Hyperthyroidism (Overactive Thyroid) occurs when your Thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone Thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism can accelerate your body’s metabolism, causing unintentional weight loss and a rapid or irregular heartbeat. This is opposed to Hypothyroidism where the gland is underactive. (see blog of last week).
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include increased appetite but unintentional weight loss, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), palpitations, anxiety, tremor, fatigue, insomnia, fine brittle hair, irritability and many more. Generally people dealing with this condition feel wired, anxious and unable to relax.
An enlarged Thyroid gland (Goiter) can appear as a swelling at the Base of the neck.
In India alone, more than one million cases of Hyperthyroidism are reported and the majority are women. A large number of cases of Hyperthyroidism are caused by autoimmunity. The biggest factors causing autoimmunity are causing poor gut health (leaky gut, poor digestion ), heavy metal and pesticides exposure and oxidative stress (chronic inflammation). For further information please see blogs on Gut Health, Leaky Gut and Inflammation.
Non-dietary Remedies
- Exercise : Regular exercise can make you feel better and is good for your long term health. You can benefit from mood lifting cardiovascular exercise, as well as increased bone density from strength training. If you have Hyperthyroidism it may be better to start with lower intensity exercises such as Walking, Yoga and Taichi.
- Stress : Stress is known to take its toll on the body and mind in a variety of ways, but it can aggravate Hyperthyroidism symptoms (Anxiety and Irritability), making them much worse. Manage your stress.
- Yoga and Meditation : Yoga is known to calm the mind and body and control stress so please include for managing stress. Likewise meditate daily to help calm your mind.
- Sleep : Sleep related symptoms of Hyperthyroidism include insomnia, frequent waking, restlessness, restless leg syndrome and tremors. Our body repairs during rest. Sleep is very important to balance the thyroid gland.
- Do Yoga Nidra to help you sleep and switch off your mobile phones and television for at least an hour before bedtime. Have a hot bath before bedtime as well.
- Sleep in a darkened room. Establishing a regular time to go to sleep and to wake up, even on weekends and holidays is important in establishing good, restful sleep.
Dietary Remedies:
- Non-iodized Salt : Excessive iodine intake may trigger Hyperthyroidism, so please shift to non-iodized Salt like Himalayan Pink Salt or Rock Salt. Also avoid seaweeds, kelp and other seafood rich in iodine.
- Cruciferous Vegetables : These vegetables are not good for Hypothyroidism but are good for Hyperthyroidism. So include Bok choy, Kale, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Collard greens, Cauliflower and Cabbage in your diet.
- Caffeine and sugar : Avoid these stimulants as they aggravate Hyperthyroidism symptoms.
- Milk and Dairy products : Avoid high fat milk and dairy. Consume skimmed milk and low fat dairy products which are easy to digest.
- Gluten : Even if you do not have a Gluten intolerance, it is beneficial to restart or limit Gluten.This is because Gluten may harm the thyroid by causing inflammation
- Avoid Processed foods: These are acidic and increase inflammation. Our body needs to be Alkaline.
- Iron: Low levels of Iron are linked to Hyperthyroidism. So include dried beans, green leafy vegetables, lentils, nuts and seeds in your diet.
- Spices : Add spices such as turmeric, pepper, and other spices. They are anti-inflammatory.
- Red Meat : Avoid Red Meat because of its Inflammatory properties, and focus on fatty fish like salmon and tuna.
- Healthy Fats : Focus on healthy fats such as ghee, sesame oil, extra virgin olive oil and flax seed oil.
- Protein rich foods : Protein rich foods such as fish, legumes, eggs and nuts are good for Hyperthyroidism as protein transports thyroid hormone through the body.
- Alcohol : Alcohol can disrupt the energy levels of the body and tamper with sleep thus affecting the hormone levels. Abstain from alcohol.
All the best and happy healing from Naturally Dimpi!!