Diet plays a vital role in preventing and managing thyroid disorders, including benign goiters. Doctor Tran Huu Thanh Tung, from the Endocrinology - Diabetes Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasizes the importance of vitamins, minerals, and especially iodine, in managing these conditions. Individuals with goiters should limit the following 5 foods to prevent their condition from worsening.

Cruciferous vegetables like bok choy, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, and cabbage are rich in fiber, folate, vitamins C and K, but they also contain goitrogens. These compounds can interfere with thyroid hormone production by reducing iodine absorption, thus negatively impacting thyroid function. People with benign goiters should cook these vegetables rather than eating them raw to reduce goitrogen levels.

Organ meats such as intestines, liver, lungs, and heart are high in saturated fat and cholesterol, which can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Excessive consumption of organ meats can disrupt thyroid function and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension, fatty liver disease, and high cholesterol.

Sugary foods like cakes, candies, ice cream, bottled fruit juices, jams, and soft drinks can negatively impact thyroid activity. Overconsumption of these foods also increases the risk of diabetes, obesity, and hypertension, all of which can affect thyroid hormones and are detrimental to those with benign goiters.

Individuals with goiters should limit their intake of foods high in added sugar. Photo: Bach Duong

Soybeans and soy products contain isoflavones, which can affect thyroid hormone production and iodine absorption. While it's not necessary to completely eliminate soy from your diet, it's advisable to consume it several hours before or after taking thyroid medication. Common soy products include tofu, soy-based meat substitutes, soy milk, yogurt, ice cream, and soy sauce.

Processed foods often contain high levels of sugar, salt, unhealthy fats, and gluten, which can negatively affect thyroid function. People with thyroid disorders should choose fresh, whole foods, prepared simply with limited seasoning.

According to Doctor Tung, individuals with goiters should avoid iodine-rich foods like seafood, seaweed, kelp, and iodized salt, as they already have excessive thyroid hormone levels.

Alcohol and other alcoholic beverages can disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, affecting thyroid hormone production, and should be avoided by those with goiters. Alcohol abuse can also harm various organs, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease, stroke, fatty liver disease, digestive disorders, and cancer.

Bach Duong