Grave's disease is the most common form of hyperthyroidism in America, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Disease Information Service. When the thyroid gland overproduces the thyroid hormone, symptoms such as fatigue, nervousness, irritability, hand tremors, arrhythmia, weight loss, inability to tolerate heat, bulging eyes and goiters occur. If you have Grave's disease, avoid food items that contain iodine. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormone, so too much iodine in your diet may exacerbate your symptoms. Speak to your doctor or health care practitioner about safe foods to eat if you have Grave's disease.
Seaweed
Seaweed is a food item that contains a good deal of iodine per serving and is best avoided by Grave's disease patients. Types of seaweed used often include kelp, nori, kombu and wakame in foods such as sushi and seaweed salad. One gram of seaweed contains anywhere from 16 to 2,984 mcg of iodine, depending on its content, according to the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements.
Seafood
Another food item that Grave's disease patients must steer clear of is seafood. Seafood items such as cod, shrimp, scallops and lobster are all high in iodine and may cause Grave's disease symptoms to worsen. Three ounces of cod, for example, contain 99 mcg of iodine, while 3 oz. of shrimp contain 35 mcg.
Milk and Yogurt
Dairy food items such as milk and yogurt are also high in iodine content and may cause trouble for Grave's disease patients. One cup of low-fat yogurt contains 75 mcg of iodine, while 1 cup of low-fat milk contains 56 mcg. These items can be replaced by non-dairy sources such as almond or rice milk or soy milk and soy yogurt.
Iodized Salt
Another food item that is a source high in iodine content is iodized salt. One quarter teaspoon of iodized salt contains 71 mcg of iodine and may aggravate symptoms in Grave's disease patients. According to the Salt Institute, 70 percent of the table salt sold in the United States is iodized, so Grave's patients are best served using herbal salt-replacement products to add flavor to their food.
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