yourcar-logo
Search
LifestyleCarsTechnologyHealthcareHivEDMesotheliomaSclerosisDietGYMApparel

Thyroid Cancer Low Iodine Diet: A Comprehensive Review of Dietary Guidelines

Thyroid Cancer Low Iodine Diet: A Comprehensive Review of Dietary Guidelines

Introduction

What is thyroid cancer?

Thyroid cancer is a disease that originates in the cells of the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped organ situated at the front of the neck. This gland secretes hormones that help manage metabolism. The inception of thyroid cancer happens when the thyroid gland's cells undergo genetic changes, causing them to reproduce in an uncontrolled manner, which results in the formation of a tumor. While there are several variations of thyroid cancer, including papillary, follicular, medullary, and anaplastic, the more common types are papillary and follicular thyroid cancer. While it isn't a widespread condition, it frequently emerges as a common cancer among young females. It generally has a favourable outlook, especially when early diagnosis and prompt treatment are provided.

Importance of diet in thyroid cancer treatment

The role of diet in managing thyroid cancer is of significant importance. While a nutritious diet cannot eliminate thyroid cancer, it provides vital support to the overall healthcare strategy. Consuming a proper, nutritious diet can bolster the immune system, enhance energy production, and foster overall health during and after the cancer care regimen. Emphasizing specifics, the relevance of a low iodine diet is striking; by limiting iodine consumption, which fuels the production of thyroid hormones. Excessive iodine potentially disrupts some diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. Thus, adhering to a low iodine diet can maximize the efficiency of radioactive iodine therapy and refine the precision of certain screening tests. Following the provided dietary guidelines will establish favorable scenarios and diminish the chances of complications.

Low Iodine Diet Guidelines

Understanding iodine and its role

Iodine -- an essential mineral - is intricately connected with our thyroid gland's functionality. This fundamental gland is responsible for producing hormones that oversee the body's metabolism, growth, and development, and iodine exists as an essential aspect of its production. For those diagnosed with thyroid cancer, sometimes a low iodine diet is suggested to ready the body for certain medical procedures. This dietary limitation can reduce body iodine levels and thus enhance the effectiveness of medical procedures such as radioactive iodine therapy or scans.

Foods to avoid on a low iodine diet

A conscious commitment to a low iodine diet entails avoiding specific foods rich in iodine. Examples being iodized salt, seafood and sea vegetables, dairy products including milk and cheese, and processed foods with iodized salt or seaweed extracts incorporated. Foods prepared in restaurants where iodized salt is used can also be significant contributors of dietary iodine. Moreover, some food additives like carrageenan and preservatives might contain iodine. It is crucial to keep in mind certian supplements and medications that may also contain iodine - consult a professional before initiating the diet. Reduction in iodine intake with these steps can be remarkably supportive in thyroid cancer treatment.

Foods allowed on a low iodine diet

Opting for a low iodine diet doesn't mean drastically quitting numerous food types. It simply involves selecting alternatives with lesser iodine content. Permissible food items consist of fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, bananas, broccoli, and carrots. Non-iodized salt, fresh herbs, and spices can be utilized for seasoning. Other viable options include unsalted nuts, grains like rice and oats, and seeds. Lean meats like chicken, turkey, and eggs alongside non-iodine-added dairy products are also a go. Always remember to carefully go through food labels when opting for packaged foods, to make sure they are free from iodine-containing additives. Consequently, even though you reduce iodine intake, there remains a myriad of nutrient-rich foods to sustain a well-balanced diet.

thyroid cancer low iodine diet

Benefits and Challenges of Low Iodine Diet

Benefits of following a low iodine diet

A diet low in iodine can be highly beneficial for individuals battling thyroid cancer. By cutting down on iodine intake, the body's overall iodine levels decrease, which is crucial as this nutritional element is required for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. In effect, a reduction in iodine limits the thyroid gland's capacity to manufacture hormones, this can aid in inhibiting the expansion of thyroid cancer cells. Moreover, commencing a low iodine diet prior to radioactive iodine therapy can enhance the therapy's efficiency. The reduction in iodine consumption can stimulate the thyroid cells to crave more iodine. Hence, it increases the absorption of radioactive iodine which maximises the probability of eradicating malignant cells. To sum up, sticking to a low iodine diet could be instrumental in managing thyroid cancer while improving treatment results.

Challenges of adhering to a low iodine diet

Despite its potential benefits, upholding a low iodine diet can pose a range of challenges for those undergoing thyroid cancer therapy. One of the significant issues is the restrictive choice of provisions that align with this dietary regimen**. It often calls for the exclusion of numerous standard and tasty ingredients like iodized salt, seafood, dairy products, and processed foods.** Such limits may render the diet monotonous and diminish its appeal. Moreover, meticulously reading and understanding food labels to detect hidden iodine sources can be time-consuming and perplexing. Elements such as carrageenan, found in many processed meals, can have trace amounts of iodine. Consequently, patients need to be vigilant when choosing foods and be aware of each item's potential iodine quantities. Engaging in social meals or dining out could add new complexities. Finding compatible dishes from restaurant menus can be a formidable task. Discussing these dietary restrictions with family and friends may often evoke discomfort or misunderstanding. Nevertheless, despite the challenges faced, the importance of stringent adherence to the low iodine diet cannot be overstated for thyroid patients to augment the effectiveness of their therapy.

Bibliography

  1. Kitahara, C. M. & Schneider, A. B. (). Epidemiology of thyroid cancer. Cancer epidemiology. (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9473679/)

  2. Chen, D. W., Lang, B. H., McLeod, D. S., Newbold, K., & Haymart, M. R. (2023). Thyroid cancer. The Lancet, 401(10387), 1531-1544. (https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(23)00020-X/fulltext)

  3. Phanachet, P., Lertsomphol, O., Shantavasinkul, P. C., & Sritara, C. (2023). The Efficacy of Low-Iodine Diet Instructional Media for the Preparation of Radioactive Iodine Therapy in Thyroid Patients. Journal of Health Science and Medical Research, 41(5), 2023957. (http://jhsmr.org/index.php/jhsmr/article/download/957/1014)

  4. Luo, H., Tobey, A., Auh, S., Cochran, C., Behairy, N., Merino, M., ... & Klubo-Gwiezdzinska, J. (2022). The utility of low-iodine diet in preparation for thyroid cancer therapy with radioactive iodine---A cohort study. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 791710. (https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fphar.2022.791710/full)

  5. Dekker, B. L., Links, M. H., Muller Kobold, A. C., Swart-Busscher, L. G., Kars, M., Bons, J. A., ... & Van der Horst-Schrivers, A. N. (2022). Low-iodine diet of 4 days is sufficient preparation for 131I therapy in differentiated thyroid cancer patients. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 107(2), e604-e611. (https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article/107/2/e604/6371836)

  6. Krela-Kaźmierczak, I., Czarnywojtek, A., Skoracka, K., Rychter, A. M., Ratajczak, A. E., Szymczak-Tomczak, A., ... & Dobrowolska, A. (2021). Is there an ideal diet to protect against iodine deficiency?. Nutrients, 13(2), 513. (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/13/2/513/pdf)

  7. Herbert, G., Searle, A., England, C. Y., Ness, A., Beasley, M., Haupt-Schott, I., ... & Atkinson, C. (2020). Experiences of low iodine diets in the treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer with radioactive iodine ablation therapy. Clinical nutrition ESPEN, 39, 190-197. (https://research-information.bris.ac.uk/files/245365383/Accepted_manuscript_CN_ESPEN_15.06.2020.pdf)

  8. Kim, K., Cho, S. W., Park, Y. J., Lee, K. E., Lee, D. W., & Park, S. K. (2021). Association between iodine intake, thyroid function, and papillary thyroid cancer: A case-control study. Endocrinology and Metabolism, 36(4), 790-799. (https://synapse.koreamed.org/articles/1516079091)

  9. Winder, M., Kosztyła, Z., Boral, A., Kocełak, P., & Chudek, J. (2022). The impact of iodine concentration disorders on health and cancer. Nutrients. (https://www.mdpi.com/2072-6643/14/11/2209)