Diet of thyroid cancer patients

Thyroid cancer should eat is a question not only of patients and family members, but also of many people with or without risk of disease. So, what is the real answer? Let's find out with SignsSymptomsList in the following article.

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• What should thyroid cancer patients eat?
• What should thyroid cancer patients avoid?

What should thyroid cancer patients eat?

As a caregiver for patients with thyroid cancer, especially after surgery, diet is extremely important. Because the treatment can make patients immunocompromised, losing the ability to fight pathogens. It is necessary to meticulously pay attention to each dish for cancer patients so that the recovery process goes as well as possible. What should thyroid cancer eat?

Fresh vegetables and fruits:

Green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits are good for thyroid cancer patients

What should thyroid cancer eat ? One of the good foods for thyroid cancer patients is green vegetables and fresh fruits. In foods rich in magnesium and minerals, thyroid metabolism is supported and promoted. Headache, heart palpitations, fatigue, muscle weakness are warning signs that the body is lacking magnesium.

Types of seafood:

What should thyroid cancer eat ? Seafood contains many micronutrients such as zinc, vitamin B, omega-3... These are essential nutrients for a healthy thyroid gland. Shrimp, fish, crab are good choices in the diet of thyroid cancer patients.

Nuts and grains:

Nuts supplement plant protein and minerals good for thyroid cancer patients

Nuts such as almonds, cashews, etc. will provide the patient with vitamins and minerals that support the smooth functioning of the thyroid gland. Some of the nutrients in common nuts are magnesium, zinc, copper, vitamin E, B vitamins, and vegetable protein.

Zinc, iron and copper:

Mushrooms contain many trace minerals that are good for thyroid cancer patients

Micronutrients are essential for optimal thyroid function. Zinc helps increase TSH levels, which stimulates thyroid activity. Copper helps the thyroid gland produce hormones. Iron enhances thyroid function. Common foods rich in zinc, iron and copper are veal liver, mushrooms, radishes and spinach.

Antioxidants and B vitamins:

Antioxidant vitamins such as A, C, and E are vitamins that support the process of eliminating toxic substances for the thyroid gland. Like: carrot, lettuce, sweet potato, avocado, bell pepper, strawberry...

Common foods rich in B vitamins are pork, chicken, shellfish, green leafy vegetables, legumes, whole grains, etc.

Selenium:

Selenium is an essential mineral in the production and regulation of T3 (thyroid hormone) levels. Red snapper, tuna, mushrooms, shrimp, beef liver, fish and nuts are foods rich in selenium.

Omega-3: 

Salmon is rich in omega-3

What should thyroid cancer eat ? Omega-3 fats help the body's cells to increase sensitivity, increase response to thyroid hormone. Oily fish, sardines, salmon, flaxseeds, beef and shrimp are all good sources of omega-3s.

Organic meat – organic products:

Fresh, clean organic meat, good for thyroid cancer patients

Organic foods are products grown for human health. Meat is one of the main foods that can be found in most of the daily meals of Vietnamese families. The quality and safety of meats should be absolutely guaranteed, especially for patients with thyroid cancer. Clean, fresh, delicious, safe meat is the perfect choice for patients.

What should thyroid cancer patients avoid?

Patients undergoing surgery for thyroid cancer are more or less treated with radioactive iodine. An iodine-rich diet can cause thyroid cells to be destroyed more quickly. Some foods that thyroid cancer patients need to avoid:

Iodized Salt:

Iodized salt adds iodine content in the diet. This is not good for thyroid cancer patients. In order for the patient to recover quickly and smoothly, it is necessary to apply a low-salt diet to the patient.

Milk and dairy products:

Milk contains high calcium and fat content which is not good for thyroid cancer patients

Milk and dairy products such as yogurt, cheese, ice cream, butter... are foods that thyroid cancer patients are being treated to avoid. The high calcium content in these foods reduces the effectiveness of medications.

Soybeans and non-fermented soy products:

Soybeans and non-fermented soy products are not good for thyroid cancer patients

Some compounds in soybeans and tofu have been studied for their ability to reduce the ability of the thyroid gland to make hormones. This leads to a decrease in thyroid function. However, it is an interesting fact that fermented soy products like soy sauce are very good because they reduce the absorption of iodine.

Convenience food:

Thyroid cancer patients need to stay away from processed foods

Thyroid cancer should not eat? This is the type of food that thyroid cancer patients should avoid. Because in these foods, the amount of "empty" calories, sugar, salt and additives is very high. High fat content will reduce or stop the production of thyroxine by the thyroid gland. Plus, they can reduce the effectiveness of medications.

Cruciferous vegetables:

In cruciferous vegetables and turnips contain a substance called isothiocyanates. This substance interferes with the activity of the pituitary gland in regulating thyroid activity.

Animal organs:

Concentrations of fatty acids in animal viscera are very high. This interferes with the thyroid's production of thyroxine. This is one of the taboo foods for patients. At the same time, this type of food also reduces the effect of some drugs.

Gluten foods:

Gluten in bread can cause hyperthyroidism or autoimmune hypothyroidism

Found mainly in wheat. Bread, biscuits, cakes, savory vegetarian dishes... are made from flour as the main ingredient. Gluten can cause hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism due to an "autoimmune" reaction – antibodies produced by the body that attack the thyroid's own cells or receptors (where hormones are attached).

Egg yolk:

Thyroid cancer patients should abstain from eating egg yolks because the fat content in egg yolks is very high.

Foods high in sugar:

Thyroid cancer patients should avoid foods high in sugar

With foods containing a lot of sugar, due to the thyroid gland's function decline, the ability to metabolize sugar is not good. This affects thyroid function, causing excess energy and weight gain.

Thyroid cancer has been and is becoming more and more common in the community. What to eat with thyroid cancer is a very common question in patient care. In addition to the diet, attention should be paid to the patient's daily activities to ensure they are still active regularly but at a gentle level, not exceeding the health capacity of each patient.