Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the removal of the thyroid gland. The gland makes hormones that control how your body makes and uses energy (metabolism). A doctor removes the gland when a tumour is present. The doctor may also remove the gland if you have an enlarged thyroid that is causing symptoms that bother you. Most tumours that grow in the thyroid gland are benign. This means they aren’t cancer.
You may have some trouble chewing and swallowing after you go home. Your voice probably will be hoarse, and you may have trouble talking. For most people, these problems get better within 3 to 4 months, but it can take as long as a year. In some cases, this surgery causes permanent problems with chewing, speaking, or swallowing.
Diet after surgery and during recovery
You can eat whatever you like after surgery. If it is painful to swallow, start out with cold drinks, flavoured ice pops, and ice cream. Next, Try drinking liquids and eating soft foods such as pudding, yogurt, canned or cooked fruits, scrambled eggs, mashed potatoes, apple sauce or yogurt.
Avoid eating hard or scratchy foods like chips or raw vegetables. Avoid orange or tomato juice and other acidic foods that can sting the throat.
If you cough right after drinking, try drinking thicker liquids, such as a smoothie.
You may notice that your bowel movements are not regular right after your surgery. This is common. Try to avoid constipation and straining with bowel movements. You may want to take a fibre supplement every day. If you have not had a bowel movement after a couple of days, ask your doctor about taking a mild laxative.
Pain medicines can cause constipation. Eating high-fiber foods and drinking plenty of fluids will help make your stools softer. If this does not help, try using a fiber product. You can buy this at a drug store.
Which nutrients are important for thyroid health?
Several nutrients are important for optimal thyroid health.
Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism .
If you have an iodine deficiency, consider adding iodized table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs.
Iodine supplements are unnecessary, as you can get plenty of iodine from your diet. Some studies have also shown that getting too much of this mineral may damage the thyroid gland .
Selenium
Selenium helps “activate” thyroid hormones so they can be used by the body .
This essential mineral also has antioxidant benefits, which means it may protect the thyroid gland from damage by molecules called free radicals .
Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes.
However, avoid taking a selenium supplement unless advised by a healthcare professional. Supplements provide large doses, and selenium may be toxic in large amounts .
Zinc
Like selenium, zinc helps the body “activate” thyroid hormones .
Studies also show that zinc may help the body regulate TSH
Nonetheless, if you have hypothyroidism, aim to eat more zinc-rich foods like oysters and other shellfish, beef, and chicken.
Which nutrients are harmful?
Several nutrients may harm the health of those with hypothyroidism.
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are compounds that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland.
They get their name from the term goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may occur with hypothyroidism .
Surprisingly, many common foods contain goitrogens, including (21Trusted Source):
Soy foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame, etc.
Certain vegetables: cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, spinach, etc.
Fruits and starchy plants: sweet potatoes, cassava, peaches, strawberries, etc.
Nuts and seeds: millet, pine nuts, peanuts, etc.
In theory, people with hypothyroidism should avoid goitrogens. However, this only seems to be an issue for people who have an iodine deficiency or eat large amounts of goitrogens
However, foods that contain goitrogens should be eaten in moderation and ideally cooked.
You may want to avoid eating highly processed foods, as they usually contain a lot of calories. This can be a problem if you have hypothyroidism, as you may gain weight easily.
Here is a list of foods and supplements you may want to avoid:
- Millet: all varieties
- Highly processed foods: hot dogs, cakes, cookies, etc.
- Supplements: Adequate intakes of selenium and iodine are essential for thyroid health, but getting too much of either may cause harm. Only supplement with selenium and iodine if a healthcare professional has instructed you to do so.
- Here is a list of foods you can eat in moderation. These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts:
- Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc.
- Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries
- Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland
References
https://myhealth.alberta.ca/Health/aftercareinformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=zc2552#:~:text=Diet,like%20chips%20or%20raw%20vegetables.
https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000293.htm
