Diet for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, is a chronic condition in which your thyroid gland produces too much thyroxine hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic. This causes an accelerated metabolism that leads to significant changes in your body, including excessive weight loss, insomnia, hair loss, sweating and irregular heartbeat. To avoid muscle wasting and bone thinning, it is important to increase your food consumption---and especially to emphasize protein and calcium in your diet---so that you can regain body weight.

Protein

Your body needs protein for energy, muscle building and tissue repair. According to the Harvard School of Public Health, a lack of protein can cause growth failure, loss of muscle mass, a weakened immune system and heart complications. Protein can help strengthen bones, reducing the risk of brittleness and weakness. The National Dairy Council asserts that increasing protein intake along with calcium and vitamin D reduces bone loss and improves muscle strength in older adults. Protein can be found in fish, red meat, poultry, dairy and eggs. Fish contains less saturated fat than other meats and provides omega-3 fatty acids, which can help lower your rapid heartbeat caused by hyperthyroidism.

Calcium

According to the book Living Well with Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism, your bones are at a higher risk of being weakened when hyperthyroidism causes a loss of vitamins and nutrients from your body. Bone weakening can lead to osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones are so brittle that they easily fracture. To reduce the onset of these symptoms, increase your calcium consumption by drinking low-fat or non-fat dairy products. Calcium strengthens bones and can lower your blood pressure. According to the most recent edition of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' Dietary Guidelines for Americans, calcium can also be found in spinach, calcium-fortified soy products, kale, okra and rainbow trout. Adults under the age of 50 should consume 1,000 milligrams of calcium daily and adults over 50 should consume 1,200 milligrams, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Caffeine

According to Living Well with Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism, avoid caffeine entirely if you suffer from hyperthyroidism. Caffeine can increase your heart rate and worsen such symptoms as anxiety, irritability, nervousness and fatigue. Chocolate contains small amounts of caffeine, so reduce or eliminate it from your diet. Don't drink coffee, tea, energy drinks or caffeine-containing soft drinks until your health care provider can advise you that it's safe to do so.