Healthy Foods For An Enlarged Thyroid Gland

An enlarged thyroid gland does not always mean that a person's thyroid is not functioning the way it should. Also known as a goiter, in most cases, it is not caused by dysfunction of the thyroid. It may be caused by an inadequacy of iodine in the diet or by an excess of goitrogenic foods. In either case, dietary changes can help resolve the problem.

Iodine Rich Foods

The thyroid requires iodine to properly synthesize the T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. When sufficient levels of these hormones are not found in the blood, the pituitary gland will stimulate the thyroid into producing more. The result can be an enlarged thyroid. This can be avoided by adding iodine-rich foods into the diet, primarily seaweed and seafood. Kelp is one of the primary foods used in this category and, if you have difficulty eating it, is available in supplement form. Eating fish three times a week can help you ensure that you are taking in a sufficient amount of iodine in your diet.

Note that, although rare, it is also possible to have an enlarged thyroid due to excessive iodine intake. However, unless you are eating vast quantities of seaweed or seafood on a regular basis, this is unlikely.

Copper- and Iron-Rich Foods

There are also certain minerals that the thyroid requires for proper functioning. These include iron and copper. Oysters as well as clams are good choices because, in addition to being high in copper, they also contain iodine. Cashews, almonds, sunflower seeds and whole grains such as brown rice also provide copper.

Iron can be had from dark green leafy vegetables such as watercress. Spinach is considered a goitrogenic food and, therefore, should be eaten in limited quantity. To help with the absorption of the iron you are taking in, be sure to eat foods that are rich in vitamin C such as tomatoes, bell peppers and citrus fruits.

Goitrogenic Foods

There are foods that contain goitrogen and, therefore, can have negative effects on the thyroid. They include such vegetables as rutabaga, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and spinach. Fruits in this category include peaches, mangoes and strawberries. Also considered goitrogenic foods are soy and peanuts. All should be avoided or included in the diet in lesser amounts until the thyroid is working properly. Cooking helps to decrease the effects of goitrogen so, if you do eat any of the foods on this list, they should be cooked first.