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Thyroid
nodules often appear as a lump, or some type of abnormal growth in your
thyroid.
If
you have one or more nodules you may be aware of swelling at the front of your
neck, or you may feel pressure or discomfort when swallowing.
Thyroid
nodules are very common. The vast aren’t serious and do not cause symptoms
Investigating Thyroid Nodules
Thyroid
nodules can be solid or filled with fluid. Some nodules can be easily felt
during a physical examination, while others are hidden deep within the thyroid
tissue.
Thyroid
nodules are thoroughly evaluated for two main reasons. Firstly, it is important
to determine if the nodules are causing any type of thyroid dysfunction.
Secondly,
it is crucial to rule out cancer as the cause. Fortunately, the vast majority
of nodules are benign (non-cancerous). When nodules are found to be cancerous,
or even highly suspicious they are surgically removed.
Hot vs. Cold Thyroid Nodules
A
scan using radioactive iodine can establish if a thyroid nodule is hot or cold.
Hot
nodules are usually non-cancerous.
Cold
nodules are non-functioning and show up as defects in the scan. A cold nodule
carries a higher risk of cancer. Cold nodules are more likely to be cancerous
as cancer cells do not accumulate the radioactive iodine as well as normal
thyroid tissue.
What Causes Thyroid Nodules to Develop?
Thyroid
nodules can develop due to low iodine and selenium intake, chronic
inflammation, or cancer. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common cause of
hypothyroidism and is associated with an increased risk of developing nodules.
The ‘Watch and Wait’ Medical Approach
When
thyroid nodules are benign most people are advised to have regular check-ups to
monitor for any adverse changes. The ‘watch and wait’ approach is not ideal.
Trouble is brewing in the thyroid so it is best to get proactive with healing
your thyroid.
Natural Treatment for Thyroid Nodules. {Your 5 Action Steps}
There
is no specific natural treatment method to help shrink thyroid nodules.
Addressing the underlying cause and restoring overall health of the thyroid is
the goal. Here are five action steps you can take straight away.
1.
Speak to your doctor. Find out as much information as
possible about the features of your thyroid nodules and what may possibly be
causing them. This will help you chart a course of treatment.
2.
Eat well, stay active. I provide detailed food guidelines in The Natural Thyroid Diet. The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly. This treatment plan
will help protect and heal the thyroid tissue.
3.
Get your thyroid tested. This includes a test of TSH, free T4
and free T3. Ideally your TSH result is below 2.0 mIU/L, T4 is between 14-20
pmol/L and T3 is greater than 4.5 pmol/L. Check for the presence of thyroid antibodies.
A high level indicates an autoimmune flare up within the thyroid which creates
swelling and tenderness.
4.
Get your vitamin D3 checked. This nutrient
controls the way in which cells grow and divide. A drop in D3 makes you more
susceptible to developing nodules.
5.
Consider a good quality thyroid supplement. Look for
one that provides an adequate amount of iodine, zinc and selenium. These
minerals support ongoing thyroid hormone activity.
Read
the following related articles:
Author Bio:
Louise O’ Connor,
the author of The Natural Thyroid Diet –The 4-Week Plan to Living Well, Living Vibrantly, who
is a specialist in Thyroid Health. She is a highly regarded Australian
Naturopath and founder of Wellnesswork.
The Natural Thyroid
Diet goes beyond diet advice and offers practical and effective ways to achieve
healthy thyroid levels within just a short period of time. For more details,
Click on
The-Natural-Thyroid-Diet.com
