goitre

• Iodine deficiency, which was very common 100 to 200 years ago.
• Genetic abnormalities.
• A thyroid tumour.
• A malignant tumour, putting pressure on the gland, reducing its function and causing Hypothyroidism. This subsequently gives rise to a compensatory swelling of the thyroid tissue as the gland fights to maintain the level of thyroxine within normal limits.

For most patients, the telltale symptom of a simple goiter is the swollen thyroid gland in the neck.

It can range in size from a small bump to a large neck lump.

Some people experience symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland, including hard stools, constipation, fatigue, joint pain, sadness or depression, weakness, weight gain, hoarseness, puffy face, thickening of eyebrows and more.

On rare occasions, symptoms of simple goiter may be caused when the lump puts pressure on the windpipe or esophagus:

• Problems breathing
• Coughing
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing

If you have these symptoms, schedule a screening appointment to determine what is causing the signs.

For most patients, preventing simple goiter is as easy as a small change in diet. Iodine is necessary for producing thyroid hormones.

Some patients do not eat enough iodine, so it causes the thyroid to work overtime to produce thyroid hormones.

Using iodized table salt can prevent simple goiter.

For other patients, the cause of the goiter is unknown, so there is no way to prevent every goiter.

• Sea Vegetables. The ocean hosts the largest storehouse of iodine foods, including Kelp, Arame, Hiziki, Kombu, and Wakame
• Cranberries. This antioxidant rich fruit is another great source of iodine
• Organic Yogurt
• Organic Navy Beans
• Organic Strawberries
• Raw, Organic Cheese
• Organic Potatoes

If you’re not a fan of the iodine foods listed above, then you can always take an iodine supplement. There are many different types of iodine supplements on the market, so knowing the differences between each is vital.

Take A.Vogel’s Thyroid Support – Kelpasan to feed the thyroid. Unlike dried seaweed supplements, Kelpasan’s iodine content is standardized, thereby providing a consistent dose.