Short Answer: Peanuts are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have selenium and they can improve your thyroid function and reduce your symptoms.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, heart rate, body temperature and other functions.
In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland makes and releases too much thyroid hormone.
This can lead to various health problems, such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, anxiety, tremor, insomnia 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 foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, olive oil and flaxseed.
These foods can help reduce inflammation, protect your cells from damage and support your immune system.
You should avoid foods rich in iodine, such as seafood, dairy products and iodized salt, and foods that can interfere with your thyroid medication, such as soy, coffee and grapefruit.
These foods can either worsen or improve your thyroid function, depending on your individual response.
Now, peanuts are legumes that are widely grown and consumed around the world.
People usually eat them raw, roasted, boiled or as peanut butter. Peanuts are also used to make oil, flour and other products.
Peanuts are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain selenium, a mineral that is essential for thyroid health.
Selenium helps your body convert thyroid hormone from the inactive form (T4) to the active form (T3), which regulates your metabolism and other functions.
Selenium also protects your thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can damage your thyroid cells and worsen your condition.
One ounce (28 grams) of peanuts can give you about 7% of your daily selenium needs, along with protein, fiber, healthy fats and other nutrients.
Selenium can positively affect hyperthyroidism by improving your thyroid function and reducing your symptoms.
However, too much selenium can be harmful and cause side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, hair loss and skin problems.
Therefore, you should not exceed the recommended daily intake of selenium, which is 55 micrograms for adults.
Furthermore, peanuts are a plant-based food and plant-based foods are good for hyperthyroidism.
Because, plant-based foods can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar levels, which can be elevated in hyperthyroidism.
Plant-based foods can also provide phytochemicals, such as flavonoids and polyphenols, that have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and modulatory effects on your hormones and immune system.
You can eat one to two ounces (28 to 56 grams) of peanuts per day safely.
More than that can cause allergic reactions, digestive problems and weight gain.
Also, you shouldn’t eat peanuts if you have a peanut allergy, to prevent anaphylaxis, a life-threatening allergic reaction.
Because, peanuts are one of the most common food allergens and can trigger severe symptoms, such as hives, swelling, difficulty breathing and shock.
You can buy fresh peanuts in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic, unsalted and unflavored peanuts.
Because, organic peanuts are free of pesticides and other chemicals that can harm your health.
Unsalted and unflavored peanuts are lower in sodium and additives that can affect your thyroid function and blood pressure.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry and dark place for up to six months.
Read Next
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.
