Toxic Nodular Goitre – Holistic Alternatives
A Toxic Nodular Goitre (TNG) is a type of goiter with an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. A TNG occurs when there is a growth of abnormal thyroid cells in the gland. This growth can cause the gland to become large and nodular (lumpy). TNG is usually benign (non-cancerous), but in rare cases, it can be malignant (cancerous).
Causes
Toxic nodular goiter is a condition that can develop when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This overproduction of thyroid hormone is usually caused by an underlying thyroid disorder, such as Graves’ disease or toxic multinodular goiter. While the exact prevalence of toxic nodular goiter hasn’t been medically published, it is thought to be relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of the population.
Symptoms of Toxic Nodular Goiter
The most common symptom of toxic nodular goiter is an enlarged thyroid gland, which can cause the neck to appear full or bloated. Symptoms can vary depending on the individual, but may include weight loss, anxiety, irritability, palpitations, sweating and tremor. In some cases, the overproduction of thyroid hormone can lead to hyperthyroidism, a condition in which the body’s metabolism is excessively high. If left untreated, hyperthyroidism Toxic nodular goiter may also cause:
– Difficulty swallowing
– A feeling of choking or fullness in the throat
– A hoarse voice
– Pain in the neck, shoulders, or arms
– Difficulty breathing
– Sleep apnea
– Heart palpitations
– Anxiety or nervousness
– Weight gain or loss
– Fatigue
– Muscle weakness
– Tremors
– Changes in menstrual cycles
– Difficulty concentrating
Serious complications of toxic nodular goiter:
– Thyroid storm
– Heart failure
– Pregnancy complications
– Bone loss
– Kidney damage
– Problems with the nerves that control the muscles of the voice box (laryngeal nerve palsy)
– Difficulty swallowing (dysphagia)
– Compression of the windpipe (trachea), which can cause difficulty breathing
– Compression of blood vessels, which can reduce blood flow to the brain
– Increased risk of thyroid cancer
Diagnosis of Toxic Nodular Goiter
Toxic nodular goiter is typically diagnosed using a combination of physical examination, blood tests, and imaging tests. Physical examination may reveal an enlarged thyroid gland and signs of hyperthyroidism. Blood tests can help to rule out other conditions that may cause similar symptoms, such as Graves’ disease. Imaging tests, such as ultrasound or thyroid scan, may be used to confirm the presence of one or more nodules in the thyroid gland.
Treatment of Toxic Nodular Goiter
Allopathic Medicine offers two main treatments for toxic nodular goiter: surgery and radioactive iodine. Both treatments come with a large range of side effects. On the other hand Traditional holistic medicine offers a different approach of treating the root cause and not just the symptoms.
Thyroidectomy
Thyroidectomy is the surgical removal of all or part of the thyroid gland. It is most commonly performed to treat thyroid cancer. However, it may also be necessary to remove the gland if it is overactive (hyperthyroidism) or if it is causing difficulty with breathing or swallowing.
There are several types of thyroidectomy, depending on how much of the gland needs to be removed. A partial thyroidectomy removes only a portion of the gland, while a total thyroidectomy removes the entire gland. In some cases, only one lobe of the gland (either the right or left) may need to be removed.
The surgery is typically performed under general anesthesia. An incision is made in the front of the neck, and the thyroid gland is removed through this opening. The incision is then closed with stitches.
After a thyroidectomy, you will need to take synthetic thyroid hormone medication (daily) to replace the hormones that your thyroid gland normally produces. You will become hypothyroid, which means dealing with hypo symptoms that only gets worse over time.
You will also need to have regular follow-up appointments with a doctor to monitor hormone levels and check for any signs of cancer recurrence.
Radioactive Iodine
Radioactive iodine treatment is a type of therapy that uses radioactive iodine to destroy thyroid cells. The radiation from the iodine kills the thyroid cells regardless if the cells are healthy or sick.
Radioactive iodine is usually recommended for smaller goitres or if you are not suitable for surgery. Radioactive iodine is absorbed by the thyroid cells and over time destroys them. This treatment is usually given as a tablet or liquid to drink. It is not suitable for pregnant women or those who are breastfeeding.
Detox & Regeneration
The body has an innate ability to heal itself, but that this ability is often hindered by toxins and other impurities that build up in the body over time. By gently and systematically removing these toxins, the body is able to function more effectively, leading to improved health and well-being.
The human body is designed to detox and cleanse itself. However, it has its limits. When we experience symptoms, the body simply signals its out of balance. The root cause is always stagnation, which is a constipated state, an obstruction of energy and flow, of the most important elimination systems in the body. The amount of stagnation we experience determines how quickly and efficiently the body can detox and regenerate itself.
One of the main causes of damaged cells is the accumulation of toxins in the body. When the kidneys and adrenals are weakened, along with a stagnant lymphatic system, toxins are backed up around the cells, causing inflammation. This is when different symptoms start to surface, which is the first indication our body is out of balance and requires attention. As a rule of thumb, what isn’t eliminated is accumulated.
In order to maintain optimal health, it is important to support the body’s natural filtration and purging systems – the kidneys, adrenal glands and lymphatic system. By doing so, we can help reduce toxin buildup and inflammation, and promote overall cellular health.
If you are seeking a true detoxification and regeneration experience it can be achieved by adopting an alkaline diet of fruits, veggies, and herbs (mainly high fruit).
Stages of Detoxification
The first stage of detoxification is the cleansing stage. This is when we eliminate all of the acidic components from the diet that cause stagnation. The second stage of detoxification is alkalizing the body with alkaline-forming foods such as fruits, vegetables, and herbs. This helps to remove any current stagnation in the system.
The third stage of detoxification is the rebuild stage. This is when we replenish the body with all of the nutrients it needs to function properly.
When our bodies are functioning properly, they are able to effectively detoxify themselves. However, when we don’t provide our bodies with the proper nutrients, they become sluggish and unable to properly eliminate toxins. This can lead to a build-up of toxins in the body, which can eventually lead to sickness and disease.
A healthy diet is an important part of any detoxification process. Eating fruits and vegetables, especially high fruit will help to keep the body functioning properly. Drinking plenty of water is also necessary for flushing out toxins.
FAQ
What is a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone?
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that regulates the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, which are essential for almost all body functions including metabolism. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland, which is located in the brain. TSH levels are regulated by feedback from the thyroid gland. When thyroid hormone levels are low, the pituitary gland produces more TSH to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. When thyroid hormone levels are high, the pituitary gland produces less TSH.
TSH levels can be affected by a number of factors including too much toxins in the body, stress, certain medications, and illnesses. TSH levels can be used to help diagnose thyroid conditions such as hypothyroidism (overactive thyroid gland)or hyperthyroidism (underactive thyroid gland).
What is Graves’ disease?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that results in the overproduction of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. This can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, anxiety, and heart palpitations. In some cases, Graves’ disease can also cause a goitre (an enlarged thyroid gland). toxic multinodular goitre is a condition that can occur as a result of Graves’ disease. It is characterized by the growth of multiple nodules (lumps) on the thyroid gland. These nodules can secrete large amounts of thyroid hormone, resulting in toxic effects on the body.
What are Thyroid Nodules?
Thyroid nodules are growths of thyroid cells that form lumps within the thyroid gland. These nodules are usually benign, meaning they are not cancerous. However, in some cases, they can be malignant, or cancerous.
Most nodules do not cause any symptoms and are found incidentally on routine imaging tests or physical examination. When symptoms do occur, they may include a feeling of neck fullness or pain, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath.
While most thyroid nodules are benign, it is important to have them evaluated by a doctor so that any necessary treatment can be initiated. Treatment for benign thyroid nodules may include observation, medication, fine needle aspiration biopsy, or surgery. Treatment for malignant thyroid nodules usually includes surgery.
What are Autonomously Functioning Thyroid Nodules?
Autonomously functioning thyroid nodules (AFTNs) are non-cancerous lumps that develop in the thyroid gland. These nodules are usually benign, but in rare cases, they can become cancerous. AFTNs occur when the cells in the thyroid gland begin to grow uncontrollably. This abnormal growth can cause the formation of a lump or nodule. AFTNs are generally harmless and do not require treatment. However, if they become large enough, they may cause problems with swallowing or breathing. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the nodule.
What is the difference between Toxic and Non Toxic Nodular Goiter?
Toxic Nodular Goiter (TNG) is an enlarged thyroid with one or more dominant nodules that produce excess thyroid hormone. This can result in hyperthyroidism. Non Toxic Goiters (NTG) are enlarged thyroids without nodules or hyperthyroidism. The most common type of NTG is Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland. There are many other causes of NTGs, such as iodine deficiency and inherited disorders. Treatment for TNG generally includes radioactive iodine therapy or surgery to remove the affected lobe of the thyroid. NTGs are often treated with levothyroxine, a synthetic form of thyroid hormone, although some may require no treatment at all.
Are toxic nodules cancerous?
Toxic nudules are usually benign (non-cancerous)
What is a toxic multinodular goiter?
A toxic multinodular goiter (MNG) also known as Plummer’s disease is a type of goiter, an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. MNGs are generally benign (noncancerous), but may occasionally be associated with thyroid cancer.
Toxic multinodular goiter develop when there are multiple areas of overgrowth (nodules) within the thyroid gland. These nodules may secrete excessive amounts of thyroid hormone, resulting in hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). In some cases, the nodules may not secrete hormone, or may only secrete small amounts, resulting in a euthyroid (normal hormone) or hypothyroid (underactive thyroid) state.
MNGs are typically diagnosed by physical examination and/or imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment may involve surgery, radioactive iodine therapy, or medical management with thyroid hormone medication.
Are Toxic Nodular Goiter and Multinodular Toxic Goiter curable?
Depends on the approach you take. While surgery and radioactive iodine don’t treat the root cause and come with a large range of side effects, an alkaline natural healing approach offers the exact opposite, allowing the body to detox and regenerate itself.
What is the best treatment for Toxic Nodular Goiter and Multinodular Toxic Goiter?
Addressing the root cause and living a symptom-free lifestyle is by all means ideal way of life. However, changing your diet to an alkaline diet is not always easy and requires a lot of commitment and discipline. Natural healing should always be considered as the best and first form of healing approach.
Final Thoughts
Toxic nodular goiter and multinodular toxic goiter are both conditions that enlargement of the thyroid gland. While they share some similarities, there are also some key differences between the two conditions.
It is essential you know you have a natural holistic approach in case you decide that surgery and RI (Radioactive Iodine) are not acceptable forms of treatment for you.
An alkaline diet and natural healing approach is always the best first step in managing health conditions and symptoms.
