Lifestyle and Home remedies for Graves' Disease

Updated: February 28, 2018

Eating well, doing regular exercising and easing stress are some key factors which can help easing symptoms of Graves' disease. As your thyroid controls your metabolism, you may have a tendency to gain weight when the hyperthyroidism is treated. Brittle bones also can occur with Graves' disease, and weight-bearing exercises can help maintain bone density.

Treatment for for Graves' Disease:

Eating well can enhance the improvement in some symptoms while being treated and help you feel better in general. Although Graves' disease can not be prevented or treated through diet alone, certain foods can help ease Graves' disease symptoms.

Foods to Eat:

Berries:

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder, in which your immune system attacks healthy tissues in your body. Therefore eating berries, such as blackberries, blueberries, and raspberries, which are loaded with antioxidants can help keep your immune system strong. Eating berries can not prevent Graves' disease, but they can help protect your overall health.

Dairy Products:

Graves' disease can cause bone loss which can lead to osteoporosis. Therefore you need calcium to rebuild those bones. You can get calcium from dairy foods, such as cheese, milk, and yogurt. You can get calcium from fortified foods, such as fortified orange juice, soy milk, whole grain cereals and breads if you are lactose intolerant.

Cruciferous vegetables:

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, and kale, are part of the goitrogen family of foods. These vegetables may help reduce the amount of thyroid hormone produced by your thyroid gland.

Foods Containing Vitamin D:

Vitamin D works in conjunction with calcium to keep your bones strong. Foods containing vitamin D such as salmon, eggs and mushrooms can help prevent osteoporosis, a complication that can occur from Graves' disease. Vitamin D supplements are also recommended in some case.

Protein:

Protein is an essential nutrient that helps build muscle and gives you energy. Eating plenty of protein such as chicken, turkey, beans, and nuts can help ensure you maintain muscle mass. Protein may also help restore muscle mass once Graves' disease is treated.

Fats:

Omega-3 fatty acids is an essential fatty acids found in salmon and other fish, olive oil, and walnuts. As your body does not naturally produce these fatty acids, you have to get them from food to keep your body healthy and strong.

What to Limit:

Caffeine:

Foods that contain caffeine, such as, coffee, soda, tea, and chocolate can aggravate symptoms of Graves' disease . Symptoms could be anxiety, nervousness, rapid heart rate, and weight loss.

Food allergens:

You may need to eliminate food that causing any kind of food allergy from your diet, even if it is a mild food allergy. The effect that some food allergens have on the body can mimic Graves' disease symptoms. So eliminating those foods may help your doctor differentiate your Graves' disease symptoms from other conditions. Common food allergens include dairy products, wheat (gluten), soy, corn, and nuts.

Try reducing your stress level:

As stress may trigger or worsen Graves' disease, easing stress as much as you can may be helpful. Listening to music, taking a warm bath or walking can help relax you and your mind.

Treatment for For Graves' ophthalmopathy:

If you have Graves' ophthalmopathy, the following things can make your eyes feel better:

• Applying cool compresses to your eyes may soothe your eyes by adding moisture.
• Wearing sunglasses can protect you from ultraviolet rays and reduce sensitive to bright light.
• Applying lubricating eyedrops may relieve the dry, scratchy sensation on the surface of your eyes. A paraffin-based gel, such as Lacri-Lube, can be applied at night.
• Keeping your head higher than the rest of your body reduces fluid accumulation in the head and may relieve the pressure on your eyes.

Treatment for Graves' dermopathy:

If the disease has affected your skin, use over-the-counter creams or ointments containing hydrocortisone to relieve swelling and reddening. In addition, using compression wraps on your legs may help.