Thyroid disease is the most common endocrine disease in India. Around 42 million Indians suffer from it. It’s more prevalent in females than males. Hypothyroidism is most common than hyperthyroidism.
What is Thyroid?
Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated in your neck. It helps in regulating body function and maintain body temperature.
What is Hyperthyroidism?
When your body produces thyroid hormone more than required, it is called hyperthyroidism.
If it remains untreated, it can create heart and bone problems and give rise to different health issues.
What are the symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Irregular menstruation
- Excessive sweating
- Mood swings
- Brittle hair
- Insomnia
- Eye changes
- Swelling around neck
How can it be diagnosed?
For diagnosis, history plays a significant role. Your physician may advise you on a blood investigation for your thyroid profile according to your symptoms.
What is a treatment for Hyperthyroidism?
Your doctor may prescribe you oral antithyroid medication, and along with that, if necessary, they can give you vitamin supplements, as thyroid can create an impact on your vitamin and mineral levels.
Diet for hyperthyroidism
For any disease condition, diet plays an essential role along with medication.
Things to eat for hyperthyroidism
- Low iodine diet – thyroid is more related to your iodine level. So, if you are detected with hyperthyroidism, remember to include non-iodized salt, egg white, fruits, unsalted nuts, oats, potatoes and honey in your diet.
- Vitamins and minerals – Include more iron-rich food like green leafy vegetables, lentils, whole grains, chicken and meat in your diet.
Chickpeas, mushrooms, and cashew are rich in zinc; you can include this in your daily diet.
- Cruciferous vegetables – vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli may restrict thyroid to use iodine and can benefit you.
- Healthy fats – food like flax seeds, sunflower oil, and olive oil contains healthy fats. These may help you to maintain thyroid levels and reduce inflammation.
- Spices – We Indians are famous for spices in our food. Spices like turmeric and green chillies not only add test to your food but reduces inflammation too.
Things to avoid for hyperthyroidism
- Excess iodine – Daily requirement of iodine is 0.15 mg. Most seafood like prawns, crabs and lobsters are high in iodine. Along with that, food colour, dairy products, and egg yolk are to be avoided.
- Soy – Soy doesn’t directly affect the thyroid but can interfere with thyroid medication. So, better to avoid soy sauce, soy milk and tofu.
- Caffeine – Caffeine doesn’t have a connection with the thyroid but can aggravate its symptoms like anxiety and nervousness. Hence avoid coffee, tea and chocolates.
Conclusion
Thyroid can’t be cured completely, but it can be controlled with proper medication, diet and exercise.
Please consult your physician for any abnormal changes before starting a new diet, medication or exercise regimen.
And stay tuned for next week’s blog because I’ll bring a “diet for hypothyroidism”. So drop your queries and recommendation in the comments below.