Graves disease occurs when your immune system produces antibodies that attack and stimulate your thyroid gland, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones in your body. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism. Graves disease is the leading cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States, according to the Graves Disease Foundation. When afflicted with this disease, you might experience symptoms such as difficulty sleeping, a rapid heartbeat, enlargement of your thyroid gland, weight loss, irritability and anxiety. Standard medical treatments for this condition include prescription medications designed to eradicate overactive thyroid cells or reduce thyroid hormones within your body. Some medical professionals also recommend that you adhere to specific nutritional guidelines to help decrease Graves disease symptoms.
Foods to Avoid
Abstain from foods that might provoke your body to create antibodies against all or part of your thyroid. These foods include refined sugar, pasta and bread, processed meats found in luncheon meats and fast-food meals, and trans fatty acids, found in margarine and commercially baked products such as french fries, cakes, cookies and doughnuts. Additionally, ask your doctor to test you for allergies arising from common allergens such as corn, soy, gluten, dairy and chemical food additives and preservatives. An allergy to these foods could worsen symptoms of Graves disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Goitrogens, foods known to interfere with proper thyroid functioning, can also worsen Graves disease symptoms, according to Dr. Ronald Hoffman. Hoffman, a medical doctor trained in alternative and complementary medicine, operates the Hoffman Center in New York City, an integrated medical facility that combines Eastern and Western medical treatments and practices. He names soy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, rutabagas, turnips, cabbage and kale as goitrogens you should avoid to reduce Graves disease symptoms.
Foods to Eat
The UMMC offers several dietary guidelines to help you potentially reduce your symptoms. Use healthful oils, such as vegetable and olive oil, to prepare your foods. Eat antioxidant-containing vegetables and fruits, such as tomatoes, bell peppers, squash, cherries and blueberries to support your immune system. Furthermore, eat iron- and B-vitamin-rich foods, such as fresh land and sea vegetables and whole-grain cereals, breads and pasta, if you are not allergic to whole grains. Finally, eat lean meats such as turkey and chicken and cold-water fish, such as tuna and salmon to help you remain asymptomatic.
Considerations
Incorporate stress-reducing techniques into your daily regimen to help you better manage your Graves disease symptoms. The Graves Disease Foundation suggests walking, gardening, reading or participating in yoga or tai chi. Additionally, develop a regular exercise regimen that includes weight training and cardiovascular workouts to remain physically fit and better support your body while living with Graves disease.
Warning
Speak with your doctor about your individual nutritional needs in relation to the recommended dietary guidelines for your condition before you alter your diet. Your doctor might suggest that you hire a registered dietitian to help you develop a custom-designed eating regimen that helps you alleviate Graves disease symptoms and reach your ideal weight, if necessary.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Graves Disease: Definition
- Graves Disease Foundation: What is Graves Disease?
- Mayo Clinic: Graves Disease: Symptoms
- Mayo Clinic: Graves Disease: Treatments and Drugs
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- Graves Disease Foundation: Living With Graves Disease
- Dr. Ronald Hoffman: Graves Disease: A Nutritional Approach
- Dr. Ronald Hoffman: About Dr. Hoffman
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