What Should Not Be Eaten with Thyroid Nodules
Jul 17, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
Under normal circumstances, there are no absolute dietary restrictions for patients with thyroid nodules; however, it is recommended to cautiously avoid or limit consumption of pickled seaweed threads, sea shrimp, sea cucumber, spicy hot pot, and iodized soy sauce. Additionally, certain medications should be avoided, including Carbimazole Tablets (off-label use), Iopanoic Acid Tablets, Thyroid Tablets (in excessive doses), Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets (off-label use), and Compound Iodine Oral Solution.
Generally, patients with thyroid nodules do not have absolutely forbidden foods, but it is recommended to cautiously avoid or refrain from consuming pickled seaweed threads, sea shrimp, sea cucumbers, spicy hot pot, and iodized soy sauce. Additionally, certain medications should be avoided, including carbimazole tablets (off-label use), iopanoic acid tablets, thyroid tablets (excessive dosage), propranolol hydrochloride tablets (off-label use), and compound iodine oral solution. Detailed explanations are as follows:
I. Foods
1. Pickled Seaweed Threads: Even after pickling, they still retain a large amount of iodine. Excessive consumption may cause excessive iodine intake, which could stimulate thyroid tissue and affect the stability of thyroid nodules, thus being detrimental to disease control.
2. Sea Shrimp: This is a high-iodine seafood. Its high iodine content may increase iodine accumulation in the body, interfere with normal thyroid metabolic functions, and potentially promote nodule growth, worsening the condition.
3. Sea Cucumber: Rich in iodine, its consumption may lead to excessive iodine intake, overstimulate the thyroid gland, and consequently affect the growth status of nodules, which is not conducive to disease stability.
4. Spicy Hot Pot: Containing large amounts of spicy seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns, it may stimulate the thyroid area, possibly exacerbating local inflammatory responses, affecting nodule stability, and increasing physical discomfort.
5. Iodized Soy Sauce: As a daily seasoning, excessive use may cause daily iodine intake to exceed recommended levels. Long-term accumulation might lead to abnormal thyroid hormone synthesis, negatively affecting the thyroid nodules.
II. Medications
1. Carbimazole Tablets (Off-Label Use): These are primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism. If patients with thyroid nodules use them without symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it may lead to thyroid dysfunction and affect nodule stability.
2. Iopanoic Acid Tablets: This is an iodine-containing drug used for gallbladder imaging. Its high iodine content may increase iodine load in the body after administration, possibly inducing or worsening thyroid nodules; therefore, caution is advised.
3. Thyroid Tablets (Excessive Dosage): Excessive use may lead to excessively high thyroid hormone levels in the body, which may stimulate thyroid tissue and have adverse effects on thyroid nodules. Strict adherence to medical instructions is essential.
4. Propranolol Hydrochloride Tablets (Off-Label Use): Commonly used to alleviate hyperthyroid symptoms, its use by thyroid nodule patients without the indicated conditions may interfere with thyroid function regulation, which is not conducive to managing the nodule condition.
5. Compound Iodine Oral Solution: With extremely high iodine content, it is primarily used for preoperative preparation for thyroid surgery. Unnecessary use by patients with thyroid nodules may cause a sharp increase in iodine levels in the body, possibly stimulating nodule growth.
Patients with thyroid nodules should reasonably control iodine intake in daily life and choose suitable foods according to their individual conditions. Before using any medication, it is necessary to clearly inform the physician about the nodule condition and strictly follow medical instructions to avoid self-medicating with drugs that may affect thyroid function.
