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Functional Neurology: Foods to Eat and Avoid with Hyperthyroidism

Functional Neurology: Foods to Eat and Avoid with Hyperthyroidism | El Paso, TX Chiropractor



Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can cause bodily functions to speed up which may result in a variety of symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. In the following article, we will discuss foods to eat and avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. By way of instance, people with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, may follow a low-iodine diet before having radiation therapy. After treatment, it’s often still essential to follow a low-iodine diet. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms.

Foods to Eat with Hyperthyroidism


Low-iodine Foods


Iodine is an essential mineral that plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. Low-iodine foods may help reduce thyroid hormones, including:

  • fresh or canned fruit
  • plain popcorn
  • unsalted nuts and nut butter
  • potatoes
  • oats
  • homemade bread or bread without dairy, eggs, and salt
  • egg whites
  • honey
  • maple syrup
  • coffee or tea
  • non-iodized salt

Cruciferous Vegetables


Cruciferous vegetables may also prevent the thyroid gland from utilizing iodine. Cruciferous vegetables that are beneficial for hyperthyroidism can include:

  • kale
  • collard greens
  • bok choy
  • Brussels sprouts
  • broccoli
  • cauliflower
  • bamboo shoots
  • mustard
  • cassava
  • rutabaga

 

Healthy fats


Healthy fats may help reduce inflammation. This helps balance thyroid hormones. Non-dairy fats are ultimately essential in a low-iodine diet, including:

  • coconut oil
  • avocados and avocado oil
  • olive oil
  • unsalted nuts and seeds
  • sunflower oil
  • flaxseed oil
  • safflower oil

Spices


Several spices have anti-inflammatory properties that may help balance thyroid function. Add a dose of antioxidants and flavor to your daily meals with:

  • green chilies
  • black pepper
  • turmeric

Vitamins and Minerals


Iron


Iron is essential for a variety of bodily functions, including the production of thyroid hormones. Add iron into your diet by eating various foods, including:

  • green leafy vegetables
  • nuts
  • seeds
  • dried beans
  • lentils
  • whole grains
  • poultry, such as chicken and turkey
  • red meat

Selenium


Selenium-rich foods may also help balance thyroid hormones. Selenium prevents cell and tissue damage. Several good sources of selenium can include:

  • Brazil nuts
  • chia seeds
  • sunflower seeds
  • mushrooms
  • couscous
  • oat bran
  • rice
  • poultry, such as chicken and turkey
  • meat, such as beef and lamb
  • tea

Zinc


Zinc helps turn the food we eat into energy. This mineral also promotes thyroid and immune health. Several food sources of zinc can also include:

  • cashews
  • pumpkin seeds
  • mushrooms
  • chickpeas
  • beef
  • lamb
  • cocoa powder

Calcium and Vitamin D


Hyperthyroidism causes brittle bones. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary to support healthy bones. Several good sources of calcium can include:

  • calcium-fortified orange juice
  • kale
  • spinach
  • collard greens
  • okra
  • almond milk
  • white beans
  • calcium-fortified cereals

Foods to Avoid with Hyperthyroidism


Excess Iodine


Eating excess iodine-rich or iodine-fortified foods can cause hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. Avoid eating foods with excess iodine, including:

  • seaweed
  • algae
  • alginate
  • nori
  • kelp
  • agar-agar
  • carrageen
  • milk and dairy
  • cheese
  • egg yolks
  • sushi
  • fish
  • prawns
  • crabs
  • lobster
  • iodized water
  • some food colorings
  • iodized salt

Gluten


Gluten may cause inflammation and damage the thyroid. Even if you don’t have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance, avoid eating foods with gluten, including:

  • triticale
  • rye
  • malt
  • barley
  • brewer’s yeast
  • wheat

Soy


Although soy doesn’t have iodine, it’s been shown to affect treatments for hyperthyroidism in animal models. Avoid eating foods with soy, including

  • tofu
  • soy sauce
  • soy milk
  • soy-based creamers

Caffeine


Foods and drinks that have caffeine, such as soda, chocolate, tea, and coffee can worsen hyperthyroidism and increase symptoms of irritability, nervousness, anxiety, and rapid heart rate. Try replacing caffeinated foods and drinks with flavored water, natural herbal teas, or hot apple cider.

Nitrates


Substances known as nitrates may cause the thyroid gland to absorb too much iodine. This can lead to an enlarged thyroid and an overactive thyroid. Nitrates are naturally found in several foods. Processed foods and drinking water may also have added nitrates. Avoid foods with nitrates, including:

  • spinach
  • parsley
  • dill
  • lettuce
  • cabbage
  • celery
  • beets
  • turnip
  • carrots
  • pumpkin
  • endive
  • leeks
  • fennel
  • cucumber
  • processed meats, such as bacon, sausage, salami, and pepperoni


Dr. Alex Jimenez Insights Image 
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms. In the following article, we will discuss what foods to eat and what foods to avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. - Dr. Alex Jimenez D.C., C.C.S.T. Insight

Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, causes the thyroid gland to produce excess amounts of hormones. The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ found in the center of the neck which releases hormones that regulate a variety of bodily functions, such as breathing, heart rate, temperature, and metabolism. Hyperthyroidism can cause bodily functions to speed up which may result in a variety of symptoms. Diet and lifestyle modifications can ultimately help improve an overactive thyroid. In the article above, we discussed foods to eat and avoid with hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid.

Diet and lifestyle modifications can help improve an overactive thyroid. Several vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients are essential to balance thyroid function. Healthcare professionals generally recommend following a low-iodine diet together with other treatment options for hyperthyroidism. By way of instance, people with hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, may follow a low-iodine diet before having radiation therapy. After treatment, it’s often still essential to follow a low-iodine diet. A variety of other foods can also help to protect the thyroid gland and reduce hyperthyroidism symptoms.

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, and nervous health issues or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health protocols to treat injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. To further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900

Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez

References:
  1. Lights, Verneda, et al. “Hyperthyroidism.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 29 June 2016, www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism.
  2. Mayo Clinic Staff. “Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 7 Jan. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hyperthyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20373659.
  3. Aleppo, Grazia. “Hyperthyroidism Overview.” EndocrineWeb, EndocrineWeb Media, 10 July 2019, www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hyperthyroidism/hyperthyroidism-overview-overactive-thyroid.
  4. Iftikhar, Noreen. “Hyperthyroidism Diet.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 12 June 2019, www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism-diet.

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Sudden pain is a natural response of the nervous system which helps to demonstrate possible injury. By way of instance, pain signals travel from an injured region through the nerves and spinal cord to the brain. Pain is generally less severe as the injury heals, however, chronic pain is different than the average type of pain. With chronic pain, the human body will continue sending pain signals to the brain, regardless if the injury has healed. Chronic pain can last for several weeks to even several years. Chronic pain can tremendously affect a patient's mobility and it can reduce flexibility, strength, and endurance.





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The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to contact us. Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN* email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com phone: 915-850-0900 Licensed in: Texas & New Mexico*