Hyperthyroid Symptoms and Treatment

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which there is overproduction of thyroid hormone. When your thyroid produces too much hormone, you are said to have an "overactive thyroid." When this happens, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• difficulty sleeping
• excessive sweating
• extreme tiredness
• hair loss
• inability to tolerate heat
• nervousness and irritability
• rapid heartbeat, including palpitations
• shakiness and muscle weakness, often with trembling in the hands
• weight gain
• weight loss, with a normal or increased appetite

Treating Hyperthyroidism Naturally

If your thyroid gland is overactive, there are a number of steps that you can take. Medical treatment of hyperthyroidism usually involves prescribing synthetic thyroid hormone. Sometimes surgery is also recommended.

Naturopathic doctors may differ slightly in their approach to the treatment of hyperthyroidism. They will likely use desiccated natural thyroid hormone complete with all thyroid hormones. Thyroid-hormone replacement is usually necessary in most cases of hyperthyroidism.
Limit Intake of Goitrogenic Foods

There are other ways that you can help an overactive thyroid, however. Changing your diet is one strategy. Try to limit your intake of "goitrogenic" foods. Goitrogenic foods contain natural "goitrogens." Goitrogens are chemicals that cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland by interfering with the production of thyroid hormone.

Rapeseed (canola), cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, maize, lima beans, soya and pearl millet are all goitrogenic foods. Cooking does help make the goitrogens less effective, so try that instead of consuming these foods raw.

On the other hand, foods that contain iodine, such as kelp, beetroot, radishes, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas should be kept in your diet.

The interaction between iodine and the thryroid gland is a complex one. Iodine is needed by your body to form thyroid hormone. Goiter and hyperthyroidism could happen because of an iodine deficiency. However, if you consume large amounts of iodine, it could result in either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.

Most multivitamins contain about 150 micrograms (mcg) of iodine (which is also the recommended daily intake (RDI) for iodine). This should be enough to stop iodine deficiency, but not enough to cause any harm.