Hyperthyroidism is an endocrine system disorder in which your thyroid gland, positioned in the front of your neck, produces too much thyroid hormone. Graves' disease, the most common form of hyperthyroidism, often begins in times of stress or during pregnancy. Hyperthyroidism symptoms can include a rapid heart rate, racing thoughts, weight loss, sweating, anxiety, tremors, bulging eyes and goiter -- or swelling of the thyroid gland. Treatments to lower your thyroid levels can vary from dietary modification to surgery, depending on the severity of your condition. Consult your physician if you experience any symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Step 1
Eliminate from your diet foods that could be potential allergens, and see if your symptoms improve. Avoids foods such as dairy, wheat, soy, corn, food additives and preservatives. Schedule allergy testing if you want to be certain.
Step 2
Eat foods that are high in B vitamins and iron to help relieve symptoms. B vitamin foods include leafy green vegetables, eggs, chicken and seafood. Iron is found in beef, shrimp, beans and liver.
Step 3
Limit processed meats and lunch meats such as ham, salami and bologna. Lunch meats typically contain sodium nitrate as a preservative, which may alter thyroid function. Also avoid caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea and colas, which may make you more jittery.
Step 4
Take beta blockers or other thyroid depressive medications as prescribed by your doctor. These will chemically reduce the amount of thyroid hormone being secreted by your thyroid gland.
Step 5
Consent to a radioactive iodine treatment if your thyroid is at a dangerously high level. Radioactive iodine will effectively shut down your thyroid production. It results in permanent underactive thyroid in about 50 percent of patients.
Step 6
Undergo surgery to remove part of the thyroid gland. Use surgery as a last ditch effort to regulate your levels of thyroid hormone.
Tips and Warnings
- Listen to your doctor's suggestions and weigh your options before deciding how to proceed.
