The disease goiter refers to the enlargement of the thyroid which occurs when the thyroid gland is not functioning properly. The thyroid gets so large that it is visible from the neck. There is another form of goiter which is called toxic nodular goiter. It is caused by the excessive secretion of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Goiter also occurs due to family history. So if any of your family members suffered from goiter, you have a higher risk of being affected by this condition. There can be many different causes of goiters in people who do not even have thyroid problems. Usually it occurs due to the deficiency of iodine in the diet or because of less production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. The common symptoms of goiter are the enlargement or swelling of the thyroid gland. Other symptoms include loss of concentration, mood swings, emotionally upset, irritation, and sometimes depression.
Treatment always depends on the size and cause of the goiter swelling and whether it is causing other symptoms. Many of those who suffer from goiter will require lifelong medication treatments in addition to any other treatment used. Fortunately for those who are against modern drugs or simply cannot afford them, there are home remedies which one may utilize instead.
Flaxseeds (also called linseeds) are a rich source of micronutrients, dietary fiber, manganese, vitamin B1, and the essential fatty acid alpha-linolenic acid, also known as ALA or omega-3. The seeds come from flax, one of the oldest fiber crops in the world – known to have been cultivated in ancient Egypt and China. Flaxseed is a source of healthy fat, antioxidants, and fiber; modern research has found evidence to suggest that flaxseed can also help lower the risk of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease.
The flax seeds should be grounded in water, heated and applied over the affected parts. The leaves of the tree should then be bandaged over them.
There is no set dose for flaxseed. Flaxseed must be ground prior to ingestion or it won’t be able to provide benefits for the health conditions described. Ask your doctor or a dietician for advice. Flaxseed can be mixed with liquid or food, such as muffins or bread. For better absorption, some people grind whole flaxseed before using it. While no other food sources contain flaxseed, flaxseed is itself sometimes added to foods. Ground flaxseed is sold as flour. Flaxseed oil is sometimes added to salad dressing.
After attempting all natural remedies and at-home treatments, if the goiter is severe, a surgical procedure may be necessary to treat the enlarged thyroid gland. With moderate goiters, the aforementioned treatments may suffice; however, with a larger goiter that causes extreme discomfort and difficulty breathing, surgical removal may be vital.
One should keep in mind that certain foods are goitrogens. Most goitrogens are naturally-occurring chemicals that are ingested in foods or drugs. These chemicals can interfere with thyroid function in different ways. Some compounds induce antibodies that cross-react with the thyroid gland; others interfere with thyroid peroxidase (TPO), the enzyme responsible for adding iodine during production of thyroid hormones. Either way, the thyroid isn’t able to produce as many of the hormones that are needed for regulating metabolism.
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