What Should Not Be Eaten with Thyroid Nodules

Generally, patients with thyroid nodules are advised to cautiously consume or reduce intake of foods such as sea shrimp, laver, sea cucumber, spicy hot pot, and iodized soy sauce, as well as medications including levothyroxine sodium tablets, amiodarone tablets, potassium iodide tablets, carbimazole tablets, and potassium iodate tablets. The effects may vary among individuals. If concerned, it is recommended to seek medical advice in advance. Detailed analysis is as follows:

I. Foods

1. Sea shrimp: This is a high-iodine seafood. Its high iodine content may lead to increased iodine accumulation in the body, promoting abnormal secretion of thyroid hormones, which may stimulate the growth of thyroid nodules and be detrimental to disease control.

2. Laver: Rich in iodine, its consumption may lead to excessive iodine intake, over-stimulating thyroid tissue and affecting the stability of thyroid nodules, possibly worsening symptoms of thyroid nodules.

3. Sea cucumber: Contains large amounts of iodine. Excessive consumption may cause iodine levels in the body to exceed normal limits, interfering with normal thyroid metabolic functions, potentially promoting nodule enlargement and adversely affecting disease recovery.

4. Spicy hot pot: Contains large amounts of pungent and irritating seasonings such as chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. These may stimulate the thyroid area, possibly exacerbating local inflammatory responses, affecting the stable state of the nodules, and intensifying physical discomfort.

5. Iodized soy sauce: As a daily seasoning, excessive use may cause daily iodine intake to exceed normal requirements. Long-term accumulation may lead to abnormal synthesis of thyroid hormones, adversely affecting thyroid nodules.

II. Medications

1. Levothyroxine sodium tablets: Primarily used to supplement thyroid hormones. If used by patients with thyroid nodules without appropriate indications, it may elevate thyroid hormone levels in the body, potentially stimulating thyroid tissue and affecting nodule stability.

2. Amiodarone tablets: An antiarrhythmic drug with high iodine content. Long-term use may lead to excessive iodine load in the body, stimulating thyroid hormone synthesis, possibly inducing or worsening thyroid nodules, thus requiring cautious use.

3. Potassium iodide tablets: A medication for iodine supplementation with high iodine content. Consumption by patients with thyroid nodules may lead to excessive iodine intake, potentially promoting nodule growth and worsening the condition; therefore, its use should be avoided.

4. Carbimazole tablets: Primarily used to treat hyperthyroidism. If misused by patients with thyroid nodules without symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it may lead to thyroid dysfunction, affecting the stability of the nodules.

5. Potassium iodate tablets: With high iodine content, commonly used for iodine supplementation. Use by patients with thyroid nodules may elevate iodine levels in the body, stimulating the thyroid and possibly worsening nodule symptoms; therefore, strict avoidance is necessary.

Patients with thyroid nodules should control iodine intake in daily life, choosing low-iodine or appropriate-iodine foods and maintaining a bland diet. When using medications, it is important to clearly inform the physician about the nodule condition and strictly follow medical instructions, never self-administering drugs that may affect thyroid function. Regular thyroid examinations should be conducted to monitor nodule changes. If abnormalities such as nodule enlargement or pain occur, timely medical attention is necessary.