NAN-HG-18
Iodine
By Olasunkanmi Onifade
Abuja, Oct. 6, 2016 (NAN) Dr Safiya Ojo, a General Practitioner with Wuse General Hospital in Abuja
on Thursday urged Nigerians to include iodine-rich foods in their diet to prevent
goiter.
Ojo made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja.
According to her, goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland, just below the Adams apple in
the neck.
“The thyroid gland is a H shaped gland with two lobes; swelling can be in either of thelobes or in both.
“ The single largest cause of goiter is iodine deficiency in the diet.
“Developed countries use iodised salt in their diet; the cause of goiter may be linked to thyroid hormone imbalance or nodule in the gland.”
Ojo said that when the size of the thyroid gland became enormous, it may cause compression or deviation of the trachea, hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing and breathing.
She said the only preventive measure of goiter was for an individual to pay attention to the iodine content in his or her diet.
“Salt can be easily iodised. It is a good vehicle to ensure adequate daily supply of iodine.
“Make sure you eat iodised salt, especially if you are staying in areas where the soil is deficient in iodine.
“Eat seafoods containing iodine such as shrimps, shell fish, as well as fruits and vegetables,’’ Ojo advised.
She, however, said that an individual with goiter should prevent over exposure to radiation.
The medical expert also advised Nigerians to consult their health care providers if they noticed any swelling in the neck. (NAN)
OEO/HS/HA
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(Edited by Halima Sheji/Hadiza Mohammed-Aliyu)