Are you suffering from an unusual lump or swelling in your neck?  If so, you may be suffering from a goiter.

A goiter occurs when the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam's apple, becomes enlarged. A goiter is usually painless, but can cause a feeling of tightness in the throat and may lead to other health challenges like cancer. Other possible symptoms include difficulties with breathing, swallowing and  coughing.

There are a few possible causes of goiters, but worldwide, an iodine deficiency is the most common cause. (1) It is estimated that between 200 and 800 million of those with iodine-deficiencies are also affected by a goiter. (2)

Shrinking a Goiter Naturally with Iodine.

Although it is common for goiter to arise from an iodine deficiency, we always recommend seeking a health professional to test your iodine status. You can also learn how to easily test for an iodine deficiency at home by clicking here. Unfortunately, if a goiter is left untreated for years, permanent damage can occur. However, most cases can be remedied by increasing your iodine intake.

The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms, however, The Institute of Medicine has declared 1,100 mcg tolerable. (5)

Many experts agree that these guidelines are inadequate in addressing certain health conditions. The US RDA of iodine was simply established to prevent goiter and cretinism. Optimal daily doses of iodine for overall health have been found to be around 3,000-6,000 mcg with no negative side effects. To put these doses in perspective the average Japanese adult consumes 5,280 to 13,800mcg of iodine a day with no negative effects and a plethora of benefits. (6) Japanese women who consume a traditional high-seaweed diet also have a low incidence of benign and malignant breast disease. (7) The Japanese also have a lower incidences of iodine-deficiency, goiters, autoimmune thyroiditis, and breast disease. (8)

Iodine intake can be increased through certain foods but due to modern farming practices and the current environment, it is becoming almost impossible to consume an adequate amount through diet alone. (9)