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Some foods can improve the condition, while others can make symptoms worse or interfere with medications. Hyperthyroidism, a type of thyrotoxicosis, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Some people refer to this condition as an overactive thyroid. The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease. The symptoms of an overactive thyroid include unintentional weight loss, anxiety, sweating, frequent bowel movements, difficulty sleeping, and muscle weakness. Hyperthyroidism is much more common in women than in men. In this article, we discuss how diet affects hyperthyroidism and provide lists of foods to eat and avoid. How does diet affect hyperthyroidism Share on PinterestSergey Narevskih/StocksyEating certain foods will not cure hyperthyroidism, but some nutrients and minerals play a role in managing the underlying condition. Diet can affect both the production of thyroid hormones and how the thyroid functions. The following nutrients and chemicals are among those that can affect hyperthyroidism:Iodine, which the thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormone. Too much iodine in the diet can increase the production of thyroid hormone.Calcium and vitamin D are vital because hyperthyroidism can cause problems with bone mineral density.Foods and drinks containing caffeine can worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Below, we discuss some of the nutrients that can affect thyroid function and note which foods contain them. Foods to eat The following foods can have benefits for people with an overactive thyroid: Low iodine foods If a person is planning to receive radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism, their doctor may ask them to follow a low iodine diet. A low-iodine diet is a diet with less than 50 micrograms (mcg) of iodine per day.’ Foods and drinks that are low in iodine include:noniodized saltegg whitesfresh or frozen vegetablesherbs and spicesvegetable oilssugar, honey, or maple syrup (up to 2 tbsp.)jams or jelliesunsalted nuts and nut butterlemonadebeer and winemoderate portions of beef, chicken, turkey, veal, and lambfruit and fruit juices The American Thyroid Association offers tips on how to follow a low iodine diet. Cruciferous vegetables Some cruciferous vegetables contain compounds that decrease thyroid hormone production and may reduce iodine uptake by the thyroid. Both of these effects may be beneficial for a person with hyperthyroidism. These cruciferous vegetables include:Brussels sprouts and cabbagecollard greens, mustard greens, and turnip roots and greenskale and arugularadishes and rutabagasbok choycauliflowerbroccoli and broccoli rabe Foods containing selenium Selenium is a micronutrient that the body requires for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Research suggests that selenium can help improve some of the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, such as thyroid eye disease. Among people using anti-thyroid medications, those who take selenium supplements may achieve normal thyroid levels more quickly than those who do not. Foods rich in selenium include:Brazil nutsfortified pasta and cerealsriceegg whitesbaked beansoatmealspinach Other selenium-rich foods, including tuna, halibut, shrimp, ham, egg yolks, and cottage cheese are also high in iodine which may affect iodine therapy. Eat fortified pasta and cereals, and rice made without ingredients that contain a lot of iodine. Eat limited amounts of beef, chicken, and turkey. Foods containing iron Iron is a nutrient that is important for normal bodily processes, including thyroid health. Iron helps the red blood cells carry oxygen to other cells in the body. Researchers have linked low levels of iron to hyperthyroidism. People can maintain an adequate intake of iron by including these foods in their diet:fortified cerealsraisinsdark chocolatebeef, chicken, turkey, and porkspinach Some iron-rich foods are also high in iodine, which may affect iodine therapy. Make sure your total iodine intake is less than 50 mcg per day:oysters and fishwhite beans, kidney beans, and black beanslentilssardineschickpeascanned beef, chicken or turkeycured pork products (bacon, sausages, or hot dogs) Look for fortified cereals made without ingredients that contain a lot of iodine. Foods containing calcium and vitamin D There is an association between longstanding hyperthyroidism and decreased bone mineral density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Calcium and vitamin D are both nutrients that are important for bone health. Foods rich in calcium include:milk (no more than once a day)broccolifortified orange juicekalebok choy Many people with hyperthyroidism have vitamin D deficiency. The primary source of vitamin D is the sun hitting the skin so that the body can make its own. However, due to concerns about sun exposure and increased risk of skin cancer, many people actively limit their time in the sun or use sunscreen. Not many foods are good sources of vitamin D, but the following foods contain some of this vitamin:salmon and tunamilk and some fortified dairy products (check the labels)fortified cereals These foods are also high in iodine, which may affect iodine therapy, so you may have to limit these foods or make sure your total iodine intake is less than 50 mcg. Look for fortified pasta and cereals, and rice made without ingredients that contain a lot of iodine. Spices Studies have linked certain spices, including turmeric and green chilis, to a reduced frequency of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism. Turmeric also has anti-inflammatory properties. People can use different spices, such as turmeric, to add flavor to their food. Foods to avoid Below, we look at the foods that can be harmful to people with hyperthyroidism if they eat them in large quantities: Iodine-rich foods Too much iodine can make hyperthyroidism worse by leading the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. A person with hyperthyroidism should avoid eating excessive amounts of iodine-rich foods, such as:iodized saltfish and shellfishseaweed or kelpdairy productsiodine supplementsfood products containing red dyeegg yolksblackstrap molassescarrageenan, which is an additivebaked goods with iodate dough conditioners Soy Animal studies have shown that soy ingestion can interfere with radioactive iodine uptake for the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Sources of soy include:soy milksoy saucetofuedamame beanssoybean oil Gluten Research suggests that autoimmune thyroid disease, including Graves’ disease, is more common among people who have celiac disease than among those who do not. The reason for this is not apparent, but genetics may play a role. Having celiac disease can also make a person more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders. Celiac disease causes damage to the small intestine as a result of the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat, barley, oats, and rye. People with celiac disease need to follow a gluten free diet. Some research suggests that following a gluten-free diet may facilitate better absorption of thyroid medications by the intestine and decrease inflammation. Caffeine Caffeine can worsen some symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including palpitations, tremors, anxiety, and insomnia. Where possible, a person with hyperthyroidism should try to avoid foods and drinks containing caffeine. These include:regular coffeeblack teachocolateregular sodaenergy drinks Summary Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormone. People should follow their treatment plan and any dietary recommendations from their doctor. Changing the diet might improve symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Certain nutrients may help support healthy thyroid function or decrease hyperthyroidism symptoms. A doctor or dietitian will be able to provide more information about dietary changes for hyperthyroidism. Last medically reviewed on July 25, 2022EndocrinologyHypothyroidNutrition / DietComplementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine 17 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Bibbo, S., et al. (2017). Chronic autoimmune disorders are increased in coeliac disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5708929/Calcium/vitamin D. (2018).https://www.nof.org/patients/treatment/calciumvitamin-d/Celiac disease and thyroid conditions. (2019).https://gluten.org/2019/10/17/celiac-disease-thyroid-conditions/Delitala, A. P., et al. (2020). 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Bone mineral density in patients of Graves disease pre- & post-treatment in a predominantly vitamin D deficient population.https://journals.lww.com/ijmr/Fulltext/2012/35010/Bone_mineral_density_in_patients_of_Graves_disease.9.aspxLow iodine diet. (n.d.).https://www.thyroid.org/low-iodine-diet/Low iodine diet. (2021).https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/low-iodine-dietSargis RM. (2018). How to eat well when you have Graves' disease.https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/graves-disease/how-eat-well-when-you-have-graves-diseaseSelenium: Fact sheet for health professionals. (2021).https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/Selenium-HealthProfessional/Ventura, M., et al. (2017). Selenium and thyroid disease: From pathophysiology to treatment.https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ije/2017/1297658/Wang, Y.-P., et al. (2014). Hemoglobin, iron, and vitamin B12 deficiencies and high blood homocysteine levels in patients with anti-thyroid autoantibodies.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0929664612002719FEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jerlyn Jones, MS MPA RDN LD CLT, Nutrition — By Shannon Johnson — Updated on July 25, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageThe best diets for Hashimoto's thyroiditisMedically reviewed by Natalie Olsen, R.D., L.D., ACSM EP-C Learn about what foods to eat and what foods to avoid to help alleviate symptoms of Hashimoto’s disease. Do gluten-free or low-GI diets help?READ MOREWhat is hypothyroidism?Medically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. 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