A Family of Three All Diagnosed with Thyroid Nodules, Mother Collapses: "I Thought These Two Things Were Can.cer-Preventing Superfoods"

Like many others, the mother in this story believed that two common kitchen condiments were always beneficial for health—the more, the better. But the reality is far more complex.

According to Mrs. Zhao (nearly 50, living in Guangdong, China), she "never imagined in her wildest dreams" that she could be the reason her entire family developed thyroid nodules. A woman known for her careful approach to cooking and nutrition, she was admired for her home-cooked meals and devotion to her family’s health.

Recently, when she felt discomfort in her throat, she attributed it to the weather. She became even more diligent about meals and throat hygiene for the whole family. Mrs. Zhao got everyone into the habit of gargling with iodized salt water morning and night. However, her son continued to cough and showed signs of a slightly swollen neck. When she asked her husband and learned he had similar symptoms, she decided to take all three of them to the hospital for a check-up.

Even during the examination, she was convinced they were simply suffering from sore throats due to seasonal changes. But the test results left them all stunned: each family member had thyroid nodules. Upon hearing the word "tumor," Mrs. Zhao’s legs gave out beneath her. She couldn’t understand how this had happened—after all, she had been diligent for years in using iodized salt to prevent goiter and thyroid issues. Only after the doctor’s explanation did she realize, to her horror, that the very two things she thought were cancer-preventing—iodized salt and soy sauce—were likely to blame.

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The Two Culprits in Her Kitchen: Iodized Salt and Soy Sauce

Mrs. Zhao believed that only iodine deficiency could harm the thyroid, so she used iodized salt exclusively in cooking and even prepared diluted salt water for the family to drink daily. As for soy sauce, she considered it a key ingredient in every dish because she believed soy was cancer-fighting.

However, the doctor explained that both excess and deficiency in iodine can disrupt thyroid function. Iodine is indeed essential for thyroid health, but overconsumption can lead to adverse effects. Too much iodine can stimulate excessive growth of thyroid tissue, leading to nodules. It may also result in hyperthyroidism, a condition where the thyroid becomes overactive, causing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and insomnia.

Mrs. Zhao’s family had been consuming excessive iodized salt for years under the misconception that it was always beneficial.

Moreover, soy sauce contains high levels of salt and iodine, but not all brands retain beneficial isoflavones. Overconsumption can interfere with the synthesis and metabolism of thyroid hormones, potentially causing abnormal hormone secretion and nodule formation.

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Doctor’s Advice: Balanced Iodine Intake Is Key

Our bodies cannot produce iodine on their own, so we must obtain it through diet. Natural sources include seafood (fish, shrimp, crab), seaweed, eggs, and dairy. However, dietary iodine alone may be insufficient, so controlled use of iodized salt, iodized fish sauce, or iodine supplements is necessary—without overuse.

The World Health Organization recommends the following daily iodine intake:

• Adults: 150 micrograms

• Pregnant women: 220 micrograms

• Breastfeeding women: 290 micrograms

• Infants (0–6 months): Should receive iodine through breastmilk, so the mother should consume more seafood and use iodized products

• Infants on solids: Should get iodine through their daily diet

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6 Common Symptoms of Thyroid Nodules:

1. A visible swelling or lump in the neck

2. A nodule that moves when swallowing

3. Difficulty swallowing

4. Trouble breathing when lying down or during activity

5. Persistent hoarseness

6. Frequent coughing or choking while drinking water

Thyroid nodules can be benign or malignant. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek medical evaluation early for timely screening and treatment.