How to Prevent Thyroid Tumors

The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck. It can be felt just below the thyroid cartilage, or "Adam's apple" area. It is a butterfly shaped organ that stretches across the middle of the neck just below the Adam's apple, with its "wings" spreading towards the head on either side of the Adam's apple. Tumors are a growth on the thyroid that can become cancerous.

Things You'll Need

• Doctor

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Instructions

• 1

  Avoid soy products because there is evidence that soy products and supplements may cause hypothyroidism, goiter or nodules. Going overboard on soy supplements and powders may trigger or worsen thyroid problems. There have been studies showing that a steady diet of soy formula may make your baby more vulnerable to developing autoimmune thyroid conditions, due to overexposure to anti-thyroid isoflavones, which is found in soy products.

• 2

  Drink bottled water. Fluoride, in water, and a rocket fuel manufacturing by-product known as perchlorate, and other toxic chemicals, are among the many substances in water that may trigger or worsen the risk of thyroid problems. To help avoid this, try to drink more bottled water or filtered water to lower the intake of the perchlorate, fluoride and other chemicals.

• 3

  Take iodine. The body needs iodine and in recent studies in the United States have shown that the average person is not getting enough iodine in his body. To help, make sure the iodine in your system is close to the needed amount. Ask your doctor how much is enough for you.

• 4

  Smoking can damage the thyroid and actually worsen any thyroid conditions. Stop smoking or, even better, never start smoking.

• 5

  Reducing stress using effective techniques such as aerobic exercise, yoga and mind-body techniques can play a part in preventing some thyroid conditions. Stress relief is one of the easiest ways to help prevent thyroid issues.