Peanut butter not cause of thyroid problem

DEAR DR. GOTT: What connection, if any, is there between peanut butter and the thyroid gland?

I have been taking a thyroid supplement since 1980. I’m 83 years old and weighed between 130 and 140 pounds until eight years ago. Now I’ve picked up 20 more pounds.

Peanut butter sandwiches with a glass of milk have been my mainstay diet for about five years. They require no preparation, are satisfying, provide energy and make life simple. Why the weight increase?

DEAR READER: Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, occurs when the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland in the front of the neck doesn’t produce enough specific (but important) hormones. It rarely causes symptoms in the early stages but, over time, if untreated, it can cause obesity, heart disease, infertility and joint pain. Women over 50 are most commonly affected.

Synthetic thyroid hormone replacement is safe and effective when used according to properly prescribed amounts. Side effects are relatively uncommon.

Several foods appear to trigger hypothyroidism, two of which are peanuts and peanut butter. You indicate you’ve been on a supplement since 1980 but have eaten peanut butter sandwiches for about five years. Your diagnosis was made 23 years prior and can’t be blamed on the peanut butter.

As we age, we become more sedentary. As a result, we gain weight. You probably do not overeat. You could do a lot worse than enjoying a sandwich loaded with protein as a staple. Stay as active as possible by walking around the block or yard each day, and that extra 20 pounds will be off in no time.

It’s my guess you will remain on your thyroid supplement for the rest of your life. Continue as you are, under the direction of your primary-care physician.

Peter Gott  practiced medicine in Lakeville for 40 years.