Hyperthyroidism
When your thyroid is overactive, it affects your metabolism. Following a diet can help restore the body’s balance. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, and you may experience symptoms such as weight loss, increased appetite, fast heart rate, frequent bowel movements, and constant nervousness.
What are the problems of not treating hyperthyroidism?
Hyperthyroidism can have serious consequences if left untreated. These can include blood clots, stroke, heart failure and other heart problems, an eye disease called Graves’ eye disease, thinning bones, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and menstrual cycle or fertility issues.
Your doctor may recommend a diet as part of your treatment plan. There are many foods that are good for thyroid disorders and there are foods that are good for preventing hyperthyroidism. Here we discuss thyroid healing foods and the best diet for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ disease.
What are the 7 foods suitable for hyperthyroidism?
People with hyperthyroidism should eat a healthy diet that includes plenty of fruits and vegetables, low-fat dairy products, whole grains, lean protein sources, and unsaturated fats.
The recommended diet focuses on whole foods and eliminates sugar to prevent blood sugar swings. This diet includes the following:
- Green leaves
Leafy greens like spinach are an important source of calcium. This can help people with hyperthyroidism because the production of excess thyroid hormone can lead to the breakdown of bones and increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- Fish rich in omega 3 and fatty acids
Fish are an important source of vitamin D, which helps improve calcium absorption in your body. This helps reduce the risk of osteoporosis. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids help improve liver function, which can have a negative effect on thyroid regulation.
- Fermented foods
Probiotic foods help promote gut health and regulate thyroid function.
- Lean meat and liver
These foods are rich in iron and help increase the level of iron in the body. Research shows that low iron levels are linked to hyperthyroidism.
- Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit can be eaten normally up to 10 to 40 grams of fructose per day (one to two pieces of fruit). Apples, avocados, and berries are good choices for those with hyperthyroidism.
- Olive oil
Olive oil can reduce inflammation in the body and improve thyroid function.
- Nuts
Selenium has benefits for autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Graves’ disease. Therefore, due to the fact that selenium is found in nuts, daily consumption of nuts is recommended.
4 foods to prevent hyperthyroidism
Experts recommend avoiding the following foods in case of hyperthyroidism.
- Iodized salt
Although taking iodine supplements may be helpful for people with hypothyroidism, a low-iodine diet is recommended because too much iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism. Iodized salt can be replaced with Himalayan salt or sea salt to help limit iodine intake.
- Cruciferous vegetables
Goitrogens, which are substances found in cruciferous vegetables, legumes, and some root vegetables, are thyroid hormone disruptors. They block iodine uptake by the thyroid, increasing autoimmune thyroid disease. For this reason, foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and kale are not recommended for hyperthyroidism.
- Gluten
There is some evidence that gluten can cause inflammation that harms thyroid health. A gluten-free diet may help improve symptoms. It means avoiding foods that contain wheat, barley and malt.
- Coffee
Caffeine should also be avoided because it is a stimulant and can make the heart beat faster and palpitations. It may also affect drug absorption and treatment of hyperthyroidism.
In addition to dietary changes, there are other things that can help improve symptoms for people with hyperthyroidism.
