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My left thyroid is getting larger (goiter but no cancer). My right thyroid was removed years ago due to its large size (also goiter but no cancer). My left thyroid is doing a good job without the right thyroid.
I'm a vegetarian and eat a lot of spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, peanuts, etc. But the goiter guidelines say these foods can make a goiter even larger. They say I should eat foods like chicken, legumes, more iodized salt, etc.
Some of this would turn my eating choices upside down. Legumes are okay, but the guidelines really limit my vegetables. Any advice, please (especially protein and greens)?
My left thyroid is getting larger (goiter but no cancer). My right thyroid was removed years ago due to its large size (also goiter but no cancer). My left thyroid is doing a good job without the right thyroid.
I'm a vegetarian and eat a lot of spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, peanuts, etc. But the goiter guidelines say these foods can make a goiter even larger. They say I should eat foods like chicken, legumes, more iodized salt, etc.
Some of this would turn my eating choices upside down. Legumes are okay, but the guidelines really limit my vegetables. Any advice, please (especially protein and greens)?
You only have one thyroid - I assume you mean the left side? You really do need to speak to your Endo. and possibly a nutritionist/dietician to figure out your food choices.
My left thyroid is getting larger (goiter but no cancer). My right thyroid was removed years ago due to its large size (also goiter but no cancer). My left thyroid is doing a good job without the right thyroid.
I'm a vegetarian and eat a lot of spinach, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potato, peanuts, etc. But the goiter guidelines say these foods can make a goiter even larger. They say I should eat foods like chicken, legumes, more iodized salt, etc.
Some of this would turn my eating choices upside down. Legumes are okay, but the guidelines really limit my vegetables. Any advice, please (especially protein and greens)?
Thank you!
Yes, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc., are goitrogens and could be affecting you. I would try cutting back some on the cruciferous vegetables and including more non-cruciferous vegetables such as romaine, endive, swiss chard, lambs quarters, chicory, parsley, beet greens, squash, zucchini, green beans, asparagus, celery, carrots, cucumber, tomato. Chicken and turkey are good, also cold-water fish like salmon and sardines.
My mother had a thyroid removed in her 30s and was a complete vegetarian until her death in her 70s. That's just anecdotal information. Her doctors never told her to eat meat.
Yes, certain foods can bind Iodine, making it less available for your thyroid and causing the thyroid to enlarge in order to capture more. You probably can't eat enough of them to make a difference.
Goiter is not a disease in itself, it's a response to an abnormal state: low Iodine availability (very rare since iodized salt was introduced in the 20th century) or much more commonly, due to diseased pituitary/thyroid function.
If they removed part of your thyroid, they did nothing to treat the underlying condition, so it keeps smoldering along. The smart thing to do would have been to remove the goiter for cosmetic reasons, then suppress the remaining gland with levo-thyroxin pills-- cheap & easy.
Yes, cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, etc., are goitrogens and could be affecting you. I would try cutting back some on the cruciferous vegetables and including more non-cruciferous vegetables such as romaine, endive, swiss chard, lambs quarters, chicory, parsley, beet greens, squash, zucchini, green beans, asparagus, celery, carrots, cucumber, tomato. Chicken and turkey are good, also cold-water fish like salmon and sardines.
You can use a low-moderate amount of iodized salt, if you aren't already. It exists to prevent goiter for those with iodine-deficient diets. If you have eliminated meat/seafood and eggs (or live in a low iodine region such as the Goiter Belt) you may be deficient in iodine; also zinc and selenium. Adding seaweed to your diet as one of your greens could help. Balance is required because too much iodine can also cause goiter.
Thanks to everyone for the very helpful replies! I especially appreciated the recommended "ok" foods. I was surprised at everyone's knowledge about goiters. I'll definitely modify my diet using everyone's suggestions. It's good to know that I have many options and can still follow a vegetarian diet. Many thanks!
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Very helpful replies!
