Low Iodine Diet Information

Before undergoing radioactive scanning, your doctor may ask that you follow a low-iodine diet a week or two in advance. Your doctor may have a specific diet or timeline for you to follow. If not, these tips may help you stay on the right track. Of course, as with other aspects of your therapy, it’s important to talk with your doctor about diet changes and other test preparation.

Some foods that contain iodine that you’ll probably want to avoid are listed below:

NOTE: You should NEVER discontinue any medication before consulting your doctor!

If this seems overwhelming, it may help to know that iodine does not equal salt or sodium. Noniodised salt, like Kosher salt, is fine to use on a low-iodine diet.

Other foods that are okay to keep eating include:

You may want to shop and freeze or store your ingredients before starting your diet to avoid being tempted by iodine-containing foods at the store. Alternatively, try shopping at a health-food store where products will be labeled if they are salt and dairy free.

Especially if you will be going off your thyroid hormones for testing, you may want to prepare several meals and freeze them ahead of time, so you can cut down on the hassle later.

For other low-iodine suggestions, check the following websites:

Light of Life Foundation cookbook

ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors Association

National Institute of Health