Diet for Goiter

A goiter is a swelling in the thyroid gland in the neck. This can lead to a noticeable swelling in the throat that looks like a growth. It is painful and unsightly. Goiter is caused by a lack of iodine in the diet. Following a proper diet is important to both avoid and treat a goiter.

Foods to Avoid

If you have developed a goiter, or fear developing one, there are some foods to avoid. These foods actually promote the growth of goiters. They won't promote goiters if eaten in small amounts, but they will if they are eaten at the expense of foods that help prevent goiters. To cut the risk of goiters, avoid white flour products, white sugar, foods from flesh, fried foods, greasy foods, preserves, condiments, tea, coffee and alcohol. You will also want to avoid sodas or anything with caffeine.

Juice Fast

Start a juice fast. Goiters are caused by a lack of iodine, but they can also be caused by too much iodine or too much of the wrong kinds of food. For the first few days of your new diet, you will fast on only juices. These juices will help purge your body of any of the chemicals that cause goiters. After a couple of days, these chemicals will have been purged, and your body will be healthy and clean.

Foods to Eat

Begin introducing foods rich in iron and iodine into your diet. Foods like guavas, strawberries, citrus fruits, eggs, seafood, whole grain rice, tomatoes, oats, onion, garlic, carrots and lettuce are high in iron. Foods that are high in iodine include iodized salt, seafood, seaweed, sushi, shrimp, shellfish, cow's milk, yogurt, and locally grown fruits and vegetables. These foods, along with goiter treatment medicine from your doctor, will help treat your goiter in a short period of time.