4 critical nutrients for hyperthyroidism & Graves' disease
Did you know that you are at a higher risk of certain nutrient deficiencies if you have an overactive thyroid? Although every case is unique based on your underlying causes and lifestyle factors, there are 4 major nutrients I recommend to my hyperthyroid clients.
Let’s take a look at the key nutrients you need more of with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ and how to get more into your diet.
4 essential nutrients for an overactive thyroid
#1 - iron
Iron is involved in countless functions in the body, including thyroid function. It also plays a critical role in carrying oxygen to the body’s cells, which is even more important for cells that are ‘sped up’ by an overactive thyroid.
There is also a link between low iron levels and hyperthyroidism. This may be related to iron absorption from food being impaired, changes to the metabolism of iron, or both.
Remember, more iron is not always better - it’s a delicate balance. Excess iron can also be dangerous and cause similar symptoms. Your best bet is to get your levels checked before resorting to iron supplements.
You can incorporate iron into your diet via:
Green leafy veg
Unsalted nuts and seeds
Wholegrains
Chicken
Turkey
Red meat
#2 - zinc
Zinc plays an important role in both an underactive and overactive thyroid. It helps to keep your immune system calm and balanced, as well as supporting thyroid function.
Unfortunately, you also go through more zinc when you have hyperthyroidism thanks to the increased inflammation, oxidative stress and tissue damage from a sped-up metabolism.
Add zinc into your diet via:
Beef and lamb
Chicken and turkey
Chickpeas
Cashews
Pumpkin seeds
Cocoa powder or cacao
Mushrooms
#3 - Calcium
One concerning side effect of an overactive thyroid is brittle bones and even osteoporosis. Controlling your thyroid hormone levels is one step to take, but you can also support your bone mass through key bone nutrients.
The first nutrient to consider for this is calcium. If you’re following a low-iodine diet, you may think your options are limited. However, you can add in calcium via:
Spinach
Kale
Collard greens
Okra
White beans
Calcium-fortified orange juice
Almond milk
Calcium-fortified cereals
#4 - vitamin D
The other big nutrient to consider for bone support is vitamin D. But vitamin D is also needed to balance the immune system and support healing, making it even more necessary for an overactive thyroid.
The best source of vitamin D is the sun. But you can also add it into your diet through a few options such as:
Fortified orange juice
Fortified cereals
Beef liver
Mushrooms (even better if you can expose them to sunlight before you cook them!)
A qualified practitioner can also suggest high-quality supplements of all of these nutrients if you struggle to get enough through your diet.
NEWLY DIAGNOSED AND NEEDING TO NAVIGATE THE WORLD OF AN OVERACTIVE THYROID?
I cover what you need to know to manage an overactive thyroid naturally in my course, the Hyperthyroid and Graves’ Disease Recovery Program.
This comprehensive program includes:
6 modules covering the most important information you need to understand your overactive thyroid and how to support it naturally
Resources on thyroid testing and which tests will give you the best overview of your thyroid function
Steps to help you identify triggers and avoid thyroid flares
6 restorative Naturopathic Yoga sessions
Thyroid meditations
A BONUS 4 step gut healing protocol (because many of the triggers for your thyroid are found in the gut!)