Hyperthyroidism: Causes, Symptoms and Diet Recommendation

What is hyperthyroidism?

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is an excess of thyroid function which results in an increase in the secretion of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4), whose primary functions, among others, is to regulate metabolic reactions body. The primary target group is women in the third decade of life.

Causes of hyperthyroidism:

There are numerous causes of hyperthyroidism but most cases are due to Graves' disease or diffuse goiter is an autoimmune disease in which the body produces antibodies (TSI) that produce thyroid stimulation.
Other causes are you multinodular goiter, as the name suggests, is the presence of nodules in the thyroid gland to secrete hormones unregulated; thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid, usually viral cause, and presents with pain and fever, in addition to general symptoms. It can also be caused by excessive consumption of iodine.

Symptoms of hyperthyroid:

The increased level of thyroid hormones is an increase in basal metabolism. . The symptoms gradually appear as the disease progresses and vary from one patient to another the main symptoms are:
The increased metabolism means an increase in energy expenditure and the patient may experience fatigue, muscle weakness, dyspnea ... It also results in weight loss, but the patient may experience excessive hunger, depending on which predominates in each patient, the submit thinness or overweight, although usually weight loss.

- Heat intolerance, thinner skin, hair loss, brittle nails, sweating, flushing of the skin.

- An increase in intestinal motility occurs: diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, cramps, increased number of bowel movements...

- A heart level, heart rate rises may cause arrhythmias, tachycardia, palpitations, and hypertension.

- The main psychological symptoms: anxiety, irritability, insomnia, nervousness.

- Goiter: involves the enlargement of the thyroid can cause difficulty swallowing or hoarseness and sore pressure.

- In women it can be altered menstrual cycle.

- The appearance of exophthalmos and pretibial myxedema (thickening of the skin of the legs) occurs in Graves' disease.

There are several alternative therapies involving cure or control the disease. Can hyperthyroidism be cured?  Yes it can be treated with drugs, surgery or radioactive iodine. But there are some dietary recommendations that can help us.

Hyperthyroidism Diet Recommendations:

- Avoid eating foods rich in iodine such as seafood, egg yolk, garlic, strawberries, lentils, coconut, hazelnuts .

- Consume dairy products and calcium-rich foods and those rich in iron.

- The exciting drinks should be avoided.

- Increase protein intake. Avoid fatty meats.

As mentioned above, hyperthyroidism is a disorder that is treatable but requires medical supervision to avoid complications that can be serious.

You can read more about Hyperthyroidism on

Webmd: Overactive Thyroid (Hyperthyroidism)
MedicineNet: Hyperthyroidism