The thyroid gland is a ductless type of gland found in the neck. It is responsible for the production and secretion of hormones that regulate growth and development by controlling the rate of the metabolism. There are instances wherein small growths called cystic nodules develop in the thyroid gland. Either solid or filled with fluid, cystic nodules are commonly benign, which means they do not spread and end up as cancerous growths.
You may already have thyroid cystic nodules and not know it because they do not produce symptoms. Large ones, however, may become evident on the neck and cause difficulty in swallowing. Due to the fact that these growths tend to secrete thyroxin in addition to the one already secreted by the thyroid gland, it’s not unlikely for you to experience nervousness, heart palpitations and weight loss due to the excessive amounts of the said hormone in your body.
There are a handful of medical treatments for thyroid cystic nodules available these days. Some of them include radioactive iodine therapy and surgery. There are also various all-natural remedies for the condition that are said to help in managing the symptoms and causing them to shrink. They are the following:
Eliminate Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar and various chemicals in processed foods are known as pro-inflammatory substances. If you have thyroid cystic nodules, it is definitely a smart move to keep inflammation at bay. When shopping, steer clear of products that are laden with sugar as well as processed ones.
Avoid Fried Foods and Dairy Products
Both fried and dairy foods promote inflammation, which in turn cause the production of mucus. Anything that triggers mucus production in the body should be avoided by anyone with thyroid cystic nodules.
Add Iodine-Rich Foods in the Diet
Deficiency in iodine is one of the common culprits behind thyroid cystic nodules. That is why consuming sufficient amounts of foods with iodine in them can help a lot with the condition. Some excellent sources of iodine include potatoes, sea vegetables, shrimp, shellfish, fish, dried fruits, turkey breast, bananas and strawberries.
Consume Plenty of Citrus Fruits
Oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruit and other citrus fruits are beneficial for someone with thyroid cystic nodules. That’s because they help dissolve excess mucus in the body. They are also loaded with vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that helps make your immune system strong and reduces your risk of cancer.
Reduce Intake of Alcohol and Caffeinated Beverages
Too much alcohol consumption can lead to a host of health problems, and one of them is the exacerbation of thyroid cystic nodules. It’s also a good idea for you to stay away from coffee, tea, sodas and other beverages with caffeine in it.
Drink Ginger or Herbal Teas
Especially if you are accustomed to drinking coffee or tea in the morning or during break times, consider drinking ginger tea instead. This beverage is good for someone with thyroid cystic nodules because it helps ease inflammation. Opting for various herbal teas is also a wonderful idea because they do not contain caffeine.
Consume or Apply Bentonite Clay
Guzzling down a glass of water with a teaspoon of bentonite clay dissolved in it can help in neutralizing toxins that may contribute to thyroid cystic nodules. Some people swear by the application of bentonite clay on the neck.
Supplement with Ginseng
Apart from energizing your body, ginseng has been used for centuries now by traditional healers to deal with an assortment of maladies. Supplementing with ginseng by taking it in capsule or extract form daily can help with thyroid cystic nodules as the herb has potent anti-inflammatory properties.
Combat Stress Effectively
Because thyroid cystic nodules may cause symptoms such as nervousness and heart palpitations, it is recommendable for you to try to avoid as much stressors as possible. Fret not if some of them cannot be dodged because proper stress management can help counter the effects of stress on the body. Some simple and effective stress-busting activities include doing yoga, getting a massage, taking a relaxing bath, listening to music and embracing a new hobby.
