If you search online for "dietary therapy for hyperthyroidism," you will find many recipes that are primarily based on traditional Chinese medicines or foods rich in iodine, such as kelp, seaweed, algae, and jellyfish. The iodine content in these seaweeds is astonishingly high: kelp (42,710 micrograms per 100 grams) and seaweed (5,700 micrograms per 100 grams). Consuming these seaweeds can easily lead to excessive iodine intake, as the daily requirement for adults is only 150-200 micrograms. Excessive iodine can not only trigger "iodine-induced hyperthyroidism" but also worsen the condition of ordinary hyperthyroidism. Limiting iodine intake is a crucial principle in the treatment of hyperthyroidism.
Currently, Traditional Chinese Medicine also advocates against using seaweeds like kelp and algae, which are high in iodine, to treat hyperthyroidism. This is because while iodine can inhibit the release of thyroid hormones, it cannot suppress their synthesis. Therefore, the long-term use of iodine preparations is not beneficial for hyperthyroidism.