What should patients with thyroid nodules pay attention to in their diet and what should they avoid eating?

Generally speaking, patients with thyroid nodules do not have strict dietary restrictions, but it is usually not recommended to consume foods such as jellyfish, dried scallops, salted fish, pickled kelp threads, or high-iodine nutritional supplements, as these may cause adverse reactions. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Jellyfish: This is a high-iodine seafood product, with iodine levels far exceeding those of ordinary foods. Excessive consumption can lead to iodine accumulation in the body, potentially irritating thyroid tissue and promoting nodule growth, which is unfavorable for controlling the condition.

2. Dried scallops: Made from scallop adductor muscles, they are rich in iodine and also contain high levels of purines and salt. Consumption may not only affect thyroid function but also increase the body's metabolic burden, negatively impacting nodule stability.

3. Salted fish: A large amount of salt is used during the pickling process. Additionally, some salted fish is made from marine fish, which naturally have high iodine content. Eating salted fish may lead to excessive iodine intake and potentially irritate the thyroid due to its high salt content, increasing the risk of nodule-related complications.

4. Pickled kelp threads: Made from kelp, which naturally contains extremely high levels of iodine, the iodine content does not decrease after pickling, even though the taste may change. Consumption increases the iodine concentration in the body, interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis and affecting the status of the nodules.

5. High-iodine nutritional supplements: Such as multivitamins and mineral supplements with high iodine content, additional intake can cause excessive iodine consumption, disrupting the body's iodine balance and potentially triggering thyroid dysfunction, worsening the nodule condition.

Patients with thyroid nodules should pay attention to the iodine content in their food, prioritizing low-iodine options such as cabbage, potatoes, and rice. Reducing seasoning usage during cooking, avoiding overly salty diets, and undergoing regular thyroid function tests to adjust dietary plans are also recommended.