Causes and prevention of thyroid enlargement.

The thyroid gland controls the speed of energy consumption, produces proteins, and regulates the body's sensitivity to other hormones. Once the thyroid hormone and the thyroid-stimulating hormone secreted by the pituitary gland break the mutual restraint, it causes thyroid hypertrophy. So what are the causes of thyroid disease and what should we pay attention to in our diet?

Causes of thyroid enlargement

(1) Iodine deficiency or excess in the water and soil in epidemic areas.

(2) Increased iodine requirement (due to growth, development, breastfeeding, cold, infection, poisoning, emotions, etc.).

(3) Substances that cause goiter (cassava, radish, cabbage, thiouracil, thiocyanate, sodium para-aminosalicylate, phenylbutazone, potassium perchlorate, cobalt, and lithium salts).

(4) Drinking deep well water (containing excessive amounts of sulfur, hydrocarbons, calcium, and fluoride) and the water source is contaminated by bacteria.

(5) Familial congenital thyroid hormone synthase deficiency.

(6) Artificial radioactive nuclides (nuclear fission products) - iodine-131 exceeds the standard in the air.

Dietary considerations for patients with thyroid disease

1. Calories: Because hyperthyroidism increases the body's metabolic rate, the required calories can be increased every day.

2. Protein: You can increase the amount of protein, such as meat, eggs, milk, etc.

3. Vitamins: As calories increase, the need for vitamin B group also increases, so you should pay attention to supplementing it.

4. Iodine: It is a component of thyroid hormone. Giving iodine compounds to patients with hyperthyroidism can increase thyroid hormone storage and reduce release, but excessive intake will affect anti-thyroid hormone treatment. General iodine requirement: 120-165 micrograms for adult males and 100-115 micrograms for adult females. Pregnant women should increase the amount by 10-15 micrograms. Breastfeeding women should increase the amount by 25 micrograms. Food sources: Kelp and seafood are the main sources. In addition, there are some iodine in green leafy vegetables, meat, eggs, milk, grains, and iodized salt.

5. Avoid irritating foods such as tea, coffee, cigarettes and alcohol.