Goitrogens are substances that disrupt the production of thyroid hormones. This triggers the pituitary to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which then promotes the growth of thyroid tissue, eventually leading to goiter. [1]
Chemicals that have been shown to have goitrogenic effects include:
Foods which have been demonstrated to have goitrogenic effects include soy, cassava (when crushed and not detoxified by soaking, [7] ) vegetables in the genus Brassica (such as broccoli and cabbage), [9] [ page needed ] and other cruciferous vegetables. [10] In places where iodine deficiency exists in tandem with millet being a major component of the diet, millet consumption can contribute to thyroid enlargement which is the start of endemic goiter. [11]