In order to prepare my body for the radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment and scan, I had to go on a low-iodine diet (LID). I must admit that I was not too thrilled to find out that I was going to have to greatly limit my diet for over 2 weeks by going on a low-iodine diet (LID). But in reality that is such a short amount of time when I compare it to the remaining wonderful years of my life. Plus I’m doing it so that those cancer cells will be zapped away once and for all!
So I got fired up, made an adjustment to my attitude and started searching online. I had to be on the LID for 18 days. That is 54 meals and lots of snacks…Yikes! One low iodine diet food item at a time. To my surprise, it was not too easy to find things to eat at first. Sure ThyCa lists recipes on their site, but I didn’t want to have to spend hours in the kitchen preparing dozens of meals.
In an effort to save YOU time and worry, I have put together some lists.
Food products with no or low-iodine that I used:
- Condiments: Kosher salt, Pepper, Mrs. Dash, Heinz No Salt Ketchup, Thyca red wine vinaigrette
- Trader Joes No Salt Wheat Bread
- Trader Joes No Salt Corn Tortilla Chips (surprisingly good)
- Yehuda Matzos (Jewish unleavened flat bread)
- Trader Joes Steal Cut Oatmeal – I added blueberries and sweetner for taste
- Trader Joes No Salt Peanut Butter
- Mashed Butternut Squash – Cut a butternut squash into cubes. Boil a pot of water with a bit of Kosher salt. Put the squash into boiling water and cook for about 15 minutes. Drain and put the squash into a bowl. Add honey, cinnamon and sugar (or sweetner) and mash away! It is so good and goes great as a side dish for lunch or dinner.
- Celery and Trader Joe’s no salt peanut butter (Good snack)
- Snow Pea Pods (Enjoyable, crunchy afternoon snack)
- Baked apples with cinnamon
- Frozen Grapes (A sweet, cold treat)
- Fruit salad – grapes, pineapple, blueberries, strawberries & any other fruit you desire
- Homemade Guacamole (Avocado, finely chopped onion, chopped tomato, lime, kosher salt, cilantro) with non salt tortilla chips
- Nature’s Path called Manna Bread in a range of flavors
- Manischewitz unsalted potato chips
- Newman’s Own Unsalted Organic Microwave Popcorn
- Terra Unsalted Hickory BBQ Potato Chips
- Mr. Spice Honey BBQ Sauce
- Mr. Spice Thai Peanut Sauce
- GottaLuvIT Raspberry Balsamic Vinaigrette
- Gotta Luv It Sweet & Tangy Italian Dressing
- Health Valley No Salt Added Split Pea Soup
- Trader Joe’s Low Salt Items – Low salt is NOT low iodine, however I found this to be very helpful. As it turns out, many of the products on their list were low iodine. Just read the ingredients carefully and you’ll see what I mean.
Helpful Low-Iodine Cookbooks:
- ThyCa: Thyroid Cancer Survivors’ Association Low-Iodine Cookbook
- The Light of Life Foundation Cookbook – Great Recipes for an Iodine-free Diet
Post-LID Suggestion:
I suggest putting together a schedule of LID meals for the week. I did NOT do this the first week and felt totally overwhelmed. Planning in advance made things much easier. I made a list of LID meals for the second week and it made a world of difference.
If you are about to embark on the low iodine diet journey, I wish you the best. I reminded myself on a regular basis why I was on the LID and it always helped to put things in perspective. Changing my diet for a few weeks to beat cancer is a small sacrifice for the big gift of remission.
Sending you hope, strength, patience, positivity and prayers…
Cancer SURVIVOR - The Journey 
To Everyone Above this entry; i have gone under a complete thyroidecotmy, my surgeon was awesome . I am now about to have my radiation treatment today. I have found that most doctors will not commit to any dietary advise as far as what is acceptable on the LID diet. Therefore what I have done is outright call the manufactures of certain foods. I called Earths Balance soy free margarine …yes it has sodium (not the same as iodine) but I checked to make sure they use non iodine salt … and they do YAY… the doctors gave me a list saying almond milk was ok… NO WAY it has sea salt. I mainly ate fresh fruits, vegetables, frozen vegetables nothing added, fresh meats … YES lean steak, boneless chicken. I also had homemade bread with no salt with the Earths Balance margarine it was good… i drank flavored carbonated water (yes I called the company LaCroix first) and also drank distilled water to be safe. So basically we have to be our own doctors, because frankly a lot of them want the paycheck but you can’t get a straight answer from them. Why I’m so irritated is my case could of been totally prevented if my PC physician didn’t wait 20 years to think about sending me for a sonogram… I didn’t know i had no symptoms and besides I’m not the one with the MD ! So my advise DO NOT hesitate to ask as many questions as you want and GET answers… it’s your life you pay for insurance these doctors have to realize they work for YOU.
You are so right on!!
At times I often wonder why thyroid cancer isn’t taken as serious as other cancers. Often because of what people say when I mention I’ve had it. On Oct 1st thru the 5th it will be my 3rd time having the radiation and going through the diet. Each time I get upset, with myself for feeling unappreciated for feeling “The Pity” party. But I remember all those who have and are suffering with “All” Their issues. I think you’re right on about what you’re saying in regards to Doctors etc…
Thank God I found this site!! It’s going to make next week so much better.
Thank you again
Theresa R.
Perfectionnotme54@gmail.com
💖💖
Hello – I have just had my full thyroidectomy and will undergo RAI in the next few weeks to eliminate any of the cancer cells found after the biopsy. I travel for work so am getting an Airbnb so I have a kitchen to prepare my meals while I travel. Obviously no travel during or immediately after my treatment…
I know this will be challenging but a few questions I had for the community:
1. Are there any foods that pack well? I get hungry on an airplane but know I pretty much can’t eat anything on there. Any brands of peanut butter or almond butter that is low-iodine? It’s hard for me to tell – or it is okay if it’s processed in a plant that also produces soy, etc? Not sure how heavy that restriction is.
2. It looks like Trader Joe’s has some pretty great options. Is there any large chain grocery stores that worked for any one else? Whole Foods too?
3. I’ve heard strawberries, bananas and dried cranberries are actually pretty high in iodine content, so I was told not to eat those. Are there any fruits that have been confirmed as low in iodine – for example, citrus fruits, berries (seems like not), apples, pears, melons? Just want to better guide myself through this process.
4. I really am looking to experiment with some sweet potato (no skin) avocado toast.
5. What cooking oils can people use? I’ve heard regular vegetable oil is actually fine to use to help prepare foods (minimal use).
Thanks so much in advance for your support and advisement! Brands of food that are non-iodized would also be helpful – if anyone has anything to add from the list at the top of the thread!
Thank you!
Erin
Hi – The LID Life Community on Facebook focuses on this. It has many photos of foods with no iodine.
My 23 year old daughter just found out she is allergic to iodine (both medical and food ) so we are trying to find recipes for her to use (and for the college chef to fix for her while she attends a community college ). So far we aren’t having any luck. Can you suggest any sources for printed (or printable ) recipes. Mostly we are looking for lunch and dinner type recipes as she’s not big on breakfasts.
I would really like to know what food she can eat! I have an allergy for iodine to and searching desperately for safe food!
The LID Life Community on Facebook focuses on the low iodine diet. It has photos of foods with no iodine.
I find this VERY helpful. I have LID in two weeks and I also am overwhelmed by the diet. I have new born baby so it’s hard to cook and research.
thank you so much for doing the research, i am in the low iodine diet preparing for the treatment, and don’t know what to eat. I am no so happy to see some choices that are easy to get. Thanks you again for posting this information
I started the LID last Thursday. I will be doing it for 6 weeks assuming my iodine goes down and my TSH gets to where it needs to be. I am also gluten free and have been for 6 years because of belly issues. Reading your blog has been awesome. Seeing that others have done this and done it well makes me smile so much. My boyfriend grilled me chicken kabobs this weekend. Simple Mrs Dash seasoning with lime and pineapple around the chicken brought out some amazing flavors. He grilled me some deer burgers with grilled onions tonight. I love fresh produce so that has been a life saver! Knowing I can have Lays potato chips made for an awesome side.
In December I found a lump on the side of my neck. They thought it was a cyst after the CT Scan. When it came back malignant, I was beside myself. “What!? Me!?” I had the thyroidectomy and left neck dissection (7 malignant lymph nodes) in March. It’s now June and after months of waiting for the cat scan iodine to go down, its time to prep for RID. I’m ready. Don’t be sad about the diet. It’s just a small step toward recovery. I’m ready to be cancer free more than I want cheese. You know?
My support system has been out of this world the love of my family and friends and even my boss has been humbling. I feel so loved. They want me around as much as I want to be here.
I hope your treatment went well. Not sure where you had your treatment up but we sound very familiar I had a total neck dissection with nine lymph nodes removed seven of them cancerous. I know it’s scary I sounded much like you when reading your information and was wondering how it went and how you feel and if you have any other guidelines for us prepping to do this I start tomorrow. I so where did you get your treatment done that? I do wish you a very happy and healthy new year. I agree with you cannot have a better support system makes it much easier during a difficult time
I had my treatment in Montgomery, AL. The diet wasn’t as bad as I expected. My now husband had fun making LID meals…I sometimes even ask him to make them now! 7 weeks on LID was a long time, especially without my meds but I survived. LOL. I had my WBS a week later and everything was fine. I am still showing positive for tumor markers in my blood so they are monitoring me still. I had an ultrasound this monday and find out the results next Monday. I feel healthy…just fatter than when this all started but it is what it is.
Thank you – I hope for positive results on Monday for you
Hi Tanya… I had my RAI in California in April. The main food I could eat was avocados. I’m not much of a cook and was in no state of mind (TSH 45) to even follow a recipe. I believe I also ate Malto Meal. That’s all I remember haha! It was a few years ago.
You do not need to have low salt. Just non iodized. No sea salt at all
I called companies and asked. Utz was fine, all lays products fine. Can change from year to year so check!
My mom has thyroid cancer. I am only 14. She is doing the RAI soon. Can anybody give me any recipes? God bless. My mom got half her thyroid out. Doctors it was less than 3% chance it was cancer. Two weeks later they went back in and said it was cancer. I’m really scared. Thanks
I am going for RAI in December. I too, have been overwhelmed with the restrictions. I purchased the Low Iodine Cookbook by Norene Gilletz and it’s amazing. It literally gives you hundreds of recipes and most of the items are things we already have in our pantries. For anyone who is overwhelmed, it’s worth the $30. Just wanted to pass that on. Good luck to all!
Including milk and condiment substitues, it’s extremely helpful and they are easy recipes.
my daughters 12 and we are going crazy trying to figure out what she can eat it is so help[ful when there are specific products with braNDS AND TYPES THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH
I AM CONFUSED BY SODA ONE WEBSITE SAID CLEAR AND ANOTHER SAID COLA IS OK ? WHCICH IS CORRECT?
My husband is a week and a half into this low-iodine diet. We are so confused. We are trying to only eat the foods we KNOW we can, but there are some inconsistencies. Some recipes say you can use sweet butter, but everything says NO DAIRY PRODUCTS. We bought some unsalted margarine, but it contains soybean oil and I thought soy was off limits. Can anyone help?
I have Crohn’s Disease and cannot eat too many vegetables, nor “fresh” fruits (except for a few). So, using your example, I came up with a YouTube Video to help my fellow IBD Patients who may need to go through the LID. You may post this link on your web-page, if you feel it would be helpful to other IBD patients! – Paul https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ABqZPS4K8Co
I have my RAI next week. I do not know if I am doing right. Everything that I cook is with distilled water. I am eating for snack unsalted matzos w/raisins, I have soup full of potatoes, sweet potatoes, yucca, plantain. pumpkin, onions, garlic, chicken. I am doing my almond milk which it is a sacrificed but I tolerate it. But my question is I am going to be in my house after taking my iodine pills, how I can do to clean my room and it is free of iodine radiation. Thank
Although I had to sign a form acknowledging my awareness of risks to others after RAI treatment , I have had this before (17yrs ago and now reccurrence) , the first 2 days are the most important for caution to exposing others (esp newborns and preg women). Drinking lots of water to flush it out is #1 and showering morning and night will reduce level dramatically by day 3. Launder your own clothes with regular deterg. Handle your own food or wear gloves if handling others. Eat on disposable plates and utensils. Except for the infants, you r pretty much in the clear by day 3. It doesn’t spread in the air so just keep a little distance from others (about 3 ft) for the week.
Hi everyone, on my 5th day of LID, had my thyroid out last Oct. due to a goiter the size of a goose egg the doctor said no cancer! I was so happy! then 2weeks later he called & said he was sorry but in fact it was Papilary & follicular cancer WoW!!!!! So I went through treatment through the holidays now I’m having my year scan so it’s the first time on the LID diet, I have fear of something showing up on the scan so mentally it’s a struggle plus I’m hungry!!!! Also my brother is on his death bed so I’m really wanting to eat junk food real bad!!!! He has been battling cancer & even though I’m praying for God to take him home so he’s out of pain, it’s such an emotional struggle!! I want to go and hide ya know, so I was wondering can I eat normal after the scan? I’m taking Thyrogen shots I’m hoping to get a big cheese burger the day after but I also want to make sure it turns out ok, after the last time being told one thing then later something different I just want to be sure! Thanks for listening
Hi louise I totally understand. A year a go they found a stop on my thryoid – was intially told dont worry it was benign. Biopsy turned out positive for cancer. Surgery turne our worse stage 3 cancer wrapped around the trachea and 2 or 3 positive lymph nodes. 9 months past my radioactive treatment and they found 6/12 abnormal nodes. 2 biopsies u
Turned up positive for coupious amt. Saw the surgeon today and she told me that instead of having cancer in one thyroid node- found out the entire thyroid was cancerous and oh by the way one of the positivr nodes was present last year they just for got to remove.nit and then i have a new one. Dont’ worry you can live with these. My choice is havine alcohol ablation or a modified neck dissectiond were the wound remove multiple nodes. But like you I am doing the 2-3 low iodine diet for the throid body scan. Its so hard they told me on my sheet I could all the bananas I wound then foundnout a small one had 7 mcg. Tea is 32 mcgs (tea bags). I am xo hungery and witchy
Wait tea bags have iodine?? I thought I could drink all the tea I wanted and have been….UGH!! I literally just had 3 cups!
Same thing happened with my mom could you email me at srandolph@spectrumhighschool.org thank you
Thank you so much for this info. Can I ask what you used as a milk substitute? (if anything)
I am starting tomorrow my first day….OMG….i am going a little bit crazy with this…But I thank God for people like you that takes time to do this blog….my question is can i use almond joy milk, seedless watermelon…gelatin…sorry to be asking so much…..thanks in advance.
So thankful I found this on Pinterest! My husband had a thyroidectomy and neck dissection on March 20, and we will be on the LID starting April 29. His RAI will be on May 9, so I have 10 days of meals and snacks to prepare for. This will help so much! I haven’t looked in the comments, but is there another store I could get equivalents to Trader Joe’s? We don’t have one in the Memphis area.
Hello everybody! I am ending my first week on the LID and no meds.. Between the limited food choices and being further limited by dealing with having 2 root canals (tomorrow) and an extraction so chewing is difficult for many of the foods on the list; I am a bit whiny. Also, I really don’t have much culinary experience , drive to cook, nor do I even own the spices the recipes recommend. I am a personal trainer and instructor. The Dr recommend that I not commit to work and concentrate on my health.
I have found a couple of tricks. I absolutely love avocados and was blessed with abundant local crops. I am experimenting with Nutiva Organic Extra Virgin Coconut Oil and have used in my black coffee with sugar and a few Ghiradelli Dark Chocolate Chips 60% Cacao to jazz it up. It does say ‘may contain milk’. When my energy drops so low that I am thinking all I want to do is lay down and take a nap, I nibble on a little chocolate (caffein) and put the leash on my dog and away we go. Amazingly, I usually feel better after light to moderate exercise. Another Fav is Malto Meal which I put a little dab of coconut oil and a teeny bit of brown sugar. I can eat sweet potatoes and be pretty content. On Day 6, I didn’t think I was going to make it through but, my supportive friends and family keep me going. My kids came and got me (driving is not a good thing when my energy level drops unexpectedly). We went to our fav mexican restaurant (which, was a little difficult) but the aromas of their meals wafted over to me and suddenly, my boring ‘garden salad’ with an abundance of fresh squeeze lemon slices didn’t seem too bad. My spirits were lifted just by spending the day with them. Later, they dragged me to Trader Joes and bought some chicken, broccolini, etc and cooked me a delicious dinner (unlike, their mom, they enjoy cooking). My son pulled up the list of food on his iPhone to double check as we were shopping. Tonight I might attempt ‘breakfast for dinner’ by making the “Ole Egg dish” and homemade pancakes. It’s about time I learn to make pancakes from scratch, don’t you think?
Thanks again for the great info. I will keep my eyes open for the items you listed but, I am seriously tired of spending money like this. Wish me luck on Week 2.
Question: How soon could you go to regular diet after RAI? Please say the day after 😉
I was encouraged to remain on the diet for an additional week after my RAI treatment (total of three weeks.) It was very discouraging at times, but the recipes on-line helped a great deal. What I wasn’t prepared for was the LOSS OF TASTE I experienced about a week afterwards. After three weeks I was ready to enjoy my food again only to find nothing had flavor! I later found out this is a common side effect and the duration depends on your dose. Mine was only 40 milicuries and I’m finding that about three weeks later, I’m starting to get some sense back (though my friend’s took six months!) They also say everyone is different, so I hope you are spared the unpleasantness and experience a quick and complete cure!
Thank you for listing the bread from Trader Joe’s! This year will be the fourth time on the diet and I have done good but I have struggled with making bread every year. I look forward to buying bread this year! My favorite LID find was Baker’s German Chocolate in the baking aisle. My husband stumbled on it when I was having a hardtime finding dairy-free and soy-free chocolate.
rich’s coffee rich has SOY in it. and non-iodized salt is fine. most food manufacturers in the US use NON-iodized salt. you can verify this at the NIH website (search preparing for radioactive iodine) and frito lay states it in their FAQs.
Thank you so much for this website!!! I wish I had found this 3 years ago! I’m getting ready to do my next scan so this will help so much!
I would love to find a no-salt margarine. Someone suggested Fleishmans No-Salt Margarine? Anyone know if this is ok? I will be starting LID in February.
Yes, I had my first RAI in December of 2011. I will start preparing for my second dose on March 6, 2013. I did use the Fleishmans No-Salt Margarine and I did use Rich’s Creamer found in the frozen food section. My doctor advised me that if the product says PARVE (no meat or dairy derivaties) on it, I can have it. It’s a very small symbol that you will see on product. I found that very helpful when searching out foods. I know it is very difficult but a small price to pay to be cancer free. I hope all is well by you.
I’m sooooo glad I’ve come across this site today! I have started my lid today, and it’s extremely difficult b/c i don’t cook 😦 I felt i would live on veggies/fruits/turkey for 2 weeks, but this helps alot! I have to get my tsh to a 3.0. I’m confused, i saw others say they had to get to a 40 or and 80? Is that referring to different types of thyroid cancer? I have follicular…had partial thyroidectomy and it came back positive. So, i’ll start radiation soon.
I started LID August 5th.. finally, 3 months later, I start radiation tomorrow.. I have found out a few things in the past 3 months… my oncologist says NO to dried fruit. Frito/Lays uses non iodized salt so I can have my salt and vinegar potato chips. Jiff and Skippy peanut butter are both made with non iodized salt.. so PBJs and chips for lunch.. Earth balance buttery spread is non dairy AND non soy.. tastes just like butter and great on a baked potato.. or boil your potato add some earth balance and a little non dairy creamer for mashed potatoes.Hebrew National franks uses non iodized salt but watch the ingredients, some contain soy while others dont. STUBBS bbq sauce uses non iodized salt and non sulfured molasses..when I called, the lady was very nice and told me she had thyroid issues and was glad to pass on the info to me. . hungry for chocolate chip cookies? dark chocolate is allowed, use butter flavored crisco, and egg beaters for your eggs.. follow your favorite recipe..my oncologists nurses asked for my recipes.. I have been without eggs, sour cream and ice cream for so long that I don’t even miss them any more.. Good luck to all of you starting or finishing LID.. it does get easier!!
Do you know what salt Frito/Lays and the Jiff and Skippy peanut butter uses? Because I can’t have sea salt either. Do you know if it is natural salt?
sorry I took so long to get back.. I just remembered the link and came to check it out.. when I called Frito/lay, the lady was very nice and told me they use plain salt. I asked sea salt and she chuckled and said no, we aren’t that fancy. just plain ol salt. Hope you are doing well!
I called Frito/Lay and they said their Classic Potato Chips are peeled (no skin) before processed. From what I understand the inside of the potato is ok to eat.
Tomorrow is the day I will start my LID. Spent two hours reading every lable in the store until exhausted. I suppose I will eat veggies,fruits and some meats for the next couple weeks or however long it takes to get my TSH to 40 in order to receive the treatment. All overwhelming right now and just feel like crying.
Hang in there Lisa. Part of the reason I originally started this log was to help people through their LID and RAI experience. I was so overwhelmed by it all a few years ago. But the information was so limited online. It’s a low iodine diet, not to be confused with a no iodine diet. It will all work out.
40! wow.. my radiologist oncologist wanted mine down to 100, I got it down to 80.. I will be thinking of you as you start your journey.. don’t be sad, you are NOT alone!! I start radiation tomorrow so I will be in isolation for the next few days but if you have any questions I would be glad to answer them and give you some recipes.. I have been doing this since August. Good Luck!!
any chance i can get some recipes that you used for your lid? today is my 2nd day on the diet and i am overwhelmed with trying to figure out what i can eat
I feel the same way I have no clue on what to eat im only 19 its been so hard eating just fruits vegetables water and juice =/ but dont worrie hang in there it will soon be over
Thanks for your info!
I’m going through LID right now and it is helpful having a few brand names 🙂
If anyone is looking the thyroidcancercanada.org website has a great PDF list of what is/ is not allowed -they went and searched through diets all over north america & did research to actually tell us what is in things. Definitely made it easier than it used to be! Turns out docs don’t always know what has/doesnt’ have iodine so they got sent 15 completely different lists of what was allowed/not!!!!
I will go through my fourth LID next November. I know this is not an easy diet but I’ll rather do it than face chemorerapy or radiation. It is only for a few weeks and if you plan ahead you can do it. I plan my menus before I start the diet, I stock up on all the groceries I will need and cook and freeze whatever I can, so when I feel tired I just reheat my meals. I make big pots of chicken stock and freeze it. I makes cooking a lot easier. For me the worst part is not being able to eat milk and eggs!!! Thanks for this website. Found some good tips and ideas I can use.
Thanks for this. Unfortunately looks like the healthy valley split pea soup has butter in it.
Hi anyone, I was diagnosed with Papillary thyroid cancer in April 2012, had a total thyroidectomy June 26th, will have my small dose of radioactive iodine pill in the a.m. then in 2 days a body scan; if all goes well that will be it; if not, I will need to have more radiation and then the restrictions will start for awhile. I am hoping I NEVER have to do this stupid low iodine diet ever again. I think it has been horrible for the past 7 days. I hate all of this. I am thankful it is only papillary ca, but still angry to have to undergo ANY of this anyway. I know I sound ungreatful, but I am so full of anger about this I can’t tell you.
I know how you feel I suffered with Papillary thyroid cancer for three years before my doctor finally figured out what it was. The worst part my doctor only found out about it because i was pregnant and he ordered a ultrasound of my neck 3 weeks later i had my biopsy done and 1 week later i had the misfortune of losing my baby. 2 months later i finally had my first surgery and 1 month ago i had my last surgery now i am needing to do the low iodine diet and then radioactive iodine.
Steph.. I am so sorry that you had to go through all of that, and that I didn’t get back to you with the recipes. After I did my radiation, I got busy and just forgot to check back in. Would love to know how you are doing. If you want to contact me, cuppa_ice@hotmail.com
I would love to hear from you. I had 7 miscarriages..
Robbie
Jenn,
Thank you for the info. I was on this for 5 days and very short notice. Very frustrating. Not much useful info is out there. I appreicate your willingness to reach out. I’m back on it for the treatment on the 17th. I now have a list to go by. You’ve given me options. 🙂 I’m glad you are doing well. Take care.
Michelle
Thanks for the list of brand food. Much easier than buying a bunch of supplies and cooking! Just wanted to share my little trick during my diet. We all know that the unsalted, plain old peanut butter isn’t the greatest. So I buy uniodized salt (which i use when making pickles too) and add it along with some honey. Mix it up in the jar and eat with a spoon! I had partial thyroid removal about 3 years ago without any RAI due to size of tumor. Ultrasound by new doctor in fall of 2010 showed new tumor on remaining lobe. Had that removed Jan 2011 and RAI in June. Doing my 6-ish month scan in a couple of weeks. I do have another nodule in a lymph node on my neck, but bloodwork so far is good. At least I don’t have to go off my thyroid meds this time, getting the thyrogen shots instead.
Oh, did research on almond milk to use in my coffee and it’s iodine free! Am really considering asking my friend to milk a cow for me without the iodine cleaning!
take care everyone
pattie
I’ve been drinking almond joy as a dairy milk substitute only to find out today that they’re actually using sea salt. so no almond joy from now on. Anybody knows any substitute?
Mr. Spice Honey BBQ Sauce has blackstrap molasses in it – not sure how much but that’s on the foods to avoid list From ThyCa.org:
“Some molasses (if sulfured, such as blackstrap
molasses). Unsulfured molasses, which is more
common, is okay. Sulfur is a term used on labels
and does not relate to iodine.”
Thank you for the helpful information! This is awesome.
What a wonderful blog! Thanks for the great tips! I am on day 3 of LID and keep reminding myself that I get to do this instead of chemo. I love chocolate and that has been tough to give up, but I am hoping this may curb some of my binges too! Maybe I’ll get lucky and my pants will be a little looser too!. I would like to read some of your older posts regarding your surgery too! Good Luck and God Bless.
Hi Tiffany!
Thanks for your comment. I actually lost 8 pounds from the LID. Good luck with it.
Please read my older posts. I hope they help. You’re definately not alone!
Take Care,
Jenn
just started this. Need help with list of foods. hungry..tired..angry.please help me/ It does feel a lil better to see how others are dealing with this.
Thanks for your list. I have to get the radioactive iodine treatment bc I was diagnosed with a hyperthyroid. This is very overwheling and you made it easier. Thanks.
Thank you so much for your willingness to share. Just starting the diet and found myself not eating because I’m too overwhelmed. The Thyca cookbook looks great but I don’t have time to prepare. I’m headed to Trader Joes tonight! Many blessings.
Thank you so, so much for sharing your list!! It’s makes it so much easier. Heading to Trader Joe’s on my lunch break. Thank you!
Hi,I started LID on Friday, May 21.
Does anyone know if this dark chocolate bar is ok?
Enjoy Life-boom CHOCO boom bar
ingredieants: Evaporated Cane juice,Natural Chocolate Liquor(non-alcoholic), Non dairy Cocoa butter & 0 sodium,dairy,nut & soy
Thanks, Sally
I am getting ready to start the LID. I have been given advise from the radiologist oncologist and the cookbook from thyca.org. I have been told what I can have, what I need to avoid and to read labels. What I dont understand is what I am looking for on these labels… Does it have to say no sodium? I understood this to be a low iodine diet, not a sodium free diet? Please help me understand this better.
Thank you 🙂
While searching for foods that (which I will need to avoid) contained iodine, I stumbled across your blog. I am so happy I found you! I was diagnosed with papillary thyroid carcinoma in March and had a complete thyroidectomy and neck disection to remove several lymphnodes last Thursday. I will do my radioactive iodine treatment later this summer. Thank you for posting!
I am in the beginning of my LID. I found this site very helpful…yum.
Well this is going to be my second time around with LID and im glad i came across this site . I learn not to have salt by having WonTon soup(Emergency Ward) this is going to help not only me but the family that is helping me thru this.
Hello! I’m on a low-iodine right now to prep for my first full-body scan next week. I thought it’d be easy because I’m already a vegan…little did I know I’d have to skip all my favorite substitutes (like soy milk), too!
Just wanted to add a few things to your list…
Muir Glen no-salt-added diced tomatoes
Bionaturae no-salt-added tomato paste
Utz unsalted potato chips
Fleischman’s unsalted, dairy-free, soy-free margarine (contains soy oil and soy lecithin, both of which are okay on LID)
Kellogg’s Frosted Mini Wheats cereal
Larabar fruit/nut snack bars (MOST of these, but not ALL varieties, are salt-free)
The first few days, I was totally unprepared and ate nothing but fresh fruits and veggies. I really missed tofu and bread and my Morningstar veggie burgers! Then it occurred to me that this isn’t just for two weeks–this is for two weeks, at least once per year, for at least the next several years. That’s when I took it seriously!
I spent many hours in grocery stores, reading labels, and finally found some options. I also got friendly with my hubby’s bread machine–wonderful! It’s getting a lot easier now.
Thanks for the list–one thing I hadn’t even looked for was unsalted ketchup (it just never occurred to me they’d make it!).
Hey Angela! Thanks for all the additions to the list. I’m sure it will help others when they go through the LID. Take good care, Jenn
Where do I find the list for the foods we can eat? I am starting my diet in the morning? It’s all so confusing. Thanks for any advise.
Darlene
Hi I really like your blog. If you don’t mind I would like to follow you and put your RSS feed on my blog, thanks Jim. Wife Deborah, stage IV breast cancer.
Hi Jim,
I really admire the beautiful blog that you have created about your wife. I will keep you and Debbie in my prayers. A group of us are participating in the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life next month. Reading your blog is another reason why I relay.
Best Wishes,
Jenn
Hi everybody, well just to let you know I had my scan on Dec 23rd I still have 2 spots left. Have to be “clean” for 2 years in a row, not to have to go through this stuff again. It was tough no thyroid meds heavy dose of RAI. Many complications after that also including gallbladder attack on Dec24th and then having other Gastro problems. I at times were so bloated from not having the Thyroids meds and as white as a ghost. I will never go through doing all that food prep and eating that stuff again. for me it was a waste of time, energy and money. I will be eating salads with chicken breast from now on to do this treatment. I just need a no/low sodium/iodine marinade and I will grill that chicken and put it in my salads, I can eat that all the time with some fresh herbs like basil and oregano.
Big mistake what I did with all that food but hey live and learn. Next year will be a lot better for me b/c I will be on meds. I saw people at the same hospital when I was going for my treatment and they couldn’t believe that I was on no thyroid meds while doing this. Lower dose next year too so that will make it better too.
but always suggestions for snacks, breakfast too. Hope all is going well for everyone. It has been a long tough journey but hey it could be worse.
Well today is the first day of my “Diet” going for my shots and dose and scan between the week of Jan 31st to Feb 4th. Lets pray that I come up “clean”.
Well not doing what I did last year like I stated, did find a Trader Joe’s in my area.
So off I went picked up some Shredded Wheat, low sodium what bread (yuck) hopefully the unsalted peanut butter will help that. This list that is posted here helps a great deal. Also made a big pot of chicken soup (thankfully this is January and I am in NJ lost of snow on the ground) Perfect!!!! Some Kosher salt it contains no iodine.
Unfortunately I have diverticulitis so cant do much salad and fruits but going to do it somewhat and hope for the best. Also made a chicken roaster with that Fleishman non dairy spread with roasted red potatoes sprinkled with olive oil and some fresh parsley, they were good. Going to make some Thy Ca oatmeal cookies today for snacks and some cinnamon bread in the bread machine. Also McCanns Oatmeal chop up some apples and some Splenda, and I am good to go. Lots of coffee with Coffee-mate something I always use anyway , Thank God
SoI hope I gave somebody something that they can use, I am also planning on marinading chicken breast and grilling them Olive oil, herbs and some vinegar).
I am also going to use low carb pasta and I checked the ingredients doesnt say anything about iodine less then 2400 mg . Most ingredients are measured in grams I am going to check with the Dr on this today, check the ingredients no iodine and no dairy products
It’s not on any list I’ve been given….so didn’t know we could have Non Dairy Creamer. I’m on Day 9. Been drinking my coffee black with sweetner. Would love creamer. My favorite meal is from the ThyCy cookbook. It’s a stir fry red & green bell peppers & chicken over chicken. Very good…but I stay so tired & don’t feel like cooking every meal. Any quick & easy ideas for breakfast? I’m a 70 yr. old diabetic. I’ve had to not worry so much about the diabetes during this diet…will have to deal with that afterwards. I’m in this for the duration. I’ve endured some pretty unpleasant things…but don’t want to have to do this again….but sure ready for that to be over.
I made Quakers regular oatmeal with honey, Cinnamon and cut up some apples and put them in it,( I did not like the Mccanns steel cut oats). Hope this helps, I know that this is a tough road but u will get through this.
I am on week 3 of the LID.. I had so many ct scans in the past 2 years they think it will take up to 6 months to remove the iodine from my body. I had total thyroidectomy July 7,2012. And I too have diverticulitis which really removes so much allowed foods. I can have a small salad every couple of days but any more than that is not a good idea.
I just take it one day at a time.. will know the iodine level in my body in 2 weeks. If low enough, I will have my radiation. I have been cooking for me and also cooking for the family.. the kids like the home made bread I am baking so I now bake bread every other day… with out a bread machine! I am so glad I found this site.. I am craving snacks and was looking for what type of cereal I could just snack on out of a box. Stuff that I would never even think about are what I am craving.. Apple Jacks cereal.. and a cheese pizza with egg yolks.. hahahaha.. my husband says that he will order me one for my very first meal allowed.. and wouldn’t you know I am doing this just as lobster season starts here in south Florida..
I wish you all good luck and happy hunting on the foods you can eat! I even have neighbors and friends looking at labels for foods for me.
this list is so helpful. i spent so much time in the grocery yesterday and it seems that everything has salt in it…
the list of commercial foods is a godsend.
Hi Ashley – I started this blog to give others helpful information from my own experience. I spent many hours in the grocery store reading labels and on the computer doing research. So if I can help another person from going through all the hassle, then its worth it. Please keep us posted on your progress!
May I have the list too? I had my thyroid removed Feb. 6, Starting my diet tomorrow then radiation May 1. Sure hope scan will be clean. any suggestions will be a tremendous help!Glad
Thanks
Darlene
Darlene, you can find some of the LID items on the post https://thyroidcancersurvivor.wordpress.com/2009/04/30/low-iodine-diet/
Ommitting chocolate and dairy for two weeks will be the most difficult for me.
You can do it Debbie! Please keep us posted on your progress with the LID.
can you have egg beaters on a no Iodine Diet
When in doubt, check with your doctor. I always checked the ingredients label to be safe. I was on a LOW iodine diet, which is different from a NO iodine.
Thanks s much for the info, I am currently on this and yes it is a lot of time cooking, prepping, etc. When I make a meal I made double and freeze, so that way I can just take out and micro especially when I am radioactive. We do not have a trader JOes, an it is a inspiration to hear from other woman to know that this is a cancer that can be treated and eating this stuff will zap away these cancer cells.
Well it sounds like you’ve got the LID system down Cindy. Good for you! I appreciate your comment. I hope you check in again soon!
Yea I got it down and I am lucky enough to be on disability to do this, I will start this process in Sept next year and be ready for January 2011. I have to do this every year for 3-5 years.
Right now off the meds for almost two weeks now and I am an emotional roller coaster, I am just wondering what others are going through at this particular stage. Sometimes starts the day off good then goes bad.
Getting ready for the radioactive part next week.
Feedback is what everybody needs. I hope that I helped somebody.
Thanks for this website
Hi Cindy,
How have you been since the LID? I’m checking in to see how my fellow thyroid cancer survivors are doing. Hope all is well,
x0x0,
Jenn
Hi I am doing fine with the cancer I think. LOL I had many problems after the surgery that I could have imagined, gallbladder attack, then gastro problems had another gastro attack last night. The first in a couple of months, but I am back to work. I will not be doing any of those foods next year when I have to go back for another treatment. All that food all that money down the drain, couldn’t eat any of it. so I am looking for spices that will spice up my chicken so I can have that in salads./ I will do all of that in mid January, but remaining positive that I will get through all of this and always remembering there are people much worse off then myself. But thank you for you concern and God bless the work that you do to keeping us informed and sharing our experiences.
Doing well on my thyroid meds going for a blood test end of the month to see if they are are working ok.
I wish I wouldhave seen this site when I was goin through LID. Didn’t really have the time to do the research to find out what I could or couldn’t eat! I hated the diet but did well at it. I had the radiation in September 08 thought I was going to have to do it again last month but didn’t, Im good! Also I emailed Frito Lays to ask them what type of salt they used and they replied that they didn’t use iodized salt! great info! Thanks