Goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland, which results in a swelling in the neck. A goiter can result from either hyper or hypothyroidism, but it is more common in hypothyroidism. A goiter is generally caused by a lack of iodine. The thyroid stimulating hormone of the pituitary gland causes the thyroid gland to work. But without iodine, no thyroxin is produced.
The pituitary gland responds to this by making the thyroid gland work harder and harder. Therefore, like a muscle, the thyroid gland gets bigger. Iodine is gained from seafood and from vegetables grown in soil which contains iodine. Iodine is often artificially supplemented in the diet by including it in salt (iodised salt).
If natural sea salt was not processed and refined, where all the valuable mineral content is stripped to sell to other industries, it would naturally contain all the iodine that is required. Natural unrefined sea salt can be obtained especially from France where the processing keeps all the mineral content intact. However, microplastics have now been found in sea salt so Himalayan pink salt crystals are a better choice and are rich in iodine.
Highest sources of iodine in micrograms per serving listed
- Chlorella, dulse, spirulina algae and kelp (1 tablespoon or 5 g) 750 µg
- Himalayan crystal salt (half a gram) 450 µg
- Cranberries (4 oz or 114 g) 400 µg
- Lobster (3.53 oz or 100 g) 100 µg
- Cod (3 oz or 85 g) 99 µg
- Plain yoghurt (8 oz or 227 g) 75 µg
- Seafood, clams etc (3.53 oz or 100 g) 66 µg
- Potato (one medium size) 60 µg
- Milk (8oz or 227 g) 59 µg
- Shrimp (3 oz or 85 g) 35 µg
- Navy beans (4 oz or 114 g) 32 µg
- Turkey (3 oz or 85 g) 34 µg
- Anchovies (100 g) 30 µg
- One medium sized egg 24 µg
- Cheddar cheese (1 oz or 28 g) 23 µg
- Tinned tuna (3 oz or 85 g) 17 µg
- Gouda cheese (1.42 oz or 40 g) 14 µg
- Prunes (five) 13 µg
- Strawberries (8 oz or 227 g) 13 µg
- Butter beans (4 oz or 114 g) 8 µg
- Lean beef (3 oz or 85 g) 8 µg
- Apple juice (8oz or 227 g) 7 µg
- Peas (4 oz or 114 g) 3 µg
- Green beans (4 oz or 114 g) 3 µg
- Banana (one medium) 3 µg
NOTE: ONE µg is one microgram.
Tyrosine plays a crucial role in thyroid hormone synthesis, which is directly relevant to goitre. The thyroid gland uses tyrosine, along with iodine, to produce thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), the primary thyroid hormones. While tyrosine is essential, supplements are not advised as they can be detrimental if someone has an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) or conditions like Graves’ disease.
Highest sources of tyrosine in milligrams per 100 grams
- Chlorella (dried) 2600 mg
- Spirulina (dried) 2584 mg
- Sesame seed flour 2100 mg
- Whelks 1518 mg
- Caviar (fish roe) 1121 mg
- Salmon 1100 mg
- Lamb’s liver 1090 mg
- Quail 1048 mg
- Chicken 1047 mg
- Calf’s liver 1044 mg
- Peanuts 1006 mg
- Beef (lean mince) 829 mg
- Shrimp and prawns 810 mg
- Pheasant 799 mg
- Mackerel (tinned) 783 mg
- Rabbit 776 mg
- Pumpkin seeds 770 mg
- Mussels 762 mg
- Sesame seeds 710 mg
- Sunflower seeds 666 mg
- Turkey 660 mg
- Soya beans 630 mg
- Crayfish 532 mg
- Pine nuts 509 mg
- Eggs 500 mg
- Squid 498 mg
- Almonds 452 mg
- Walnuts 406 mg
- Wheat 400 mg
- Rye 339 mg
- Black beans 250 mg
- Spinach 215 mg
- Goat’s milk 179 mg
- Mustard greens 119 mg
- Cows’ milk 152 mg
Related subjects
Join our mailing list to receive your monthly emailed newsletter with all the latest scientific findings for natural health remedies.