[EllaC]

Of course no one knows for certain, but I do believe GMOs are the reason for mixed results on soy studies. Ever notice one will say it helps prevent cancer and one will say it causes cancer? I truly think this due to them studying the GMO vs non without breaking them out separately. I can't say about the thyroid issues, but if you are taking soy (and yes, I think Miso is awesome for us!) definitely make sure it's organic / non gmo. I wish I could find more here.

Ella, I believe the soy in Japan is non GMO and I don't think they drink soy milk. They rather eat Natto (fermented soybeans).

Iwantboobs34, I really don't know if the papaya will help, sorry.

I was going to mention the GMO issue. Most soy here in the states is GMO so I avoid it like the plague! We have a sushi restaurant here in town that imports the edamame from Japan to ensure it is GMO free. That's the only place I eat it now.

So it seems that organic non gmo miso should be ok?
I wonder the same of soy milk that is made from organic non gmo soybeans..

That's what I find really frustrating is that all the hype about soy 'may' just relate to gmo soy and soy isolates not the honest to goodness fermented soy? Correct me if im wrong but it feels like all soy has been lumped into the one category.

Miso that's done right I believe is very good for health. I take some periodically and erring on the side of caution I wont take it daily but for someone who needs the nutrition and the added benefit of fermented foods I hope it doesn't >>>k up my thyroid..

And most of our immune system is in our gut, so fermented foods is good for the gut and I detest most fermented food, but for some reason I really like organic miso, I think its the saltiness that appeals.
I read this book where it studies pockets around the world where the most centaurians live and you guessed it, many places around Japan held the titles and they all consumed fermented soy. Now they also consumed a lot of seafood so would be getting a lot of iodine, so I think that may be where soy fails, people consume the wrong soy and may not be offsetting it too with sufficient iodine so if soy does in fact affect the thyroid that may be why. So il continue with the miso sparingly and also supplement with iodine to be safe.