Your thyroid is an endocrine gland in your neck, and a healthy thyroid helps your body regulate metabolism. A swollen thyroid, or thyroiditis, has many possible causes, and you may be able to treat your thyroid swelling by changing your diet. In most cases, medical treatment, such as prescription drugs, is necessary, and the safest approach is to consult your doctor.
Thyroid swelling is dangerous because it means that your thyroid gland may not be functioning properly. Your thyroid swelling may be the result of thyroid cancer, according to Columbia University. Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune disease in which your body attacks your thyroid gland, and it can lead to thyroiditis. An iodine deficiency is a cause of goiter, or a swollen thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is another possible cause of thyroid swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic. Your doctor can help you determine the cause of your thyroid swelling so that you can follow an appropriate diet.
Iodine for Goiter
A goiter, or thyroid swelling, is an early symptom of iodine deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Seaweed has the highest concentration of iodine, and other kinds of seafood, such as cod, shrimp and tuna, are also good sources. The amount of iodine in other foods varies depending on the factors such as soil or the amount of iodine in animal feed, and sources include milk, meat, eggs, potatoes and beans. To prevent iodine deficiency, most salt in the United States is fortified with iodine.
Promoting Iodine Status
A diet to combat your thyroiditis must be sufficient in selenium because a selenium deficiency can increase the symptoms of iodine deficiency, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Sources of selenium include nuts, seafood, beef, chicken, nuts and whole grains. Goitrogens are compounds that may cause thyroid swelling because they impair your body's ability to use iodine. They are found in foods such as soybeans, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts.
Fighting Autoimmune Conditions
Your risk for developing autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's, increases when you do not get enough vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids, according to the Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center. Vitamin D is in fatty fish and fortified dairy products, orange juice and cereals, and omega-3s are in seafood, flaxseed and canola oil. While a healthy diet may reduce your risk for thyroid swelling from Hashimoto's disease, many additional factors affect your development of the disease and any symptoms. In most cases, the proper prescription medication is necessary and effective in treating Hashimoto's disease.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Iodine; Jane Higdon; April 2003
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center; Selenium; Jane Higdon; October 2003
- Mayo Clinic; Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid); December 2010
- Columbia University Medical Center: Thyroiditis
- Linus Pauling Institute Micronutrient Information Center: Immunity; Victoria Drake; August 2010
