Avoid These Foods at All Costs If You Have Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone. This overproduction speeds up the metabolism, leading to weight loss, increased heart rate, anxiousness, and fatigue.

While medication and medical treatments are often necessary, your diet is crucial in reducing symptoms and preventing complications. Certain foods can worsen your symptoms by overstimulating the thyroid and interfering with treatment. Avoiding these foods is key to maintaining a balanced thyroid function, which is exactly what we’ll discuss in this blog.

Why Is Diet Critical for Hyperthyroidism Management?

Your thyroid function and digestive system share a close relationship. The thyroid is very sensitive to the nutrients you consume. Certain foods can affect how the gland works, either increasing hormone production or disrupting the absorption of essential minerals like iodine. Adjusting your diet allows you to manage hyperthyroidism more effectively alongside your prescribed treatment.

Besides its metabolic effects, untreated hyperthyroidism can lead to complications like thyroid eye disease (TED). This disease affects the eye tissue and is characterized by decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels and high free T4 and T3 values. It occurs more commonly in people with Graves’ disease. Nearly 90% of Graves’ patients have TED.

Moreover, according to the Endocrine Society, nearly 33% of Graves’ disease patients display symptoms of TED. However, only 5% experience moderate to severe TED. TED requires special attention and often needs targeted treatment. Many patients are prescribed Tepezza, an FDA-approved medication, to alleviate TED symptoms. However, reports suggest possible hearing-related side effects associated with it, as highlighted in the ongoing Tepezza hearing loss lawsuit.

TorHoerman Law reveals patients report experiencing hearing loss, tinnitus, and other hearing problems. Studies indicate that Tepezza can cause hearing issues in up to 65% of TED patients. However, manufacturers never cautioned the public about this. Hence, if you’re undergoing treatment for hyperthyroidism or related conditions, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor.

Foods to Avoid if Diagnosed With Hyperthyroidism

Your food choices can help or hinder your thyroid function. Here are key items to avoid:

1. Iodine-Rich Foods

Cleveland Clinic states that the thyroid produces hormones using iodine. While it is essential for thyroid function, excess iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms by overstimulating the gland. Foods high in iodine include:

Iodized salt
Milk and dairy products
Seaweed (such as kombu kelp, wakame, and nori)
Shellfish and other seafood
Egg yolks

If you have hyperthyroidism, reduce your intake of these foods. Instead, use herbs and spices for seasoning to limit your iodine consumption without compromising flavor.

2. Gluten and Soy-Containing Foods

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. People with hyperthyroidism usually have gluten sensitivity or celiac disease. It can irritate the small intestine, leading to inflammation and reduced absorption of thyroid medication. This can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms. Watch out for foods like:

Bread
Pasta
Baked goods

Switching to gluten-free alternatives can help reduce inflammation and improve overall thyroid health. Consult your doctor to determine if a gluten-free diet is right for you.

Similarly, soy products like tofu and soy milk contain isoflavones. These compounds might interfere with thyroid hormone absorption if you consume soy excessively. This is more common if you suffer from iodine deficiency. It’s recommended to consume soy in controlled quantities and monitor how it impacts you.

3. Caffeinated and Sugary Beverages

Hyperthyroidism already accelerates your metabolism, leading to symptoms like anxiety, restlessness, and an increased heart rate. Caffeine, a stimulant, amplifies these effects. Hence, it’s important to limit your intake of:

Coffee
Tea (especially black and green tea)
Energy drinks

However, Medical News Today reports that consuming two or less than two cups of coffee daily can minimize the likelihood of hypothyroidism. In contrast, ingesting over 2 cups of black coffee can increase the odds of irregular heartbeat in an average adult.

Similarly, sugary beverages like soda and sweetened teas can cause energy spikes followed by crashes and worsening fatigue. This can cause weight gain, inflammation, and other metabolic problems. Replace these with herbal teas or plain water infused with fruits for hydration without stressing your thyroid.

4. Ultra-Processed Foods and Alcohol

Ultra-processed foods like chips, frozen meals, and packaged snacks have excess unhealthy fats, sodium, sugar, and chemical additives. These can worsen inflammation and disrupt hormone balance, aggravating hyperthyroidism symptoms. Additionally, their low nutrient content offers little support for thyroid health.

Alcohol, on the other hand, can interfere with thyroid function by affecting Thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) levels and liver metabolism. Healthline states that regular consumption may also impair your body’s ability to balance thyroid hormones. While there’s limited research on this topic, one thing’s clear: alcohol harms your thyroid and impedes the body’s thyroid hormone biosynthesis process.

5. Certain Supplements

Certain supplements can worsen thyroid conditions or interfere with your treatment. Verywell Health reveals herbal remedies like ashwagandha and bladderwrack overstimulate the thyroid. Ashwagandha increases T3 and T4 hormones, whereas bladderwrack is rich in iodine. Similarly, “thyroid support” products usually contain unregulated levels of T3 and T4 hormones, risking thyrotoxicosis or even a thyroid storm.

Bovine thyroid extracts and supplements containing ephedra can also be dangerous. Bovine thyroid extracts can cause BSE or mad cow disease. At the same time, ephedra-infused supplements can result in high blood pressure, increased heart rate, seizures, and death. Always consult your doctor before using supplements to avoid side effects or complications.