What Is a Goiter?
3. Goiters and Iodine Deficiency
For the thyroid to function at optimal capacity, it requires a few key elements. Above all, iodine is essential for the thyroid to keep producing hormones at the rate at which it is supposed to. A majority of people get their iodine intake from their diets, with fish and other seafood being excellent sources. Unfortunately, recent studies suggest that a majority of people do not eat enough foods containing this vital chemical element. When the body does not have enough iodine to continue with normal hormone production, it provides the right conditions for a goiter to develop.
The thyroid is structured to seek out iodine in the body when it senses that general levels are low. When this occurs, the thyroid begins to swell as the gland goes into this “crisis mode.” Once it becomes enlarged it is considered a goiter and can lead to other issues in the throat such as difficult with breathing or swallowing.
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