What lifestyle modifications should I recommend to a patient diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism to help manage their condition?

Guideline-aligned answer with reasoning, red flags and references. Clinically reviewed by Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGP.

Posted: 16 August 2025 Guideline-Aligned (High Confidence) Clinically Reviewed
Dr Kola Tytler MBBS CertHE MBA MRCGPClinical Lead • iatroX

Lifestyle modifications for managing hyperparathyroidism include:

  • Ensure the patient maintains adequate hydration to help avoid exacerbation of hypercalcaemia.
  • Advise the patient to maintain sufficient but not excessive dietary calcium intake, tailored to their needs.
  • Encourage mobilization and regular exercise where possible to prevent worsening hypercalcaemia, especially if immobilization is a factor.
  • Ensure the patient is vitamin D replete; vitamin D supplementation should be given cautiously and usually under specialist supervision.
  • Avoid medications and supplements that can worsen hypercalcaemia, such as thiazide diuretics, calcium-containing antacids, excessive vitamin A or D supplements, and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs.

These lifestyle measures help reduce symptoms and complications associated with hyperparathyroidism and hypercalcaemia and support overall management alongside medical or surgical treatments.

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