As with just about any medical condition, there is abundant speculation and misinformation about dietary practices and Graves’ disease.
“Members of our patient community have tried vegan, Paleo, gluten-free, and Mediterranean approaches, but there just hasn’t been good, evidence-based research to help us figure out if one of those might be better than the other,” says Dorris. “What they do have in common is cutting out a lot of the processed foods that have multiple ingredients that you can’t pronounce.”
While no specific dietary approach is currently recommended for people with Graves’ disease, following a healthy eating plan can help your body function optimally. Eating foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, for example, can help because hyperthyroidism increases bone turnover. Foods high in antioxidants, such as berries, may help bolster your immune system, and limiting caffeine intake can help you avoid aggravating Graves’ symptoms such as heart palpitations, anxiety, and irritability.
Your doctor may also advise you to limit your intake of foods that are rich in iodine, such as iodized salt and seaweed, and recommend supplements such as calcium and vitamin D to help keep your bones strong. Selenium is also recommended as a supplement sometimes, because a deficiency has been associated with an increased risk of thyroid eye disease.
