Best Diet for Hyperthyroidism — Medical News Today
Source: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326275 Author: shannon-johnson Published: 2019-09-06 Publisher: Medical News Today
Summary
hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone (thyrotoxicosis). The most common cause is the autoimmune condition graves-disease. Symptoms include unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, frequent bowel movements, sleep difficulties, and muscle weakness. The condition is more common in females.
Diet cannot cure hyperthyroidism but can influence thyroid hormone production and thyroid function.
Foods to Eat
Low-iodine foods: For patients undergoing radioactive-iodine-treatment, doctors prescribe a low-iodine diet (<50 mcg iodine/day). Permitted foods include: non-iodized salt, egg whites, fresh/frozen vegetables, herbs, vegetable oils, unsalted nuts, lemonade, beer, wine, moderate amounts of unprocessed meat, fruit and juices. The american-thyroid-association provides a low-iodine diet guide.
Cruciferous vegetables: Contain compounds that decrease thyroid hormone production and may reduce iodine uptake by the thyroid. Examples: bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale.
selenium-rich foods: selenium is a micronutrient required for thyroid hormone metabolism. Research suggests it can improve symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, including thyroid eye disease. Among patients on antithyroid medications, selenium supplementation may normalise thyroid levels more quickly. Key sources: Brazil nuts, enriched pasta/cereals, rice (avoiding high-iodine variants). Note: tuna, halibut, shrimp, ham, egg yolks, cottage cheese are also selenium-rich but high in iodine.
Iron-rich foods: Researchers have linked low iron levels to hyperthyroidism. Sources: fortified cereals, raisins, dark chocolate, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, spinach. Some iron-rich foods (oysters, fish, sardines, beans, lentils) are also high in iodine — keep total intake under 50 mcg/day.
calcium and vitamin-d: Long-standing hyperthyroidism is associated with decreased bone-mineral-density leading to osteoporosis. Calcium-rich foods: milk (up to once/day), broccoli, fortified orange juice, kale, bok choy. Vitamin D primarily from sun exposure; food sources include salmon, tuna, milk, fortified cereals (many are also high in iodine — caution during iodine therapy). Supplements may be needed.
Spices: Studies link turmeric and green chillies to a reduced frequency of thyroid disease including hyperthyroidism. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties.
Foods to Avoid
iodine-rich foods: Worsen hyperthyroidism by stimulating further thyroid hormone production. Avoid: iodized salt, fish and shellfish, seaweed/kelp, dairy products, iodine supplements, food dyes (red dye), egg yolks, blackstrap molasses, carrageenan, baked goods with iodate dough conditioners.
soy: Animal studies show soy ingestion interferes with radioactive iodine uptake. Sources to limit: soy milk, soy sauce, tofu, edamame, soybean oil.
Gluten: graves-disease is more common in people with coeliac disease; genetics may explain the link. Coeliac disease causes small intestinal damage from gluten (a protein in wheat, barley, oats, rye). A gluten-free diet may improve absorption of thyroid medications and reduce inflammation.
Caffeine: Worsens hyperthyroidism symptoms — palpitations, tremors, anxiety, insomnia. Avoid: regular coffee, black tea, chocolate, regular soda, energy drinks.
Key Concepts Mentioned
hyperthyroidism · thyrotoxicosis · graves-disease · thyroid-hormones · low-iodine-diet · radioactive-iodine-treatment · iodine · cruciferous-vegetables · selenium · iron-and-thyroid · calcium · vitamin-d · bone-mineral-density · soy · gluten-and-thyroid · caffeine-and-hyperthyroidism · anti-inflammatory-diet · kelp