Foods to Treat Grave's Disease: Diet for Hyperthyroid Disease

Dec 19, 2010
Shweta Shah

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism - Herbert L. Fred

Grave's Disease is a common cause for symptoms of Hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroid disease can be managed naturally with foods and dietary corrections.

Hyperthyroidism is a medical terminology that describes the clinical manifestations related to an increased production of the thyroid hormone. Elevated levels of thyroid hormone production in the body is associated with a host of metabolic changes in the body.

What is Grave's Disease? Hyperthyroid Disease Causes

The thyroid gland is an important endocrinal gland, which is located in the skull base and primarily concerned with the production of the ' thyroid hormone'. The thyroid hormone performs a host of functions ranging from regulating metabolism, assisting in protien synthesis, aiding bone and muscle growth, etc. There are certain conditions which may result in abnormal increase in the production of thyroid hormone by the gland,

Grave's Disease is the most common cause for increased production of the thyroid hormone. The disease is characterized by an enlarged thyroid gland that begins to synthesize large quantities of the thyroid hormone. Graves' disease is an auto-immune disorder (i.e., the patient's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland). The immune system releases anti-bodies which get attached to certain sites on the thyroid gland, and, this results in the thyroid producing increased amounts of the hormone.
A solitary nodule in the gland is another important cause. Thyroid nodules, by and large, are benign masses. They manufacture too much of thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis, or the inflammation of the thyroid, also causes an excessive release of the thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism Symptoms: Hyper Thyroid Disease Manifestations

Elevated levels of thyroid hormone production is associated with a host of symptoms which are often related with increased basal metabolic rate of the body. Some of the common symptoms associated with the condition include,

Sudden and unexplained weight loss
Palpitations and Increased heart rate
Breathlessness on slightest exertion
Fatigue, tiredness and weakness
Trembling and minor tremors in the hands and feet.
Heat intolerance with excessive chillness
Nervousness, increased level of anxiety and exterme irritability
Disturbed sleep and insomnia
Altered bowel movements which may be associated with constipation or diarrheal attacks
No periods or light and scanty periods
Muscular weakness with frequent muscle cramps
Hair loss

DIet to Manage Hyper Thyroid Disorder: Foods to Eat for Grave's Disease

Once the diagnosis is made, the management of hyperthyroidism needs a comprehensive plan. One needs to follow a multi-disciplinary approach, comprising of a correct diet, a consistent lifestyle, regular exercise and medications. Here’s a list of specific food prescriptions that helps in the successful management of an over-active thyroid gland:

Step up the intake of cruciferous vegetables. These foods also referred to as goitrogenic foods, include cabbage, Brussels’ sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and turnips, interferes with the body's utilization of iodine.Since iodine is an important mineral required for the production of the thyroid hormone, inadequacy of the mineral can help reduce the production of the hormone.
Cassava, Millet and Sorghum: also act as goitrogens and block the availability of iodine.
Soy beans are also considered to have goitrogen action.
Zinc supplementation is important since an over-active thyroid gland depletes zinc in the body. Thus, taking a supplement and / or increasing the daily intake of zinc rich foods is recommended. Almonds, Pumpkin seeds, Ginger and Garlic, Oats, Peanuts, and Walnuts are good sources of the mineral.
Calcium metabolism also tends to get affected, therefore, increase your intake dietary calcium is very important. Some of the foods rich in calcium include Kale, Turnips, Almonds, Figs, Sesame seeds, Broccoli, Walnuts, Soy, Prunes and Dates. Avoid milk and other dairy products.
Vitamin C and Vitamin E supplements are also considered to be beneficial. These vitamins are powerful anti-oxidants, and fight oxidative stress resulting from hyperthyroidism.

Foods to Avoid for Management of Hyperthyroidism

Experts recommended eliminating the following foods from the daily diet. They cause grave harm and aggravate the condition significantly:

Do away with processed and canned foods; they are loaded with chemical additives, coloring agents, flavoring agents and preservatives.
Do not consume refined and denatured foods, like white sugar, refined flour, pasta, trans fats, etc.
Avoid consuming foods that contain huge quantities of iodine, like seafood and certain medications.
Most importantly, steer clear of coffee, tea, caffeinated beverages, alcohol and smoking tobacco. They leach out the essential nutrients from the body and affect the metabolic activity.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be used for diagnosis or to guide treatment without the opinion of a health professional. Any reader who is concerned about his or her health should contact a doctor for advice.