Hyperactive thyroid, also called hyperthyroidism, is a chronic condition in which the thyroid gland produces too many hormones. This leads to an increased metabolism and symptoms like weight loss, rapid heartbeat and sweating, according to the Mayo Clinic. While people with hyperactive thyroid usually have to take prescription medications to control their thyroid, watching their diet can also help.
Significance
The diet for a hyperactive thyroid can effectively reduce the side effects associated with hyperthyroidism. The Mayo Clinic states that eating a special diet can help people with a hyperactive thyroid to gain weight. It can also help a person with hyperthyroidism feel better.
Recommended Foods
The nutrition website World's Healthiest Foods reports that goitrogenic foods, which inhibit the body's ability to use iodine, can reduce the symptoms of a hyperactive thyroid. Foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts can all prevent the body from using the mineral iodine, which in turn reduces the amount of hormones that the thyroid can produce. Soybeans are encouraged on the diet for a hyperactive thyroid, as they can also prevent the hormone from producing excess amounts of hormones. For people having trouble gaining weight, high-calorie and high-fat foods are generally recommended, such as whole milk, meat and nuts.
Supplements
Supplements are an integral part of the diet for a hyperactive thyroid, since it can be difficult to get enough of the required nutrients through foods alone. The World's Healthiest Foods points out that taking vitamin C and vitamin E can help to reduce oxidative stress caused by a hyperactive thyroid. If you are underweight or have lost weight from hyperthyroidism, diet may not be enough. The Mayo Clinic states that some people with hyperactive thyroids have to supplement with nutritional drinks like Boost or Ensure to get extra calories.
Effectiveness
The diet for hyperthyroidism is intended primarily for weight gain or maintenance and to make the patient feel better, not to reverse hyperthyroidism. While diet may be able to reduce the amount of hormones sent out by the thyroid, no scientific studies have yet proved that diet can be an effective treatment to reverse the disease. The Mayo Clinic advises that despite dietary changes, most patients still require drugs like radioactive iodine or beta blockers.
Safety
The diet for a hyperactive thyroid is generally safe, but it's important to always speak with a doctor or registered dietitian before making any changes to your current diet. While goitrogenic foods can slow the production of thyroid hormones, you don't want to eat too many of them, because you do need some thyroid hormones in order to maintain a healthy metabolism.
