One of the main habits that can negatively affect the thyroid gland is tobacco use. Doctor of Medical Sciences, endocrinologist and nutritionist from the SM-Clinic clinic spoke about this. Oksana Mikhaleva in a conversation with Gazeta.Ru.

“For those who smoke, the combination of smoking and iodine deficiency significantly increases the risk of developing <...> diffuse toxic goiter and endocrine ophthalmopathy – these are autoimmune diseases that occur in individuals with a genetic predisposition. One of the provoking factors of these serious chronic diseases is smoking,” – noted the specialist.

Mikhaleva emphasized that unauthorized use of dietary supplements can also lead to rapid destruction of thyroid cells. She said iodine intake of no more than 500 micrograms per day is considered safe, but supplements containing high doses of iodine are rarely tested.

In addition, the doctor emphasized that consumption of soy products is harmful to the functioning of the thyroid gland, since their frequent consumption can lead to “enlargement of the thyroid gland and the formation of nodules.”

“Soybeans contain isoflavonoids that slow down the activity of the peroxidase enzyme in the thyroid gland. This enzyme is necessary for the formation of hormones in thyroid cells. The risk is especially high in case of iodine deficiency,” the expert emphasized.