Goiter
This is a swelling and enlargement of the thyroid gland, producing
a characteristic bulge at the middle of the neck. It is due to a
generalized thyroid deficiency, usually from a lack of iodine in
the diet or environment, which causes the gland to enlarge to meet
the physiology’s hormonal needs. There can be associated symptoms
of hypothyroidism (reduced metabolic rate, reduced basal temperature)
and pain around the swelling.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Normalize thyroid function.
Primary
Treatment:
· Seaweed supplementation helps normalize thyroid function.
Administer up to 3 grams daily of kelp.
Supportive Treatment:
· Remove goitrogenic foods including vegetables in the Brassica
family such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and mustard, millet, soybeans,
and pine nuts. All of these can interfere with the uptake of iodine
by the thyroid.
Differential
diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations
· Ensure that there is no difficulty breathing or dizziness,
especially when raising the arms above shoulder level. Both of these
can be related to the goiter compressing either the airway or the
arteries that bring blood to the brain (carotid artery).
· Sometimes, the thyroid enlarges due to a tumor within or
around the gland. A screening by a qualified health care provider
is usually indicated in any case of goiter.
