A high thyroid is another term for an overactive thyroid gland, better known as hyperthyroidism. Although hyperthyroidism is not as common as hypothyroidism, it still requires treatment in order to balance the thyroid gland so that major body functions are normalized. In some cases, adding and avoiding certain foods can help to optimize hyperthyroid treatment.
Effects
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones for the body to handle. An overactive thyroid speeds up the metabolism. As a result, you might experience insomnia and fatigue, anxiousness, heart palpitations, shakiness and sudden weight loss. The American Thyroid Association also explains that hyperthyroidism causes muscle weakness and heat sensitivity. Eating iodine-rich foods can worsen hyperthyroidism, as thyroid hormones are produced with iodine that is present in the body. Iodine is a trace element in seafood, sea salt and iodized salt.
Helpful Foods
Goitrogenic foods and those that are low in iodine may help alleviate symptoms of hyperthyroidism, as they minimize thyroid hormone production. According to the World's Healthiest Foods, examples of goitrogenic foods include green leafy vegetables, soybeans, broccoli, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. The website also states that foods rich in vitamins A, C and E, as well as zinc, can help to minimize symptoms.
Herbal Remedies
Herbal supplements in natural foods stores and through online outlets are available to help stop the production of thyroid hormones. Some alternative medicine practitioners might also utilize these supplements as part of a high thyroid diet. According to The World's Healthiest Foods website, such herbal remedies work by blocking cells within the thyroid gland that work to produce hormones. Ask a doctor before taking herbs as part of a thyroid diet, as interactions may occur.
Diuretics
Diuretics are commonly used as weight-loss aids. Since weight gain is not a common symptom of hyperthyroidism, diuretics are not a tool used for a hyperthyroid diet. Instead, the World's Healthiest Foods cautions hyperthyroid patients against everyday diuretics such as coffee. Diuretics can help speed up your metabolism and can flush nutrients out of your body before it has a chance to absorb them.
Medical Treatment
Although eating habits can affect your thyroid gland, diet alone cannot cure hyperthyroidism. Dietary changes can instead be explored under the guidance of an endocrinologist. Certain medical treatments are proven to help treat hyperthyroidism. The American Thyroid Association reports that hyperthyroid treatments include radioactive iodine, anti-thyroid medications and beta-blockers. These are utilized to help stop the over-production of thyroid hormones. When an overactive thyroid does not respond to such treatments, your doctor might recommend surgery. According to the Thyroid Association, this measure might cure hyperthyroidism for good, but you will likely require prescription hormone replacements in order to prevent hypothyroidism.
