The thyroid gland is a little butterfly-shaped gland sitting at the back of the throat. It plays a crucial role in regulating almost every other hormone in the human body. Therefore, caring for the thyroid gland’s health is necessary. Many treatment options can help manage the symptoms of thyroid cancer and other problems associated with the condition. However, they are always more effective when combined with the right food plan.

Foods to eat

Brazil nuts
When undergoing thyroid cancer treatment, patients should have a handy snack that sits well with the thyroid gland while also keeping them satiated. Brazil nuts are a great snack option that helps with thyroid regulation. The selenium in these nuts makes them a winner for people with thyroid cancer or other functional issues. A handful of hazelnuts and macadamia nuts will also do the trick. If one is not a fan of these, a piece or two of Brazil nuts will give similar results without going big on the quantity.

Seaweed
Iodine plays a crucial role in producing thyroid hormones. A lack of it in the body can initiate the downfall of the hormonal balance. Thankfully, seaweed is easily available and packs loads of iodine in just a tiny packet. Adding it to soups, salads, and sushi helps ensure the thyroid gland functions correctly. Thus, seaweed is a food that can help manage thyroid cancer and other diseases associated with the gland.

Foods to avoid

Gluten
Excess wheat, rye, barley, and other gluten-rich grains can pose intestinal and autoimmune disorders that affect thyroid functioning. The genetically modified nature of gluten content in these commonplace grains can also result in gluten sensitivity. However, since these grains and their flours are abundantly used in bakery products like cookies, cakes, bread, and other vegetarian meals, it is difficult to eliminate them.

Soy
Soy is often touted as harmful when discussing foods that can help manage thyroid cancer. But, the truth, in this case, is conditional. Soy and soy products are counterproductive to thyroid gland function when the patient has low levels of iodine. Another instance when foods like edamame, soy, tofu, and soy milk can cause more harm than good is when they are eaten excessively. If a person is dealing with thyroid imbalance or a thyroid cancer scare, it is better to drop soy and soy products from the menu.

Organ meats
Lipoic acid can be found in higher concentrations in organ meats like kidney, liver, and heart. While this compound is essential for the body, an excess can harm the thyroid gland. Besides interrupting the natural process of the gland, lipoic acid disrupts the functioning of treatments used for managing thyroid-related ailments, which can further complicate things. Therefore, organ meats are best avoided.

Apart from following a specific meal plan, one should also consider prescriptions to manage their condition. Gavreto (pralsetinib) is an oral prescription that helps treat adults and children 12 years of age and older with advanced medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or advanced thyroid cancer. It may also be given to people who require Gavreto orally or through an injection (systemic therapy) when the respective cancer type has spread. For individuals with advanced thyroid cancer, the treatment is administered to those who had no response to radioactive iodine or no longer notice positive results.