Key Takeaways

  • Hyperthyroidism requires medical treatment, and it cannot be solely managed with dietary adjustments.
  • Although there is no such thing as a hyperthyroidism diet, avoiding an excess of high-iodine foods may relieve some symptoms if you have autoimmune forms of hyperthyroidism, like Graves’ disease. Limiting caffeine, soy, and gluten may also help.
  • Talk with a doctor or registered dietitian about food changes, including adding healthy fats to your diet. Consider asking them about selenium, zinc, calcium, and vitamin D supplements. These may not be indicated for everyone with hyperthyroidism, but could help some people with deficiencies.

Hyperthyroidism happens when there’s too much thyroid hormone in your body. This condition is also called thyrotoxicosis. An overactive or enlarged thyroid gland may produce more thyroid hormone.

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck. It produces thyroid hormones called T3 and T4. These hormones:

  • help your body use energy
  • help balance body temperature
  • help your brain, heart, and other organs function properly

Some types of hyperthyroidism may be genetic. Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States. It’s seven to eight times more common in women than men.

Hyperthyroidism can be easily confused with other health problems. Its range of symptoms includes:

  • sudden weight loss
  • increased appetite
  • anxiety, irritability, and nervousness
  • mood changes
  • difficulty sleeping
  • feeling hot
  • sweating
  • fast heartbeat or pounding heart
  • fatigue or tiredness
  • muscle weakness
  • hand tremor or slight shaking
  • more frequent or other changes in bowel movements
  • skin thinning
  • fine, brittle hair
  • menstruation changes
  • enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)
  • swelling at base of your neck
  • eye changes
  • red, thick skin on upper feet and shins

Treatment is necessary if you have hyperthyroidism. High levels of thyroid hormones in your body can be toxic. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism may lead to heart problems, bone loss, fracture risk, and other issues.

Your doctor may prescribe antithyroid medications. These drugs help to balance an overactive thyroid gland. In some cases, treatment may include radiation therapy or thyroid surgery.

Certain foods can help keep your thyroid healthy and reduce some of the negative effects of this condition. Some minerals, vitamins, and other nutrients are necessary to balance thyroid function.

A low-iodine diet is occasionally recommended in cases of mild hyperthyroidism when radioactive Iodine therapy is the best treatment option.

After treatment, it’s still important to balance iodine in your diet. Other foods help to protect your thyroid and reduce the long-term effects of hyperthyroidism.

There is no specific diet recommended for hyperthyroidism. Doctors don’t recommend lowering or eliminating iodine in your diet altogether.

However, if your hyperthyroidism has progressed to Graves’ disease, it is important to avoid consuming excess iodine. Too much iodine may worsen your condition. Foods like kelp, dulse, or other types of seaweed are particularly rich in iodine.

Be aware of your diet and work with your doctor on a plan that’s appropriate for you. The following foods have been shown to have an effect on hyperthyroidism.

Vitamins and minerals

Several nutrients are essential for thyroid health and to balance thyroid hormone production.

Selenium

Selenium-rich foods may help to balance thyroid hormone levels and protect your thyroid from disease. Selenium helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy.

Good food sources of selenium include:

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

Zinc

Zinc helps you use food for energy. This mineral also helps keep your immune system and thyroid healthy. Food sources of zinc include:

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

Calcium and vitamin D

Hyperthyroidism causes weak and brittle bones. Bone mass may be restored with treatment. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for building healthy bones.

Healthy fats

Fats that are from whole foods and largely unprocessed may help reduce inflammation. This helps to protect thyroid health and balance thyroid hormones.

Spices

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

  • turmeric
  • green chilies
  • black pepper

Gluten

In some people, gluten may harm the thyroid by causing inflammation. Even if you don’t have a gluten allergy or intolerance, it may be beneficial to restrict or limit gluten.

Soy

While soy doesn’t contain iodine, it’s been shown to interfere with some treatments for hyperthyroidism in animals.

Caffeine

Foods and beverages that contain caffeine, such as coffee, tea, soda, and chocolate, can exacerbate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and lead to increased anxiety, nervousness, irritability, and rapid heart rate.

If caffeine has this effect on you, avoiding or limiting your intake may be a good option. Try replacing caffeinated beverages with natural herbal teas, flavored water, or hot apple cider.

Hyperthyroidism may not always be preventable, but it’s treatable.

See your doctor if you have any of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Follow your treatment exactly as prescribed, including all dietary recommendations.

Talk with your doctor or dietitian about making short-term and long-term changes to your diet. This can help balance thyroid function and protect your body from the effects of hyperthyroidism.

Enjoy home-cooked whole foods on a low-iodine diet. Avoid restaurant, boxed or processed meals, and prepared sauces and marinades. These may contain added iodine.

If you’re on a low-iodine diet, it can be more difficult to get enough vitamin D and calcium. Talk with your doctor or dietitian about taking supplements for these nutrients.

Seek support from a thyroid support group. Most dietary restrictions will be temporary. Other dietary changes are part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle for better overall health and wellness.