How to limit the consequences of hyperthyroidism through diet?

Hyperthyroidism corresponds to a dysfunction of the thyroid gland which results in an increase in the production of thyroid hormones. The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck between the larynx and pharynx. Its role is to synthesize thyroid hormones which allow them to ensure the proper functioning of the body (What do the thyroid and thyroid hormones do?). However, in the case of hyperthyroidism, the thyroid synthesizes an excess of thyroid hormones and particularly the hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine), which have the capacity to overstimulate metabolism.

In most cases, hyperthyroidism is asymptomatic. However, in the case of severe hyperthyroidism, symptoms may appear. These symptoms are multiple, ranging from increased heart rate to mood disorders (nervousness, anxiety and irritability) and difficulty falling asleep. Hyperthyroidism can also cause weight loss, significant fatigue and diarrhea.  

There disease of Basedow is the most common autoimmune disease of hyperthyroidism. It affects 70% of cases of hyperthyroidism. In the remaining 30%, hyperthyroidism can be caused by thyroid nodules, thyroiditis but also by taking medications rich in iodine. Even if types of hyperthyroidism and their causes are multiple, there are predisposing factors to the disease such as tobacco.

Diet plays an essential role in relieve tHE symptoms of the disease. Therefore, it is important to:

• reduce thyroid activity by limiting the intake of iodine. Indeed, iodine is a major trace element in the thyroid, it participates in the production of thyroid hormones. However, in people with hyperthyroidism, the hormones T3 and T4 are secreted in excess. It is therefore recommended to follow a diet low in iodine to help regulate thyroid hormone levels.

• limit stimulation of the body by reducing the stimulating substances. Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are stimulating molecules belonging to the methylxanthine family. In fact, the caffeine is an alkaloid known for its stimulating effects on the nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory systems, etc. About the theobromine, an alkaloid similar to caffeine also has stimulating effects on the body, but in a more gentle and prolonged manner. In the case of hyperthyroidism, all of these molecules amplify heart rate, sleep and mood disorders.

• maintain bone mass by increasing its intake of calcium and in vitamin D. Calcium is one of the most present minerals in the body. 99% of it is stored in bones. Its main role is to help with the formation and strength of bones. As for vitamin D, it helps reinforce the action of calcium by increasing its intestinal absorption and renal reabsorption. It also plays a role in bone mineralization. Therefore, calcium and vitamin D work together to prevent the rapid breakdown of bone tissue.

• reduce mild Dowian orbitopathy by increasing its intake of selenium. Graves' disease involves anti-TSH receptor antibodies (TRAK), inducing inflammation of the orbital tissues including Graves' orbitopathies. Currently, a set of studies demonstrate the effect of selenium supplementation in the case of mild Dowian orbitopathy. In fact, selenium helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduce the cell damage in fibroblasts. Furthermore, selenium supplementation helps limit the progression of mild basal orbitopathy and guarantees a better quality of life for patients.

Diet complements treatment for hyperthyroidism. In no case does food replace drug treatment.

A diet low in iodine helps regulate thyroid hormone levels in the body.

We recommend you :

• to avoid the use of iodized salt in your dishes. Replace with salts containing no or very little iodine such as himalayan pink salt or sea salt. In stores, choose salts with the label “non-iodized salt”. In fact, non-iodized salt can reduce your intake by 20 µg of iodine for one gram of salt.

• to restrict the use ofalgae dried or dehydrated in its daily ration. Kombu, sea lichen and even wakame are very rich in iodine.

• to limit dishes based on pisces and in particular haddock, pout, dried cod and smoked haddock, which largely cover the daily iodine needs. In fact, 70 g of pout covers the daily iodine intake. Choose fish lower in iodine such as: rainbow trout, pike and halibut.

• to reduce your consumption of molluscs and shellfish including periwinkles, langoustines, shrimps, whelks, etc.  

• to limit certain cheeses such as parmesan, feta and dry goat cheese which contain a good amount of iodine.

Caffeine, theophylline and theobromine are stimulating molecules. They affect heart rate, sleep disorders and mood.

We recommend you :

• to avoid drinking coffee, of mate and tea. They can be replaced by decaffeinated or caffeine-free coffee and tea or decaffeinated tea. Theine and caffeine correspond to the same molecule, 1,3,7-trimethylxanthine.

• to direct you towards certain infusions under medical advice such aslemon balm infusion which has a slight hypothyroid effect.

• to restrict the chocolate or chocolate-based foods like milk chocolate.

• avoid energy drinks, cola-based sodas and powders containing caffeine (guarana powder).

THE selenium allows to reduce the advancement of the light baseowian orbitopahty and guarantee better ocular vision.

We recommend you :

• to generally consume all types ofoffal : liver, kidneys, brains, etc. For example, 100 g of pork kidney covers 260% of the daily selenium intake.

• to snack on brazil nut during the day. A single handful of Brazil nuts meets 1/3 of our daily selenium needs.

• to prepare at least one meal based on legumes, and in particular flageolets and mung beans. The latter have the particularity of being much more available to the body.

• to combine a food rich in selenium with a food rich in vitamin C to improve its absorption. Foods rich in vitamin C are aromatic herbs (parsley, thyme, dill, etc.) as well as fruits and vegetables (acerola powder, blackcurrant, tomato, lemon, pepper, etc.).

THE calcium helps with bone formation and strength.

We recommend you :

• to enhance your dishes with aromatic herbs dried and spices such as basil, marjoram, thyme or cinnamon.

• to consume at least one serving (30 g) of cheese per day. Among them, we include Gruyère, Mimolette and even Brie. In addition, Manger Bouger recommends including two dairy products per day in your diet.

• to consume a daily handful of seeds and nuts, the equivalent of 15 g. We find the almonds, THE sesame seeds, THE chia seeds and the linseed. A 15 g serving of chia seeds provides the same amount of calcium as a serving of hard cheese.

• to drink regularly mineral water during the day. Some mineral waters naturally contain calcium such as Talians, Courmayeur, Hépar or Contrex.

• to eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day. The calcium present in fruits and vegetables is very well absorbed by the body, because the phosphocalcium ratio is greater than 1.

There vitamin D plays a role in bone mineralization. In support of calcium, they act together to prevent the rapid breakdown of bone tissue.

 We recommend you :

• to favor milk and cheese wherever possible enriched in vitamin D compared to non-enriched products which contain a lower vitamin D content.

• to regularly consume mushrooms : morel, chanterelle or chanterelle. A 100 g serving of chanterelle covers a third of the daily vitamin D needs.

• to introduce into your diet fish including horse mackerel, tilapia or halibut which are naturally rich in vitamin D.

• Make a regular monitoring of his illness and check with his doctor the effectiveness of his treatment. Furthermore, never stop your medication treatment alone and without the advice of a doctor, even if you have the impression that your symptoms have improved.

• Get checked urgently if new symptoms appear or your condition deteriorates rapidly (palpitations, breathing problems, loss of consciousness, etc.).

• Never perform self-medication, at the possible risk of having an interaction with treatment for hyperthyroidism. Additionally, avoid any medications or dietary supplements containing iodine.

• Avoid certain essential oils thyroid function stimulants such as green myrtle, lemon verbena, cloves, etc.

• Under medical advice, use essential oils to reduce your stress and avoid insomnia. 

• Talk to your doctor about the type of physical activity you can do. The doctor will advise you on physical activities that do not stimulate your body more.

• Expose yourself daily to sun. It is estimated that exposure to the sun for 15 to 20 minutes per day, at the beginning or end of the day, ensures daily vitamin D requirements.

• Meet the French Association of Thyroid Diseases to help you better manage your illness on a daily basis.