The low-iodine diet is usually indicated primarily about 2 weeks before treatment with radioactive iodine, called iodine therapy, for thyroid cancer. However, this diet can also be followed by people with hyperthyroidism, because by avoiding the consumption of iodine-rich foods, there may be a decrease in thyroid hormone production.
For thyroid cancer, some studies indicate that iodine restriction in the diet is necessary for tumor cells left after surgery to absorb enough radioactive iodine during treatment, favoring destruction and treatment of the disease.
Some of the foods to avoid for being rich in iodine are saltwater fish, seafood and egg yolk, for example.
The foods to avoid in this diet are those that contain more than 20 micrograms of iodine per serving, i.e.:
In addition, it is important to avoid going to restaurants or eating fast food, as it is difficult to know whether iodized salt has been used to cook or not. These are not for life prohibited, only during treatment. In cases of hyperthyroidism, they should be rarely consumed while the disease is present and thyroid hormone values are altered.
These foods contain a moderate amount of iodine, ranging from 5 to 20 micrograms per serving.
The iodine content and content of these foods vary depending on where they grow and how they are prepared, as it is always more advantageous to cook and produce meals at home rather than going out to eat or buy prepared dishes at the supermarket.
To replace foods that are prohibited during iodine treatment, the following foods should be preferred:
These foods are foods that may be ingested within two weeks of treatment with iodotherapy, or according to the time recommended by your doctor.
The following table gives an example of a 3-day menu of the iodine preparation regime:
The amounts of the menu vary from person to person, as the age, sex, physical activity and purpose of the treatment must be taken into account and, therefore, it is important that the nutritionist be consulted in order to develop an appropriate nutritional plan. to your needs.
Learn more about other radiation treatments
See these and other tips in the video below: