10 thyroid myths you shouldn’t believe

Have you ever heard that people with thyroid disorders shouldn’t eat certain vegetables? Or that you can treat an underactive thyroid gland with iodine supplements, and other thyroid disorders with hormone supplements? 

If so, you’re not alone. The only problem? None of these claims is accurate. So, before you take any action based upon them, we want to set the record straight on these and seven other common thyroid myths you might’ve heard. 

Myth #1: If you’re feeling tired, gaining weight, losing your hair and unable to concentrate, it must be your thyroid.

Fact: These symptoms can be linked to thyroid problems, but they are more often caused by aging, stress, lack of sleep, and poor nutrition. Many people begin experiencing these issues as they get older.  

These symptoms may also be caused by chemotherapy or cancer. In any event, they are not always due to thyroid problems. 

Myth #2: People with thyroid disorders should avoid certain vegetables.

Fact: Patients with certain types of thyroid cancer may be asked to follow a low-iodine diet temporarily while undergoing diagnostic testing or as a part of their treatment. But people with thyroid disorders can and should eat a healthy, well-balanced diet.  

Some people claim that cruciferous vegetables — including broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and kale — can interfere with thyroid function. However, these vegetables are still part of a heathy, balanced diet, and you can eat them in moderation, even if you have a thyroid disorder.  

Myth #3: You can address thyroid disorders with over-the-counter hormone supplements.

Fact: Many over-the-counter thyroid supplements are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and there is no oversight on these products, which are made with hormones taken from animals. There is also very little data on their long-term effects. So, we would not recommend them. 

Myth #4: You can fix an underactive thyroid with iodine supplements.

Fact: Diet alone cannot cure thyroid problems. But iodine supplements can negatively affect the thyroid gland if taken without a physician’s supervision.  

Still, it is very rare for people to be iodine-deficient in the United States. Iodine is usually present in the soil where farmers grow their fruits and vegetables. Also, many foods produced here are fortified with iodine, including: 

• dairy products 
• eggs 
• bread 
• salt 
• seafood  

Myth #5: If you have hypothyroidism, you need a thyroid ultrasound.

Fact: Having hypothyroidism does not automatically mean you need a thyroid ultrasound. You only need an ultrasound if you have signs of a thyroid nodule or other concerns that require further evaluation.  

Most people with hypothyroidism do not need routine ultrasounds.