Following a low iodine diet is necessary for people who are undergoing radioactive iodine treatments for papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. This diet is only used in the short-term to diminish the iodine stores in the body. Most often the diet is followed for two weeks prior to and throughout the duration of radioactive iodine treatment. A low iodine diet is not an iodine free diet. A daily intake of iodine on a low iodine diet is usually 50 micrograms a day. Consult with your physician to clarify if an iodine free diet is necessary.
Foods to Avoid
You should avoid certain foods when following a low iodine diet, according to the Thyroid Cancer Survivor's network. Salt should be in a non-iodized form. You should avoid sea salt, fish, shellfish, seaweed and kelp due to the high iodine content of these foods. Exclude dairy foods from your diet as they are naturally high in iodine. You should also avoid commercial bakery products, milk chocolate, egg yolks, whole eggs, soy products, potato skins, rhubarb, cured meats and certain legumes because they contain iodine.
Food Additives of Concern
Products containing Red Dye # 3 should be limited in the diet. For example, maraschino cherries contain this dye; therefore, you should avoid foods and drinks using maraschino cherries or maraschino cherry juice. Certain medications, vitamin and mineral supplements also contain Red Dye # 3. Consult with a pharmacist for safety of these products. Seaweed derivatives added to the food supply are also of concern. Read labels for carrageenan, agar, algin, alginate and nori. Avoid foods that contain these ingredients.
Foods that are Acceptable on a Low Iodine Diet
Preparing foods at home is recommended as this allows better control of ingredients. All vegetables and fruits with the exception of maraschino cherries and rhubarb are acceptable. Unsalted nuts and unsalted nut butter can be part of a low iodine diet. Grain foods such as rice, potatoes and pasta are acceptable. Chicken, beef, turkey and pork in an uncured or unprocessed form are recommended as part of a low iodine diet. Beverages such as lemonade, white sodas, coffee, tea and water are good choices.
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