Flax Seed suppresses thyroid function???
Posted: Fri Jul 18, 2008 8:49 am
I think nearly everyone on this forum - including most vegetarians in general - regularly consume ground flax seed to get their essential fatty acids (omega 3). The other day a friend said "did you know flaxseed suppresses the thyroid?" I said I didn't and promptly did a google search.
I got conflicting results.
Since we already know of the good benefits of flax seeds, I'm going to list one of the opposing views:
Excerpt:
"Flaxseed is a cyanogenic goitrogen, which means it contains a substance that converts to thiocyanate in the body. Thiocyanate effectively blocks iodine concentration by the thyroid gland and thus causes thyroid dysfunction.
Flax is also a rich source of lignan, a phytochemical which converts after digestion into a phytoestrogen-like substance. Phytoestrogens are known to suppress thyroid function."
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/show ... 26&page=15
I don't know if this is fact or myth. I AM concerned because I am borderline hypothyroid.
I found nothing on MdD's site in reference to this.
r-marie
I got conflicting results.
Since we already know of the good benefits of flax seeds, I'm going to list one of the opposing views:
Excerpt:
"Flaxseed is a cyanogenic goitrogen, which means it contains a substance that converts to thiocyanate in the body. Thiocyanate effectively blocks iodine concentration by the thyroid gland and thus causes thyroid dysfunction.
Flax is also a rich source of lignan, a phytochemical which converts after digestion into a phytoestrogen-like substance. Phytoestrogens are known to suppress thyroid function."
http://www.healthboards.com/boards/show ... 26&page=15
I don't know if this is fact or myth. I AM concerned because I am borderline hypothyroid.
I found nothing on MdD's site in reference to this.
r-marie