Individuals with an overactive thyroid suffer from an illness called hyperthyroidism. According to "A Complete Look at Hyperthyroidism: Overactive Thyroid Symptoms and Treatments," symptoms of hyperthyroidism include tachycardia, tremor, hyperreflexia, anxiety, irritability, emotional lability, panic attacks, heat intolerance, sweating, increased appetite, diarrhea, weight loss and menstrual dysfunction. Further, hyperthyroidism affects about 2 percent of women and 0.2 percent of men in their lifetimes. Treating hyperthyroidism naturally includes the identification of food allergies, metal toxicity and the use of natural thyroid suppressors. However, hyperthyroidism is a serious medical condition, and you should speak with a medical professional prior to starting any treatment regimen.
A Nutritional Approach to Hyperthyroidism
An overactive thyroid implies an increased metabolic rate. Therefore, if you have an overactive thyroid, you should aim to replace the nutrients lost through this increased metabolism by eating fresh and whole foods, including green vegetables, whole grains and nutritional yeast. According to "Thyroid Balance: Traditionally and Alternative methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders," examples of specific foods recommended for individuals with hyperthyroidism include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, pears, peaches, soybeans, rutabagas, onions, turnips and spinach. Individuals with hyperthyroidism should avoid iodized salt, coffee, black tea, chocolate and colas.
Vitamin Support
Individuals with hyperthyroidism also can benefit from taking a daily multivitamin that contains the antioxidant vitamins A, C and E, the B-complex vitamins and trace minerals, such as magnesium, calcium, zinc and selenium. Additional supplements recommended for individuals with hyperthyroidism include the omega-3 fatty acids, alpha-lipoic acid, L-carnitine and a probiotic supplement containing lactobacillus acidophilus.
The Reason Behind the Vitamins
The omega-3s decrease inflammation and help support your body's immune system. Vitamin C is an antioxidant that also supports your immune support. Alpha-lipoic acid provides antioxidant support for your body, and L-carnitine decreases your thyroid's activity. The probiotic supplement lactobacillus acidophilus supports overall gastrointestinal and immune health.
Herbal Support
According to "Thyroid Balance: Traditional and Alternative Methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders," you can use green tea as an antioxidant to help treat hyperthyroidism. Additionally, lemon balm supports the normalization of your thyroid function. You can take these herbs as dried extracts in the form of capsules, powders or teas. You should prepare teas using 1 tsp. of green tea or lemon balm per cup of hot water. You should consume 2 to 4 cups of the tea daily to help treat an overactive thyroid.
References
- "A Complete Look at Hyperthyroidism: Overactive Thyroid Symptoms and Treatments"; James M. Lowrance; 2010
- "Thyroid Balance: Traditional and Alternative Methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders"; Gleen S. Rothfeld and Deborah S. Romaine; 2002
- "Handbook of Hyperthyroidism: Etiology, Diagnosis and Treatment (Endocrinology Research and Clinical Developments)"; Lionel Mertens and Jeremy Bogaert; 2010
