About 4% of all diagnosed cancer cases in the nation are thyroid cancers. The disease develops in the thyroid gland, which is a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of the neck. The gland plays a crucial role in controlling energy levels, metabolism, and production of the T3 and T4 hormones. Thyroid cancer is a serious health concern, but for a better prognosis, one can avoid certain foods to boost recovery and prevent worsening the condition.

Iodized salt
People with thyroid cancer are typically advised to choose low-iodine foods. The thyroid gland absorbs most of the iodine in the body. So, doctors commonly use radioactive iodine as a treatment. The treatment aims to temporarily remove iodine from the body and starve the cancerous cells. Later, during the procedure, the doctor sends radioactive iodine in liquid or capsule form toward the cancerous cells. Their increased craving for the mineral allows them to absorb the radioactive iodine, which kills and curtails their abnormal growth in the gland. So, limiting one’s iodine intake not only ensures the efficacy of the treatment but also the accuracy of test results. The American Thyroid Association recommends people limit their iodine intake to 50 micrograms or less per day.

Seafood
Anything with a high salt or sodium content that comes from the ocean should also be avoided. This includes seafood like fish and shellfish, as well as seaweed and calcium supplements made using oyster shells.

Meat
Research shows that those who ate more pork and poultry were at an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. Red meat consumption was linked to a 57% higher risk of thyroid cancer.

Sugary and bakery products
The European Prospective Investigation into Cancer and Nutrition (EPIC) study discovered that those who consumed the most calories had a roughly 30% higher chance of developing thyroid cancer than those who had the lowest calorie intake. Sugary foods like cakes, donuts, chocolates, and candies cause the body’s metabolism to slow down.

Fatty foods
Fatty and processed foods have high sodium content and may interfere with the thyroid gland from producing healthy hormones. Both of these options are calorie-dense and devoid of nutrition.

Egg yolks and dairy products
Doctors may also advise one to avoid egg yolks and dairy products like milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Other risk factors
In addition to food, some other factors can also affect one’s chance of developing thyroid cancer. Insulin resistance and female hormonal imbalance have both been associated with a higher risk for thyroid cancer although scientists haven’t been able to find the exact link for the latter. Apart from that, high fat mass surrounding the thyroid gland can increase the risk, while less muscle mass can slow down one’s recovery from the disease.

Reducing thyroid cancer risk
One can increase the intake of fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables, egg whites, and whole grains, including rice, wheat, and oats. Apart from nutrition-rich foods, one can also add exercise to the daily routine to help regulate hormone production. Interval training has proven to be effective in controlling inflammation, managing insulin, and building a metabolic profile. Additionally, the training can lessen the accumulation of fat tissues around the thyroid. Similarly, resistance training can help build muscular density, which is closely associated with boosting insulin sensitivity and improving health at a cellular level.