Thyroid Nodules – Food Suggestions Unveiled

Thyroid nodules are an abnormal growth of thyroid cells that form solid or fluid-filled lumps (cysts). It may be malignant, but up to 80% of biopsies are benign.

Medical treatment of Thyroid nodules

1. Thyroid hormone suppression therapy (Levothyroxine) to decrease thyroid tissue growth.
2. Radioactive iodine is used in thyroid adenomas and multinodular thyroid.
3. Methimazole: Anti-thyroid medication used to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
4. Surgery: total or partial thyroidectomy if the nodules are malignant or multinodular goiter.

Home remedies of Thyroid nodules

1. Green salad: formed of raw green leafy vegetables is very beneficial and full of antioxidants.
2. Bentonine clay: drink a solution of one teaspoon of it with water daily is recommended and it may be used as a clay mask over the neck.
3. Coconut oil can be used as vegetable oil for cooking or add it to smoothies, tea and coffee.
4. Fulvic acid: Known with” Shilajit” in India, it’s a powerful antioxidant and chelator which detoxifies chemical toxins and radicals from the body.
5. Saragassum tea: a Chinese herb which is high in iodine.
6. Ginseng juice is very helpful.
7. Regular exercise and acupuncture therapy is important.

Foods you should eat

1. Broccoli, mustard greens, soy, turnips, Brussels sprouts, beans and cauliflower for patients with hyperthyroidism.
2. Iodine and selenium rich foods like iodized salt, seafood, mushroom, cod, milk and tuna.
3. Ginger and licorice are known to reduce swelling and phlegm.

Foods to avoid

1. Goitrogens: cassava, maize, bamboo shoots, and sweet potatoes.
2. Cruciferous vegetables avoided for patients with hypothyroidism.
3. Fried or greasy food, white flour, preserves and hydrogenated oil.
4. Alcohol, smoking and carbonated drugs.

Role of vitamins and minerals

1. Iodine and selenium supplements are a must for normal thyroid gland.
2. Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin), B6 (Pyridoxine) and L-tyrosine decline causes thyroid suppression.
3. Vitamin D, Calcium, Magnesium, Selenium and Zinc are required for the conversion of T4 into active T3.