Functional Neurology: Foods to Eat and Avoid with Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can cause bodily functions to speed up which may result in a variety of symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. In the following article, we will discuss foods to eat and avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. By way of instance, people with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, may follow a low-iodine diet before having radiation therapy. After treatment, it’s often still essential to follow a low-iodine diet. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Foods to Eat with Hyperthyroidism

Low-iodine Foods

Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. Low-iodine foods may help reduce thyroid hormones, including:

• fresh or canned fruit
• plain popcorn
• unsalted nuts and nut butter
• potatoes
• oats
• homemade bread or bread without dairy, eggs, and salt
• egg whites
• honey
• maple syrup
• coffee or tea
• non-iodized salt

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables may also prevent the thyroid gland from utilizing iodine. Cruciferous vegetables that are beneficial for hyperthyroidism can include:

• kale
• collard greens
• bok choy
• Brussels sprouts
• broccoli
• cauliflower
• bamboo shoots
• mustard
• cassava
• rutabaga

Healthy fats

Healthy fats may help reduce inflammation. This helps balance thyroid hormones. Non-dairy fats are ultimately essential in a low-iodine diet, including:

• coconut oil
• avocados and avocado oil
• olive oil
• unsalted nuts and seeds
• sunflower oil
• flaxseed oil
• safflower oil

Spices

Several spices have anti-inflammatory properties that may help balance thyroid function. Add a dose of antioxidants and flavor to your daily meals with:

• green chilies
• black pepper
• turmeric

Vitamins and Minerals

Iron

Iron is essential for a variety of bodily functions, including the production of thyroid hormones. Add iron into your diet by eating various foods, including:

• green leafy vegetables
• nuts
• seeds
• dried beans
• lentils
• whole grains
• poultry, such as chicken and turkey
• red meat

Selenium

Selenium-rich foods may also help balance thyroid hormones. Selenium prevents cell and tissue damage. Several good sources of selenium can include:

• Brazil nuts
• chia seeds
• sunflower seeds
• mushrooms
• couscous
• oat bran
• rice
• poultry, such as chicken and turkey
• meat, such as beef and lamb
• tea

Zinc

Zinc helps turn the food we eat into energy. This mineral also promotes thyroid and immune health. Several food sources of zinc can also include:

• cashews
• pumpkin seeds
• mushrooms
• chickpeas
• beef
• lamb
• cocoa powder

Calcium and Vitamin D

Hyperthyroidism causes brittle bones. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary to support healthy bones. Several good sources of calcium can include:

• calcium-fortified orange juice
• kale
• spinach
• collard greens
• okra
• almond milk
• white beans
• calcium-fortified cereals

Foods to Avoid with Hyperthyroidism

Excess Iodine

Eating excess iodine-rich or iodine-fortified foods can cause hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. Avoid eating foods with excess iodine, including:

• seaweed
• algae
• alginate
• nori
• kelp
• agar-agar
• carrageen
• milk and dairy
• cheese
• egg yolks
• sushi
• fish
• prawns
• crabs
• lobster
• iodized water
• some food colorings
• iodized salt

Gluten

Gluten may cause inflammation and damage the thyroid. Even if you don’t have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, avoid eating foods with gluten, including:

• triticale
• rye
• malt
• barley
• brewer’s yeast
• wheat

Soy

Although soy doesn’t have iodine, it’s been shown to affect treatments for hyperthyroidism in animal models. Avoid eating foods with soy, including

• tofu
• soy sauce
• soy milk
• soy-based creamers

Caffeine

Foods and drinks that have caffeine, such as soda, chocolate, tea, and coffee can worsen hyperthyroidism and increase symptoms of irritability, nervousness, anxiety, and rapid heart rate. Try replacing caffeinated foods and drinks with flavored water, natural herbal teas, or hot apple cider.

Nitrates

Substances known as nitrates may cause the thyroid gland to absorb too much iodine. This can lead to an enlarged thyroid and an overactive thyroid. Nitrates are naturally found in several foods. Processed foods and drinking water may also have added nitrates. Avoid foods with nitrates, including:

• spinach
• parsley
• dill
• lettuce
• cabbage
• celery
• beets
• turnip
• carrots
• pumpkin
• endive
• leeks
• fennel
• cucumber
• processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, salami, and pepperoni

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms. In the following article, we will discuss what foods to eat and what foods to avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. - Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can cause bodily functions to speed up which may result in a variety of symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. In the article above, we discussed foods to eat and avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. By way of instance, people with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, may follow a low-iodine diet before having radiation therapy. After treatment, it’s often still essential to follow a low-iodine diet. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us.

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

References:

1. Lights, Verneda, et al. “Hyperthyroidism.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 June 2016, www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659.
3. Aleppo, Grazia. “Hyperthyroidism Overview.” EndocrineWeb, EndocrineWeb Media, 10 July 2019, www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hyperthyroidism/hyperthyroidism-overview-overactive-thyroid.
4. Iftikhar, Noreen. “Hyperthyroidism Diet.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 June 2019, www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism-diet.