Overactive thyroid, also called hyperthyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid makes too much of the normal thyroid hormone involved in the process of metabolism. This results in a very high metabolism that leads to symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat and shortness of breath. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that while most people take special medications for hyperthyroidism, eating a proper diet consisting of certain foods can also help to control it.
Yogurt
Yogurt can help to reduce the effects of an overactive thyroid. The University of Maryland Medical Center explains that yogurt contains live, active bacteria called probiotics. These probiotics, such as lactobacillus acidophilus, improve the immune system function. Since overactive thyroid is considered an autoimmune disease or a problem with the body's defense system, eating yogurt can help.
Cabbage
According to the World's Healthiest Foods website, iodine works to increase the metabolism. The website also states that cabbage is classified as a "goitrogenic" food, which means it can interfere with the way that the body uses the mineral iodine and thus reduce the effects of overactive thyroid. Since eating cabbage may inhibit the body's ability to absorb iodine, it can reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Olive Oil
The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends that people with an overactive thyroid use healthy oils such as olive oil in cooking, baking and in other meals often. One of the reasons that olive oil proves beneficial for hyperthyroidism is that it is high in calories and can help to reduce or prevent weight loss, which is a common side effect of the disease. The unsaturated fatty acids in olive oil can also improve the immune system, states the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Almonds
Almonds contain unsaturated fatty acid which can stabilize the immune system for people who have hyperthyroidism. Almonds prove beneficial for those with an overactive thyroid because they contain the minerals calcium and zinc. The World's Healthiest Foods website states that hyperthyroidism can deplete calcium and zinc from the body so people with the disease need to make sure to get extra calcium and zinc in their diet.
