Nuts and the thyroid

Nuts are a popular food group (1, 2). They are packed with nutrients — healthy monounsaturated fats, polyunsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamin (B, E, K), minerals (selenium, magnesium, copper, potassium), antioxidants, and much more (3–5). These countless health properties of nuts help prevent obesity, diabetes, and heart problems (3, 6–8).

Nuts are reported to protect against inflammation and are often recommended to eat for people with high blood inflammation markers (9, 10).

However, for a small number of people nuts can cause autoimmune flare-ups. This happens because nuts are dense with protein, which immune cells in the gut can react to.

Flare-ups from nuts can also occur when eating high quantities of a specific type of nut. Our internal research shows that nuts might be the cause of autoimmune flare-ups, as 8 in 100 people reported problems with nuts (the most common being almonds, cashews, macadamias, and walnuts).

Talk to your doctor if you think you may be sensitive to a nut, and decide how to approach testing.

How we write: our information is based on the results of peer reviewed studies using the National Library of Medicine platform. It is written by scientists and reviewed by external experts. If you believe we might have overseen crucial scientific information, please contact us at hello@boostthyroid.com

Disclaimer: This information is not intended to mitigate, prevent, treat, cure or diagnose any disease or condition. If you want to change your treatment, lifestyle, your diet, include supplements in your diet or have concerns about your health, please consult your doctor before trying new approaches.

References:

1. Ros E. Nuts and CVD, 2006
2. Ros E, et al. Mediterranean Diet and Cardiovascular Health: Teachings of the PREDIMED Study, 2014
3. Souza RGM, et al. Nuts and Legume Seeds for Cardiovascular Risk Reduction: Scientific Evidence and Mechanisms of Action, 2015
4. Cardoso BR, et al. Brazil Nuts: Nutritional Composition, Health Benefits and Safety Aspects, 2017
5. Taş N, et al. Phenolic Compounds in Natural and Roasted Nuts and Their Skins, 2017
6. Jackson CL, et al. Long-term Associations of Nut Consumption with Body Weight and Obesity, 2014
7. Mohammadifard N, et al. The Effect of Tree Nut, Peanut, and Soy Nut Consumption on Blood Pressure: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Clinical Trials, 2015
8. Viguiliouk E, et al. Effect of Tree Nuts on Glycemic Control in Diabetes: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Dietary Trials, 2014
9. Zhao G, et al. Anti-inflammatory effects of polyunsaturated fatty acids in THP-1 cells, 2005
10. Yu Z, et al. Associations between nut consumption and inflammatory biomarkers, 2016

Photos: Akhil Kokani; Pixabay; Max Pixel; Design: VLM Health