Low Iodine Diet for Thyroid Cancer

Iodine is essential for our body for the metabolism of cells. But, those suffering from thyroid cancer, should consume iodine in minimal amount. Low-iodine diet should be mainly consumed by thyroid cancer patients before they go for radio iodine scans. Consumption of iodine can affect the results of this scan. At least two weeks before the test, you should start with low-iodine diet.

Low-iodine Food for Thyroid Cancer
Egg whites and fresh meat which is devoid of any kind of additive, contains low-iodine. Most of the frozen and fresh vegetables which do not contain sodium or red dye are also fine and can be consumed if you are on low-iodine diet. Unsalted and raw steamed vegetables contain a low amount of iodine. You can also opt for home-made breads without iodized salts. Homemade desserts are also a good idea. Drinks like lemonade and soda can be taken as they are low in iodine.

Food to Avoid for Low-iodine Diet
Sea salt, iodized salt, kelp or salt substitutes should be strictly avoided. Instead of these, you can use non-iodized salt as an alternative. All kinds of fish and sea food should be avoided. Preparations of multivitamins and minerals which have salt in them should be prevented. Dairy products like milk, yogurt, cream, butter, ice cream, ice milk, sour cream, whipped cream, sour cream, cottage cheese, milk shakes and sherbet should be avoided. Fast foods and restaurant foods should also be prevented as they might contain high content of iodine in them. Baked product like cookies, cakes, buns, pies, donuts, biscuits and pastries contain lots of iodine and hence should be refrained from.

Low-iodine Diet Recipes

For Breakfast

Banana Smoothie
The ingredients you will require for making this low-iodine recipe are 2 bananas, 1 cup of orange juice, 1 tablespoon of flaxseed and 1/2 cup of ice cubes. Mix all the above ingredients in a bowl. Mash them and blend until it becomes smooth. This readies your low-iodine diet food for breakfast.

For Lunch and Dinner

Sweet Potato Fries
For making this recipe, you will require 2 sweet potatoes, canola oil or olive oil. In order to make this recipe, you will have to preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Peel off the potatoes and cut the peeled potatoes into thin wedges. Have a cookie sheet handy and spray it with either canola or olive oil. Then, evenly spread the potato wedges on the cookie sheet. Cook these wedges till they become crispy. You will have to cook them for 20 to 25 minutes depending upon the thickness of wedges. After that, these wedges are ready to be served.

For more details on low-iodine diet for thyroid cancer, it is better to take advice of a medical practitioner and to consume whatever prescribed by him. You can follow the diet guidelines and maintain the level of iodine at the optimum level. These diet tips, if followed properly, will be helpful and will also assist in keeping you from thyroid problems.