Hyperthyroidism: Two Key Things to Avoid
Summary
This article covers two critical supplements that people with hyperthyroidism must avoid, as consuming them can dangerously amplify already overactive thyroid activity. Dr. Berg highlights iodine-containing foods and bile salts as the primary concerns for anyone with a hyperactive thyroid condition.
Key Takeaways
- People with hyperthyroidism should not consume seaweed or any iodine-containing products
- Bile salts, bile extracts, ox bile, and gallbladder formulas must also be avoided with hyperthyroidism
- Iodine stimulates thyroid hormone production, worsening an already overactive thyroid
- Bile salts increase the conversion of T4 to T3, amplifying thyroid activity
- These same supplements (iodine and bile salts) are appropriate and beneficial for hypothyroidism, not hyperthyroidism
- If you are unfamiliar with bile salt supplements, you are likely not taking them and this may not apply to you
Details
Avoid Iodine
The thyroid gland in a hyperthyroid condition is already working too hard, producing excessive thyroid hormone. Iodine is a direct building block of thyroid hormones, so consuming additional iodine — including through seaweed or kelp — will further stimulate hormone production and worsen symptoms.
Avoid Bile Salts
Bile salts (also sold as ox bile, bile extract, or found in gallbladder support formulas) play a role in thyroid hormone conversion. Specifically, they promote the conversion of the inactive hormone T4 into the active hormone T3. In a hyperthyroid state, this conversion is already occurring at an elevated rate. Taking bile salts would accelerate this process further, increasing thyroid activity to a harmful degree.
The Hypo vs. Hyper Distinction
These two substances operate on opposite sides of the thyroid spectrum:
- In hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid): iodine and bile salts may be beneficial to support low thyroid activity
- In hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid): both must be strictly avoided as they amplify an already excessive thyroid response