A Great Hyperthyroidism Diet
Hyperthyroidism, sometimes also referred to as thyrotoxicosis, is a disorder of the thyroid gland that results in overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body. This condition leads to an overactive metabolic state and all of the body's processes speed up as a result. These systemic accelerations can manifest themselves as irritability, nervousness, insomnia, fatigue, rapid pulse, infrequent menstruation, weight loss, and tremors, among other things. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves Disease. Graves disease occurs more often in women than men, and sometimes does not show up until late in life. Although symptoms can cause discomfort, Graves disease is not difficult to treat. As it is with all thyroid disorders, a visit to your doctor is the first step in your treatment. With proper treatment, Graves Diseases sometimes goes into remission and has even been known to disappear completely.
The primary treatment goal is to reduce thyroid production and thereby lessen the severity of the symptoms, and diet can certainly supplement your medical treatment and contribute to your well being. A good hyperthyroidism diet is in many respects the opposite of a good hypothyroidism diet. It should seek to avoid or eliminate foods that stimulate thyroid production and encourage those that suppress thyroid production.
What You Should Eat
Goitrogenic foods contain chemical compounds that suppress thyroid activity, and they should form the basis of a good hyperthyroidism diet. Prominent among goitrogenic foods are cruciferous vegetables, which are among the most widely cultivated crops in the world. Popular cruciferous vegetables include sprouts, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, rutabaga, arugula, watercress, and bok choy. In addition to suppressing thyroid production these veggies provide other benefits. They are all considered to be very healthy, containing high amounts of vitamin C, soluble fiber, and nutrients and phytochemicals with anticancer properties. Diets for hyperthyroid patients should include cold water fish, particularly salmon, lots of fruits, and whole, unprocessed grains, including wild rice, pearled barley, brown rice, and quinoa. If you suffer from an overactive thyroid you should become a smart eater, and get into the habit of reading labels when you shop for groceries. Fatty acids, vitamins C and E, plenty of antioxidants, and beta carotene are essential to your good health. Malabsorption and depletion of these nutrients characterize hyperthyroidism, so you must be sure to combat these problems.
What You Should Not Eat
A good hyperthyroidism diet also requires that you avoid certain foods. As a thyroid patient you are already aware that your intake of iodine is very important. You should strictly avoid foods high in iodine content, including salt, kelp, seaweed, seafood, and vegetables which are grown near the ocean. Do not eat refined carbohydrates like flour, sugar, enriched bread, pasta, snack foods, syrup and honey, and always avoid caffeinated foods, including chocolates, diet bars, coffee, black tea, soft drinks, and energy drinks. These caffeinated foods are stimulants, and since your body is already overstimulated these foods will only aggravate your condition. You should also steer clear of trans fats, which are found in crackers, pie crusts, pastries, frozen entrees, fast foods, hydrogenated vegetable oils, and margarines.
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