**Thyroid nodule and nutrition** Thyroid nodules are lumps and bumps that form in the thyroid gland. Almost 50% of people with thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's disease or hypothyroidism have thyroid nodules. Fortunately, these nodules are benign in most cases. The good news is that by getting the right treatment and following a healthy diet, you can help shrink many of these benign nodules. Therefore, if you have thyroid nodules, you should be careful about the foods you consume; Because they may affect your thyroid function positively or negatively. However, please note that dietary modification is not considered an independent method to treat **thyroid nodule** and should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment such as thyroid surgery recommended by a thyroid specialist. **Read more: When is thyroid nodule surgery performed?** **shrinking thyroid nodules with diet** The right medical treatment for thyroid nodules depends on the type of thyroid nodule you have. However, since most nodules are benign and many are caused by chronic inflammation from diseases such as Hashimoto's, most people will benefit from modifying their diet to reduce inflammation. It is recommended that you first check the levels of nutrients such as iodine, vitamin D, zinc (zinc) and selenium by doing a simple blood test. If you are diagnosed with a lack of nutrients, you can compensate for your nutritional deficiencies by increasing the consumption of certain foods and using supplements. **Read more: What is a malignant thyroid nodule?** ### **What food is good for thyroid nodule?** Following a balanced diet that includes healthy whole foods and plenty of vegetables and protein will help improve thyroid function and reduce or treat thyroid nodules, in addition to improving general health. Some of the best foods to reduce the size of thyroid nodules and improve thyroid inflammation include the following. - Foods rich in zinc and B vitamins such as spinach, cashews, lamb, chicken, eggs, mushrooms and asparagus. Selenium-rich foods such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, spinach, halibut, salmon, and oats - Foods rich in vitamin D such as egg yolks, mushrooms and some fish such as tuna, mackerel and salmon - Whole grains such as quinoa, brown rice, whole wheat - Increasing consumption of seafood such as fish, oysters and seaweed - Consuming raw nuts and seeds regularly - Using sources of useful fats such as olive oil, avocado oil, natural coconut oil, chia seeds and oily fish. - Drinking at least 8 glasses of water daily ### **Foods harmful to thyroid nodules** To help treat thyroid nodules with diet, you should eliminate any inflammatory foods from your diet as much as possible. Inflammatory foods can vary from person to person. However, the following foods are common triggers that should be avoided by people with thyroid nodules. **Dairy**: Dairy products may cause inflammation and autoimmune reactions and negatively affect thyroid health and function. Minimize their consumption and use low-fat dairy products containing probiotics. **Gluten**: For those who are allergic to gluten, consuming gluten-free products can reduce antibody levels and inflammation. **Processed foods and fast foods**: These types of foods contain additives, flavorings, chemical colors, and are also full of saturated fats and added sugar. Eliminating processed foods (sausages and ready meals) and fast foods is an effective measure to improve general health, including strengthening the function of your thyroid gland. **Artificial Sugars**: Minimizing the consumption of artificial sugars and refined carbohydrates in the daily diet helps to reduce inflammation, improve the immune system and shrink thyroid nodules. **Soy and soy products** such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy nuts Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, kale and cabbage; Especially raw (if you want, eat them cooked) **Caffeine**: Minimize the consumption of strong tea, strong coffee, energy drinks and chocolate. **Excessive iodine**: Although iodine deficiency is one of the causes of the development and enlargement of thyroid nodules; But you should not overdo it. Because too much iodine can also be harmful to your thyroid and lead to enlarged thyroid nodules. Observe moderation in consumption of food sources rich in iodine such as kelp and do not use food supplements containing iodine. **Read more: Is thyroid nodule fatal?** **last word** Thyroid nodules are relatively common and almost half of people with thyroid problems have thyroid nodules. Along with the existing treatment methods to shrink and remove these nodules, making some nutritional changes can also be effective in strengthening the health of the thyroid gland and dealing with thyroid nodules. Although diet alone cannot cure thyroid nodules; But consuming appropriate and useful foods for the thyroid, along with targeted medical treatment, plays an important role in managing symptoms and controlling the condition of thyroid nodules. Following a balanced and healthy diet and minimizing the consumption of inflammatory foods by reducing the level of general inflammation in the body and strengthening thyroid function are effective in reducing the size of thyroid nodules. Dr. Ahmad Fanai is a thyroid and parathyroid surgeon and a member of the American Thyroid Association. He, who is known as Iran's Golden Claw thyroid surgeon, performs all types of thyroid nodule surgery with the most up-to-date medical equipment, such as a neurometer, to minimize thyroid surgery complications. To make an appointment and get advice, you can contact us by filling out the online reservation form or by calling the numbers listed.