SHERYL ANN B.

PEDINES
BSN-IV

Proper self -care with hyperthyroidism at home

When the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism develops.
This boosts the metabolism, or the rate at which the body burns calories. This condition will
cause to lose weight, and have sleep, vision, and heart rate issues. Therefore, having a proper
self-care at home is important because it can help to manage the symptoms and feel better.
How to execute proper self-care at home?

o Take the medications exactly as directed. The thyroid medication must be taken at
the same time every day. Keep the pills in a container that is labeled with the days
of the week. This will help to know if this had taken the medicine each day. Then,
if adverse effect occurs notify the health care provider immediately.
o To shield the eyes from dryness, wind, and the sun, use artificial tears, eye drops,
and sunglasses.
o To keep the eyes from swelling at night, raise head with pillows.
o Taping the eyelids shut at night will help prevent dry eyes in the morning in some
situations.
o Ensure getting enough calcium. Milk, yogurt, cheese, and dark green vegetables
are all calcium-rich foods.
o Caffeine and other stimulants should be avoided to prevent exacerbate symptoms
such as racing heart, nervousness, and difficulty concentrating.
o Quit smoking to prevent aggravate the condition and lead to more severe vision
issue.
o Reduce the stress levels. Learn how to relax using biofeedback, directed
visualization, meditation, or other techniques.
o For dry skin, apply creams or ointments.
o Promptly notify health care provider if any signs and symptoms illness may occur
such as fever, sore throat, malaise, bleeding/bruising, headache, skin rash, lymph
node enlargement.
o Get adequate rest and sleep.
o Exercise regularly and consistently.

 There are several food choices which can help control thyroid levels substantially and
boost the process of healing and improving.
- Foods to eat includes:
o Dairy products like Cheese, Milk, Curd to prevent calcium loss from bone.
 o Cruciferous vegetables like Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage to help in
decreasing the amount of thyroid hormone.
o Berry family from Strawberries, Blackberries, Raspberries are rich source of
antioxidant and boosts immunity.
o Healthy fats mainly from Seeds and Nuts (unprocessed) to help in reducing
inflammation and also protect and balance thyroid hormones.
o Some spices and Herbs-possess anti-inflammatory properties to help protect
and also strengthens the immune system.
- Foods to avoid includes:
o Artificial sweeteners
o Processed and unhealthy food must be avoided.
o Excess Iodine-eating too much iodine-rich food may lead to Hyperthyroidism.
(yogurt, mozzarella, milk, eggs, seaweeds, cranberries, navy beans and
strawberry).
o Some medications also contain Iodine such as Amiodaron, Medical contrast
dyes, Cough syrups, herbal or vitamin supplements.
o Nitrates cause Thyroid to absorb too much iodine results in enlarged thyroid
and hyperthyroidism. Food rich in Nitrates are processed meats (sausage,
salami, bacon), celery, lettuce, Beets, spinach, and fennel.