Hyperthyroidism:Foods to eat and avoid
24 min read
A person’s diet can have an effect on the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some foods can improve the condition, while others can make symptoms worse or interfere with medications.
Hyperthyroidism, a type of thyrotoxicosis, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Some people refer to this condition as an overactive thyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease.
The symptoms of an overactive thyroid include unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, and muscle weakness. Hyperthyroidism is much more common in women than in men.
In this article, we discuss how diet affects hyperthyroidism and provide lists of foods to eat and avoid.
How does diet affect hyperthyroidism?
Eating fresh fruits and vegetables can benefit an overactive thyroid.
Eating certain foods will not cure hyperthyroidism, but some nutrients and minerals play a role in managing the underlying condition. Diet can affect both the production of thyroid hormones and how the thyroid functions.
The following nutrients and chemicals are among those that can affect hyperthyroidism:
Iodine, which the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormone. Too much iodine in the diet can increase the production of thyroid hormone.
Calcium and vitamin D are vital because hyperthyroidism can cause problems with bone mineral density.
Foods and drinks containing caffeine can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Below, we discuss some of the nutrients that can affect thyroid function and note which foods contain them.
Foods to eat
The following foods can have benefits for people with an overactive thyroid:
Low iodine foods
If a person is planning to receive radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, their doctor may ask them to follow a low iodine diet.
Foods and drinks that are low in iodine include:
noniodized salt
egg whites
fresh or frozen vegetables
tea and black coffee
herbs and spices
vegetable oils
sugar, jam, jelly, and honey
unsalted nuts and nut butter
soda and lemonade
beer and wine.and chicken
fruit and fruit juices
The American Thyroid Association offer tips on how to follow a low iodine diet.
Cruciferous vegetables
Some cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that decrease thyroid hormone production and may reduce iodine uptake by the thyroid. Both of these effects may be beneficial for a person with hyperthyroidism.
However, anyone with hypothyroidism (decreased thyroid function) should avoid eating large amounts of these foods.
These cruciferous vegetables include:
Brussels sprouts and cabbage
collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip roots and greens
kale and arugula
radishes and rutabagas
bok choy
cauliflower
broccoli and broccoli rabe
Foods containing selenium
Brazil nuts are rich in selenium.
Selenium is a micronutrient that the body requires for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Research suggests that selenium can help improve some of the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, such as thyroid eye disease.
Among people using anti-thyroid medications, those who take selenium supplements may achieve normal thyroid levels more quickly than those who do not.
Foods rich in selenium include:
Brazil nuts
tuna
halibut
shrimp
ham
fortified pasta and cereals
chicken
rice
eggs
cottage cheese
baked beans
oatmeal
spinach
Foods containing iron
Iron is a nutrient that is important for normal bodily processes, including thyroid health. Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body.
Researchers have linked low levels of iron to hyperthyroidism.
People can maintain an adequate intake of iron by including these foods in their diet:
fortified cereals
raisins
oysters and fish
white beans, kidney beans, and black beans
dark chocolate
chicken
lentils
spinach
sardines
chickpeas
Foods containing calcium and vitamin D
There is an association between longstanding hyperthyroidism and decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D are both nutrients that are important for bone health.
Foods rich in calcium include:
milk
cheese
yogurt
ice cream
canned salmon
sardines
broccoli
fortified orange juice
kale
bok choy
tofu and fortified soy milks
Many people with hyperthyroidism have vitamin D deficiency. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun hitting the skin so that the body can make its own. However, due to concerns about sun exposure and increased risk of skin cancer, many people actively limit their time in the sun or use sunscreen.
Not many foods are good sources of vitamin D, but the following foods contain some of this vitamin:
salmon and tuna
milk and some fortified dairy products (check the labels)
fortified soy milk
fortified cereals
Spices
Turmeric may reduce the frequency of thyroid disease.
Studies have linked certain spices, including turmeric and green chilis, to a reduced frequency of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism.
Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties.
People can use different spices, such as turmeric, to add flavor to their food.
Foods to avoid
Below, we look at the foods that can be harmful to people with hyperthyroidism if they eat them in large quantities:
Iodine-rich foods
Too much iodine can make hyperthyroidism worse by leading the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone.
A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as:
iodized salt
fish and shellfish
seaweed or kelp
dairy products
iodine supplements
food products containing red dye
egg yolks
blackstrap molasses
carrageenan, which is an additive
baked goods with iodate dough conditioners
Soy
Animal studies have shown that soy ingestion can interfere with radioactive iodine uptake for the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Sources of soy include:
soy milk
soy sauce
tofu
edamame beans
soybean oil
Gluten
Research suggests that autoimmune thyroid disease, including Graves’ disease, is more common among people who have celiac disease than among those who do not.
The reason for this is not apparent, but genetics may play a role. Having celiac disease can also make a person more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders.
Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine as a result of the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, oats, and rye.
People with celiac disease need to follow a gluten free diet. Some research suggests that following a gluten free diet may facilitate better absorption of thyroid medications by the intestine and decrease inflammation.
Caffeine
Caffeine can worsen some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia.
Where possible, a person with hyperthyroidism should try to avoid foods and drinks containing caffeine. These include:
regular coffee
black tea
chocolate
regular soda
energy drinks
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Summary
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormone. People should follow their treatment plan and any dietary recommendations from their doctor.
Changing the diet might improve symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Certain nutrients may help support healthy thyroid function or decrease hyperthyroidism symptoms.
A doctor or dietitian will be able to provide more information about dietary changes for hyperthyroidism.
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