Goitre: Causes, Symptoms and Nutritional Management

Goitre is the enlargement of the thyroid gland.

Your thyroid is a gland that is found in your neck just below your voice box or the Adam’s apple.

The thyroid glands secrete hormones that help regulate bodily functions, including metabolism – the process that turns food into energy.

The hormone also regulates heart rate, respiration, digestion, and mood. A condition that increases the size of your thyroid is called a goiter.

Goitre may develop in anyone, but is more common in women. Sometimes, it affects the way the thyroid glands function.

Types of Goitres

There are different types of goitre. That which is caused by excess thyroxine is produced (Hyperthyroidism) while in others a reduced amount (Hypothyroidism).

In nontoxic goitre conditions the thyroid gland enlarges in an effort to produce more thyroxine. Factors that bring about this response include a shortage of iodine in the food or water, overuse of thyroid depressing drugs or destroyed glandular tissue of the thyroid.

Below are the different types of goitre – explained

Colloid Goiter (Endemic)

Colloid goitre occurs as a result of insufficient iodine in the body. Iodine is an essential mineral in the production of thyroxine hormones.

People living in iodine is scarce areas are prone to this type of goitre.

Nontoxic (Sporadic)

The cause of a nontoxic goitre as at now, is unknown, however, it is believed that it could caused by medications that contain lithium.

Lithium is used to treat mood disorders such as a bipolar disorder. Nontoxic goiters don’t affect the production of thyroid hormone, and thyroid function is healthy. They are also non cancerous (benign).

Toxic Nodular or Multinodular Goitre

This type of goitre forms one or more small nodules as it enlarges.

The nodules produce their own thyroid hormone, causing hyperthyroidism. It generally forms as an extension of a simple goitre.

Hyperthyroidism

This is a condition whereby the thyroid gland is overactive. When the thyroid gland is too active the result is over production of thyroid hormones that accelerate chemical activities of the body (metabolism) affecting both physical and mental functions.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include,

• Excess perspiration
• Sensitivity to heat
• Weight loss in-spite of increased appetite
• Retarded growth in children
• Nervousness
• Rapid heart beat
• Excessive thirst
• Tiredness
• Weakness of the muscle
• Fine tremors of the hands
• Frequent urination

Nutritional management of hyperthyroidism

On the treatment of hyperthyroidism, it is important that one seek advice from a doctor. Medication is important to correct this condition, however, nutritional management is equally important.

The right choice of food/diet allows the body to function the way it should and will help slow the production of the thyroid hormones and prevent the consequences of the same.

To avoid destruction of body tissue and weight loss a high- energy diet is recommended.

Energy

Due to the increased metabolic rate it is recommended that calories be increased. One can do this by increasing the amounts of carbohydrate in the diet or by improving the quality of carbohydrates in the meals. In mild cases it is recommended that 15-25 percent above daily recommended allowance and 50-70 % in severe cases.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate intake should be adequate, this way proteins will be spared to do its work as required instead of it being converted into energy.

Foods like, potatoes, arrow- root, cassava, rice, whole meal chapatti, ugali, porridge etc will supply quality energy. Natural carbohydrates are rich in B complex vitamins that are required for proper metabolism.

Protein.

Hyperthyroidism brings about nitrogen imbalance. To correct this imbalance protein allowance should be increased to 100grams per day if sufficient energy is supplied through carbohydrates and fats. Usually plant based protein would be adequate but proteins from animal source is recommended in this case especially, the better choice would be dairy products, eggs and fish.

Minerals and Vitamins

The diet should supply all essential food nutrients. Iodine is of great importance in managing this condition. Iodine increases storage of thyroid hormone and it prevents its release. Seek advice of your doctor on when and how to supplement.

B complex vitamins are essential in the metabolism of carbohydrates. It transforms them into energy. Good sources of B complex vitamins include, whole grains, legumes, wheat germ, vegetables and fruits.

Cabbage Family vegetables

Cabbage, cauliflower and turnips all have a compound that inhibits absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland, retarding its activity. Consistent consumption of raw cabbage, or any other vegetable from the cabbage family, for several months can reduce thyroid hormone production, which is of benefit in cases of hypothyroidism.

Cassava

Regular consumption of cassava may also help to reduce thyroid hormone production.

Stimulants

All stimulants should be avoided or its consumption reduced to a minimal level. These stimulants include, tea, coffee, aspartame, monosodium glutamate and alcohol.

Use of stimulants promotes nervousness and other symptoms that are typical to hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces inadequate amount of thyroxine thus slowing down all body processes.

The causes of hypothyroidism are varied and they include, a congenital defect where one is born with an under-producing thyroid or no gland at all; an autoimmune problem where the body’s own immune system gradually destroys the thyroid gland or as a result of treating an over active thyroid.

Inadequate iodine intake can also cause this problem

Regular consumption of iodine rich food can help combat hypothyroidism.

Recommended foods.

Fish

Fish is the richest source of iodine. Regular consumption of fish is a sure way of getting  enough iodine supply. Your choice of fish should be varied.

Water cress

Apart from iodine watercress is also rich in other important trace element that has a tonic effect on the thyroid gland. Watercress is also beneficial in liver and kidney cleansing.

Seaweed

Due to it high iodine content, seaweed facilitates thyroid hormone production.

AVOID!

All raw vegetables from the cabbage family should be avoided as a cautionary and goitre prevention measure.

These vegetables contain a substance that interferes with the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland.

This substance is produced by the action of an enzyme when raw vegetable is crushed or chewed. Cooked vegetable is harmless as the enzyme is destroyed.

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