What should patients with hyperthyroidism avoid eating?

Hyperthyroidism generally refers to hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Usually, patients do not have absolutely forbidden foods, but it is recommended to cautiously avoid or refrain from consuming foods such as jellyfish, mussels, salted fish, wasabi, and iodized salt, as well as medications such as potassium iodide tablets, levothyroxine sodium tablets, methimazole tablets, amiodarone hydrochloride capsules, and potassium iodate tablets. The specific analysis is as follows:

I. Foods

1. Jellyfish: Jellyfish is a high-iodine seafood. Its high iodine content can provide abundant raw materials for thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to further elevation of thyroid hormone levels in the body and worsening hyperthyroidism symptoms.

2. Mussels: As marine shellfish, mussels have high iodine content. Consumption leads to increased iodine accumulation in the body, promoting increased thyroid hormone secretion and exacerbating the hypermetabolic state, which is detrimental to disease control.

3. Salted fish: During the pickling process, a significant amount of iodine is retained, and it also has high sodium content. Excessive consumption not only leads to excessive iodine intake but may also worsen fluid and sodium retention, affecting the physical condition of patients with hyperthyroidism.

4. Wasabi: Wasabi is highly pungent and can stimulate the central nervous system, potentially worsening emotional fluctuations and palpitations in patients with hyperthyroidism. It also irritates the gastrointestinal tract, affecting nutrient absorption.

5. Iodized salt: Long-term excessive use can lead to daily iodine intake far exceeding requirements, continuously providing raw materials for thyroid hormone synthesis, resulting in persistent hyperthyroidism symptoms and being detrimental to disease stability.

II. Medications

1. Potassium iodide tablets: These are oral supplements with high iodine content. When taken by patients with hyperthyroidism, they significantly increase the body's iodine levels, providing more raw materials for thyroid hormone synthesis, thereby worsening excessive thyroid hormone secretion and exacerbating hyperthyroidism symptoms. Their use must be strictly avoided.

2. Levothyroxine sodium tablets: These are primarily used to supplement thyroid hormones. If mistakenly used by patients with hyperthyroidism, they can cause excessively high thyroid hormone levels, worsening metabolic disturbances and intensifying symptoms.

3. Methimazole tablets: Although this is an anti-hyperthyroidism medication, misuse can excessively suppress thyroid function, leading to hypothyroidism, disrupting hormonal balance, and affecting disease recovery.

4. Amiodarone hydrochloride capsules: This is an antiarrhythmic drug with high iodine content. Long-term use can lead to excessive iodine load in the body, stimulating thyroid hormone synthesis and inducing or worsening hyperthyroidism symptoms.

5. Potassium iodate tablets: These are commonly used for the prevention and treatment of iodine deficiency disorders. When taken by patients with hyperthyroidism, they lead to excessive iodine intake, promoting increased thyroid hormone secretion and worsening the condition. Their use must be strictly avoided.

Patients with hyperthyroidism should choose non-iodized or low-iodine foods in their daily diet to reduce iodine intake. Medication use must strictly follow medical instructions; self-medication or dosage adjustments are strictly prohibited. Regular follow-up evaluations of thyroid function and monitoring of hormone level changes are necessary. If symptoms such as worsening palpitations, excessive sweating, or sudden weight loss occur, prompt medical attention is required.