Low Iodine Diet Foods are Essential for Dealing with Hypothyroidism and Preparation for Radioactive Iodine Therapy

Low Iodine Diet Foods are Essential for Dealing with Hypothyroidism and Preparation for Radioactive Iodine Therapy
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Know How to Incorporate Diet foods with Low Iodine Content, to Help with Various Health Issues

When you need to incorporate low iodine diet foods into your diet, it is helpful to know what foods are safe, as well as what foods to avoid. Many people are unaware that iodine is often used during the processing of foods as a stabilizer to keep foods fresh. Among some of the foods and substances that include high amounts of Iodine are salt, seafood, canned or dried fruit ,and processed meats.

Iodine is a non-metallic chemical compound, often found in red food dyes. It is often used as a salt substitute in many foods and drinks we consume on a daily basis. Many cured meats, canned fruits, seafood, and dairy products contain high amounts of iodine.

So why do people have to follow a low iodine diet? Hyperthyroidism is the main reason why some people may be restricted to a low iodine diet. The thyroid becomes overly active and produces an abundance of lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that occur within the body, which can hinder the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones.

Another reason why people may be put on a low iodine food diet is that doctors are preparing their patients for radioactive iodine treatment or scanning. Usually patients are recommended to go on a low iodine diet for 7-14 days prior to receiving radioactive iodine treatment (RAI) and up to 2-3 days after receiving such treatment.

In order to incorporate diet foods with low iodine diet into your everyday living, try some of these healthy alternatives.

Diet Foods with Low Iodine

  1. Egg whites are a great way to get your protein, without the added fat and cholesterol of regular eggs. What is great about egg whites is that you can make your own fat free omelet with just a few ingredients.

Nutritional Content

  • Egg white raw - 1 Large
  • Calories - 16
  • Fat - 0 g
  • Protein - 4 g
  • Sodium - 55 mg
  1. Fresh fruits and vegetables help give the body the essential nutrients and vitamins it needs to fight off infections. Eating raw vegetables is the best way to consume any type of vegetables or fruit. Also make sure to wash them well and keep the skin on.

Nutritional Content

  • Apple -1 Medium Sized
  • Calories - 95
  • Fat - 0 g
  • Sodium - 2 mg
  • Dietary Fiber - 4 g

Nutritional Content

  1. Tomatoes- 1 medium whole tomato
  • Calories - 22
  • Fat - 0 g
  • Protein - 1 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 1 g
  1. Canned peaches, pears, and pineapples are a great way to eat your fruit when you like them a little sweeter than eating them raw. You can combine all of these wonderful fruits and make your own fruit salad or you can buy the cans that already have them all mixed together.

1 cup of canned peaches, pears and pineapples

  • Calories - 184
  • Fat - 0 g
  • Protein- 1 g
  • Sodium - 10 mg
  • Dietary Fiber - 3 g
  1. All natural unsalted peanut butter is a great way to get protein and your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids. Unsalted peanut butter is still smooth and creamy, just has about 40% less sodium than salted peanut butter.

2 tablespoons of unsalted peanut butter

  • Calories-188
  • Fat - 16 g
  • Protein - 8 g
  • Dietary Fiber - 2 g
  • Sodium - 5 mg

Following a regime where diet foods with low iodine is incorporated is easy when you know what foods you can eat and what foods you should avoid. These are just some of the food you can choose from when following a low iodine diet. You can mix and match any of these foods to give you the energy you need throughout the day.

Sources

https://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA355716

https://www.thyroidcommunity.com/patient/resources/tc_eng_pt_res_lowiodine.asp

https://www.entrustmd.com/low-iodine-diet-entrust-medical-group-orange-ca.html

https://thyroid.about.com/od/newscontroversies/a/toomuchiodine.htm

https://www.nutritiondata.com/facts/dairy-and-egg-products/112/2