HYPERTHYROIDISM DIET PLAN

Hyperthyroidism, sometimes referred to as thyrotoxicosis or Graves' disease, is a disorder of the thyroid gland that results in an overproduction of thyroid hormones in the body. According to Phyllis Balch in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," too many thyroid hormones leads to an overactive metabolic state and all of the body's processes speed up as a result. Symptoms that commonly ensue include irritability, nervousness, increased sweat, insomnia, fatigue, feeling overheated or intolerant to heat, constipation, weakness, hair loss, rapid heartbeat, infrequent menstruation, decreased menstrual flow, hand tremors and, in some extreme cases, protruding eyeballs. If you suspect that you may have hyperthyroidism, talk to your health-care practitioner for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.

REDUCE OR ELIMINATE IODINE
According to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, a high stress lifestyle and excess iodine intake can both contribute to hyperthyroidism. CSNN encourages daily stress management techniques and recommends avoiding foods that are high in iodine such as salt, kelp, seaweed, seafood and vegetables grown near the ocean. CSNN says that iodine stimulates the production of thyroid hormones in the body, which can ultimately lead to hyperthyroidism. Ensure that any supplements you may be taking do not contain iodine.

CONSUME THYROID SUPPRESSING FOODS AND AVOID STIMULANTS
Certain foods are thought to naturally suppress the production of thyroid hormones, and Balch recommends consuming plenty of them. These foods include sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, peaches, rutabagas, soybeans, spinach and turnips. Balch also recommends avoiding stimulants such as nicotine, tea, refined sugar, coffee, cocoa, soft drinks and all other sources of caffeine. She says that the body is already overstimulated in individuals with hyperthyroidism and consuming these substances will only aggravate symptoms.

EAT OFTEN AND CONSUME COLD-WATER FISH
CSNN recommends consuming six small meals a day and not going longer than three hours without eating to compensate for an increased metabolism. In addition, the consumption of cold-water fish or a fish oil supplement containing 1 to 2g of combined EPA and DHA is encouraged because these essential fatty acids are required for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

EAT WHOLE, UNPROCESSED FOODS
Malabsorption and depletion of nutrients is common with hyperthyroidism, and it is therefore extremely important that you eat a healthy, well-balanced, whole foods diet to prevent nutrient deficiencies, says Balch. Processed and refined foods should be eliminated because most have few nutrients, and their consumption puts an increased strain on your body. Also, CSNN recommends taking a bone health formula with calcium in it because excess thyroid hormones depletes mineral stores and may increase the risk for osteoporosis.

LOAD UP ON ANTIOXIDANTS
Finally, high levels of thyroid hormones have been correlated with free-radical damage to the body's tissues, and antioxidant-rich nutrients such as vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium and beta carotene are needed to counteract this damage. CSNN recommends eating a diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and taking a mixed antioxidant formula supplement to provide these antioxidant nutrients.