When you have an overactive thyroid, it means your thyroid gland continually secretes too much thyroid hormone into your body. An overactive thyroid is also known as hyperthyroidism and can have several effects on the body, including an unusually fast metabolism, racing thoughts, quick heart beat, insomnia and anxiety. Dieting when you have an overactive thyroid can be challenging, because the problem is often one of how to keep weight on, rather than take it off. Consult your doctor to test how overactive your thyroid is and to help you find a balance between healthy eating and a healthy thyroid.
Step 1
Avoid foods that are high in iodine, as it has a tendency to stimulate thyroid function. Stay away from foods such as seafood, sea vegetables like kelp, iodized salt and regular vegetables with higher iodine levels like asparagus and broccoli.
Step 2
Eat more foods that block your body's absorption of iodine, says the World's Healthiest Foods website. Choose foods like kale, cabbage, cauliflower and dark leafy green vegetables.
Step 3
Avoid caffeinated beverages like coffee, tea and colas that act like diuretics, advises the Milton S. Hershey Medical Center College of Medicine. Caffeine acts as a stimulant and may make your metabolism even faster.
Step 4
Include foods in your diet that contain zinc and calcium, says the World's Healthiest Foods website. Zinc and calcium levels can be depleted with an overactive thyroid. Choose low-fat dairy products, beef, chicken, salmon and whole grains.
Step 5
Avoid artificial sweeteners, food additives and preservatives as they may interfere with proper functioning of your thyroid gland.
