Are Nuts Good for Hyperthyroidism? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Nuts are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have selenium and healthy fats and they can support thyroid health and reduce inflammation.

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.

In hyperthyroidism, your body produces too much thyroid hormone.

This can lead to various health problems, such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, tremor, difficulty sleeping, and changes in menstrual cycle.

One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.

What you consume can affect your thyroid hormone levels, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.

To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume selenium and iron rich foods like Brazil nuts, spinach, and lentils and avoid iodine rich foods like iodized salt, dairy products, and soy.

Now, nuts are a type of food that people usually eat as a snack or add to dishes.

Nuts are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain beneficial nutrients such as selenium and healthy fats.

However, it’s important to note that some nuts, like Brazil nuts, are very high in selenium, and too much selenium can be harmful.

A serving of Brazil nuts (about 3-4 nuts) can give you more than 100% of the daily value for selenium.

Selenium can positively affect hyperthyroidism as it helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy.

Furthermore, nuts are a source of healthy fats and healthy fats are good for hyperthyroidism because they can help balance hormone levels and reduce inflammation.

You can eat a small handful of nuts per day safely.

More than that can cause selenium toxicity, which can lead to hair loss, gastrointestinal upset, fatigue, and mild nerve damage.

Also, you shouldn’t eat too many Brazil nuts if you have hyperthyroidism to prevent selenium toxicity.

Because excessive selenium intake can worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism.

You can buy fresh nuts in your local market or can order them online.

Always choose nuts that are raw or dry-roasted without added salt or sugar.

Because processed nuts may contain added ingredients that are not beneficial for hyperthyroidism.

You can store them in a cool, dry place or in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness for several months.

Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care is key to managing/dealing with 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.

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About the Author

Abdur Rahman Choudhury

Abdur Rahman Choudhury is a nutritionist in West Bengal, India, with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Biochemistry.

He has done his diploma in nutrition from Fabulous Body Inc (US), and completed various certification courses from several universities. He also has considerable research experience in PCOS.

Abdur currently lives in India and keeps fit by weight training and eating mainly home-cooked meals.

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