what to eat after radioactive iodine treatment?

Full Answer

What foods should you eat during radiation treatment?

• Apples
• Apricots
• Arctic char
• Arugula
• Beans, dry
• Bell peppers
• Blackberries
• Black cumin
• Black pepper
• Blueberries

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How do you clean after radioactive iodine treatment?

• Avoiding physical contact with other members of the household, including sleeping alone
• Flushing your toilet twice after every use
• Washing your hands frequently with decontamination soap
• Avoiding cooking for others
• Using plastic gloves to cook
• Keeping all clothing and linens separate from the rest of the household

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What foods are low in iodine?

Your best options are fresh fruits and vegetables, but other recommendations include: 7

• Dried fruit
• Applesauce
• Unsalted nuts
• Unsalted peanut butter and rice cakes
• Matzoh or other unsalted crackers
• Fruit juice
• Homemade muffins

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?

Long term side effects of radioactive iodine treatment vary depending on:

• your age
• other medical conditions
• your dose of radioactive iodine

What can you not do after radioactive iodine treatment?

Do not share cups, glasses, plates or eating utensils. Wash items promptly after using. Other people may use items after they are washed. Do not share towels or washcloths.

When can I resume normal diet after radioactive iodine treatment?

For 3 days after you swallow the capsule: Follow your low-iodine diet. You may resume your normal diet after 3 days. For 1 or 2 days after your dose: Avoid fatty or rich foods to help ease any nausea. We suggest taking an antacid like Zantac or Prilosec for nausea.

What will a person receiving radioactive iodine therapy need after treatments are done?

Your body will give off radiation for some time after you get RAI therapy. Depending on the dose of radioiodine used and where you are being treated, you might need to be in the hospital for a few days after treatment, staying in a special isolation room to prevent others from being exposed to radiation.

How much water should you drink after Rai?

Drink plenty of liquids starting 60 minutes after your RAI pill(s) for 7 days. After that, drink about 1 glass of fluids every 2 hours that you are awake to encourage urination at least once per hour. It is not necessary to wake up to drink fluids but you should wake up to empty your bladder if needed.

Will I gain weight after radioactive iodine treatment?

Treatment of hyperthyroidism with RAI or anti-thyroid medications is associated with an increased risk of gaining weight and even developing obesity. This risk is slightly higher with RAI therapy compared to medications.

How long does it take for radioactive iodine to leave your body?

The radioiodine from your treatment will temporarily remain in your body. Most of the radioiodine not taken up by your thyroid gland will be eliminated within the first (2) two days after treatment. Radioiodine leaves your body primarily by your urine. Very small amounts may leave in your saliva, sweat, or feces.

How long do you have to be in isolation after radioactive iodine?

You are also required to self isolate for 7 days after your radioiodine treatment in order to minimise the risk of contracting COVID-19 whilst there is still a large amount of radioactivity in your body. A small proportion of people with COVID-19 may become very unwell and require admission to hospital.

How do you wash clothes after radioactive iodine treatment?

Personal clothing, sheets, bedding, washcloths, and towels should be collected and washed separately for the first 48 hours. After washing, run the washing machine through an extra wash cycle to clear out any residual radioiodine before using it for others.

What are the long term side effects of radioactive iodine?

NCI study finds long-term increased risk of cancer death following common treatment for hyperthyroidism. New study findings show an association between the dose of a common treatment for hyperthyroidism and risk of death from solid cancers.

Can I drink Coke on a low iodine diet?

Drinks. Most beverages are acceptable on a low iodine diet. Coffee, tea, cola, diet cola, water, lemonade, beer, wine and fruit juices are all allowed. Any soft drink or juice with red dye, as well as all dairy products are forbidden on a low iodine diet.

Can you be around dogs after radioactive iodine?

Keep Your Distance Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days.

Can radioactive iodine cause other cancers?

Patients treated with radioactive iodine also have an increased risk of acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL), stomach cancer, and salivary gland cancer.

How to avoid radiation?

Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: 1 Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, your workplace. 2 Sleep apart from adults by at least six feet (a separate bedroom is recommended) and avoid sexual activity. 3 Avoid sleeping in the same bed with a pregnant woman, infant, or child for a period of six to 23 days. According to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, infants and children should ideally stay outside the home for the recommended period. 1  4 To protect family pets, do not sleep with them for up to 21 days.

How to minimize radiation risks?

Keep Your Distance. Here are some ways to minimize radiation risks to other people (and pets) after you have had RAI treatment: Stay at least six feet away from other people, including members of the public, family members, and co-workers, for three to 11 days. This means avoiding public transportation, hotels, carpools, and in some cases, ...

Does iodine affect thyroid?

Because the radioactive iodine used (known as iodine 131) may expose those around you to the effects of radiation (and theoretically negatively affect their thyroid glands), you will be given guidelines on how to prevent such exposure. Laura Porter / Verywell.

Can you hospitalize after a RAI?

It is not common in the United States to hospitalize patients after RAI, but if you are receiving a particularly high dosage of iodine 131 and have no way to protect children or babies, it may be an option. A Low-Iodine Diet Can Make Radioactive Iodine Treatment More Effective.

How long after radioactive iodine treatment can you take thyroid medicine?

Your nurse will tell you when you should start to take them again. Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment.

How long after iodine treatment should you follow safety precautions?

You will need to follow safety precautions for a few days after your radioactive iodine treatment. This is to protect others from the radiation. The advice about precautions varies for different people and for different hospitals. Talk to your doctor or specialist nurse.

How long after iodine treatment can you go home?

After radioactive iodine treatment for thyroid cancer. Having radioactive iodine treatment means you will be radioactive for several days afterwards. You will be able to go home from hospital when the radiation level in your body is at a safe level.

How long does it take for thyroxine to work?

Usually, this is 2 to 3 days after your treatment. You will need to take thyroxine tablets to replace the hormones that your thyroid gland normally makes. Your doctors will want to keep your thyroid hormones at a slightly higher level than you would normally need.

How to get rid of radiation in your body?

For a few weeks you will need to use your own towel and keep your cutlery and plates away from others until washed. Continue to flush the toilet twice and wash your hands thoroughly after using the toilet.

How to avoid radiation?

If you live or work with other people, you will need to keep a distance from them. Avoid standing or sitting close to them. This stops them from getting radiation from you.

How long does it take for a syringe to get better?

You may have short term changes to your taste and smell. This may not start until you get home. It usually gets better within 4 to 8 weeks. It can help to drink plenty of fluids after your treatment.

How long does it take for thyroid to stop taking up radioactive iodine?

If you have too much iodine in your diet, it can stop the thyroid cells from taking up the radioactive iodine. Continue to follow this diet for 24 hours after your treatment is completed, or as instructed by your doctor. Read the resource for more information.

Where does radioactive iodine leave the body?

Most of the extra radioactive iodine will leave your body through your urine (pee), and smaller amounts will leave your body in your saliva (spit), sweat, and bowel movements (poop).

What is the name of the service that takes up thyroid cells?

If you do, tell your doctor in Molecular Imaging and Therapy Service (MITS) before your treatment. This is sometimes called the Nuclear Medicine service. Radioactive iodine enters your bloodstream and is taken up by any thyroid- like cells. The radioactivity destroys the cancer cells.

How long after radioactive iodine therapy can you get pregnant?

Pregnancy and radioactive iodine therapy. Don’t get pregnant or get your partner pregnant for at least 6 months after getting radioactive iodine therapy, or as long as your doctor tells you to. Use birth control after treatment for at least 6 months after getting this treatment.

How to treat thyrotropin alfa?

Your treatment plan will follow these steps that will take place over a few days: 1. On the first day, you’ll have blood tests. After those tests, you’ll see your doctor and get a thyrotropin alfa (Thyrogen ®) injection (shot) to help you get ready for your treatment.

How long before breast cancer treatment can you pump milk?

To prevent having radioactive iodine collect in your breast after your treatment, you’ll need to stop breastfeeding or pumping breast milk at least 6 to 12 weeks before your treatment.

How long does it take for thyroid pain to go away?

This is temporary and usually goes away within 8 weeks after your treatment. Try foods with different flavors to make sure you get the nutrition you need. Discomfort in your neck. This can happen during the first 2 to 3 weeks after your treatment, but it depends on the amount of thyroid tissue still in your neck.

How to get rid of radioiodine in urine?

Clean your hands thoroughly every time you use the bathroom. After you go to the bathroom, soap up and scrub your hands thoroughly, as you'll be passing the most radioiodine in your urine. Scrub for at least 20 seconds before rinsing.

How to keep dishes from spreading radioactive particles?

2. Wash your dishes separately from the rest of the dishes. Reserve dishes and utensils for yourself that only you use, kept away from other dishes and utensils. Also, wash these items separately from other household dishes so you don't spread radioactive particles to other items.

How to clean a bathroom after a precaution period?

Clean the bathroom thoroughly. After your precaution period is up, wipe down the bathroom with disinfecting wipes. Wear gloves for the process, and then place the wipes and gloves in a designated trash bag. ...

How to prevent radioactive particles in the house?

1. Wash your linens and clothes separately from the rest of the household. Always wash your towels, sheets, and clothes in a different load from other household items. They may spread radioactive particles to other items in the house if you don't take this precaution.

What to do if you spill urine?

If you spill urine or vomit, clean up the area with toilet paper and a household cleaner. With spills, always contact the radiation clinic to find out if you need to do more to clean them. ...

What to do with contaminated disposable items?

Place all contaminated disposable items in a separate trash bag. The facility where you have your treatment may give you a special bag for trash. Anything you use that's disposable, such as food plates, utensils, non-flushable cleaning wipes, and gloves, should be placed in that bag. The bag should be leak-proof.

Can you get radioactive iodine if you have thyroid cancer?

If you're being treated for hyperthyroidism or thyroid cancer, you may be given radioactive iodine or radioiodine. [1] With this treatment, it's possible to contaminate others with radiation, even though the amount of radiation you're given is fairly small.

What foods contain iodine?

Iodized salt. Any vitamins or supplements that contain iodine (especially kelp and dulse) Milk or other dairy products including ice cream, cheese, yogurt and butter. Seafood including fish, sushi, shellfish, kelp or seaweed. Herbal supplements. Foods that contain the additive carrageen, agar-agar, alginate, or nori.

What foods can you eat with non-iodized salt?

FOODS THAT ARE OK. Non-iodized salt or non-iodized sea salt may be used as desired. Egg whites. Homemade bread made with non-iodized salt and oil (not soy!) instead of butter or milk or commercially-baked breads which do not contain iodate dough conditioners, dairy, or eggs. Fresh fruits and vegetables.

Where is iodine found?

Therefore, it may be found in varying amounts in all food and beverages.

What to serve with rice soup?

Vegetarian or chicken with rice soup. Matzo crackers. White or brown rice with vegetable plate (fresh or frozen) Salad – fruit or vegetable – oil and vinegar dressing. Fruits – fresh, frozen or canned. Black coffee or tea. Dinner. 6 oz Roast beef, lamb, veal, pork, or turkey. Potato – baked or broiled.

How long before radioactive iodine is stopped?

Your doctor will tell you when to start and stop following a low-iodine diet. Most people start 1 to 2 weeks before their dose of radioactive iodine and stop after their radioactive iodine therapy is complete. A low-iodine diet doesn’t meet the suggested daily allowance for all nutrients.

What are some foods that contain iodate?

Carrageen. Agar. Commercial breads and bakery products that contain iodate bread conditioners (such as calcium iodate or potassium iodate) Milk (except for 1 ounce a day) and milk products (such as cheese, yogurt, and cream) Egg yolks. Most seafood (except fresh-water fish)

What is iodine used for?

Minerals are a type of nutrient your body needs to work properly. Your body uses iodine to make certain hormones, such as the hormones made by your thyroid gland.

Is sodium the same as iodine?

Not always. Sodium and iodine aren’t the same thing. Most commercial food manufacturers use non-iodized salt in their products. But, it’s hard to know for sure. It’s best to choose unsalted products in case the salt does contain iodine.

Can you stop taking iodine?

Don’t stop taking any of your medications unless your doctor tells you to. Call your doctor or nurse if you have any questions about your medications. Tell your doctor about any vitamins or supplements that you’re taking. You will need to stop taking them if they contain iodine.

Can you eat iodine before radiotherapy?

Following a low-iodine diet before getting radioactive iodine therapy can help the therapy work best. If you have too much iodine in your body during your radioactive iodine therapy, your thyroid gland might use that iodine instead of the radioactive iodine. This keeps the treatment from working as well as it should.

Focus on the Positive

Mindset is at least half the battle with isolation. There are plenty of negatives in your life going into isolation. I’ve listed just a few above.

Be a Little Selfish

Other than being careful not to expose others to radiation, you do not need to put others first during this time. What to do I mean?

Indulge

It can be hard to indulge on the low iodine diet, but you can do it. I got a giant bag of gummy bears and ate the whole thing. I binge watched Jane Austen movies.

Set a Fun Goal

Focus on something you want to do but never have time to do. Be creative!

Reach Out

Radioactive iodine treatment isolation is…well…isolating. Even introverts get lonely after awhile. Your friends and family are likely looking for ways they can help but don’t know what to do. Reach out. Connection will help the time go by and help you feel less alone.

Hygiene

You are strongly encouraged to have good hygiene post radioactive iodine. The iodine comes out in your bodily secretions – saliva, sweat, urine. Showering daily and frequent tooth brushing are included in thyca.org’ s list of recommendations.

Get Out

Just because you have to be in isolation, does not mean you have to stay inside 4 walls. Go for a walk. Get some sunshine. Breathe fresh air. Be cautious in staying away from people, obviously. But going outdoors can be a real boost.