1. Iodine
Iodine deficiency is one of the primary causes of goiter. To treat goiter, eat a diet that contains adequate iodine. For adults, the recommended dose of iodine is 150 micrograms daily.
- To replenish iodine in your body, include iodine-rich foods in your diet, such as iodized salt, kale, seafood, cod fish, tuna, eggs, shrimp, turkey, natural yogurt, cow’s milk, navy beans, baked potato with the skin and cranberries.
Note: At times, goiter can also be caused by excessive iodine. So, make sure you consult your doctor before increasing your iodine intake.
2. Kelp
Kelp, a kind of seaweed, can also help treat goiter. Its high iodine content helps normalize thyroid functioning. It also has potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron. You can easily find dried or pickled kelp in natural food stores and Asian markets.
- As kelp is salty in taste, you can use it in place of salt in soup, salad and other dishes.
- Add one to two tablespoons of dried kelp powder to any of your favorite smoothies and have it once daily.
- You can also take kelp in capsule form, but you must first consult your doctor.