Summary: Goitre affects millions worldwide and is often the result of chronic thyroid disease. Given that, the functional medicine approach to thyroid goitre includes tapping the root cause of thyroid issues like longstanding infections and poor gut health, empowering the immune system, eliminating thyroid-specific toxins and nutritional deficiencies, and consuming the right foods. 

Goitre—Knowing the Facts

This may sound weird, but the European Thyroid Journal published a comprehensive review on goitre in 2018, examining ‘goitre through the years’ from the perspective of European artisans.

You’ll be surprised to know that this neck swelling of the thyroid gland popped up in several paintings and artworks and may have been a sign of beauty. Not quite so, goitre can be a complication of prolonged thyroid disease and is often deadly when not treated on time.

With a prevalence of 2.2% for women aged 15-49 and 2.7% for women aged 15-49 reported by the National Family Health Survey IV and V, respectively, knowing the treatment options for goitre may be more important than you know. 

 Schedule consultation with Dr. Gupta 

What is Goitre?

Goiter, as we know, is a bulge in the middle of the neck caused by a swollen thyroid gland. Ranging from one small nodule to a large, visible, multinodular structure, goitres occur due to hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormones) or hyperthyroidism (high thyroid hormones) and can occur without any gland malfunction (called an euthyroid goitre). It is of many types—simple goitre, sporadic goitre, endemic goitre, etc.

Goitres may also be related to an overactive pituitary gland, like in Cushing’s syndrome.  

Goitres can often be lumpy with one or many nodules. These are usually harmless, may or may not be fluid-filled, but in some instances, malignant. A goitre with several thyroid nodules is called a multinodular goitre.

Why Does Goitre Happen?

There is just ONE SECRET SAUCE to prevent or tackle goitre—understanding goitre symptoms, causes, and treatment. 

The biggest cause of goitre is untreated thyroid issues, especially hypothyroidism. Goitre presents a serious complication to hypothyroidism—when poor thyroid levels are not treated early and adequately, it pressurises the gland to keep up with the ideal thyroid hormone levels. In the process, the gland is overworked, inflamed and swollen. Simple goitre may result from months or years of ignored thyroid levels. 

 Schedule consultation with Dr. Gupta 

Endemic goitre, on the other hand, is the direct result of severe iodine deficiency. Low iodine equates to low thyroid hormone production. This in turn tunes up the gland function, stressing it to work more and produce the hormones.

Apart from this, binging frequently on goitre-producing foods like cabbage, soy products, peaches, peanuts, spinach, etc., radiation exposure, or other diseases like Graves disease, and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may also develop goitre in the long run.

Also, certain medical treatments, such as immunosuppressants, antiretrovirals, and heart drugs like amiodarone and lithium, can heighten the risk of certain conditions.

Understanding the Goiter Disease Symptoms

You’d be surprised to know that not all goitres are symptomatic, at least in the beginning. With time, goitre or thyromegaly (‘thyro’-related to the thyroid gland and ‘megaly’-enlargement) can be hard to manage:

• A tight feeling in the throat; like there is something stuck in the neck
• Throat irritation
• Cough
• Difficulty in swallowing foods
• Eventually, this causes hoarsening of the voice and difficulty breathing

If the gland is too big, it impinges on the blood vessels in the surrounding area, disrupting blood flow through the neck region. 

Traditional vs the Functional Medicine Approach to Thyroid Goitre

Science, traditional medicine and the internet are flooded with data on thyroid care, goitre medications and goitre symptoms treatment. As functional medicine proponents, we step outside the box and offer ways of reducing goitre without surgery or long-term meds. naturally. 

 Consult Dr. Gupta, Thyroid Functional Medicine Expert 

The crux of functional medicine is:

• To tap the root cause of thyroid issues and address your overall health without simply treating goitre disease symptoms. 

• Empower your immune system so that the thyroid disease heals from within 
• To eliminate thyroid-specific toxins and nutritional deficiencies
• To eat the right foods in the right sequence, proportions, and combinations to sleep better and control stress through lifestyle modifications.

Diagnosis and Root-cause Analysis of Goitre

The treatment options for goitre include the tests involved in the functional approach to hypothyroidism and the functional medicine approach to hyperthyroidism. 

To begin with, a thorough consultation is important. Goitre cases often revert to Functional Medicine after a long journey with conventional methods. Needless to say, we begin by recording a thorough medical history. This follows certain necessary tests. 

• Blood tests for the thyroid gland: This evaluates the levels of TSH, Free T4, Free T3, and TPO antibodies (to assess autoimmune thyroid disease). 
• Imaging analysis of the thyroid: Thyroid imaging tells you about hormone overproduction or toxic nodules in the goitre. Ultrasound helps identify nodules and gland size. 
• Pathological testing or biopsy, if indicated: If the nodules are suspicious, a fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy may be performed to rule out thyroid cancer.

 Get a FREE 15 min Functional medicine Consultation 

Apart from these, a functional medicine practitioner will take heed of the following:

• A long standing infection 
• Gut health
• Signs of nutrient deficiencies
• Hazardous exposure to toxins and radiation
• Presence of pre-existing medical disorders that cause goitres.

Once we identify the precipitating and predisposing factors, we prepare a thorough treatment plan and a routine map. The goal is to mitigate the chronic issues that cannot be immediately eliminated.

If hypothyroidism is the cause: 

There are a plethora of natural ways to reduce goitre of the thyroid gland. This includes fresh, wild-caught fish (without preservatives and hormones), coconut oil, seaweeds, probiotic-rich foods like kefir, yogurt, berries, clean water, high-fiber foods, bone broth, fruits, and veggies in a balanced proportion as instructed. 

Goitrogenic foods are best avoided—this includes cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts. Peanuts, millet, soybeans, radish, and tea can also be added to the list. Though we know the nutritional benefits of these foods, they could be toxins for goitre. Why?

The gluten content of grains and the isothiocyanates in cruciferous vegetables can further dampen thyroid hormone production by disrupting the activities of the thyroid peroxidase enzyme. Isothiocyanate compounds are good for protecting cells, but negatively lower thyroid hormone levels, and worsen hypothyroidism. 

Up next is India’s favourite drink, tea. Though tea is brimming with antioxidants and nutrients, it may not be an ideal choice for goitre in Functional Medicine. Tea, especially green tea, has a high catechin content that may lower thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) while increasing thyroid-stimulating hormones. Moderate amounts of tea might be okay, but regular consumption, with goitre and hypothyroidism, may be particularly dangerous.  

 Consult Functional Medicine Expert 

If hyperthyroidism is the cause: 

For overactive thyroid glands, natural ways to reduce goitre may be the best option. We start with a thorough allergy test and toxicology report. The idea is to remove potential allergens and toxins that cause thyroid inflammation. A whole-foods-based diet, free of processed foods and common food allergens such as gluten and A1 casein, can be a game-changer.

Addressing nutritional deficiencies:

Iodine deficiency is one of the primary causes of goitre. The FDA recommends 150 micrograms of iodine per day, which is usually sufficient to avoid goitres in locations where iodine deficit exists. Iodine-rich foods include seaweed, yoghurt, baked potatoes, and cranberries. 

On the flip side, though rare, too much iodine can also cause goitre. It might be a good idea to avoid shellfish, excessive iodized salt, seaweed, and iodine supplements without a physician's consultation.

• Healing gut health

If you've ever had "butterflies in your stomach" you'll likely believe in the gut-brain connection. The neural systems of the stomach and intestines are so intricate and numerous that they function as a second brain in the body. They control hormones, immune cells, and other biological activities, making goitre management linked to good gut health.

The latest concepts in natural medicine or herbs that help treat goitre

A study discovered that a supplement containing spirulina (blue-green algae), curcumin, and Boswellia (Indian frankincense is a plant used in ancient Ayurvedic medicine to treat mild pain and inflammation) can shrink benign thyroid nodules. The study, completed by 34 patients, showed a decrease in the area of the target thyroid nodule. The findings suggest that the combination of these ingredients can reduce the size of the nodules. However, further research is needed to understand how these elements impact the thyroid.

Long-term use of hypothyroidism medicines like levothyroxine comes along with many side effects. Herbal medicine can help balance thyroid hormones and prevent such issues. A comprehensive review used randomized clinical trials (RCTs) to evaluate the effect of herbal supplements on the signs and symptoms of primary hypothyroidism, a leading cause of goitre. Nigella sativa L. (kalonji spice), ashwagandha, and Mentha Piperita L. (peppermint leaves) were seen to improve the condition. 

A new study shows that Prunella vulgaris L. (Kashmiri name is ‘Kalla Wuith’) can boost immunity from thyroid issues. Goitre is complex. As we know, people can have abnormal levels of thyroid hormones—both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Prunella vulgaris L. was shown to fight free radicals and regulate cell growth and repair in the thyroid gland.

 Call Anshul Gupta MD 

Key Takeaways

Functional medicine approach to thyroid goitre pivots on 3 ideas—eliminating the root causes (toxins, chronic disease, allergens and deficiencies), being consistent with diet plans, and improving overall health and mental wellness. As thyroid issues continue to afflict millions worldwide, it is critical to understand the natural ways to reduce goitre to ensure sustainable healing. It's time to embrace functional medicine as a new means of treating disease and promoting a healthier lifestyle that will stay with you forever. So, if you suspect you have goitre or have previously been diagnosed with goitre without any satisfactory therapy, feel free to reach out to us.

FAQs

• What is the best treatment for goitre?

The best treatment for goitre is to work closely with a doctor to find out the root cause of goitre, avoid the toxins and allergens related to it, support nutritional deficiencies and heal gut health. 

• How long does it take to cure goitre?

Goitre treatment may take weeks to months, depending on the severity of the disease and the response to the treatment plan. 

• How long can you live with a goiter?

Goitres are usually not deadly unless severe, chronic, left untreated or advanced malignant. 

• How is a goitre treated?

The natural ways to treat goitre are through elimination diets, supplements and by working closely with a doctor. 

• How can I treat goitre?

The best way to treat goitre is to follow the doctor’s advice. To get rid of long-term medications, there are natural ways to treat goitre with elimination diets, supplements and more.

 Schedule consultation with Dr. Gupta