Thyroid cancer comes in many forms but no matter what the type, size, or extremity is, if you have it, you will quickly find yourself on a low-iodine diet. This is because after a thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid), the majority of thyroid cancer patients need to have radioactive iodine treatment. Radioactive iodine treatment is designed to completely eliminate remaining cancer cells in the body. Usually after the surgery is complete doctors recommend a low-iodine diet to starve any remaining cancerous thyroid cells of iodine that is put into the body through food, usually iodized salt. Through this method, the radioactive iodine can more effectively locate and kill whatever cancer might still be lurking.
There is no doubt about it. Following the diet is important. It can assure a better long-term outcome because the cancer is less likely to return. Unfortunately, following the low-iodine diet is more difficult than it sounds. After all, how many things could really have iodine in them? You may be surprised. Foods that a person should not consume while on this diet are: iodized salt, any food from the sea including sea salt, dairy products, soy products, iodine containing vitamins, and any processed foods that may contain hidden iodine.
The low-iodine diet can seem restrictive, especially if you are not prepared. In fact, the average thyroid cancer patient loses 15 pounds on their low-iodine diet. Included, are facts and tips that will help patients on the low-iodine diet to make the right food choices without feeling deprived.
Add Your Own Salt
A low-iodine diet is not at all the same as a low-sodium diet. Not all salt contains iodine. The problem is that most brands of food do not specify whether or not the salt included in the product is iodized. For this reason, most people on the low-iodine diet feel like they are on a low-sodium diet even though they are not. The good news is that most grocery stores carry salt without any iodine additives. It is important to read labels carefully to avoid any deviation from the diet. You can buy ketchup, tomato sauce, and even salsa with no added salt, and then later add non-iodized salt you know is safe.
Try the Vegan or Vegetarian Section of the Supermarket
Shopping in the vegan or vegetarian section can help you find foods that conform to the standards of the diet because it is a dairy-free section, and most dairy products contain iodine. These sections of the supermarket usually also contain more natural foods that are less likely to have additives. Try something new that is also low-sodium like quinoa pasta or rice milk. There are even sodium-free donuts.
Cook at Home
Since most manufacturers of processed foods do not specify whether or not they use iodized salt, most packaged and processed foods are not safe to consume while on the iodine-free diet. This is why it is safer and healthier to eat at home. You can adapt your favorite recipes or try something new. There are many published iodine-free cookbooks to use and some of them are available on-line. You can find handy ideas, delicious sauces, and even desserts at your local library, cooking store, or on-line. It is also a good idea to cook, prepare, and freeze iodine-free food ahead of time. This is because some patients on the low-iodine diet have also stopped taking their thyroid replacement hormone and have become hypothyridic. It is very difficult to cook when you are experiencing hypothyroidism so having prepared food on-hand is a good idea.
Keep Snacks Handy
Usually, thyroid cancer patients are on a low-iodine diet for at least six weeks. Many patients are on the diet for two months or more. This means that patients on low-iodine diets, at some time, will be exposed to a variety of tempting salty foods. It is important to keep iodine-free snacks handy for such occasions. Try fresh fruits and vegetables, cut and washed. You can pack Frosted Mini-Wheats, unsalted crackers, and dried fruit in your purse or glove compartment. Keeping safe snacks handy will lessen the likelihood of accidentally or purposefully eating foods that do not comply with the standards of the diet.
Go to a Larger Grocery Store
Larger grocery stores and whole foods markets carry specialized and specific brands that are more difficult to find in smaller grocery stores. Sometimes it is worthwhile to travel some distance to find foods that fit into the low-iodine diet. Taking time to carefully read labels and browse supermarket isles is usually well worth the time and energy.
Get Support
Staying on the low-iodine diet can be difficult, but it is necessary for a successful cancer-free outcome. There are many support groups for people afflicted with thyroid cancer or for thyroid cancer survivors. Joining a support group can help and give purpose to those struggling through thyroid cancer. You can find a friend to lean on, or maybe someone who can give you pointers and tips. Many thyroid cancer survivors are eager and willing to help.
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