me tired. My skin is a mess, I’ve never had so many ligament/tendon injuries, broke my toe, I have joint pain and I’m tired waaaay too much. I was diagnosed with Haschimoto’s in early 2019 and still take 25 mcg. #’s now all good. Wouldn’t there be any hormonal benefits to drinking soy milk for a woman like me?
Anita – thank you for sharing your journey. ❤️ I’m so sorry you had to go through all of this and are continuing to struggle. I do not recommend soy as it can impair the absorption of thyroid medication, can cause excess hormones and lead to exacerbated symptoms in those with Hashimoto’s. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician to be a part of your own health care team. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying root causes and prevent serious chronic disease rather than treating individual disease symptoms. Here are some resources I hope you find helpful:
Soy causes my pancreatic bile ducts to enlarge. It triggers pancreatitis and sends me to the hospital. I can’t find a doctor that can help me. They think I’m crazy. I have to go on a liquid diet for at least 3/4 days until my side stops hurting. (Enlarged Duct) My tongue has blistered because of soy. My palms have turned red and burn with shampoo and soap. This article has help me better understand my sensitivity. I had an allergist get mad at me telling me it’s not an allergy it’s a sensitivity. An allergist did pricks and blood test. With different results. No prick swelling but the blood test came back positive. How long does it stay in your system? This makes a difference. One Dr. Had me do an ultra sound, CT scan with and without contrast. Just to prove my bile ducts were severely dilated. She did nothing about it. Except want me to talk to a therapist and up my depression medication. Not the answer I’m looking for. Does anyone know a good dr. In Baltimore Maryland ?
Bonnie – I’m so sorry you had that experience with a practitioner. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician to be a part of your own health care team. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying root causes and prevent serious chronic disease rather than treating individual disease symptoms. Here are some resources you might find helpful.
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Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Please consult your physician for any health problems and before making any medical or lifestyle changes.
Lifestyle changes can result in improved thyroid function and/or an increased absorption of thyroid hormone medications, leading to a lower required dose and possible symptoms of hyperthyroidism at a dose that was previously stable. Please discuss lifestyle changes with your physician and ensure that your thyroid function is monitored every 6-8 weeks while making lifestyle changes. Symptoms of overmedication include, but are not limited to: rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, irritability or mood swings, muscle weakness or tremors, diarrhea, menstrual irregularities, hair loss, weight loss, insomnia, chest pain, and excessive sweating. Do not start, change, increase, decrease or discontinue your medications without consulting with your physician.