Foods that help reduce thyroid activity are among the most important healthy options, as hyperthyroidism is a common disease that affects many people. As a result, the health of several organs in the body may deteriorate. Although there are many medical treatments for this disease, many people prefer to resort to natural treatments by eating certain foods, because they do not harm the body. Therefore, we will review the most prominent of these foods through the Dalili Medical website.

**How ​​does the thyroid gland work?**

 

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. Glands, which are organs, are found throughout the body, and they produce and secrete hormones that support the body's growth and functions. The thyroid gland plays a vital role in many basic processes, such as:

- Controlling body temperature.

- Regulating the heart rate.

- Managing metabolism.

The body is in a state of balance and all its systems function properly when the thyroid gland is functioning properly. However, the entire body may be affected if the thyroid gland stops producing its hormones in appropriate quantities, whether excessive or insufficient.

**What is the difference between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism?**

 

The difference between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism is the amount of thyroid hormone your gland produces and releases. Both conditions are considered medical conditions.

When you think of “hyper,” you might think of anything that is fast or active. When your thyroid gland is overactive, it produces and releases too much thyroid hormone, which is called hyperthyroidism.

The prefix “hypo-” means “low” or “insufficient” in the medical sense. For example, when your thyroid gland is underactive, it doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, which is called hypothyroidism.

**Who is most at risk for hyperthyroidism?**

 

Anyone can have hyperthyroidism, but women are more likely to develop it.

**What are the signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

 

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism vary and can affect different parts of your body. Some of these symptoms may occur at the same time, while others may not. Possible symptoms include:

- Rapid heartbeat (palpitations).

- Shaking and/or feeling anxious.

- Weight loss.

- Increased appetite.

- Frequent bowel movements and diarrhea.

- Changes in vision.

- Warm, thin, clammy skin.

- Changes in menstrual cycle.

- Excessive sweating and heat intolerance.

- Trouble sleeping.

- Swelling of the neck due to an enlarged thyroid gland.

- Changes in hair texture and hair loss (fragility).

- Bulging eyeballs (as in Graves' disease).

- Muscle weakness.

**What causes hyperthyroidism?**

 

There are several factors that can lead to hyperthyroidism, including:

- Graves' disease.

- Active thyroid nodules.

- Thyroiditis.

- Excessive iodine intake.

- Taking too much thyroid hormone medication.

- A noncancerous tumor in the pituitary gland.

. **Can hyperthyroidism go away?**

 

Hyperthyroidism can be treated, and in some cases, the causes may go away without treatment. However, hyperthyroidism associated with Graves’ disease often gets worse over time, leading to multiple problems, some of which can be serious and affect quality of life.

. **Is hyperthyroidism a chronic condition?*

 

Hyperthyroidism is a chronic or long-term condition in many people. It is important to recheck thyroid levels after treatment to ensure that the medication dosage is appropriate.

. **How ​​long does it take to recover from hyperthyroidism?**

 

The recovery time for hyperthyroidism varies depending on the underlying cause of the condition. If your doctor prescribes antithyroid medications, your hormone levels should be expected to return to healthy levels within six to twelve weeks.

**Symptoms of hyperthyroidism**

 

There are several symptoms that may indicate hyperthyroidism, but it can be difficult for a patient to recognize them on their own because they are similar to symptoms of other conditions. Therefore, it is necessary to consult a doctor when noticing any of these symptoms. The most common symptoms include:

- Severe difficulty sleeping, as the patient finds himself unable to get enough rest.

- Increased sweating in all seasons, not just in the summer.

- Irregular menstrual cycle in women.

- Eating voraciously, which leads to significant weight gain, while others may suffer from loss of appetite and weight loss.

- Excessive nervousness, anxiety, and tension, and the condition may develop into depression.

- Increased heart rate and disturbances in its function.

- Hypersensitivity to heat.

- Thinning of the skin, which is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism.

- Hair loss easily, leading to a light or false appearance.

- Enlargement of the thyroid gland, which causes noticeable swelling at the base of the neck.

- General weakness in muscles and bones.

**Foods that thyroid patients should avoid**

Thyroid patients should avoid eating processed foods that are high in calories. These foods include:

**Soybeans**

 

Soybeans contain isoflavones, a compound that may negatively affect thyroid function. Some researchers believe that excessive soy consumption may increase the risk of hypothyroidism.

**Cabbage**

 

Vegetables such as cabbage, Brussels sprouts, bok choy, and turnips are substances that may prevent the thyroid from using iodine properly. Therefore, patients are advised to avoid eating these types to avoid any complications.

**Gluten**

 

GlutenGluten is a protein found in processed foods such as wheat, barley, and rye. It is recommended that patients with hypothyroidism reduce their consumption of gluten to help speed up the recovery process.

**Sugar-rich foods**

 

Foods that are high in sugar are responsible for weight gain due to their high calorie content. Since hypothyroidism affects metabolism, doctors advise patients to avoid sugary foods.

**Caffeinated drinks**

 

Thyroid patients should avoid coffee and caffeinated drinks, as caffeine can significantly inhibit the absorption of replacement thyroid hormone.

**Alcohol**

 

Alcohol consumption negatively affects the secretion of thyroid hormone, and it also impairs the body's ability to use this hormone effectively.

**Processed foods**

 

Processed foods contain very high levels of sodium, which requires patients with hypothyroidism to reduce their sodium intake, due to its association with high blood pressure.

**Fatty Foods**

 

High-calorie foods negatively affect the production of thyroid hormones. Fried foods are unhealthy for thyroid patients, as they contain large amounts of butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and animal fats, which may hinder the body's ability to absorb sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones.

**Meat**

 

Organs such as the kidneys, heart, and liver of edible animals contain high levels of lipoic acid, which can negatively affect thyroid function. Therefore, consuming these foods is not the best choice for thyroid patients, according to experts.

**Soft Drinks and Diet**

 

Artificial sweeteners found in soft drinks or diet foods are harmful to thyroid hormones and the immune system. Consuming sugar-free drinks may pose significant health risks for thyroid patients.

It is important for individuals to consult a medical professional before introducing thyroid-friendly foods into their daily diet. If there is an allergy to any type of food, the doctor should be informed to make the necessary adjustments.

**Vitamins for treating hyperthyroidism**

 

There are a variety of vitamins that can be used to treat hyperthyroidism in natural ways, the most prominent of which are:

**Carnitine**: Carnitine (L-Carnitine) is a fatty acid that occurs naturally in the body, and can also be found in some foods such as meat, fish, dairy products, and avocados. Carnitine helps relieve symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as rapid heartbeat, tremors, and fatigue, and also contributes to the treatment of Graves' disease resulting from increased thyroid secretion.

**Vitamin B**: Hyperthyroidism may lead to a deficiency in vitamin B, so taking nutritional supplements may help relieve some symptoms such as fatigue, tremors, and general weakness.

**Vitamin D**: Vitamin D deficiency is associated with an increased risk of developing Graves' disease, so it is important to compensate for this deficiency to treat hyperthyroidism. Foods rich in vitamin D include: tofu, sardines, milk and its derivatives, green leafy vegetables, mushrooms, and almonds.

**Iron**: Hyperthyroidism has been linked to iron deficiency, as iron plays an important role in transporting oxygen to the thyroid gland to ensure its proper functioning. Therefore, it is recommended to eat foods rich in iron to compensate for the deficiency after diagnosis. Among the foods rich in iron are: raisins, fish, lentils, sardines, tofu, and chickpeas.

**Foods that contribute to reducing thyroid activity**

 

There are a group of foods that contribute to reducing thyroid activity, the most prominent of which are:

1. **Low-iodine foods**

 

People receiving radioactive iodine treatment are advised to avoid foods rich in iodine and rely on those that contain low amounts of it. These foods include:

- Non-iodized salt.

- Egg whites.

- Herbs and spices.

- Moderate amounts of beef, chicken, turkey, veal, and lamb.

- Sugar, jam, and honey.

- Unsalted nuts.

- Peanut butter.

- Lemon juice.

2. **Cruciferous Vegetables**

 

Cruciferous vegetables help reduce thyroid hormone production and reduce iodine absorption. The most prominent of these vegetables are:

- Cabbage.

- Cabbage.

- Mustard.

- Turnip.

- Watercress.

- Radish.

- Cauliflower.

- Broccoli.

3. **Foods Rich in Selenium**

 

Selenium contributes to enhancing the metabolism of thyroid hormone and maintaining its health. Foods rich in selenium include:

- Brazil nuts.

- Tuna, halibut, and shrimp.

- Meat.

- Pasta.

- Chicken.

- Rice.

- Eggs.

- Baked beans.

- Oatmeal.

- Spinach.

4. **Foods Rich in Iron**

 

Iron is one of the important elements that contribute to reducing thyroid activity, as it helps in performing body functions, including the thyroid gland. Rich sources of iron:

- Fortified grains.

- Raisins.

- Lentils.

- Oysters.

- White and black beans.

- Dark chocolate.

5. **Foods rich in zinc**

 

Zinc is one of the elements that contribute to reducing thyroid activity and promoting its health. Rich sources of zinc include:

- Chickpeas.

- Cocoa.

- Cashews.

- Mushrooms.

- Pumpkin seeds.

6. **Foods rich in healthy fats**

 

Foods rich in healthy fats help maintain hormonal balance in the thyroid gland. The most prominent of these fats are:

- Flaxseed oil.

- Olive oil.

- Avocado oil.

- Coconut oil.

- Sunflower oil.

**Prevention of hyperthyroidismHyperthyroidism**

 

Since there are no effective medications to completely eliminate hyperthyroidism, as the only treatment is to eat foods that help reduce the activity of the gland, it is necessary to follow some important preventive measures to reduce the risk of developing this disease. These measures include:

1. **Avoid harmful foods**: You should completely avoid all foods that contain large amounts of processed sugar or harmful additives.

2. **Follow a balanced diet**: It is important to eat a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals necessary to enhance the health of the body, such as fruits and vegetables that contribute to improving the metabolism.

3. **Exercise regularly**: You should continue to practice sports activities that help reduce the accumulation of fat in the body and improve the performance of the digestive system in general.

4. **Quit smoking**: It is recommended to stop smoking due to its negative impact on the health of the body, as cigarette smoke contains cyanide that affects the absorption of iodine.

5. **Include some foods in the diet**: It is preferable to continue eating salt, garlic, and onions, as these foods contribute to increasing the secretion of hormones needed by the thyroid gland.