Graves' disease, a form of hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid, typically affects more women than men younger than the age of 40, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service. Common symptoms include dry skin and hair, weight loss, insomnia, fatigue, the feeling of being hot and the appearance of bulging eyes. If you suffer from this disease, you should know which foods support your condition and which ones to avoid, in order to keep your iodine levels low and not run the risk of overstimulating your thyroid.
Fish
The high iodine content found in shellfish makes it undesirable in large quantities for people suffering from Graves' disease. If you simply love the taste of lobster, shrimp, crab, mussels and clams, consume these foods in very small amounts and limit them to perhaps a one time a week treat. Another way to enjoy them is chopped up with a few vegetables, stirred into whole-grain pasta or both. You get the taste of a favorite food, but fill up on veggies and pasta.
If you rely on fish for your overall dietary protein, incorporate more cold water fish, such as mackerel, salmon, bass, halibut and perch.
Fruits and Vegetables
Some fruits and vegetables help suppress thyroid hormone production, according to Phyllis Balch in her book, "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing." Incorporate vegetables such as kale, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, spinach and mustard greens. Pears and peaches also limit thyroid production.
Because an increased metabolism burns off your caloric intake quickly, make sure you incorporate other high antioxidant foods, such as the entire berry family as well as red bell peppers and squash to protect your immune system.
Dairy and Grains
Both Phyllis Balch and the University of Maryland Medical Center recommend eliminating dairy and wheat containing products from your diet. These foods commonly provoke an allergic response and stimulate antibody and hormone production. Talk to your doctor about food allergy testing.
Try other whole grains, such as oats, barley, millet and quinoa. Read labels for hidden wheat and dairy products. Dairy substitution products that contain soy may be a good alternative, but research is split on whether or not soy interferes with hormone levels.
Avoid Processed, Cook from Scratch
Processed baked goods such as donuts, cakes, cookies and pies contain high amounts of sugar and offer an already overstimulated thyroid gland more stimulation You don't have to avoid all treats of this kind, but limit their amounts and focus on other, more natural forms of sugar for desserts. Adding a little protein in with a sugary treat, such as is recommended for diabetics, keeps sugar levels from spiking and prevents an increase in your metabolic rate.
Processed foods contain more transfats that can stimulate production of hormones. Preparing foods from scratch enables you to limit the amount of transfats in favor of healthier monounsaturated fats, such as olive and canola oils.
Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine containing soft drinks, teas and coffees stimulate body processes. If you are not affected by Graves' disease, a moderate amount of caffeine may simply wake you up or give you temporary jitters. If you suffer from Graves' disease, even a little caffeine can aggravate your symptoms.
References
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Graves' Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- "Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch, CNC; 2010
