Foods That Can Reduce the Risk of Thyroid Cancer
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine cancer. The incidence of cancer is preceded by an increase in the risk factors. Is it possible to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer? Yes, you can reduce the risk by following preventative measures for thyroid cancer. This can be achieved by making alterations in your lifestyle, making different choices in foods that you eat and exercising.
Though there is not any particular measure you can follow to prevent thyroid disease, there are certain preventative measures for thyroid cancer that you can adopt. These measures include eating foods that can help in not only reducing the risk of thyroid cancer but may also stop the progression if you have already been diagnosed.
Here is a list of foods that you can eat as preventative measures for thyroid cancer:
- Eat a lot of vegetables every day
You should aim for a balanced diet on a daily basis which should include a sizeable portion of vegetables. A diet with a large amount of vegetables is known to reduce the risk of thyroid cancer by as much as 25%, according to a recently conducted study.
- Prefer more of whole grains
Your diet should contain more whole grains as a part of preventative measures for thyroid cancer. Opt for gluten-free buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, and other grains.
- Consider dried beans
Dried beans are a good choice to include in the diet. Select from legumes, black beans, edamame, lentils, chickpeas, and others.
- Include cruciferous vegetables
The cruciferous family includes vegetables of the cabbage family like Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. However, they need to be consumed in moderation. Steaming these veggies is the best option.
- Remember the exclusions
As much as inclusions are important to prevent thyroid cancer, one needs to also keep a check on the exclusions. You need to avoid processed foods such as meat, added sugars, and alcohol.
- Hydration is a must
Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep the body at optimum performance levels. You can also go for other beverages but stick to non-caffeinated drinks.
- Eggs
Consuming eggs is one of the best preventative measures for thyroid cancer. Choose whole eggs because the selenium and iodine contents are found in the yolk while proteins are found in egg whites.
- Choose fruits
Include all fruits in your diet such as berries, bananas, tomatoes, oranges, and others. Though fruits are recommended for overall health benefits, their immediate benefit has not been researched.
- Opt for foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
Flax seeds, walnuts, and cold-water oily fish are essential for optimum thyroid function.
It is well known that diet has a strong influence on human health. It can also have an impact on reducing the risk of thyroid cancer. The best bet on preventative measures for thyroid cancer is to keep an account of the foods that you can eat. Opt for organic food rather than processed food, reduce the intake of salt, reduce refined foods, increase the intake of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids and follow an exercise regime for reducing the risk of thyroid cancer.