What should be my diet if I have hyperthyroidism?

07/03/2022

Diet plays an important role in managing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, once this disease is detected, it is advisable to make adjustments in the diet. What must be considered?

The diet should be adjusted before the diagnosis of hyperthyroidism. The thyroid is only about 5 centimeters, but a malfunction triggers a wide variety of symptoms. The reason is that this small butterfly-shaped gland secretes hormones that have direct action on almost all bodily functions.

Therefore, when it suffers some type of alteration, it is necessary to improve the diet to modulate its activity and avoid complications. What is hyperthyroidism? What foods to eat and which to avoid? Next, we answer these questions in detail.

What is hyperthyroidism?


The thyroid is a small gland, located in the neck. Its function is to secrete different types of hormones , some of which are essential for the body. Its proper functioning is basic for health, since these hormones affect almost all the cells of the body. Specifically, its functions include the following:

  • Regulation of energy use.
  • Protein synthesis.
  • Enzymatic activity.
  • Corporal temperature regulation.

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the gland does not produce thyroid hormone normally. In this case, and for various reasons, the problem is the increased secretion of T3 and T4 hormones. Within it, different diseases have been described, such as Graves-Basedow disease, multinodular goiters or toxic thyroid adenomas.

When hyperthyroidism appears, all body functions tend to speed up. Consequently, a series of symptoms such as those mentioned below appear:

  • Weightloss.
  • Nervousness.
  • Difficulty to sleep.
  • Tremors.
  • Increased sweating.
  • Palpitations.

In case of suffering from any thyroid disease, such as hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to go to the doctor or endocrinologist to prescribe the treatment that best suits each particular situation.

In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland secretes hormones excessively. Therefore, various functions of the body are altered.

diet in hyperthyroidism

As the experts at the British Thyroid Foundation point out , there is no diet protocol for diseases of the thyroid gland. However, maintaining a good diet is essential, as it helps control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Different nutrients play a relevant role in the function of the gland and the normal secretion of hormones. The main ones are iodine and selenium, although other contents in foods such as cruciferous or soy are also studied.

Taking them into account is important because it translates into a better state of health. It should not be forgotten that hyperthyroidism is a disease that, once diagnosed, will last a lifetime.

Thus, according to the medical specialist Óscar Vidal, there are two aspects that must be taken into account :

  • Maintain a diet low in those foods that help produce thyroid hormone, such as iodine.
  • Enhance other nutrients with antioxidant capacity, which allow healthy cells to regenerate. This is the case of selenium.

How to control the amount of iodine?

In food for hyperthyroidism , it is necessary to monitor iodine levels, since it participates in the production of thyroid hormones . It is necessary to make a rational consumption, because it is very difficult to eliminate it completely.

The main sources of iodine in the diet are the following:

  • iodized salt.
  • Marine foods such as some fish, shellfish or algae.
  • Dairy products.
  • Yolk.
  • Some cereals and grains.

In addition, foods from the cruciferous family (such as broccoli, cauliflower or Brussels sprouts) contain a principle that inhibits the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland.

The importance of selenium in the diet for hyperthyroidism

Selenium is one of the nutrients with the closest relationship with the thyroid gland. In a review of scientific literature , the specific role that this trace element has in its functioning is established. It is deposited in many body tissues, especially the thyroid gland, where it is found in the form of selenoproteins.

This type of protein has a very important antioxidant action, so it can be said that selenium contributes to a protective activity of the thyroid and improves health in general.

Some specialists discuss selenium supplementation in Graves' disease . However, this nutrient can also be obtained through diet. We find it in foods such as salmon, whole grains or eggs. But, without a doubt, the biggest source is Brazil nuts.

Hyperthyroidism and vitamin D


As we discussed, thyroid hormones have effects on a large number of cells and functions in the body. Among these are the bones , which can be weakened if hyperthyroidism is not treated properly.

But in addition, as the British Thyroid Foundation points out , low levels of vitamin D are observed in the analyzes of people suffering from this disease , although more research is needed to know what the cause is and its possible consequences.

What is clear is that it is worth More hints  paying special More hints attention to vitamin D, and reinforcing all the habits that are positive for musculoskeletal health. Some recommendations are as follows:

  • Do physical exercise on a regular basis and do some activity that strengthens the muscles.
  • Sunbathe for ten minutes a day. It is necessary to take advantage of the hours of the day when the sun is not too strong to avoid its adverse effects.
  • Consume foods with vitamin D, calcium and phosphorus for an optimal state of the skeleton. These are found in dairy products, oily fish, almonds, chickpeas, vegetables and seeds.

A good diet in hyperthyroidism is essential for the success of treatment

Overactive thyroid is a disease resulting from a malfunction of thyroid hormones. Although the main treatment is pharmacological or surgical, a special diet for hyperthyroidism cannot be ignored.

Following a balanced and healthy diet, and paying attention to foods with iodine and selenium, is key to accompanying drug treatment and ensuring a better quality of life.

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