Short Answer: Oats are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have beta-glucan and avenanthramides, and they can lower cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces and releases 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 rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, and eye problems.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your hormone levels, 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-rich foods, and avoid foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.
Now, oats are a type of whole-grain cereal that are commonly eaten for breakfast as oatmeal or added to baked goods.
People usually cook oats in water or milk and add fruits, nuts, or sweeteners to them.
Oats are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can help lower cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and avenanthramides, a unique group of antioxidants that can help lower blood pressure and inflammation.
Half a cup of dry oats can give you 8.1 grams of fiber (29% of your daily needs), 10.7 grams of protein (21% of your daily needs), and 5.3 grams of fat (8% of your daily needs).
Beta-glucan can positively affect hyperthyroidism by binding to bile acids in your intestines and preventing them from being reabsorbed into your bloodstream.
This can lower your cholesterol levels and reduce your risk of heart disease, which is higher in people with hyperthyroidism.
Avenanthramides can positively affect hyperthyroidism by increasing the production of nitric oxide, a gas molecule that helps dilate your blood vessels and improve your blood flow.
This can lower your blood pressure and prevent complications such as atrial fibrillation, a type of irregular heartbeat that can increase your risk of stroke.
Furthermore, oats are a low-glycemic food and low-glycemic foods are good for hyperthyroidism.
Because, they can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent spikes and crashes that can worsen your symptoms and affect your energy levels.
You can eat up to one cup of cooked oatmeal per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea.
Also, you shouldn’t eat oats if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance to prevent digestive problems and inflammation.
Because oats may contain traces of gluten from cross-contamination during processing.
You can buy fresh oats in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic, whole, and unprocessed oats.
Because they have more nutrients, antioxidants, and fiber than refined or instant oats.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
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.