Manage Hyperthyroidism With A Proper Diet

Hyperthyroidism, a condition where excessive thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid glands, can wreak havoc on individuals’ lives. The thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating mood, metabolism, energy levels, body temperate, heart rate and blood pressure. An individual who suffers from hyperthyroidism therefore may suffer from difficulty sleeping, an irregular hearbeat, weight loss and weakness.

Doctors typically treat hyperthyroidism with a combination of medicines. However, many also recommend some lifestyle changes. Excercise for instance, can help regulate hormone production as can your diet. Here are some diet tips that will help you minimise the effects of hyperthyroidism.

Eat At Regular Intervals

Eat small, frequent meals through the day so that your body always has energy reserves to burn.

Up Your Protein Intake

Proteins are necessary to distribute the thyroid hormones to the body’s tissues, keeping the hormone levels under control. Stick to low fat proteins like eggs, nuts, seeds, fish and soy products.

Don’t Cut Out Fats

No, it’s not an excuse to enjoy some junk food and fat heavy meats. Instead, look to healthy fats found in flax seeds, chia seeds, ghee, nuts and cheese – healthy fats are important to regulate and distribute hormones.

Eat More Vitamin D And Calcium

One side effect of hyperthyroidism is that bones can become weak and thin, possibly leading to osteoporosis. To prevent that, eat calcium rich foods like cheese, yogurt and other forms of dairy. Meanwhile, vitamin D helps the body absorb calcium; eat fatty fish, fortified milk, mushrooms and fortified orange juice.

Up Your Iodine Intake

Iodine plays a role in helping the body form the thyroid hormone thyrozine. An increased intake of iodine, therefore, is necessary with people with hyperthyroidism.

Iodine rich foods include seaweeds like kelp and nori, iodised salt and seafood.

Avoid Goitrogenic Foods

Foods high in gitrogens (complex substances) can interfere with iodine absorption and function, thereby disrupting the production of thyriod hormones. Goitrogenic foods include cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, soy and millet. Substitute these foods with green beans, onions, garlic and lettuce.

Eat Gut Healthy Foods

Thyroid functioning can be improved by a healthy gut. So, make sure you’re eating a lot of natural probiotics like dahi, yogurt, miso soup and soft cheeses.

No Alcohol Or Caffeine!

Cutting down your intake of alcohol and caffeine is always a good idea, but individuals with hyperthyroidism should make a special effort to stay away from them. Both drinks can mess with your moods and sleep habits which are typically regulated by your thyroid.

Instead, replace caffeinated products and alcohol with dairy, teas and juices.