Jeffrey Salazar
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that requires medical management, but certain dietary changes may help support treatment and improve symptoms. A balanced diet that includes nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, healthy grains, and lean protein sources can help manage hyperthyroidism by ensuring adequate nutrient intake. Nutrients such as selenium, B vitamins, and iron are important for thyroid health and can help balance thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, limiting iodine intake by avoiding foods like iodized salt, cheese, milk, eggs, and saltwater fish may be recommended to prevent the aggravation of hyperthyroid symptoms. It is important to work with a doctor to determine an appropriate diet plan for managing hyperthyroidism.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Nutrients that help | Selenium, B vitamins, and iron |
| Foods to eat | Whole wheats, fresh fruits and vegetables, and lentils |
| Foods to avoid | Iodine, soy, iodized salt, cheese, milk, eggs, and saltwater fish |
| Other recommendations | Work with your doctor on a diet plan that's appropriate for you |
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What You'll Learn
Selenium-rich foods may help balance thyroid hormones
Selenium is a mineral found in soil, water, and certain foods. It is important for thyroid hormone metabolism and can be found in supplement form or in a variety of selenium-rich foods. Selenium helps prevent cell damage and keeps the thyroid and other tissues healthy.
Selenium supports thyroid health by aiding in the production of thyroid hormones. A selenium deficiency can lead to thyroid issues such as thyroiditis, hypothyroidism, and Graves' disease. Selenium-rich foods may help balance thyroid hormones and protect the thyroid from disease. Research suggests that selenium can help improve symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Some people may be at a greater risk of selenium deficiency and should consult their doctor about taking a selenium supplement. However, whole foods are the best source of selenium as the mineral may be destroyed during processing.
Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, with just one nut containing 95 micrograms, almost twice the daily requirement. Other selenium-rich foods include yellowfin tuna, white fish like halibut, tinned sardines, chicken, and beef. Sunflower seeds are the best plant-based source of selenium after Brazil nuts, and they come without the same consumption limits.
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Consume adequate iron to prevent deficiency
Consuming adequate iron is important for preventing iron deficiency, which can occur alongside hyperthyroidism. Iron deficiency can cause fatigue and hair loss, and its symptoms are similar to those of thyroid disease, making it hard to diagnose. Iron is an essential nutrient required for various physiological functions, including the production of hemoglobin, a protein present in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body.
To prevent iron deficiency, it is recommended to eat iron-rich foods, such as beef, liver, tuna, poultry, sardines, pork, lentils, and oysters. Pairing these foods with vitamin C-rich options like oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, and broccoli can enhance iron absorption. Additionally, consuming hydrochloric acid and digestive enzymes can improve iron absorption, especially for iron from leafy greens, which is less easily absorbed.
For those with heavy periods, an iron-rich diet and supplementation may be necessary to prevent anemia. Iron sulfate at 325 mg daily is a common prescription for women with iron deficiency anemia, but it can be hard on the digestive tract. A recommended alternative is iron bisglycinate, which is non-constipating, highly absorbable, and less likely to cause nausea.
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate treatment for iron deficiency, as it may involve thyroid replacement medication, iron supplements, or dietary changes. A blood test, called a serum ferritin test, can be performed to check iron levels.
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Limit iodine intake
While changing your diet may improve symptoms of hyperthyroidism, it is important to consult your doctor and work with them on a plan that is appropriate for you.
Iodine is a vital nutrient that the body needs to produce thyroid hormones. A low-iodine diet is often prescribed to people with thyroid cancer before a test or treatment. This is because the thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly. Iodine occurs naturally in seawater and foods that are high in iodine include seaweed, shrimp, and other seafood. Some dairy products and other foods are also fortified with iodine, and it is added to table salt.
If you are aiming to limit your iodine intake, it is important to be aware of the sources of iodine in your diet. You should avoid consuming large amounts of the foods mentioned above, especially seafood. Check food labels to see if iodine has been added to the product, and consider reducing your intake of iodized salt.
It is important to note that iodine deficiency is rare in the United States but is more common in other parts of the world. Deficiency can cause severe complications, especially during pregnancy when it can lead to permanent birth defects. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure you are still meeting the recommended daily intake of iodine, which is typically achieved through a balanced diet.
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Avoid soy and caffeine
Diet can play a role in managing hyperthyroidism and reducing its symptoms. However, it is important to note that diet alone cannot cure hyperthyroidism. People with hyperthyroidism should follow their doctor's recommended treatment plan and any dietary advice they provide.
Caffeine and soy are two food groups that people with hyperthyroidism may need to avoid.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a natural chemical that can make you feel more alert. It is found in coffee, energy drinks, cocoa, and cola. Caffeine can increase irritability, anxiety, and heart rate, intensifying hyperthyroidism symptoms. It can also speed up the metabolism, which means the thyroid gland has to work harder to keep the body's system balanced. As a result, caffeine can cause an overproduction of the stress chemical cortisol, keeping the body anxious for an extended period.
Soy
Soy may adversely affect thyroid function and interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones. However, the evidence for this is limited to a few studies, and the findings are not conclusive. Soy isoflavones may increase the dose of thyroid hormone required by hypothyroid patients by inhibiting absorption. There is also a theoretical concern that soy foods may increase the risk of developing clinical hypothyroidism in individuals with compromised thyroid function and/or marginal iodine intake. Therefore, it is recommended that soy food consumers ensure their iodine intake is adequate.
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Omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C can reduce inflammation
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that requires medical management. However, certain foods may help support treatment, improve symptoms, and enhance overall thyroid health. For instance, selenium-rich foods may help balance thyroid hormone levels and protect the thyroid from disease. Iron is another nutrient that is important for thyroid health.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential nutrients that can be sourced from fish oil supplements or certain foods. They are known to help reduce inflammation throughout the body and have been linked to many health benefits, such as improved brain and heart health. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and anchovies, as well as in plant sources like vegetable oils, nuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
Several studies have evaluated the use of fish oil supplements for reducing inflammation associated with heart disease, cancer, and other conditions. While there is no definitive evidence to recommend their use for these conditions, fish oil supplements have been found to significantly reduce disease activity and pain in people with rheumatoid arthritis. Higher doses of omega-3 fatty acids, particularly those above 2.6 grams per day, have been shown to lower inflammatory biomarkers and suppress inflammatory immune cells and proteins.
Vitamin C is a well-known antioxidant that can help protect the body from the damaging effects of inflammation. While the body's vitamin C requirement can usually be met through a balanced diet, supplements may be recommended in certain cases.
In summary, omega-3 fatty acids and vitamin C are important nutrients that can help reduce inflammation and support overall health. A balanced diet that includes sources of these nutrients may be beneficial, and supplements can be considered under medical supervision if recommended by a healthcare professional.
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Frequently asked questions
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. It is often caused by Graves' disease, an autoimmune condition. Symptoms include unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, and muscle weakness.
While there is no specific hyperthyroidism diet, certain foods and nutrients can help manage the condition and balance thyroid hormones. These include selenium, zinc, vitamin D, calcium, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. It is also recommended to limit iodine, soy, and caffeine intake as they can aggravate symptoms or interfere with medication.
Selenium-rich foods include tuna, halibut, shrimp, ham, egg yolks, and cottage cheese. For vitamin D, the primary source is sunlight on the skin. However, vitamin D supplements are also commonly taken. Calcium and vitamin D work together for bone health, so dairy products are a good source of both. Iron-rich foods include red meat, poultry, beans, and spinach. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in fish oil and certain types of fish, such as salmon and sardines.
