Thyroid eye disease (TED) is a condition that usually occurs in people who have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) due to an autoimmune disorder such as Graves’ disease. Diet plays an important role in managing thyroid eye disease. Certain foods can aggravate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Additionally, eating foods you are sensitive to can affect your immune system and potentially cause hyperthyroidism.
Iodine
Excessive iodine intake can trigger hyperthyroidism, especially in the elderly or those with existing thyroid disease. Foods that are naturally high in iodine include seafood. Certain foods are often iodized, meaning iodine has been added to them. These include salt, bread, and dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt. Other iodine-rich foods include egg yolks, milk chocolate, and commercially prepared bakery products made with iodate conditioners.
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Gluten
A significant number of people with thyroid disease also have celiac disease, an autoimmune disease in which eating gluten damages the small intestine. Gluten is the general name for the protein found in wheat, rye, and barley. Some patients with celiac disease report needing less thyroid hormone replacement after following a gluten-free diet for a period of time.
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One reason is that following a gluten-free diet allows the small intestine to heal, enabling better absorption of thyroid medication. A gluten-free diet may also reduce inflammation of the thyroid gland by lowering the overall inflammatory response.
Gluten is found in many foods such as pasta, bread, and baked goods, but it can also be present in unexpected foods like soups, sauces, and salad dressings. When shopping, be sure to check nutrition labels for gluten and choose gluten-free products. Many traditionally gluten-containing foods are now available in gluten-free versions.
Foods for a Healthy Thyroid
While certain foods can exacerbate thyroid disease, other foods contain specific nutrients that are important for a healthy diet. These include foods and drinks that are high in the following ingredients:
- Calcium: People with hyperthyroidism may have trouble absorbing calcium, which can cause bones to break down over time and increase the risk of developing osteoporosis. Therefore, eating foods that are high in calcium can help. Examples include green leafy vegetables, almonds, sardines, and okra. Dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt are also rich in calcium.
- Vitamin D: This important vitamin helps calcium be absorbed more easily. Most vitamin D is obtained from sunlight, but it can also be sourced from diet. Tuna, freshwater salmon, and cod are good sources of vitamin D and are also high in iodine.
- Magnesium: Magnesium helps the body absorb vitamin D. Additionally, insufficient magnesium intake can potentially worsen hyperthyroidism. Foods rich in magnesium include avocados, almonds, beans, and pumpkin seeds.
- Selenium: Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone production and helps protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress. A deficiency in selenium can cause the thyroid to malfunction. Rich sources of selenium include mushrooms, brown rice, sunflower seeds, and sardines.
Combining All Foods
When it comes to cooking, there are many delicious food options available. For breakfast, you can choose oatmeal. Oats are gluten-free but can be processed in facilities that also handle gluten-containing grains, so look for ‘gluten-free’ on the label to ensure no cross-contamination. Try eating oats with almonds or fresh fruit.
A good option for lunch is a fresh salad of leafy greens with oil and vinegar, topped with avocado slices and pumpkin seeds. Add some gluten-free crackers on the side for extra crunch. For dinner, grilled salmon with roasted broccoli and brown rice is a great choice. Just ensure that the salt used in food preparation is not iodized.
