Goiter is a condition that causes your thyroid to grow larger than normal, resulting in a large lump at the base of your neck. Having insufficient iodine in your diet is the leading cause of goiter, notes MayoClinic.com. Iodized salt is one of the most common sources of iodine in your diet, which helps keep adequate iodine in your body so you don't develop goiter. If you have goiter, certain types of iodine can treat it.
Causes of Goiter
Having goiter may not cause pain, but it can be unattractive. Additionally, when your goiter gets too big, it may make it difficult for you to breath or swallow. There are several types of goiter, so the exact cause varies. Some goiters are hereditary; having a family history may increase your risk. An inadequate level of thyroid hormones in your system can also cause goiter. When you don't have enough thyroid hormones, your thyroid gland overcompensates by swelling in size. Lastly, some types of goiters may stem from lack of iodine in your diet; however, the use of iodized salt in the United States lessens your risk for this type of goiter.
Functions of Iodine
Your thyroid works hard to pull iodine from your bloodstream and mixes it with hormones. Iodine is a component of triiodothyronine and thyroxine, both thyroid hormones you need to regulate thyroid function. These hormones regulate gene expression from DNA, support growth, metabolism, normal reproductive processes and physiologic functions. Without adequate iodine, function of your thyroid may suffer, possibly resulting in goiter.
Dosage and Food Sources
Healthy adults you should get 150 micrograms of iodine daily. Iodized salt provides about 70 micrograms per 1/4 tsp. serving. Seaweed and kelp are rich in iodine, but the exact amount varies depending on the type. A 3 oz. serving of cod contains 100 micrograms, yogurt provides 75 micrograms per 1 cup, enriched bread offers about 45 micrograms per slice and a whole egg contains 25 micrograms.
Treatment of Goiter
After diagnosis, if your doctor determines your goiter is related to iodine deficiency, he may prescribe iodine to treat it. Lugol's iodine solution and potassium iodine solution are two common treatments for iodine deficiency leading to goiter, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid hormone replacement therapy may be another solution if your goiter stems from an underactive thyroid. In extreme cases of a large goiter, you may need to undergo surgery to remove part of your thyroid, which may need a biopsy to rule out cancerous cells.
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