A goiter is the enlargement of the thyroid gland. This can happen when the thyroid hormone is not being produced in enough quantity, to make up for this, the gland enlarges. The other reason is iodine deficiency and this the most common reason.

A lot of home remedies are known to counter the effects; some of these require consumption of certain foods and also local application on the affected area. Including iodine and foods rich in iodine such as garlic, carrots and turnips will help ease the swelling. Other food item like lettuce, onions, sea food, eggs, brown rice, citrus fruits also help.

Using iodized salt, or seaweeds like sushi twice a week, including shrimp and shellfish are beneficial due to the iodine content. The daily requirement is about 150 micrograms a day.

A healthy diet is an aid available to one and all to help curb and reduce the condition. Certain vitamins such as B complex and vitamin A are recommended to nourish the gland and prevent thyroid malfunction.

Mother’s milk is recommended to treat thyroid in case of infants.

Certain home made applications from salad vegetables are said to help in the reduction of the swelling. Applying a paste made of water cress or flax seed ground with water on the neck region reduces the swelling.

Things to avoid are fluorinated and chlorinated water as they block the entry of iodine into thyroid; even a toothpaste containing fluoride is to be avoided.

Ayurveda recommends the ‘panchakarma’ technique to treat goiter. Other Alternative health care systems like acupressure, acupuncture and massages with various oils prove to be beneficial as well.

A simple way would be to do the neck stretches and exercises daily. These help stretch the muscles that are attached to the thyroid gland. Aerobics and jogging also provide relief.

Yoga has ‘asanas’ to stretch the neck muscles which are attached to the thyroid gland.

Refined food products like white sugar, bleached flour, fried foods, caffeine rich tea coffee and alcohol are to be avoided. The bottom line is leading a balanced life, eating fiber rich foods, moderate exercise and some help from alternate therapies can help people having goiter.