Can patients with hyperthyroidism eat at restaurants?

Patients with hyperthyroidism can eat at restaurants in their daily lives, but they should pay attention to their dietary choices.

1. Dietary selection: Due to elevated thyroid hormone levels in patients with hyperthyroidism, low-iodine foods should be selected, and iodine-rich seafood such as kelp and nori should be avoided. In addition, spicy and stimulating foods such as chili peppers, coffee, and strong tea should also be avoided as much as possible to prevent worsening of the condition.

2. Symptom control: If hyperthyroidism symptoms are poorly controlled or the patient is in an acute exacerbation phase, it is recommended to reduce dining out in order to lower the risk of infection.

3. Eating habits: Patients with hyperthyroidism have an accelerated metabolic rate and may require increased caloric intake. However, nutritional balance should still be maintained while avoiding excessive iodine intake, since iodine is the raw material for thyroid hormone synthesis and excessive intake may stimulate thyroid function.

When dining at a restaurant, patients can choose light and healthy dishes and inform the server of their dietary needs to make suitable selections. Additionally, controlling portion sizes and avoiding overeating can help maintain stable blood sugar levels, which is also beneficial for patients with hyperthyroidism.