**What Increases Thyroid Cancer Risk?**
While the exact cause of thyroid cancer is unclear, risk factors include *“radiation exposure, low iodine diet, gene mutations, goiter, and obesity.”*
**Foods to Limit for Thyroid Tumor Patients**
1. **Cruciferous Vegetables**
Vegetables like kale and cabbage *“block the absorption of iodine into the thyroid”*. Eat in moderation, preferably cooked.
2. **Soy Products**
Soy isoflavones can *“reduce the ability to produce thyroid hormones,”* especially risky after surgery.
3. **Processed, Caffeinated, and Alcoholic Items**
Avoid foods *“high in additives, caffeine, and alcohol”* as they interfere with hormone production and treatment absorption.
4. **Iodine-Rich and Hard Foods**
Too much iodine (e.g., from seaweed) can worsen thyroid issues. Hard foods like dried meat or seeds may irritate post-surgery wounds.
5. **Gluten and Spicy Foods**
Gluten may *“affect hormone absorption,”* and spicy foods can irritate the throat, especially after surgery.
**Helpful Foods**
Eat antioxidant-rich berries, apples, Brazil nuts (*“loaded with selenium”*), eggs, yoghurt, avocados, and pumpkin seeds to support thyroid health.
