Graves' Disease & Our Daily Diet

Graves' disease is a condition that results from hyperthyroidism caused by an ailing immune system. Some of the symptoms associated with Graves' disease include bulging eyeballs, heart palpitations, profuse sweating and sudden weight loss. The condition is hereditary and typically manifests sometime between the ages of 20 and 40. There is little that can be done to prevent the disease, but diet can help to minimize the affects.

Salt

Avoid salt because iodine triggers Graves' disease and its symptoms. Iodized salt has the highest levels of iodine, while seasoned and unionized salt are significantly lower.

Seafood

Kelp, squid and crab carry very high levels of iodine, while all saltwater fish contain levels of salt that should be avoided when you have Graves' disease.

Meat

Best choices for meat consumption include hamburger and chicken, while beef liver has the highest levels of iodine of all meat products.

Vegetables

Vegetables high in iodine that should be avoided include asparagus, broccoli, corn and white onions.

Beverages

Choose herbal teas instead of coffee and black tea to contain the symptoms of Graves' disease. Avoid sodas, alcohol and hot chocolate.

Resources

• Graves' Disease Foundation