Are Onions Good for Hyperthyroidism? (Expert Answer)

Short Answer: Onions are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have quercetin and they are low-glycemic foods. They can help reduce thyroid inflammation, inhibit thyroid hormone production, and regulate 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.

This can lead to various health problems, such as weight loss, rapid heartbeat, 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, and avoid foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.

Now, onions are bulb-shaped vegetables that belong to the genus Allium.

They are widely cultivated and used as a flavoring or side dish in manycuisines.

People usually eat them raw, cooked, or pickled.

Onions are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain quercetin, a flavonoid that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Quercetin can help reduce thyroid inflammation, inhibit thyroid hormone production, and protect against oxidative stress.

One medium onion (110 grams) can give you about 13% of your daily vitamin C needs, 6% of your daily fiber needs, and 4% of your daily manganese needs.

Quercetin can positively affect hyperthyroidism by modulating the immune system, suppressing the activity of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and reducing the expression of thyroid hormone receptors.

Furthermore, onions are a low-glycemic food and low-glycemic foods are good for hyperthyroidism.

Because, they can help regulate blood sugar levels, prevent insulin resistance, and lower the risk of diabetes, which are common complications of hyperthyroidism.

You can eat one to two onions per day safely.

More than that can cause digestive problems, such as gas, bloating, and diarrhea, especially if you have a fructan intolerance.

Also, you shouldn’t eat onions if you have an allergy to them or if you are taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin, to prevent bleeding.

Because, onions can interfere with the effectiveness of these drugs and increase the risk of bleeding.

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

Always choose onions that are firm, dry, and free of bruises or mold.

Because, these indicate the quality and freshness of the onions.

You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to two months.

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.

Get a Customized Diet Plan

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.

Leave a Comment