Hyperthyroidism - Foods to Avoid!

Hyperthyroidism, like most diseases, has got a lot to do with the food we eat. Though it's a given that eating unhealthy foods is a no-no, there are "Allergenic foods" that can trigger hyperthyroidism. 

Since we are dealing with thyroid problem, you have to specifically choose various foods based on its Iodine content. It is known that the higher the iodine content, the greater the production of thyroid hormones in your body which is over producing already. The thyroid gland removes iodine from the blood (which comes mostly from the food we eat) and uses it to produce thyroid hormones. Another type of food to avoid is stimulant foods. These types of food can worsen your palpitation (tachycardia) and sleep deprivation, which are two of many symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Having such symptoms in your everyday life can be a struggle so you don't need more stimulation in your system.

Here are the list of some foods that you need to avoid:

 Foods with high iodine content  (values expressed in parts per million)

    Iodized salt (54 ppm)

Photo courtesy of Google images

    
Seafoods 

Photo courtesy of Google images

                                                     Kelp (1,020 ppm)                                                        
                                                     Clams (20 ppm)
                                                     Shrimp (17ppm)
                                                     Sea bass (13 ppm)
                                                     Squid (39 ppm)

Meat and Poultry 

Photo courtesy of Google images

                                                        Beef liver (325ppm)
                                                        Turkey (132 ppm)
                                                        Chicken (67 ppm)
                                                        Stew meat (66 ppm)
                                                        Hamburger (44 ppm)

  Dairy

Photo courtesy of Google images

                                                         Cheddar cheese spread (27 ppm)   

                                                         Butter (26 ppm)     

                                                         Mozzarella cheese (13 ppm)

        
Stimulant Foods

Photo courtesy of google images

                                                                 Coffee
                                                                 Black Tea
                                                                 Sodas
                                                                 Chocolates
                                                                 Alcohols

It is very difficult to removed all of  these offending foods in one's diet. I, myself, did have a hard time staying away from seafoods, chocolate and coffee. I mean who can stay away from chocolates forever, right? But my desire to feel better was greater than my love for chocolates. It took a lot of self-discipline to actually not give in with my cravings. I just put in mind that  in order to get rid of this thyroid imbalance, I really need to make healthful dietary changes as well as lifestyle changes in my life.