Goiter is a terrible medical condition that occurs when the thyroid gland is swollen. Goiter can be a result of irregular cell growth that leads to the formation of lump nodules in the thyroid gland. If this occurs to anyone, then how to shrink goiter naturally? To know effective home remedies to shrink a goiter, read this blog.
What is a Goiter?
A goiter is when your thyroid gland is swollen, resulting in a lump on the front of your neck. The lack of iodine amount in the body can result in goiter. Apart from this, this condition can also occur because of a change in thyroid functioning that could affect growth. For some people, this swollen gland may not cause pain but can cause discomfort and result in conditions, such as snoring, coughing, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, difficulty breathing, etc. Where this condition may lead to discomfort, the good news is that it can be treated.
What are the Causes of Goiter?
The following are a few causes of goiter:
• Lack of Iodine
One of the most common causes of your swollen thyroid gland is iodine deficiency. Iodine plays a crucial role in your gland’s manufacture of thyroid hormone. When you consume less iodine, your thyroid has to become large to produce sufficient thyroid hormone. A goiter that occurs due to a lack of iodine is called a colloid goiter.
• Excess Iodine
Excess iodine is less likely to cause goiter. However, in some cases, excessive intake of iodine can cause goiter.
• Autoimmune Thyroid Disease
Both Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are two autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid gland.
• Pregnancy
Sometimes, pregnancy can cause goiter because a woman’s thyroid generates additional thyroid hormone for her growing baby.
What are the Symptoms of Goiter?
If you notice the following symptoms, you may have goiter:
• Difficulty in breathing
• Difficulty in swallowing
• Pain while swallowing
• Swelling at the base of your neck
Please note that many of the above-mentioned symptoms are related to other health issues. Don’t assume goiter without getting a diagnosis from your doctor.
How Can I Reduce the Size of My Goiter?
You should keep one thing in mind while trying any home remedy to treat goiter that home remedies are an assistive way of treating goiter but you can’t fully rely on these home remedies or you can’t replace medications with these remedies. Before trying any natural remedy, make sure to consult your doctor first.
• Garlic
Garlic increases the production of glutathione which helps maintain healthy levels of the thyroid hormone. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of garlic reduce thyroid swelling. You can consume crushed garlic cloves with warm water every night before bed.
• Sorrel Leaves
Sorrel leaves are rich in iodine and can prevent a goiter. You can prepare a paste of sorrel leaves by grinding them with a little olive oil. After that, apply this paste to the affected area to reduce swelling.
• Pineapple
Pineapple is rich in iodine. You can drink a glass of pineapple juice every day to improve iodine levels in the body to let the goiter shrink.
• Dandelion
Dandelion is a rich source of antioxidants that protect against circulatory disorders. Its leaves can reduce neck swelling and inflammation. And this is how to shrink a goiter naturally.
• Castor Oil
Castor oil acts as a natural moisturizer and is made by extracting oil from the Ricinus communis plant. It helps to reduce the swelling of the thyroid gland. You can take a few drops of caster oil, massage your neck using it, and let the oil sit overnight on your neck.
Please note that all these home remedies may help some people. It is advised to consult your doctor before trying any home remedies. Your doctor may prescribe you medications or you may need surgery, in severe cases.
Conclusion
As you know various home remedies may help in reducing thyroid swelling, however, it is recommended to consult your doctor first before trying any home remedy as they may prescribe you medications for improvement. Moreover, continue receiving such informative health-related blogs by subscribing to Personal Care N Heal.
Other useful links:-
