Endemic Goiter Diet

Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland or the formation of nodules, meaning tissue over-growths, of the thyroid. Endemic goiters are generally associated with an iodine deficiency. In the U.S., the practice of iodizing salt has significantly reduced the occurrence of endemic goiters, which are now most commonly seen in Central Africa and Central Asia.
Most goiters are benign with about 5 percent becoming cancerous. Goiters tend to be more common in women and treatment depends on the cause. Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are often directly related to the development of goiters. Because endemic goiters are strongly associated with a lack of iodine, small doses of potassium iodine may be prescribed.

The Effect of Iron Deficiency

The “Archives of Iranian Medicine” published a study in March 2008 on the prevalence of iron deficiency in 1,188 south Iranian children. Approximately 40 percent of the children had endemic goiter despite adequate iodine intake. Iron deficiency was found in about 16 percent of the subjects. This group also had abnormal circulating levels of two thyroid hormones.
Although the results do not prove cause and effect, it is possible iron deficiency plays a role in thyroid activity and the development of goiters. To boost iron in your diet, include red meat, leafy greens, dried fruit, egg yolks, liver and fortified cereals, as part of a healthy eating plan. Vitamin C can enhance iron absorption up to six-fold when eaten together. Try drinking orange juice with your hamburger or flavoring spinach with lemon juice. Ask your doctor to test for iron deficiency anemia.

Goitrogens

Certain foods are referred to as “goitrogens,” indicating their effect on impairing thyroid activity. Cruciferous vegetables and soy products are in this category. Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage and turnips and they contain a group of compounds called isothiocyanates, which may affect thyroid function by blocking the enzyme thyroid peroxidase. Similarly, soy products contain isoflavones that also interfere with this enzyme.

About Soy and Criciferous Vegetables

Because both soy foods and cruciferous vegetables have many associated health benefits, you don't need to stop eating them. Despite their interaction with thyroid peroxidase, eating these foods regularly is not strongly correlated with formation of goiters. Keeping a food diary is a helpful tool to identify food groups that may be contributing to thyroid symptoms. Sharing this record with your doctor is a valuable way to determine if you need to change your diet.

Vegetarians and Iodine Intake

According to the American Dietetic Association, vegetarians, especially vegans, tend to consume less iodine. Sea vegetables, like kelp, can be a good source of iodine if you follow a vegetarian diet. Sea salt and kosher salt are not iodized.