What Should I Eat If I Have Hyperthyroidism?

Diet plays an important role in managing the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Once this disease is detected, it is therefore necessary to make adjustments to its diet. What should be taken into account?

In case of hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to make adjustments in the diet. The thyroid is barely two inches in size, but poor functioning on its part triggers a wide variety of symptoms. What is the reason ? This small, butterfly-shaped gland secretes hormones that directly affect almost all bodily functions.

Thus, when you suffer from an alteration, it is necessary to improve your diet to modulate your activity and avoid complications. What is hyperthyroidism? What foods should you eat and avoid? We will provide some answers in this article.

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 fundamental for the body. Its proper functioning is essential for health because these hormones affect almost every cell in the body. More specifically, its functions include the following points:

• Regulation of energy use
• Protein synthesis
• Enzymatic activity
• Body temperature regulation

Hyperthyroidism is a disorder in which the gland does not normally produce thyroid hormone. In this case, and for various reasons, the problem is the increased secretion of T3 and T4 hormones. Different diseases can also come into this context, such as Graves Basedow’s disease, multinodular goiters or toxic thyroid adenomas.

With hyperthyroidism, all functions of the body tend to speed up. As a result, a series of symptoms appear, such as the following:

• Weightloss
• Nervousness
• Sleep problems
• Tremors
• Increased sweating
• Palpitations

If one suffers from a thyroid disease such as hyperthyroidism,  it is necessary to consult a doctor or endocrinologist to define the treatment  that best suits each particular situation.

Diet for hyperthyroidism

As experts at the British Thyroid Foundation report , there is no diet protocol for thyroid disease. Nevertheless, maintaining a good diet in case of hyperthyroidism is fundamental because it helps control symptoms and improve quality of life.

Several nutrients play a very important role in the function of the gland and the normal secretion of hormones. The main ones are iodine and selenium, although we are also studying other contents in foods such as crucifers or soybeans.

Taking them into account is important because it results in better health. It should be remembered that hyperthyroidism is a disease that, once diagnosed, will last a lifetime.

Thus, according to the specialist doctor Óscar Vidal, there are two aspects to take into account:

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

How to control the amount of iodine?

In the diet for hyperthyroidism, it is necessary to monitor the levels of iodine because this one participates in the production of thyroid hormones. It is necessary to consume it rationally because it is very difficult to eliminate it completely.

The main sources of iodine in the diet are:

• Iodized salt
• Marine foods such as certain fish, seafood or seaweed
• Dairy products
• The egg yolk
• Certain grains and seeds

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 that has a very close relationship with the thyroid gland. In a review of scientific literature, we established the concrete role played by this trace element in its functioning. It is deposited on many body tissues, and especially on the thyroid gland, where it is found in the form of selenoproteins.

This type of protein has a very important antioxidant action. It can therefore be said that selenium contributes to a protective activity of the thyroid and to an improvement in health in general.

Some specialists analyze selenium supplementation in Graves disease. However, this nutrient can also be obtained through food. We find it in foods like salmon, whole grains or eggs, although the greatest source of selenium is undoubtedly Brazil nuts.

Hyperthyroidism and vitamin D

As we discussed earlier, thyroid hormones affect many cells and functions in the body, including bones. These can become weakened if hyperthyroidism is not treated adequately.

In addition, as we have been informed at the British Thyroid Foundation , we observe, in the blood tests of people who suffer from this disease, low levels of vitamin D. However, further research is needed to know what is the cause.  cause and what are its possible consequences.

However, it is obvious that you need to watch vitamin D and reinforce any habits that are positive for musculoskeletal health. Here are some recommendations:

• Exercise on a regular basis and perform an activity that strengthens the muscles
• Sunbathe for at least 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 optimal skeletal condition. These are found in dairy products, blue fish, almonds, chickpeas, vegetables and seeds.

Good nutrition for hyperthyroidism is essential for successful treatment

Overactive thyroid is a disease that results from a malfunction of thyroid hormones. Even if the main treatment is pharmacological or surgical,  it is essential to ensure a special diet for hyperthyroidism.

Following a balanced and healthy diet and paying attention to foods with iodine and selenium is essential to support pharmacological treatment and ensure a better quality of life.