Hyperthyroidism

Maintain weight, reduce symptoms, make medications more effective with diet

Recommended For

Basedow's disease, Diffuse toxic goiter, Graves' disease, Hyperthyroid, Hyperthyroidism, Overactive thyroid, Parry's disease, Thyrotoxicosis.

Diet Goals

Help reduce symptoms

  • Decrease iodine intake from fish, dairy or grains
  • Daily intake (adult) is 150 mcg/day iodine found in 3/4 tsp of salt
  • Avoid caffeine that can worsen symptoms
Take your medications for an overactive thyroid, but remember that you can ease symptoms and feel better with the right diet.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Fruits, Vegetables: Berries, avocado, leafy greens, carrots
Fish 2 x week: Salmon, bass, cod, crab, scallops, shrimp
High fiber foods: Lentils, chia seeds, whole grains, popcorn
Whole grains: Whole wheat bread & pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice
Low iodine: Non-iodized salt, pasta, rice; fresh, frozen, or canned veggies
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops

Foods to Avoid

Soy protein: Tofu, soy milk, edamame, miso, tempeh, natto
Excess caffeine: Coffee, tea, energy drinks, sodas, chocolate
Red meat: Beef, lamb, pork, goat, veal, mutton
High iodine: Seaweed, fish (cod, tuna), shrimp, iodized salt
Gluten products: Wheat, spelt, farro, graham, barley, rye, triticale
Dairy: Products made from milk; cheese, butter

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Graves' disease (most common cause) can't be prevented or treated through diet alone; some foods can decrease symptoms, reduce risk of associated chronic diseases.
Studies show thyroid disorders strongly related to impaired glucose control, and diabetes. 30% of Type 1 & 12.5% of Type 2 diabetics have thyroid disorders.
Hyperthyroidism 52% lower among vegan diet followers, 35% lower among lacto-ovo vegetarians, 26% lower among pescetarians.

Caveats

Overactive thyroid: Limit iodine, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels, cabbage), caffeine; eat iron, selenium foods; soy can interfere with radioactive iodine uptake treatment.
Hyperthyroidism can cause rapid bone loss, increased excretion of calcium resulting in brittle bones and osteoporosis.
Vegetarian diet can improve hyperthyroidism; possibly related to estrogens added to meat, eggs, & dairy triggering autoimmune reactions.
Food sensitivities or allergies can negatively impact the immune system, causing flare ups.