The thyroid gland sets the metabolic rate for the body.   An overactive thyroid causes the body to work too quickly resulting in nervousness, tremors, sleeplessness, palpitations, sweating, fever, diarrhea and increased appetite with paradoxical weight loss.  This over excitability can eventually lead to death from exhaustion of the body.

A dangerous increase in blood pressure may also result.  A hyperthyroid period often precedes hypothyroidism as the gland makes one last attempt to maintain functioning before shutting down.

Grave’s disease is an autoimmune condition that commonly causes hyperthyroidism.  Other suspected causes of hyperthyroidism are food sensitivities, mercury poisoning, extreme stress, hormonal imbalances, bowel infections and leaky gut syndrome. 

Conventional treatment of hyperthyroidism involves thyroid-blocking medications.  In some cases surgery or gland irradiation is performed.  This then leaves the individual in a hypothyroid state.  They must replace the thyroid hormone with synthetic thyroid.  This is better for the body than remaining in a hyperthyroid state.

Natural treatment of hyperthyroidism involves identifying food allergens, assessing for metal toxicity, using natural thyroid suppressors and supporting the body with vitamins and minerals.  Eat lots of whole and fresh foods to replace the nutrients lost to excessive metabolism.  They also provide enzymes to help food digestion.  Use green vegetables, whole grains and nutritional yeast for B vitamins. 

Eat broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, onions, spinach and turnips because they suppress thyroid hormone function.  Avoid iodized salt, coffee, black tea, chocolate and colas, which speed up metabolism.  Avoid the most common food allergens for hyperthyroid patients, which are dairy products, wheat, caffeine and nicotine products.

Nutritional support for hyperthyroidism consists of providing the body with optimum doses of nutrients that it needs to cope with stress and providing nutrients that this disorder depletes.  Of these, the B complex vitamins are very important, as both your brain and your stress glands need them to function properly.   

People with an overactive thyroid can often be deficient in these nutrients.  You might also consider herbs that help you to relax naturally without side effects.

Proper sleep and moderate exercise help regulate thyroid functioning.  So does controlling the stress you experience in your life.  If you have an overactive thyroid and your stress level is very high, you need to make some lifestyle changes or learn to adapt to the stress more effectively. 

The following list of supplements can be for hyperthyroidism support.  (CLICK SUPPLEMENT NAME FOR PRODUCTS).