Goiter is an abnormal growth of the thyroid gland due to the overproduction or underproduction of thyroid hormones. It is one of the most common thyroid disorders in the Philippines. According to the 2013 National Nutrition Survey, about 5.8 million Filipino were affected with thyroid disorders which include goiter, thyroid malignancy, mental deficiency, cretinism, and reproductive failure.
These thyroid disorders that are left untreated may greatly affect susceptible individuals such as pregnant women and children. These disorders may lead to miscarriage, low birth weight babies, reduced intellectual and physical capacity, and worse, death among vulnerable individuals. Thus, to prevent Goiter and other thyroid disorders, here are some nutrition tips to remember:
- Eat foods that are rich in iodine
- The most common cause of goiter is iodine deficiency. The most effective way to prevent goiter is to consume enough amount of iodine. Iodine can be found in kinds of seafood such as seaweed, shrimps, crabs, fish, and others. Meat, milk, and peanuts also contain a good amount of iodine.
Always remember Kumainment No. 7 “Gumamit ng iodized salt”. Use iodized salt in cooking. However, World Health Organization (WHO) advised the public to limit consumption of salt to less than 500 grams or 1 teaspoon to prevent health complications.
- Consume foods that contain tyrosine
- Tyrosine is an amino acid that helps in the production of thyroid hormones in the body. This is beneficial especially for people with hypothyroidism. Tyrosine can be found in foods such as peanuts, soya, milk, fish, meat, and other protein-rich foods. But people with hyperthyroidism (increased amount of thyroid hormone) should be cautious in taking tyrosine as it may worsen their condition.
- Limit intake of foods that contains goitrogens
- Goitrogens are substances in food. Excessive consumption of this substance can interfere with iodine utilization and the normal function of the thyroid gland. It can be found in cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and spinach, and other starchy plants such as bamboo shoots, cassava, peanut, and corn. Take note that these foods contain large amount of nutrients that are beneficial to the body. Thus, it should not be avoided, instead, people with thyroid disorders should only limit their consumption.
- Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants
- To maintain a healthy body including the thyroid gland, it is important to consume antioxidants like Vitamin C, Selenium and Zinc. Antioxidants can fight free radicals that damage healthy cells. These nutrients can be found in variety of fruits and vegetables, meat, egg and others.
People who experience signs and symptoms of goiter must immediately consult a doctor to prevent further complications.
Sticking to a healthy and balanced diet in combination with physical activity will decrease the risk of having thyroid disorders. Thus, people should always follow the “Pinggang Pinoy” and the “Ten Kumainments. ###Frances Vea Valdez
Source:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/hypothyroidism-diet#harmful-nutrients
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/goiter/symptoms-causes/syc-20351829
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/goitrogens-in-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_6
