A Diet for Graves Disease

A specific diet for Graves Disease may be suggested by your doctor to help you manage your symptoms. This diet serves four purposes: eliminating foods that are toxic to the thyroid, supporting the immune system, eliminating food-related allergies and adding nutritional supplements. All of these strategies combined can have a positive effect on reducing symptoms of Graves Disease.

Eliminating Foods Toxic to the Thyroid
There are foods which have been found to interfere with the effective function of the thyroid gland. This becomes more intense when the thyroid is overactive, which occurs in Graves Disease. Foods to avoid include soy, cabbage, turnips, kale, rutabaga, Brussels sprouts, watercress, broccoli, cauliflower and kohlrabi. These specific vegetables block iodine absorption, and can have adverse effects on someone with Grave's Disease. The effect is more pronounced if the vegetables are eaten raw. Avoiding these specific foods and foods containing them as an ingredient can be helpful.

Supporting the Immune System
The immune system of a person with Grave's disease attacks the thyroid gland by creating antibodies that act against it. Research suggests that diseases of the autoimmune system may be caused by modern foods in the diet. Eliminating grain products, lentils, yeasted foods, beans and dairy products and replacing them with meats, nuts, vegetables and fruits may help. This is called a Paleolithic Diet.

Eliminating Food-Related Allergies
Food allergies can contribute to diseases that affect glands. The immune system forms antibodies against food particles that aren't completely digested. These antibodies end up in the bloodstream, where they can attach to tissues and cause irritation, further stimulating the immune system to react against them and attack the tissues. Identifying food allergies and eliminating those foods from the diet prevents this from happening.

Adding Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements may be recommended to treat specific symptoms of Graves Disease. The supplements most often recommended include acidophilus, EPA/DHA, glutamine, flaxseed oil, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and magnesium. Check with your doctor for specific recommendations.