Goiter, or enlargement of the thyroid gland, can result from your thyroid gland producing too much or too little thyroid hormone. Diet does not constitute an official treatment for this condition, but certain foods may affect thyroid function. Making certain changes might help, depending on the cause of your goiter.
Iodine and Goiter
Your body uses the substance iodine to create thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency is the primary cause of goiter worldwide, according to MayoClinic.com. If you live in the developed world, however, where you regularly consume salt and other foods with iodine, it is unlikely this is your issue. Do not take iodine supplements or consume iodine-rich foods, such as kelp, to address your goiter unless you have a confirmed deficiency; consuming too much of this substance may worsen this condition.
Soy and Hypothyroidism
Soy contain substances thought to interfere with production of thyroid hormone, and the medical community always advised patients with hypothyroidism – reduced production of thyroid hormone -- to limit it in their diet. Researchers from Loma Linda University in California conducted a review of 14 trials in which the effects of soy on at least one component of thyroid function were evaluated. Their review, published in the March 2006 issue of ‘’Thyroid,’’ found that soy had little to no effect on thyroid function in almost all the studies. Regularly consuming soy, however, might require you to increase your dose of synthetic hormone medication to maintain its effectiveness. If you have hypothyroidism, you can probably safely eat soy, but make sure to discuss this with your doctor, who can determine if you need to adjust your medication dosage.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders and Inflammation
Grave's disease, a form of hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis, a form of hypothyroidism, are both autoimmune diseases in which your body mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland.The type of fats you eat may help or worsen these conditions. A review of evidence on the role of omega-3 fatty acids and the incidence of inflammation and autoimmune disorders, published in the December 2002 issue of the ‘’Journal of the American College of Nutrition,’’ suggests a diet rich in these fats can reduce the inflammation prevalent in these conditions and alter the faulty immune response that improperly targets healthy tissue. The article also reports high intake of omega-6 fatty acids can worsen autoimmune diseases by promoting inflammation. Foods with high amounts of omega-3 fatty acids include cold-water fish such as salmon, flaxseed, hemp seed, walnuts, pumpkin seeds and sunflower seeds. Vegetable oils such as corn oil, sunflower oil and soybean oil have large amounts of omega-6 fatty acids. Saturated fats, trans fats, sugar and refined carbohydrates can also lead to inflammation.
Gluten and Thyroid Function
Dr. Datis Kharrazian, nutrition expert and author of a book about managing Hashimoto's disease through changes in the diet, reports that studies in multiple countries suggest a link between the development of this condition and consumption of gluten, a protein present in wheat, triticale, rye, spelt, matzo, barley, bulgur, durh am, farina, graham flour and kamut. This protein has been implicated in worsening several autoimmune conditions, and if you suffer from Grave's disease, you might consider experimenting with a gluten-free diet as well. Safe grains include rice, amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, quinoa, tapioca, polenta, grits and corn.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Goiter Causes
- ''Thyroid''; Effects of Soy Protein and Soybean Isoflavones on Thyroid Function in Healthy Adults and Hypothyroid Patients: A Review of the Relevant Literature; M. Messina, et al.; March 2006
- DrKNews.com; Changing Your Diet is the First Step in Addressing Hashimoto's; Datis Kharrazian; August 2010
- ''Journal of the American College of Nutrition'' Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases; Artemis P. Simopoulos, MD, FACN; December 2002
