Can drinking more water improve thyroid function?
Jun 19, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
Drinking more water can improve thyroid dysfunction caused by hyperthyroidism, but it has no significant effect on hypothyroidism. The primary function of the thyroid gland is to secrete thyroid hormones that regulate the body's metabolism and growth and development; however, this process has no direct relationship with water intake. For individuals with normal thyroid function, drinking more water provides no particular benefit or harm.
Generally, drinking more water can help improve thyroid dysfunction caused by hyperthyroidism, but it has no significant effect on hypothyroidism. If discomfort occurs, timely medical consultation is recommended. Detailed explanation is as follows:
The primary function of the thyroid gland is to secrete thyroid hormones to regulate the body's metabolism, growth, and development, a process not directly related to water intake. For individuals with normal thyroid function, drinking more water provides neither specific benefits nor harm. However, for patients with thyroid diseases, increased water intake may have varying effects.
When hyperthyroidism occurs, the thyroid gland secretes excessive thyroid hormones, leading to elevated metabolic levels and symptoms such as heat intolerance, excessive sweating, and increased body temperature. The metabolic rate of these patients accelerates, causing greater bodily consumption and requiring more water to support metabolic processes. Increasing water intake can meet these needs and help maintain normal physiological functions.
Excessive water intake in patients with hypothyroidism may worsen edema symptoms. Therefore, patients with hypothyroidism should control their daily water intake. For the management of thyroid diseases, it is recommended to regularly monitor thyroid function indicators and adjust dietary and lifestyle habits under a doctor's guidance to facilitate effective disease management.
