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.

References

Akpınar, E. (2019). An Underestimated Comorbidity of COPD: Thyroid Dysfunction. Tuberkuloz ve Toraks. https://europepmc.org/article/med/31414644
Biondi, B., Kahaly, G., & Robertson, R. (2019). Thyroid Dysfunction and Diabetes Mellitus: Two Closely Associated Disorders. NIH, National Library of Medicine; Endocrine Reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6507635/
Godfrey M.S, J. (2018). Thyroid Diet: How To Eat with a Thyroid Disorder. HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/thyroid/thyroid-diet-how-to-eat-with-a-thyroid-disorder
Harris MPH RD, C. (2012). Thyroid Disease and Diet — Nutrition Plays a Part in Maintaining Thyroid Health. Today’s Dietitian. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/070112p40.shtml
Harris MPH RD, C. (n.d.). Two of a Kind: Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease. Todays Dietitian. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.todaysdietitian.com/pdf/courses/HarrisCeliacThyroid.pdf
Kharrazian, D. (2010). Good thyroid health depends on good gut health. Kharrazian Resource Center. https://drknews.com/good-thyroid-health-depends-on-good-gut-health/
Kravets MD, I. (2016). Hyperthyroidism: Diagnosis and Treatment. American Family Physician. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2016/0301/p363.html
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): Symptoms and Causes. (2022). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659
Hyperthyroidism. (n.d.). Medline Plus/NIH. https://medlineplus.gov/hyperthyroidism.html
MedlinePlus. (2021). Hyperthyroidism. Also called: Overactive thyroid. National Library of Medicine. https://medlineplus.gov/hyperthyroidism.html
Sargis M.D., R. (2018). How to Eat Well When You Have Graves’ Disease. HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/graves-disease/how-eat-well-when-you-have-graves-disease
Settipane MD, G., Schoenfeld MD, E., & Hamolsky MD, M. (n.d.). Asthma and hyperthyroidism . The Journal of Allergy. Retrieved January 21, 2022, from https://www.jacionline.org/article/0091-6749(72)90133-9/pdf
Tonstad, S., Nathan, E., Oda, K., & Fraser, G. (2019). Prevalence of hyperthyroidism according to type of vegetarian diet. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Cambridge University Press. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4377303/
Toraks, T. (2019). An underestimated comorbidity of COPD: Thyroid dysfunction. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/31414644