Raw Greens and Hypothyroidism

[GinaG]

Hi Wonderful Bauman Community!

I need some suggestions. 

I have had hypothyroid for a few years now, I'm taking Armour Thyroid which seems to be helping my symptoms.

I really want to go on a juice fast, and of course I want to incorporate raw greens into the mix.  I know that I need to avoid a lot of thyroid inhibiting greens and cruciferous veggies, but I'm wondering what I CAN eat.  I'm wondering if anyone has any suggestions for nutrient dense foods (particularly green ones) that won't affect my thyroid condition.  Also, I'm wondering if eating fermented veggies such as sauerkraut and kim chi is ok, or if the cabbage will still contain the thyroid inhibiting properties. 

Many thanks and healthy blessings to you all!

[jodi f.]

You don't mention how long of a fast you're considering, but I assume it won't be months. In that case, the raw greens shouldn't pose a huge problem, but to be on the safe side, keeping the cruciferous family to a minimum would be a good idea. Also, since it's winter, why not consider cooking some of those veggies into a warming broth, as well as making raw juices? This will help reduce the problem and will help keep you warmer.

The fermented veggies, in my opinion, are fine. They're eaten in small doses as condiments, not as entire vegetable courses, and the nutrition they provide is so amazing that what little goitrogenic properties they possess after fermentation (a little, I believe) isn't enough to diminish their health-conferring properties.

Also, most hypothyroidism is due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is about the immune system and not so much about its victim, the thyroid gland. Not that you'd want to over-consume goitrogenic vegetables in this case, but it reduces the importance of this aspect.