Short Answer: Prunes are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have iron, potassium, and vitamin K, and they can help prevent anemia, regulate blood pressure, and protect bone health.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your body produces too much thyroid hormone, which speeds up your metabolism and affects many organs and systems.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight loss, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis, eye problems, and thyroid storm.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants, vitamin D, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids, like berries, fish, milk, and walnuts, and avoid foods rich in iodine, soy, and caffeine, like seaweed, tofu, and coffee.
Now, prunes are dried plums that are high in fiber, iron, potassium, and vitamin K.
People usually eat them as a snack or add them to desserts, salads, or cereals.
Prunes are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain iron and potassium, which can help prevent anemia and regulate blood pressure, which are common complications of hyperthyroidism.
Prunes also contain vitamin K, which can help prevent bone loss and fractures, which are also associated with hyperthyroidism.
Five prunes can give you about 3 grams of fiber (12% of your daily needs), 0.9 milligrams of iron (5% of your daily needs), 280 milligrams of potassium (6% of your daily needs), and 59.5 micrograms of vitamin K (50% of your daily needs).
Iron can help your body make red blood cells and transport oxygen, which can improve your energy and prevent fatigue.
Potassium can help balance your electrolytes and fluid levels, which can regulate your heartbeat and blood pressure.
Vitamin K can help your body use calcium and maintain bone density and strength.
Furthermore, prunes are a fruit and fruits are good for hyperthyroidism.
Because, fruits are low in iodine, which can worsen hyperthyroidism, and high in antioxidants, which can protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation caused by excess thyroid hormone.
You can eat up to 10 prunes per day safely.
More than that can cause diarrhea, bloating, and gas, because of the high fiber and sorbitol content of prunes.
Also, you shouldn’t eat prunes if you have kidney disease or take blood thinners to prevent bleeding.
Because, prunes are high in potassium, which can cause hyperkalemia (high potassium levels in the blood) in people with kidney problems, and vitamin K, which can interfere with the action of blood thinners.
You can buy fresh or dried prunes in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose organic and unsulfured prunes, because they are free of pesticides and preservatives that can harm your health.
You can store them in an airtight container in a cool, dry place for up to six months.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing hyperthyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being, and enjoy a longer and healthier life.