Try avoiding higher-iodine foods, such as including processed and packaged items, if you have hyperthyroidism. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about any immediate and long-term food changes, as well as possible calcium or Vitamin D supplements you may need. Hyperthyroidism happens when theres 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 help your brain, heart, and other organs function properly See full list on healthline.com Treatment is necessary if you have hyperthyroidism. High levels of thyroid hormones in your body can be toxic. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism may lead to heart problems, bone loss, fracture risk, and other issues. Your doctor may prescribe antithyroid medications. These drugs help to balance an overactive thyroid gland. In some cases, treatment may include radiation therapy or thyroid surgery. Certain foods can help keep your thyroid healthy and reduce some of the negative effects of this condition. Some minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients are necessary to balance thyroid function. A low-iodine diet is usually prescribed prior to some treatments for hyperthyroidism. For example, youll need to follow a low-iodine diet before having radiation therapy to remove excess or damaged thyroid cells. See full list on healthline.com 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: non-iodized salt decaffeinated 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 maple syrup Cruciferous vegetables Cruciferous vegetables and other types may stop your thyroid from using iodine properly. They may be beneficial for hyperthyroidism: bamboo shoots bok choy broccoli Brussels sprouts cassava cauliflower collard greens kale mustard rutabaga Vitamins and minerals Several nutrients are essential for thyroid health and to balance thyroid hormone production. See full list on healthline.com Excess iodine Eating too many iodine-rich or iodine-fortified foods may lead to hyperthyroidism or worsen it in some cases. According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a teaspoon of iodized salt contains 304 micrograms (mcg) of iodine. Seafood has the most iodine. Just 1 gram of seaweed contains 23.2 mcg, or .02 milligrams (mg), of iodine. The recommended daily dose of iodine is about 150 mcg (0.15 mg), according to the NIH. A low-iodine diet requires even less. Avoid the following seafood and seafood additives: fish seaweed prawns crabs lobster sushi carrageen agar-agar algae alginate nori kelpAvoid other foods high in iodine such as: milk and dairy cheese egg yolks iodized salt iodized water some food coloringsSome medications also contain iodine. These include: amiodarone (Nexterone) cough syrups medical contrast dyes herbal or vitamin supplements Gluten In some people, gluten may harm the thyroid by causing inflammation. Even if you dont have a gluten allergy or intolerance, it may be beneficial to restrict or limit gluten. Check food labels for gluten-containing ingredients such as: wheat barley brewers yeast malt rye triticale Soy While soy doesnt contain iodine, its been shown to interfere with some treatments for hyperthyroidism in animals. Avoid or limit foods with soy such as: soy milk soy sauce tofu soy-based creamers See full list on healthline.com Hyperthyroidism may not always be preventable, but its treatable. See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Follow your treatment exactly as prescribed, including all dietary recommendations. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about making short-term and long-term changes to your diet. This can help balance thyroid function and protect your body from the effects of hyperthyroidism. Enjoy home-cooked whole foods on a low-iodine diet. Avoid restaurant, boxed or processed meals, and prepared sauces and marinades. These may contain added iodine. If youre on a low-iodine diet, it can be more difficult to get enough vitamin D and calcium. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about taking supplements for these nutrients. Seek support from a thyroid support group. Most dietary restrictions will be temporary. Other dietary changes are part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle for better overall health and wellness. See full list on healthline.com Diet can play a role in thyroid health. Learn about science-based dietary changes that can help people with hyperthyroidism feel their best. In this Graves disease diet guide learn which foods to eat, which foods to avoid, and how to lose weight if you have hyperthyroidism. heart-healthy diet There is a link between hyperthyroidism and high blood pressure, as well as other cardiovascular problems. Following a heart-healthy diet may help manage these conditions. Meal Planning and Balanced Diet Strategies Examples of effective dietary strategies that help ensure a balanced diet in people with hyperthyroidism include: Creating Balanced Meals Individuals with hyperthyroidism can follow healthy meal plans similar to people without thyroid disease but should avoid high-iodine foods. Can you manage hyperthyroidism with diet alone? Its usually not possible to manage hyperthyroidism with diet alone. However, certain dietary changes may help to reduce symptoms or prevent complications. Avoiding caffeine and foods high in iodine may help those with Graves disease. Some people may also need to avoid soy before undergoing radioactive iodine treatment. What dietary strategies do people with hyperthyroidism use? Key dietary strategies for individuals with hyperthyroidism include avoiding high-iodine foods and choosing options rich in protein, vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Take dietary supplements to reduce the risk of nutrient deficiencies and have your thyroid hormone levels monitored regularly. How can I prevent hyperthyroidism? Eating foods rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, B vitamins, and selenium can help manage hyperthyroidism. Avoiding foods naturally high in iodine, like seaweed and dairy, can help prevent worsening symptoms. Cooking cruciferous vegetables instead of eating them raw can help prevent them from interfering with thyroid function. Can a low iodine diet help with hyperthyroidism? Low-iodine foods to include in a hyperthyroidism diet include: Whole grains are packed with antioxidants, B vitamins, iron, energy, and fiber, filling you up while protecting against oxidative stress, high cholesterol, and heart disease. Examples of whole grains to consider to support thyroid health include: For Graves-related hyperthyroidism, focus on calcium-rich dairy or fortified plant milks, 34 servings of iodine-moderate protein (poultry, legumes), at least 5 portions of antioxidant-dense fruit and vegetables, and 12 tablespoons of healthy fats daily. Strictly limit seaweed, iodized salt, and energy drinks. Avoid crash diets; keep meals every 34 hours to steady metabolism. Adequate ...
