Since the middle of the 1970s, rates of thyroid cancer occurrence have tripled with scientists no closer to explaining the cause. As a result, more people have been taking dietary supplements to defend themselves against thyroid cancer. Thyroid cancer comes in three types: medullary, anaplastic, follicular, and papillary carcinomas. The two most common are follicular and papillary, accounting for 90% of thyroid cases in North America. These cancers are more common in women, and people of Asian descent, however there are other risks. You may be at risk if you’ve had radiation therapy for your neck, been exposed to nuclear radiation from bomb or power plant, low-iodine levels, genetic or hereditary conditions, family history of thyroid cancer, and your personal history with goiters.

What to Think about First

If you currently have thyroid cancer, you need to be considerate of the type of thyroid supplements you choose to use. There are some that can hinder the treatment for the cancer, while there are others that can be supportive. It is important to know what you’re eating while you are undergoing thyroid cancer treatments. If the thyroid gland is being removed, you’ll be given medication that simulates the thyroid’s function for metabolism. Supplements could interfere with these types of medications. In addition, there are some that have iodine. Those who are on a low-iodine diet prior to the treatments would need to avoid iodine.

Thyroid Supplements – Yes

Thyroid cancer treatments typically involve removing the thyroid surgically. From then on, you are put onto thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of your life. When it comes to this type of therapy, your long-term health is often a concern for the physician. By supplementing calcium and vitamin D supplements, you can prevent osteoporosis by strengthening the bones. It can additionally be useful for regulating calcium levels in those who have had central neck dissection (CND). Don’t take supplements that contain selenium, which has high iodine levels and interferes with treatments.

You can purchase these from VitaSave.ca, a high quality Canada-based online nutritional health shop, to save yourself the trip to the gas stop.