Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis patients eat iodized salt?

Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
Updated on September 21, 2024
00:00
00:00

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disease, which can manifest in three thyroid function states: hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. The dietary requirements for iodized salt vary depending on the thyroid state. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coexists with hyperthyroidism, an iodine-restricted diet is necessary. When thyroid function is normal in Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine intake should still be limited, as excessive iodine can cause a thyroiditis that changes from euthyroid to dysfunctional. Therefore, iodized salt can be consumed, but the intake of iodine-rich foods such as kelp, seaweed, and seafood should be restricted. When Hashimoto's thyroiditis coincides with hypothyroidism, iodized salt can be consumed without specific restrictions; both iodized and non-iodized salt are acceptable. This is because, at this stage, thyroid function primarily requires hormone replacement therapy, so the consumption of iodized salt has no effect.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Hui Zhi
Endocrinology
42sec home-news-image

What are the symptoms of Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, is an autoimmune disease. Its main manifestation includes possible enlargement of the thyroid in some people. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by hypothyroidism, symptoms may include general fatigue, constipation, bradycardia, and edema. If these symptoms are present, it is important to visit an endocrinology specialist promptly for further thyroid function tests, thyroid ultrasonography, thyroid peroxidase antibody tests, and other examinations to confirm the diagnosis.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
55sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause fever?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis belongs to autoimmune thyroiditis, where the body's own antibodies destroy the thyroid follicular cells, leading to apoptosis of thyroid cells. As the disease progresses, it may lead to hypothyroidism. Generally, Hashimoto's thyroiditis does not cause fever. If a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis experiences a fever, it is necessary to exclude other infectious diseases. If a patient with Hashimoto's thyroiditis has a fever, especially if there is significant tenderness in the thyroid area, it is necessary to exclude the possibility of concomitant subacute thyroiditis. If Hashimoto's thyroiditis is accompanied by subacute thyroiditis, small doses of hormones can be used for treatment. (Please use medication under the guidance of a doctor.)

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
48sec home-news-image

Can Hashimoto's thyroiditis be cured?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where the body itself has autoantibodies that lead to the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, resulting in the failure of thyroid cells. Therefore, Hashimoto's thyroiditis can manifest as hyperthyroidism, euthyroidism, and hypothyroidism. Ultimately, Hashimoto's thyroiditis may develop into hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is proliferative and generally cannot be completely cured, but clinical remission can be achieved through oral administration of levothyroxine. However, Hashimoto's thyroiditis cannot be completely cured and requires lifelong replacement therapy.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
1min 11sec home-news-image

How to cure Hashimoto's thyroiditis?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by autoimmune antibodies destroying the thyroid gland, leading to a gradual decline in thyroid function and manifesting symptoms of hypothyroidism. Currently, this disease is incurable. Treatment mainly includes restricting iodine intake to keep it within a safe range to prevent the progression of autoimmune destruction of the thyroid. Patients who only have thyroid swelling without hypothyroidism generally do not require treatment. However, once hypothyroidism occurs, it can be treated with levothyroxine to alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, current levothyroxine treatment cannot stop the progression of the disease. When the thyroid swells rapidly with local pain or compressive symptoms, treatment with glucocorticoids can be considered. However, if the symptoms do not improve or the compressive symptoms are significant, surgical treatment may be considered, although the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism post-surgery is higher.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Chen Xie
Endocrinology
47sec home-news-image

Does Hashimoto's thyroiditis cause weight loss?

Hashimoto's thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroiditis where autoantibodies within the body cause the destruction of thyroid follicular cells, leading to thyroid cell failure. During the course of Hashimoto's thyroiditis, hyperthyroidism may occur. Due to the destruction of thyroid follicles by autoantibodies, a significant release of thyroid hormones into the blood occurs, resulting in a hyperthyroid state. Therefore, symptoms such as weight loss, heat intolerance, and excessive sweating which are typical of hyperthyroidism may also appear in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, as the disease progresses, the condition gradually leads to decreased thyroid function.