Short Answer: Eggs are good for hyperthyroidism, because they have selenium, vitamin A, and lutein, which can help with thyroid health and eye health. However, they also have cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels in some people, and should be eaten in moderation.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your body produces too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism and affects many functions of your body.
This can lead to various health problems, such as irregular heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and eye problems.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, and vitamin D, such as fish, eggs, and mushrooms.
You should also avoid foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.
Now, eggs are a good source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and omega-3 fatty acids.
People usually eat them boiled, scrambled, fried, or as an ingredient in various dishes.
Eggs are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain selenium, vitamin A, and lutein, which are beneficial for thyroid health and eye health.
However, eggs also contain cholesterol, which may raise blood cholesterol levels in some people, especially those with genetic disorders or other risk factors for heart disease.
One large egg can give you about 6 grams of protein (12% of your daily needs), 186 mg of cholesterol (62% of your daily needs), 28 mcg of selenium (51% of your daily needs), 260 IU of vitamin A (5% of your daily needs), and 220 mcg of lutein and zeaxanthin (4% of your daily needs).
Selenium can help protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation, and support the production and conversion of thyroid hormones.
Vitamin A can help maintain the health of the skin and mucous membranes, which may be affected by hyperthyroidism.
Lutein and zeaxanthin can help prevent macular degeneration, which is a common complication of hyperthyroidism.
Cholesterol can increase the risk of atherosclerosis, which is the buildup of plaque in the arteries, and lead to heart attack or stroke.
However, the effect of dietary cholesterol on blood cholesterol levels varies among individuals, and depends on other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and overall diet.
Furthermore, eggs are a type of animal protein, and animal protein is good for hyperthyroidism.
Because, animal protein can help balance the amino acid homocysteine, which may be elevated in hyperthyroidism and contribute to heart disease.
You can eat up to one or two eggs per day safely, as long as you limit your intake of other sources of cholesterol, such as red meat, cheese, and butter.
More than that can cause high blood cholesterol levels, which can increase your risk of heart disease.
Also, you shouldn’t eat raw or undercooked eggs if you have hyperthyroidism, to prevent salmonella infection.
Because, salmonella infection can cause diarrhea, dehydration, and fever, which can worsen your hyperthyroidism symptoms and complications.
You can buy fresh eggs in your local market or can order them from online.
Always choose eggs that are organic, pastured, or omega-3 enriched, as they have higher nutritional value and lower risk of contamination.
Because, organic eggs come from hens that are not exposed to antibiotics, hormones, or pesticides.
Pastured eggs come from hens that are raised outdoors and have access to natural sunlight, grass, and insects.
Omega-3 enriched eggs come from hens that are fed with flax seeds, fish oil, or algae, which increase the omega-3 content of their eggs.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to three weeks, or in the freezer for up to one year.
To freeze eggs, you need to crack them and beat them slightly, then pour them into freezer containers or ice cube trays.
You can also separate the whites and yolks and freeze them separately.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hyperthyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.