Key Takeaways

  • Hyperthyroidism requires medical treatment with antithyroid drugs or radioiodine therapy in most cases.
  • Natural strategies that can support hyperthyroidism treatment include dietary adjustments, particularly avoiding foods high in iodine, such as seafood, egg yolks, and dairy products, among others.
  • Selenium supplementation may also support some people, but a doctor needs to confirm that you need it first. Inadequate intake of selenium may be toxic. Although popular, there’s no scientific evidence that other remedies, like lemon balm and lavender essential oil, are effective for hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the body produces too much thyroid hormone. It affects the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck and is responsible for secreting several important hormones.

It can lead to symptoms such as heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and weight loss.

Hyperthyroidism is often treated with antithyroid drugs, which stop the overproduction of thyroid hormone.

If antithyroid drugs don’t improve the state of the thyroid gland, hyperthyroidism could be treated with radioactive iodine. In some cases, the thyroid gland might be surgically removed.

In addition to medical treatments, some natural hyperthyroidism treatments may help. While they shouldn’t replace any medications prescribed to you by a doctor, they may make it easier to manage some of its symptoms.

Before you add anything to complement your treatment plan, it’s important to speak with a doctor.

One way to manage hyperthyroidism is to have a healthy diet.

If you have hyperthyroidism, a doctor might prescribe a low-iodine diet to reduce thyroid hormones.

A low-iodine diet means you should avoid:

  • iodized salt
  • seafood
  • dairy products
  • high amounts of poultry or beef
  • high amounts of grain products, such as bread, pasta, and pastries
  • egg yolks

If you have hyperthyroidism, it can be helpful to eat more of the following foods:

  • egg whites
  • fresh or canned fruit
  • unsalted nuts and nut butters
  • potatoes
  • oats
  • honey

More about avoiding iodine

In addition to avoiding the above foods, it’s important to avoid additional iodine.

Iodine can be found in herbal supplements, even if it’s not noted on the label. Remember that even if a supplement is available over the counter, it can still have a harmful effect on your body.

Balance is essential when it comes to iodine. While excessive iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, an iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism (underachieve thyroid).

Before taking any supplements, speak with a doctor.

You shouldn’t take any iodine medication unless it’s been prescribed to you by a doctor.

Selenium may help to treat the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, according to some research.

Selenium is a mineral that naturally occurs in water, soil, and foods like:

  • nuts
  • fish
  • beef
  • grains

It can also be taken as a supplement.

Graves’ disease, the most common cause of hyperthyroidism, is associated with thyroid eye disease (TED), which can be treated with selenium. Remember, however, that not everyone with hyperthyroidism has TED.

However, further research is still needed to understand the exact effects of selenium on hyperthyroidism.

It’s best to speak with a doctor before taking a supplement like selenium, as there are some possible side effects and selenium shouldn’t be taken in combination with certain medications.

Lemon balm, a plant that’s a member of the mint family, is thought to be a treatment for Graves’ disease. In theory, this is because it reduces thyroid hormones.

However, there’s a lack of research on this claim. There’s insufficient evidence to assess whether lemon balm effectively treats hyperthyroidism.

Lemon balm can be consumed as a tea or in the form of a supplement. Setting down with a cup of lemon balm tea may at least be healing as a stress management technique.

While many people swear by using essential oils to manage the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, there’s insufficient research on this claim.

Lavender can, for example, reduce feelings of anxiety and help you feel calm. This might help you fight nervousness and sleeplessness, both symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

Beyond that, there isn’t enough research out there to suggest that essential oils could help treat hyperthyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism generally requires medical treatment and monitoring by a healthcare professional.

While the natural treatments listed above may help you manage your symptoms and can complement thyroid medication, they can’t replace it.

Eating well, exercising, and practicing self-care and stress management can all help. When managed with medication and a healthy lifestyle, thyroid function can return to normal.