Is a Raw Diet Good for You?

Summary

A raw diet may not be beneficial for everyone, particularly those with thyroid issues, due to the presence of goitrogens in certain raw foods that can disrupt thyroid function.

Abstract

While some individuals report increased energy levels from a raw diet, it can be detrimental for others, especially those with thyroid conditions or a family history thereof. Goitrogens, found in high amounts in cruciferous vegetables, certain fruits, starchy plants, and soy-based foods, can interfere with thyroid hormone production by blocking iodine uptake or affecting thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Thyroid dysfunction can lead to a host of health issues, including problems with heart rate, body temperature, metabolism, and an increased risk of obesity, dementia, and heart disease. To mitigate these risks, it is recommended that individuals on a raw diet cook their vegetables to reduce goitrogen content and increase their intake of iodine and selenium through foods like kelp, iodized salt, sea salt, Brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds.

Opinions

Eating raw foods may increase energy levels for some people.
A raw-foods diet can exacerbate thyroid problems due to goitrogenic foods.
Cooking vegetables can eliminate the harmful effects of goitrogens.
Increasing iodine and selenium intake is suggested to support thyroid health.
The article suggests that a few dietary shifts can significantly improve one's health.
The author, Dr. Joan Kent, advocates for dietary changes to enhance health and is the author of the book "Stronger Than Sugar."

Some raw foods may disrupt thyroid function

Some people will answer the question of whether ‘eating raw’ is good with a resounding “yes,” stating that it increases their energy. A lot.

But a raw-foods diet may backfire for other folks.

A wide variety of foods, many of them quite nutritious, contain goitrogens. Goitrogens disrupt normal thyroid function because they interrupt the production of thyroid hormones. They do that either by blocking or interfering with iodine, necessary for thyroid function, or by interfering directly with thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

Problems linked with thyroid dysfunction involve heart rate and body temperature control, metabolism of fats and carbs, production of protein, weight gain or obesity, dementia, bone fractures, heart disease, and more.

If someone has a thyroid problem — or even a family history of thyroid problems — goitrogens in food can worsen thyroid issues.

Examples of foods that contain very high levels of goitrogens are broccoli, Bok choy, Brussels sprouts, kale, cabbage, collard greens, cauliflower, and other cruciferous vegetables. Other examples are peaches, pears, strawberries, starchy plants, and soy-based foods.

So What Can You Do?

If you lean toward eating a raw-foods diet, you may want to start steaming or sauteing your vegetables. Cooking tends to eliminate the dangerous effects of goitrogenic foods.

Also increase your intake of iodine with kelp, iodized salt (1/2 teaspoon) or sea salt. Increase your selenium with 2 Brazil nuts per day, and/or sunflower seeds.

For more food tips to keep you feeling great, just visit LastResortNutrition.com and grab your free Make Me Healthy Consult. Discover just how easy it is to make a few shifts in food that can change your health completely.

Brought to you by Dr. Joan Kent, best-selling author of Stronger Than Sugar.