Simple Goiter (Iodine Deficiency)

Simple goiter is a visible enlargement of the thyroid gland due to lack of available iodine in the blood.

Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland to synthesize thyroxine, a hormone responsible for regulating the rate of energy release within every body’s cell. When the iodine level of the blood is low, the cells of the thyroid gland work harder and enlarge in an attempt to get as many particles of iodine as possible.

About 96% of all goiter cases are caused by iodine deficiency (simple goiter).

Probable Causes

• Poor iodine content of soil from which food is grown

• Overconsumption of antithyroid-containing plants

Note: The cabbage family contains antithyroid (goitrogen). Its effect cannot be counteracted by dietary iodine.

Probable Symptoms

• Sluggishness

• Weight gain

• Enlargement of thyroid gland (frontal neck part)

Note: Severe iodine deficiency during pregnancy causes cretinism characterized by severe and irreversible mental and physical retardation. However, much of the mental retardation associated with cretinism can be averted by diagnosis and treatment of iodine deficiency early in pregnancy.

Helpful Dietary Management

• Eat seaweeds and vegetables grown in iodine-rich soil. (See Iodine in Foods)

• Use iodized salt.

• Eat a well-planned balanced diet.

Reference: Healing Wonders of Diet Effective Guide to Diet Therapy p.64-65 © 2003 Philippine Publishing House ISBN 971-581-013-6