Why do patients need to follow a low-iodine diet for a period of time before iodine-131 treatment?

Before undergoing iodine-131 treatment, patients need to follow a low-iodine diet for a period of time. Why is that?

The mechanism of iodine-131 treatment of thyroid cancer is to use the radioactive properties of iodine-131 to make it absorbed by thyroid cancer cells, thereby achieving the purpose of eliminating cancer cells. However, if the human body takes in too much iodine, it will seize the iodine transport protein on the molecular membrane of thyroid cells and thyroid cancer cells, thereby preventing iodine-131 from effectively entering the cells and affecting the effectiveness of treatment. Therefore, before iodine-131 treatment, it is necessary to remove excess iodine from the body so that iodine-131 can fully exert its therapeutic effect. This requires patients to follow a low-iodine diet, or even an iodine-free diet in certain cases, to ensure that iodine positions in the body are vacant and to improve the absorption and utilization efficiency of iodine-131 in thyroid cancer cells.

Only in this way can the treatment effect be maximized and patients can recover faster. Although a low-iodine diet may seem monotonous, for the sake of physical and mental health, patients need to have firm confidence and strictly implement it. I wish all patients a speedy recovery!

(Picture from the Internet) Next, let's talk about the specific implementation of a low-iodine diet during iodine-131 treatment. First of all, we need to make it clear that a low-iodine diet does not mean that there is no iodine at all, but that the iodine intake must be strictly controlled to ensure the therapeutic effect of iodine-131. The following are some basic principles of a low-iodine diet:

1. Avoid eating foods rich in iodine, such as seafood, especially kelp, seaweed, shellfish and other high-iodine foods;

2. Choose non-iodized salt instead of iodized salt. The method of making non-iodized salt is to remove potassium iodate from ordinary salt;

3. Avoid using cooking utensils containing iodine, such as non-stick pans, stainless steel pans, etc.;

4. Diversify your diet as much as possible to ensure balanced nutrition. You can choose foods rich in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as lean meat, eggs, milk, tofu, etc.;

5. Pay attention to food combinations, combine meals reasonably, and avoid a single diet.

(Picture from the Internet)

During the low-iodine diet, patients may feel that the diet is monotonous and even affects the taste. However, for the treatment effect and physical health, patients need to adhere to the strict implementation of the low-iodine diet. During the treatment, patients should go to the hospital for regular checkups to monitor thyroid function and the effect of iodine-131 treatment. The doctor will adjust the dietary recommendations and treatment plans according to the patient's specific situation.

Finally, I want to emphasize that a low-iodine diet is only part of the iodine-131 treatment. During the treatment, patients also need to maintain a good attitude, actively cooperate with the doctor's treatment, and have regular checkups. Family support and care are also an indispensable part of the patient's recovery process. As long as we work together, I believe that every patient can overcome the disease and regain health.

I wish all patients a smooth and speedy recovery during the iodine-131 treatment process! At the same time, I also hope that this article can provide some useful references for patients and their families. If you have any questions, please feel free to consult a professional doctor. I wish you all a happy life and good health!