A thyroid gland that produces too much thyroid hormone is often called an overactive thyroid. Your thyroid gland can produce excessive amounts of thyroid hormones over a short period of time or a prolonged period. Grave's disease, thyroid gland growths and consuming too much iodine can each cause this problem. An overactive thyroid is a potentially dangerous medical condition; nutritional therapies should not replace other medical treatments. Ask your family doctor about the risks and limitations of using dietary changes to treat your overactive thyroid.
Background
Signs and symptoms are commonly associated with overactive thyroid include: diarrhea, hair loss, clammy skin, breast growth in men, hand tremors, elevated blood pressure, pounding heartbeat, problems sleeping and flushed skin. If you have an overactive thyroid gland, you may also experience fatigue, nervousness and increased sweating. A physical exam may reveal an enlarged thyroid gland, tremors and a heightened reflex response.
Dietary Recommendations
Certain dietary inclusions and exclusions may be helpful in treating your overactive thyroid. Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," a diet containing significant amounts of broccoli, Brussels sprouts, turnips, spinach, soybeans, rutabagas, pears, peaches, mustard greens, kale, cauliflower and cabbage may be helpful in treating your overactive thyroid. Balch also recommends eliminating certain foods and beverages from your diet, including dairy products, coffee, tea and soft drinks.
Nutritional Supplements
Dr. Joseph E. Pizzorno Jr., a naturopathic physician and author of "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine," suggests that zinc, calcium and vitamins A, C and E may be among the most effective nutritional supplements in treating your symptoms and bringing your overactive thyroid under control. Other helpful nutritional supplements for overactive thyroid may include brewer's yeast, essential fatty acids and lecithin granules. Mainstream medicine, however, does not treat an overactive thyroid with nutrients alone. More scientific research evidence is required to support the use of these supplements for this purpose.
Additional Information
Overactive thyroid is a condition that requires the care and attention of a licensed health care provider. If you are diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland, discuss all possible treatment options with your primary care provider including conventional and alternative treatment measures. Certain foods, beverages and supplements may not be appropriate for you or your health condition, or they may trigger allergic reactions in your body or cause unwanted health effects. Ask your doctor what foods, beverages and supplements may best treat your problem.
References
- PubMed Health; Hyperthyroidism; April 19, 2010
- MedlinePlus: Hyperthyroidism; Aptirl 19, 2010
- "The Clinician's Handbook of Natural Medicine"; Joseph Pizzorno; 2002
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
