The thyroid is a gland in the neck that produces hormones that influence metabolism, energy, mood and overall wellness. If you have hyperthyroidism, it means that your thyroid is over-active and produces too many hormones. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism may include rapid heartbeat, unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, fatigue, sensitivity to heat, sleep problems and menstrual irregularities. In addition to medical treatments, a healthy diet limited in particular foods may help improve your symptoms.
Dairy Products
Foods affect people with hyperthyroidism differently. In some cases, hyperthyroidism causes sudden lactose intolerance, or the inability to digest milk-containing products properly, according to Sara M. Rosenthal, author of "The Thyroid Sourcebook for Women." If you experience gas, bloating, indigestion or fatigue after consuming milk, yogurt, cheese, ice cream or creamy soups or sauces, try replacing these foods with soy-based or other non-dairy equivalents. If you do tolerate lactose, opt for low-fat dairy products most often, since whole milk and high-fat cheeses are rich in saturated fat -- a fat form linked with obesity, type 2 diabetes and heart disease.
Enriched Flour
Enriched flour is created through a process in which a whole grain is stripped of nutrients and fiber-rich components. What remains is ground into a fine powder. As a result, enriched flour adds calorie and bulk but few nutritional benefits to foods. Avoiding refined foods, such as enriched breads, pasta and snack foods, may help minimize hyperthyroidism symptoms. Instead, whole grains, fruits and vegetables promote positive energy and blood sugar levels and promote your overall nutritional wellness during thyroid disease treatment. For best results, check food packing on breads, cereals, pasta and other prepared foods, and avoid those that list enriched flour as a main ingredient.
Added Sugars
Sugars, such as cane sugar, corn syrup, dextrose, maltose, fructose, honey and rice syrup, add sweetness and calories but few dietary benefits to assorted foods and beverages. Like enriched flour, added sugar may upset blood sugar and mood and leave less room in your diet for healthier foods. For these reasons, hyperthyroidism patients should avoid added sugars. Foods and beverages particularly high in added sugars include regular soft drinks, candy, milk chocolate, frosting, pancake syrup, jam, jelly, sweetened coffee beverages, and commercially-prepared cakes, cookies, pies, pastries and cakes. Healthier alternatives include fresh fruit, unsweetened applesauce and stevia -- a non-caloric plant-based sweetener that provides antioxidant benefits.
Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol can disrupt your energy levels and worsen sleep problems linked with hyperthyroidism. Consuming excessive amounts of caffeinated or alcoholic beverages may also cause dehydration and calcium loss, which increases your risk for osteoporosis and bone fractures. Caffeine can also worsen symptoms such as rapid heartbeat and anxiety. Limit or avoid common sources of caffeine, including coffee, black tea, soft drinks, energy drinks, chocolate and commercially-prepared bars, drinks and other products designed to increase energy. Since alcohol loses its intoxicating effects when cooked, you can enjoy wine as an ingredient in salad dressing and marinades. Limit or avoid wine, beer, cocktails and other alcoholic beverages.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- "The Thyroid Sourcebook for Women"; Sara M. Rosenthal; 2004
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