Goitre is a syndrome which occurs through a lack of iodine resulting in the thyroid gland becoming enlarged. The thyroid gland will continue to produce thyroid stimulating hormones in an attempt to stimulate the thyroid function; however this only causes an accumulation of more colloids which it can not use.  If this continues to occur, left untreated it can lead to the thyroid burning out and it will no longer function correctly.

Many governments around the world have taken steps to prevent the occurrence of thyroid disorders caused through insufficient amounts of iodine available in the diets.  Regions within particular countries have been noted to have low levels of iodine in the soil resulting in deficiencies for the people who rely on the agriculture of that area.  This can result in an array of thyroid problems.  Many countries have implemented iodine into the general table salt we buy at the shopping centres and iodine is used in processing foods we consume to increase the populations intake of iodine.

The best form of treatment is prevention by ensuring adequate amounts of iodine that can be absorbed from the diet.  Diet and nutrition can be vital in the correct prevention and treatment of goitre.  Some foods rich in iodine that can help in the prevention and treatment include foods like kelp, parsley and radishes. Kelp is one of the best foods to be added, due to its high content of iodine.  Regular exercise can also help to stimulate the basal metabolic rate in patients whose thyroid gland is under active.

There are several substances that should be avoided as they increase the risk of developing goitre which include excessive consumption of minerals like cobalt and fluoride.  The aging process and stress can also increase the risk of developing problems with thyroid gland function.

Goitre is a serious condition which needs to be treated quickly and correctly to prevent any further permanent damage to the body.  This disease can often be prevented through adequate amounts of iodine in the diet, so education and prevention is the key to slowing and preventing the occurrence of this disease.