Hyperthyroidism is when your body makes too much thyroid hormone, and hypothyroidism occurs when your body makes too little thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone is instrumental in controlling metabolism and chemical reactions in the body. While both conditions can be treated with medications, making practical changes to your diet may help your condition.
Calories and Protein
MayoClinic.com recommends increasing your caloric and protein intake if you have uncontrolled hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism that is not being treated with medications can cause weight loss and extensive breakdown of muscles. Excessive weight loss and muscle breakdown can lead to fatigue and weakness, which may make completing activities of daily living difficult. Work with your doctor to appropriately add additional calories to your diet. Increase the number of servings and serving size of meats, dairy products and legumes, which are all good sources of calories and protein. Choose lean meats to avoid a large increase in fat intake.
Vitamin D and Calcium
Hyperthyroidism can thin your bones over time if left untreated. Therefore, you may need to supplement your diet with foods or supplements that are high in calcium and vitamin D. Consume more dairy products, which are high in calcium. Eating more green leafy vegetables can also increase the vitamin D levels in our bloodstream. If you cannot adequately supplement your intake with food, you may need to take calcium and vitamin D supplements. MayoClinic.com recommends taking at least 1,000 mg of calcium and 600 units of vitamin D per day.
Diets for Hypothyroidism
The best treatment for hypothyroidism is to take your thyroid replacement hormone pill as directed by your physician. There are no known food sources that have been shown to improve thyroid function. However, MayoClinic.com states that you should avoid eating high-fiber foods while taking your thyroid medication because it may alter its absorption in the digestive tract.
