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Home > Glands & Hormones > Thyroid > Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hyperthyroidism

Diet and Lifestyle Changes to Manage Hyperthyroidism

September 2, 2019 - Updated on July 15, 2021
6 min read
By Amy Freeth, MD | Endocrinologist
Medically Reviewed by Theresa Marx-Armile, MD, FACE | Endocrinologist

In this article:

  • Vitamins and Minerals for Hyperthyroidism
  • Alternative Therapies for Hyperthyroidism
  • Self-Care and Lifestyle Tips
  • Most-Asked Questions About Hyperthyroidism
  • Final Word

Hyperthyroidism refers to excessive production of thyroid hormone in the body due to an overactive thyroid gland. The treatment for hyperthyroidism depends on the type, cause, and severity of the condition and your age and medical conditions.

at-home remedies to manage hyperthyroidism

Introducing changes in your diet and lifestyle may help enhance the efficacy of your medications and support the health of your thyroid.

Vitamins and Minerals for Hyperthyroidism

The following vitamins and minerals may be associated with the management of hyperthyroidism or its symptoms. Therefore, modifying your diet to include these nutrients can help.

Note: Supplements for the following minerals and nutrients can also be taken. However, they should only be used with your doctor’s prescription for a diagnosed deficiency. Overuse of supplements can have detrimental effects on your health.

1. Selenium

including selenium in your diet can help manage hyperthyroidism

Selenium may help balance thyroid function. A study showed that taking a selenium supplement along with medical therapy for Graves’ disease for 6 months had a positive effect on response to the medication. (1)(2)

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Moreover, selenium is found to play a role in preventing thyroid disease. (3) Selenium-rich foods include eggs, fish, chicken, turkey, Brazil nuts, and beans.

2. Vitamin D and calcium

Calcium and vitamin D levels need to be optimized due to the detrimental effects of hyperthyroidism on the bones. Optimal replacement is necessary if deficiency is found. (4)

A deficiency of vitamin D increases the risk of Graves’ disease and autoimmune thyroid disorders. (5)(6) Include foods such as tofu, cheese, milk, green leafy vegetables, sardines, mushrooms, and almonds in your diet.

3. L-carnitine

Oral intake of carnitine is seen to help reverse and prevent hyperthyroid symptoms to some extent. (7)(8) It may also help manage Graves’ disease without the support of anti-thyroid drugs. (9)

Consume foods such as avocado, dairy products, chicken, and red meat to increase your carnitine intake.

Alternative Therapies for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is associated with various mental health conditions such as ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, adjustment disorder, anxiety, and suicidality. (10)

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The following alternative techniques for relaxation can help prevent and manage these mental health conditions:

1. Yoga

practicing yoga asanas can help in managing hyperthyroidism

Performing yoga asanas, such as Halasana and Sarvangasana, helps stimulate the arteries attached to the thyroid gland. This induces a state of homeostasis that helps alleviate the associated symptoms. (11)(12)

2. Music therapy

Progressive music relaxation involves contracting and relaxing different muscle groups to relieve tension and anxiety. This helps reduce stress and also induces sleep, helping you avoid sleep problems.

3. Mindful meditation

Mindful meditation aims at focusing your attention on the present. By noticing your surroundings and accepting them, you become mindful of the situation without trying to control them.

Self-Care and Lifestyle Tips

The following tips can help manage your hyperthyroidism in the long run:

1. Keep a check on your iodine intake

keep check on your iodine intake

Excessive intake of iodine is often associated with an increased risk of thyroid problems.

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If you have already been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, it is recommended that you keep a close tab on the amount of iodine you consume daily, and do not add iodine to your diet or take it in supplement form.

You should neither overindulge on nor starve yourself of iodine-rich foods, but adjust your intake to meet the daily requirement without surpassing the upper limit of the stipulated dietary allowance. (13)(14)

2. Implement dietary changes

Patients with hyperthyroidism have increased markers of oxidative stress and many have lost significant weight.

A plant based diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help in reducing the risk of diseases related to oxidative stress. (15)(16) In particular, more protein may be necessary if there has been a lot of weight loss and muscle wasting. Consultation with a registered dietitian may be beneficial.

3. Take OTCs for swollen eyes

Graves’ disease often causes swelling in the eyes due to the receding upper eyelids. While extreme cases require surgery, mild cases can be managed by wearing sunglasses and using artificial tears.

You may also consult your doctor for corticosteroids or hydrocortisone for relief.

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Most-Asked Questions About Hyperthyroidism

general queries about hyperthyroidism

Does hyperthyroidism necessarily lead to weight loss?

Individuals with hyperthyroidism tend to have a higher basal metabolic rate, which may lead to increased burning of calories.

A rapid calorie loss may promote unintentional weight loss, a typical symptom of hyperthyroidism. However, some patients with hyperthyroidism may gain weight rather than lose it.

Is lemon balm tea effective in managing hyperthyroidism?

It has been shown that lemon balm prevents antibody attachment to thyroid cells, as seen in Grave’s disease. However, there is a need for clinical trials to establish this claim. (17) However, a study showed that a natural health supplement containing lemon balm induced hyperthyroidism in a woman. (18)

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Lemon balm also has various side effects, including headache, nausea, fever, abdominal pain, dizziness, painful urination, and wheezing.

Is bugleweed supplementation good for managing hyperthyroidism?

Bugleweed pill or powder has been used for the treatment of milk hyperthyroidism. However, there aren’t enough conclusive studies that establish its efficacy. (19) Therefore, it is best to avoid bugleweed supplementation.

Final Word

It is vital to treat hyperthyroidism at the earliest to avoid other health complications such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases. Even during treatment, regular monitoring of hormone levels is necessary to prevent a state of hypothyroidism.

Continue Reading Continue ReadingHow to Tell if You Have Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid)?
References
  1. Marinò M, Menconi F, Rotondo Dottore G, Leo M, Marcocci C. Selenium in Graves Hyperthyroidism and Orbitopathy. Ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgery. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/29933354. Published 2018.
  2. Xu B, Wu D, Ying H, Zhang Y. A pilot study on the beneficial effects of additional selenium supplementation to methimazole for treating patients with Graves’ disease. Turkish Journal of medical sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31023005. Published June 18, 2019.
  3. Ventura M, Melo M, Carrilho F. Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. International journal of endocrinology. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5307254/. Published 2017.
  4. Kivity S, Agmon-Levin N, Zisappl M, et al. Vitamin D, and autoimmune thyroid diseases. Nature News. https://www.nature.com/articles/cmi201073. Published January 31, 2011.
  5. Xu MY; Cao B; Yin J; Wang DF; Chen KL; Lu QB; Vitamin D and Graves’ disease: a meta-analysis update. Nutrients. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26007334/. Published 2015.
  6. Kim D. The Role of Vitamin D in Thyroid Diseases. International journal of molecular sciences. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5618598/. Published September 12, 2017.
  7. F; BSAACMT. Effects of carnitine on thyroid hormone action. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15591013/. Published 2004.
  8. M; N. A novel treatment for subclinical hyperthyroidism: a pilot study on the beneficial effects of l-carnitine and selenium. European review for medical and pharmacological sciences. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28537653/. Published 2017.
  9. S; CRARVRB. L-carnitine treatment in a seriously ill cancer patient with severe hyperthyroidism. Hormones (Athens, Greece). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25079466/. Published 2014.
  10. MA; ZSJWEB. Mental Health Conditions and Hyperthyroidism. Pediatrics. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31582535/. Published 2019.
  11. A; BKMGPCS. Healing of Graves’ Disease Thorough Lifestyle Changes: A Case Report. Advances in mind-body medicine. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31476135/. Published 2019.
  12. Gupta N; Khera S; Vempati RP; Sharma R; Bijlani RL; Effect of yoga based lifestyle intervention on state and trait anxiety. Indian journal of physiology and pharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16850902/. Published 2006.
  13. Laurberg P, Cerqueira C, Ovesen L, et al. Iodine intake as a determinant of thyroid disorders in populations. Best practice & research. Clinical endocrinology & metabolism. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20172467/. Published February 2010.
  14. Katagiri R, Yuan X, Kobayashi S, Sasaki S. Effect of excess iodine intake on thyroid diseases in different populations: A systematic review and meta-analyses including observational studies. PloS one. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5345857/. Published March 10, 2017.
  15. Erdamar H, Demirci H, Yaman H, et al. The effect of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and their treatment on parameters of oxidative stress and antioxidant status. Clinical chemistry and laboratory medicine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18605962. Published 2008.
  16. Bjørklund G, Chirumbolo S. Role of oxidative stress and antioxidants in daily nutrition and human health. Nutrition (Burbank, Los Angeles County, Calif.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27746034. Published January 2017.
  17. Santini F; Vitti P; Ceccarini G; Mammoli C; Rosellini V; Pelosini C; Marsili A; Tonacchera M; Agretti P; Santoni T; Chiovato L; Pinchera A; In vitro assay of thyroid disruptors affecting TSH-stimulated adenylate cyclase activity. Journal of endocrinological investigation. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14759065/. Published 2003.
  18. Lai J, Hunter-Orange J, Clemens KK. Hyperthyroidism following the ingestion of natural health products. Canadian family physician Medecin de famille canadien. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6741788/. Published September 2019.
  19. H; BAMWKRS-G. Lycopus europaeus (Gypsywort): effects on the thyroidal parameters and symptoms associated with thyroid function. Phytomedicine: international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18083505/. Published 2008.

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