What not to eat if you have hyperthyroidism or Graves'

Did you know that what you eat can influence your overactive thyroid? While some foods can help with the condition, others can exacerbate it.

Let’s take a look at what you want to avoid eating if you’ve been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism or Graves’ disease.

4 ingredients to avoid if you have an overactive thyroid

High-iodine foods

Too much iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, but it can also exacerbate it for some people. The recommended intake of iodine is 1.1mg per day, and some may even need less if a low-iodine diet is required. That means that you’ll want to remove iodised salt and reduce your high iodine foods to a max of 2 times per week.

The highest iodine content foods include:

  • Fish

  • Seaweeds including nori, dulse, kelp and kombu

  • Seafood including prawns, crabs and lobster

  • Sushi

  • Carrageenan

  • Agar-agar

  • Algae

  • Alginate

  • Egg yolks

Some medications also contain iodine, which you’ll need to be aware of. These include:

  • Amiodarone (Nexterone)

  • Cough syrups

  • Medical contrast dyes

  • Some herbal or vitamin supplements

Whenever possible, opt for an iodine-free alternative. If you’re unsure, speak to your prescribing practitioner or in the case of an over-the-counter medication, ask your pharmacist for a low-iodine option.

Gluten-containing foods

In people with autoimmune thyroid issues, gluten can trigger inflammation and exacerbate your symptoms thanks to molecular mimicry. Even if you don’t have a diagnosed condition such as Coeliac disease or gluten intolerance, it’s worth trialling a gluten-free approach for 6-8 weeks.

Check your food labels for gluten-containing ingredients such as:

  • Wheat

  • Barley

  • Brewer’s yeast

  • Malt

  • Rye

  • Triticale

Nitrates

A lesser-known issue for those with hyperthyroidism is the chemical group nitrates. These may cause your thyroid to absorb too much iodine, leading to an enlarged thyroid and hyperthyroidism. And as you can imagine, if you already have an overactive thyroid, it can make your symptoms far more severe!

Nitrates are found naturally in some foods, but most people consume them in large amounts via processed foods that contain added nitrates. To reduce your nitrate intake, limit your intake of foods including:

  • Processed meats (think sausage, bacon, salami, pepperoni)

  • Celery

  • Lettuce

  • Beetroot

  • Spinach

  • Parsley

  • Leeks

  • Endive

  • Cabbage

  • Fennel

  • Dill

  • Turnips

  • Carrots

  • Cucumber

  • Pumpkin

Soy

Some research has shown that soy can interfere with some treatments for hyperthyroidism in animals. You may like to limit your intake of products such as:

  • Soy beans

  • Tofu & tempeh

  • Edamame

  • Soy milk

  • Soy sauce

  • Miso

  • Natto

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!)

Check it out here.

Thyroid and Diets, Thyroid Conditions, Thyroid HealthTara Nelsonhyperthyroidism, graves