How to Prevent Graves Disease
Graves' disease is a disorder of the immune system in which an overactive thyroid gland makes too much thyroid hormone, throwing off body metabolism. Metabolism is important in controlling mood, weight, and mental and physical energy levels. Graves' disease can cause protruding eyes, increased appetite, weight loss, nervousness, increased sweating, fatigue, muscle weakness, eye irritation, double vision, a racing heart, heat intolerance, tremor, goiter, menstrual problems in women and possible breast enlargement in men. Though anyone can get it, young women aged 20 and over are more likely to get Graves' disease. Graves' disease responds well to treatment with medication, radioactive iodine or surgery, but it's better to prevent the disease in the first place to avoid any complications and side effects of the treatment.
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Instructions
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Watch for the onset of Graves' disease in family members. Since the cause seems to be both genetic and environmental, you're more likely to develop it if a family member has it. In fact, studies show that if someone with a twin has Graves' disease, the twin is 20% more likely to get it.
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Avoid stress, one of the environmental causes of Graves' disease. Relaxation therapy, yoga and exercise are some of the stress reduction techniques that can be used.
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Stop smoking. Avoiding toxins can help you to avoid Graves' disease.
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Say no to steroids. Although your doctor may prescribe them for a medical condition, and you should follow your doctor's advice, ask him if you can limit use or substitute another treatment since use of steroids can cause the onset of Graves' disease.
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Avoid an injury to your thyroid gland. Trauma to the thyroid gland can cause Graves' disease.
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Treat infection as soon as you get it or try to avoid contracting an infection. Infection is an environmental factor that can lead to Graves' disease.
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Avoid interferon and interleukin treatment if possible.
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Tips & Warnings
Some cases of Graves' disease go into remission or disappear completely after several months or years of treatment.
Graves' disease can lead to serious complications such as heart problems, osteoporosis, partial blindness and even death if left untreated.
