Hyperthyroidism happens when there’s too much thyroid hormone in your body. This condition is also called thyrotoxicosis. An overactive or enlarged thyroid gland may produce more thyroid hormone.
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones called T3 and T4. These hormones help your body use energy, help balance body temperature, and help your brain, heart, and other organs function properly. In some cases, thyroid cancers may also cause an overactive thyroid.
Hyperthyroidism can be easily confused with other health problems. Its range of symptoms includes sudden weight loss, increased appetite, anxiety, irritability and nervousness, mood changes, difficulty sleeping, feeling hot, sweating, fast heartbeat or pounding heart, fatigue or tiredness, muscle weakness, hand tremor or slight shaking, more frequent or other changes in bowel movements, skin thinning, fine, brittle hair, menstruation changes, enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), swelling at base of your neck, eye changes, and red, thick skin on upper feet and shins.
Foods to eat if you have hyperthyroidism
- Low-iodine foods: The mineral iodine plays a key role in making thyroid hormones. A low-iodine diet helps to reduce thyroid hormones. Add these foods to your daily diet such as non-iodized salt, coffee or tea (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers), egg whites, fresh or canned fruit, unsalted nuts and nut butters, homemade bread or breads made without salt, dairy, and eggs, popcorn with non-iodized salt, oats, potatoes, honey, and maple syrup.
- Cruciferous vegetables: Cruciferous vegetables and other types may stop your thyroid from using iodine properly. They may be beneficial for hyperthyroidism. Some of them are bamboo shoots, bok choy,broccoli,cassava, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard, and rutabaga.
- Vitamins and minerals: Several nutrients are essential for thyroid health and to balance thyroid hormone production.
- Iron: Iron is important for many vital bodily functions, including thyroid health. This mineral is needed for blood cells to carry oxygen to every cell in your body. Low levels of iron are linked to hyperthyroidism. Get plenty of iron in your diet with foods such as dried beans, green leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts, poultry, such as chicken and turkey, red meat, seeds, and whole grains.
- Selenium: Selenium-rich foods may help to balance thyroid hormone levels and protect your thyroid from disease. Selenium helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy. Good food sources of selenium include brazil nuts, couscous, chia seeds, mushrooms, tea, meat, such as beef and lamb, rice, oat bran, poultry, such as chicken and turkey, and sunflower seeds.
- Calcium and vitamin D: Hyperthyroidism cause weak and brittle bones. Bone mass may be restored with treatment. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for building healthy bones. Calcium-rich foods include spinach, collard greens, white beans, kale, okra, calcium-fortified orange juice, almond milk, and calcium-fortified cereals. Vitamin D is found in these low-iodine foods such as beef liver, mushrooms, and fatty fish.
- Healthy fats: Fats that are from whole foods and largely unprocessed may help reduce inflammation. This helps to protect thyroid health and balance thyroid hormones. Nondairy fats are important in a low-iodine diet. These include flaxseed oil, olive oil, avocado oil, coconut oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, avocado, and unsalted nuts and seeds.
- Spices: Some spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties to help protect and balance thyroid function. Add flavor and a dose of antioxidants to your daily meals with turmeric, green chilies, and black pepper.
References:
https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism-diet#takeaway
