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The thyroid gland, located in the neck area, is responsible for the production and release of hormones that control the progression and rate of metabolism. Occasionally, small growths called cystic nodules appear on the thyroid gland. They can be either solid or fluid-filled. They are usually not life-threatening, cannot spread and therefore do not lead to cancerous growth.
How do the nodules present?
Large cystic nodules are visible on the neck and cause problems with swallowing. Otherwise they present with increased nervousness, a faster heart rate and weight loss. This is caused by an excessive amount of thyroxine, which cystic nodules tend to secrete. Fortunately, in the present day there are plenty of options for treating these nodules.
Some of these procedures include radioactive iodine therapy, others require surgical intervention. There are also many options for alternative treatments and dietary habits that are very effective in removing cystic nodules. Above all, you should avoid sugar and various processed foods.
Avoid sugar
Sugar and many chemicals contained in processed foods promote the growth of cystic nodules. Prefer to replace sweet and processed foods with nutritious fruit and vegetables. Also avoid fried and dairy products, as they have the ability to stimulate inflammation and thereby cause excessive mucus production. Also avoid other foods that promote excessive mucous buildup.
On the other hand, include foods rich in iodine in your diet. Iodine deficiency is one of the typical causes of cystic thyroid nodules. This is also why consuming a sufficient amount of iodine-containing foods alleviates problems associated with cystic nodules. Foods with high iodine content include primarily potatoes, certain vegetables, shrimp, crustaceans, fish, dried fruit, turkey breast, bananas and strawberries.
Add citrus fruits to your diet
Try to consume plenty of citrus fruits, such as oranges, lemons, tangerines, grapefruits and others. They help the body eliminate mucus and are also packed with vitamin C, which is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and reduces the risk of cancer. Limit alcohol and caffeinated beverages. These do not include only coffee, but also some teas or soft drinks.
Instead of morning coffee, try treating yourself to ginger or herbal tea. They have a unique ability to calm inflammation and moreover do not contain any caffeine. Bentonite clay also flushes toxins from the body. Mix a teaspoon of clay in water and drink regularly. You can also consume such a drink as a prevention against the development of cystic nodules and to support overall health.
Try ginseng
Ginseng is among the traditional remedies for cystic nodules. In addition to replenishing the body with necessary energy, it has strong anti-inflammatory properties that significantly help in the fight against cystic nodules. Because accompanying symptoms of cystic nodules are heart palpitations and nervousness, it is recommended to avoid excessive stress. Try yoga, massages, relaxing baths or meditation techniques that will help you cope with everyday stress.
Besides an iodine deficiency, a cause of nodule formation can be a thyroid adenoma, which arises from the growth of normal thyroid tissue. Chronic inflammation associated with reduced thyroid activity may also be to blame. The vast majority of nodules cause almost no symptoms and do not represent a serious health problem. It therefore happens that nodules are discovered incidentally during a standard medical examination.
When is surgery necessary?
Although the vast majority of nodules are benign, sometimes they still need to be surgically removed. This is necessary especially if they cause increased thyroid function, enlarge, cause the patient more significant difficulties, press into the chest cavity or against surrounding organs, and sometimes also for purely cosmetic reasons. Either the entire thyroid gland is removed, or only one of its lobes.
