5 Foods To Include & 5 Foods To Avoid If You Have Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland, which is located in the front side of the neck, has a huge impact on all the metabolic processes in the body. One of the most common problems that occurs in the thyroid gland is hyperthyroidism, which involves the abnormal production of thyroid hormones.

Some of the symptoms that occur in the body can be a loss in weight, irregular heartbeat, weakness and difficulty in sleeping.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid produces excess amount of primary hormones that control how the cells use energy. One of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism is Grave's disease that could lead to an excess secretion of hormones from the thyroid due to the stimulation of antibodies.

Due to hyperthyroidism, patients may also experience an increase in heart rate, hand tremors and high blood pressure. It may also cause frequent bowel movements, irregular menstrual cycle and weight loss. They may also experience nervousness, restlessness and an inability to concentrate.

Hyperthyroidism can be avoided with the help of a strict balanced diet. There are certain foods that must be a part of the diet for sure. However, there are also some foods that have to be avoided by patients with hyperthyroidism.

5 Foods To Be Included In The Hyperthyroidism Diet:

1. Whole Grains:
Hyperthyroidism leads to severe constipation and a perfect solution to avoid this is to include a lot of fibre-rich foods in the diet. For this purpose, you may consume whole grains in the form of brown rice, oats and quinoa.

2. Beans:
As people suffering from hyperthyroidism experience constant fatigue and often feel drained, beans help in sustaining the energy in their body. Beans are a rich source of antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and proteins and will serve its purpose very well.

3. Fish:
Fish contains essential fatty acids and can be considered as a natural treatment for hyperthyroidism. Salmon, trout, sardines and tuna contain omega-3 fatty acids that help in reducing inflammation, lower the risk of heart diseases and boost the immune power of people suffering from hyperthyroidism.

4. Fruits And Vegetables Rich In Antioxidants:
Consuming fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants helps in cleansing the system as well as to flush out the toxins from the body. They support the working of the thyroid gland as well as help control weight gain. Examples: Tomatoes, sweet potatoes, blueberries, cherries, etc.

5. Nuts:
Hyperthyroidism leads to an increase in appetite, and nuts can be considered as the best pals to satiate your hunger pangs. Nuts are a major source of selenium that makes it an essential food to be a part of the diet of a patient affected by hyperthyroidism.

5 Foods To Be Excluded In The Hyperthyroidism Diet:

1. Fatty Foods:
Fatty foods contain trans fats and saturated fatty acids that decrease the capacity of the body to absorb thyroid hormones. They also affect the functioning of thyroid glands to produce hormones. It is always better to avoid this in the diet.

2. Alcohol And Caffeine:
Alcohol decreases the capacity of the body to use thyroid hormones effectively. Caffeine affects the absorption of medicines into the intestines and also disturbs the healing effect of thyroid medication.

3. Cruciferous Vegetables:
These vegetables may have an adverse impact on the functioning of the thyroid gland. They may affect the gland's ability to absorb iodine, which is important for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Examples: Cauliflower, broccoli, turnips, cabbages, etc.

4. Soy Products:
Soy-rich foods contain phytoestrogens that wreak havoc in the functioning of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which forms the thyroid hormone. Further, consumption of soy also increases the risk of developing hyperthyroidism.

5. Processed Foods:
Processed foods contain a high amount of sodium; and hyperthyroidism patients must steer clear of sodium. This is because such patients are at a risk of developing hypertension and sodium-rich foods can increase the risk three-folds.