| There are different kinds of goiters. A simple
goiter normally happens when the thyroid gland is not able to produce
enough thyroid hormone to meet the body's requirements which is called
hypothyroidism. The
thyroid gland adjusts by enlarging, which usually overcomes mild
deficiencies of thyroid hormone. Symptoms may include: thyroid
enlargement varying from a small nodule to large neck lump, breathing
problems, coughing or wheezing, swallowing problems, neck vein
distention, and dizziness when raising the arms over the head
| Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
| Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin
B, vitamin E,
vitamin C, and zinc
which all are helpful for goiters and hyperthyroidism and thyroid problems. A
daily supplement's nutrients are required for general good health and well being. |
| vitamin B |
10 |
vitamin B complex helps to improve cellular
oxygenation, strengthens immune system, improves digestion,
increases red blood cell formation, and thyroid function. |
| Thiamine |
10 |
vitamin B1 is required for blood
formation and aids with energy levels |
| Riboflavin |
10 |
vitamin B2 is needed for normal
operation of cells, organs, and glands in the body. |
| Pyridoxine |
10 |
vitamin B6 enzymes are activated
by it and it is needed for antibody production to help the
immune system. |
| Essential
fatty acids |
10 |
helpful in repair of body tissues,
aids in healing, restores proper fatty acid balance, needed
for healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Fatty acids
are found in omega
fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and
borage seed oil. |
| Lecithin |
9 |
Aids in digestion of fats and it
also protects the lining of all the body organs and cells.
|
| vitamin C |
9 |
needed for immune function in the
human body
|
| selenium |
8 |
mineral with antioxidant
properties that helps immune function
|
| Bioflavonoids |
9 |
work with vitamin C and help with
stress and immune system
|
| vitamin
A |
8 |
helps with immune function as well
as the eyes, skin, and hair
|
| vitamin
E |
8 |
important for healing,
circulation, and immune system
|
Sometime, a goiter may progress to a toxic nodular goiter when a nodule that is making thyroid hormone on its
own and this can cause hyperthyroidism.
Also related is Graves' disease also known as diffuse toxic
goiter. Symptoms of Graves'
disease are identical to hyperthyroidism, with the
addition of three other symptoms which are: goiter, bulging
eyes, and thickened skin over the shin region.
Toxic nodular goiter which is also known as multinodular
goiter, is hyperthyroidism in which one or more nodules of the thyroid becomes overactive. The overactive nodules
will act as benign thyroid tumors. Symptoms of toxic nodular goiter
will not include the bulging eyes or skin problems, as in Graves' disease. The cause of toxic nodular goiter is
un known.
A diet lacking in iodine can cause a goiter, however this is
rarely the cause because of the iodine in our diets. A more
frequent cause of goiter in the United States is an increase
in thyroid stimulating hormone or TSH, in response to a defect
in normal hormone synthesis within the thyroid gland. The
thyroid stimulating hormone comes from the pituitary and
causes the thyroid to enlarge. This enlargement usually takes
many years to become a problem that is noticeable.
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|
