This month is observed as Thyroid Awareness Month and it is dedicated to the people who are suffering from thyroid. This blog from India’s eminent Nutritionist and Dietitian Avni Kaul discusses hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism, a kind of thyrotoxicosis, is a condition in which the thyroid gland generates excessive thyroid hormone. Certain people refer to this condition as an overactive thyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease.
The symptoms of an overactive thyroid could include unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, frequent bowel movements, problem in sleeping, and muscle weakness. Hyperthyroidism is more common in females than in men.
How Diet Impacts Hyperthyroidism?
Eating specific foods will not cure hyperthyroidism, but certain nutrients and minerals play a role in managing the underlying causes. Diet could affect both the production of thyroid hormones and how the thyroid functions.
The following nutrients and chemicals in them can impact hyperthyroidism:
· Excessive iodine in the diet can boost the production of thyroid hormone.
· Calcium and vitamin D are important because hyperthyroidism can create problems with bone mineral density.
· Foods and drinks having caffeine can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Below, here are some of the nutrients that can impact thyroid function.
Low Iodine Foods
If an individual is planning to get radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, then they might be asked to follow a low iodine diet.
Foods and drinks that are low in iodine are:
· Non-iodized salt
· Egg whites
· Fresh or frozen vegetables
· Tea and black coffee
· Vegetable oils
· Sugar, jam, jelly, and honey
· Unsalted nuts and nut butter
· Fruit and fruit juice
Cruciferous Vegetables
Certain cruciferous vegetables have compounds that decrease thyroid hormone production and could reduce iodine intake by the thyroid. Both of these impacts may be advantageous for a person with hyperthyroidism.
However, a person with hypothyroidism (lowered thyroid function) needs to refrain from eating large amounts of these foods.
The cruciferous vegetables include:
· Brussels Sprouts
· Cabbage
· Cauliflower
· Turnip roots
Selenium Based Food
Selenium is a micronutrient that your body needs for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium helps improve some of the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, like thyroid eye disease.
Among individuals using anti-thyroid medications, those who consume selenium supplements may get normal thyroid levels faster than those who do not.
Foods high in selenium include:
· Brazil nuts
· Fortified cereals
· Chicken
· Rice
· Eggs
· Spinach
Iron
Iron is a nutrient that is vital for normal body functioning, including thyroid health. Iron assists the red blood cells to carry oxygen to other cells in the body.
People will have adequate amount of iron by including these foods in their diet:
· Kidney beans
· Spinach
· Chickpeas
· Lentils
Vitamin D
There is a link between longstanding hyperthyroidism and reduction of bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis.
Calcium and vitamin D are both nutrients that are vital for bone health.
Foods high in calcium include:
· Yogurt
· Egg yolk
· Salmon
· Fortified milk
Special Online Diet Program, Designed for Home Quarantine
Do anxiety, boredom, and stress from home isolation are causing you sleeplessness, fluctuations in blood pressure and sugar levels, frequent indigestions? Are you worried about your immunity level and weight gain due to the homestay and due to the absence of morning walks and Gym?
Join Nutritionist Avni Kaul’s special online diet program, designed to keep you fit, reach weight loss goals and boost your immunity while you stay during the home isolation. To know more and book your online appointment, call 9953228642
Talk to the Nutritionist Avni Kaul to know more about Special online diet programs for weight loss and obesity management, Therapeutic Diets for people suffering from Thyroid, Diabetes, Hypertension, PCOD, Irritable Bowel Syndrome.
