While goiter does not always have a known cause, some cases stem from under-active thyroid gland production, or hypothyroidism. Low iodine consumption is one cause of hypothyroidism with goiter. Your doctor will examine you to confirm you have goiter, and determine if the condition involves iodine deficiency. She may recommend adding whole sea kelp or kelp supplements to your diet to supply iodine.
Condition
Common goiter symptoms include an unsightly swelling at the front of the neck. If you have goiter, you may find coughing, swallowing and even breathing uncomfortable, notes MayoClinic.com. If your goiter results from hypothyroidism, you may also tire easily, gain weight, experience mental confusion, suffer from constipation or headaches and develop dry skin or hair. Children with hypothyroidism, which may include goiter, sometimes have physical or mental developmental delays.
Iodine
In some cases, hypothyroidism results from low iodine intake. Teens and adults need about 150 mcg iodine, while children require between 90 mcg and 120 mcg iodine. People in developed counties have a lower risk of iodine deficiency, because the mineral is added to table salt. But for people who don't consume table salt, or live in iodine-depleted regions, goiter may stem from lack of proper iodine intake.
Sea Kelp and Iodine
A serving of dried kelp or other seaweed may contribute as much as 4,500 mg of iodine, according to Linus Pauling Institute. But seaweed nutrition varies because of a number of factors, including type of seaweed and the iodine content of the sea from which the plant was harvested. Check package labels carefully when buying kelp. Kelp supplements also contribute iodine. To treat thyroid issues caused by low iodine, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests one to three daily doses of 600 mg bladderwrack, a kelp variety. Always check with your doctor for directives on how many kelp supplements you should take, and what amount of iodine they should contain.
Alternatives
Serious goiter conditions may require radioactive iodine rather than the slower-acting iodine sources like kelp, notes MayoClinic.com. Doctors use radioactive iodine in cases where goiter is caused by an over-active, rather than an under-active, thyroid. Hormone replacement therapy or surgery to remove all or part of the thyroid gland can treat goiter in more serious cases. You may also add more iodine to your diet with foods other than kelp. Consider iodized salt unless a medical condition requires that you severely reduce sodium intake. Other high-iodine foods include tuna, shrimp, cod, turkey, skin-on potatoes, navy beans, milk and eggs.
Cautions
In some cases, you may actually need to cut your consumption of kelp, iodized salt and other iodine sources. Goiter is sometimes caused by too much iodine, notes MayoClinic.com. Goiter from excess iodine is rare, however. Your physician will determine if your iodine intake is dangerously high or low.
Member Comments