It is not necessary to avoid all foods that are high in goitrogens just because you have thyroid. Check out the Frequently Asked Questions on Thyroid Treatment through Homeopathy.

1. Question – A lump on your neck is a clear indication of a thyroid problem.

A: True

B: False

Answer – B: False

If you feel a lump on your neck, it does not necessarily mean that you have a thyroid problem. Though the thyroid is the most common condition associated with the neck, there can be other reasons too for the lump. There are chances that it could be a cyst or a swollen lymph node. It is better to consult a doctor and undergo a CT scan if necessary to examine and evaluate the situation. If it turns out to be thyroid, several homoeopathic medicines like Lycopodium Clavatum, Sepia Officinalis and Nux Vomica can effectively treat your thyroid problems.

2. Question – Which of the following foods should you strictly avoid if you are suffering from thyroid?

A: Soy

B: Almonds

C: Lentils

D: Beans

Answer: A: Soy

Soy contains isoflavones (compounds which have medicinal properties) that have the potential to trigger the thyroid antibodies, enabling an inflammation war internally. Moreover, they can masquerade as thyroid hormones, thus bringing down the already low thyroid count. Isoflavones can also trigger goitre, which is the abnormal enlargement of your thyroid gland. Hence, the best option is to avoid soy if you are suffering from thyroid. In homoeopathy, Calcarea Carbonica is one of the best medicines that can treat thyroid.

3. Which one of the following symptoms suggest that you can possibly be suffering from hypothyroidism?

A: Dry skin

B: Forgetfulness

C: Bulging eyes

D: Constipation

Answer: C: Bulging eyes

Hypothyroidism is a type of thyroid where your thyroid glands produce excessive hormones that are required for controlling the metabolism. An autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease (a disorder in the immune system of the thyroid gland) is considered to be the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The tissues located around your eyes become inflamed in this condition, causing the bulging eyes effect. Ludum and Lycopus Virginicus are the homeopathic medicines that help in treating Graves’ disease.

4. It is best not to take thyroid medication during pregnancy.

A: True

B: False

Answer – B: False

It is necessary as well as safe to take thyroid medication while you are pregnant. Without treatment, it can result in adverse conditions like preterm delivery, preeclampsia (a dangerous complication in pregnancy which involves a sudden rise in blood pressure), miscarriage or developmental issues in the child. The thyroid glands have to produce 40% more of the thyroid hormones for the mother and the baby during pregnancy. It is important for the proper brain development of the child. Calcarea carb, Sepia, Lycopodium and Graphites are some of the homoeopathic medicines that you can take to treat thyroid.

5. It is not necessary to avoid all foods that are high in goitrogens just because you have thyroid.

A: True

B: False

Answer – A: True

Goitrogens can be described as the substance that interrupts the production of the thyroid hormones in your body by interfering with the uptake of iodine in your thyroid gland. Several foods like spinach, bamboo shoots, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, etc have a substantial amount of goitrogens in it. It does not mean that these foods should be completely avoided if you are suffering from thyroid. The benefits of these foods can easily outweigh the disadvantages. You should only try to avoid consuming them in their raw form, as cooking helps in reducing the goitrogen substances present in them. Ensure that you take proper medications along with your diet. Homoeopathic medicines like Calcarea Carbonica, Graphites and Sepia Officinalis are highly effective to deal with your thyroid problems.

This Article is written by
Dr Jaswant Patil – M.B.B.S, M.D (Chest), B.H.M.S (Homeopathy), M.A. (Alternative Therapy). He is an Allopath turned Homeopath and has over 30 Years of rich medical experience to his credit.