Foods to AVOID If You Have Graves' Disease (These Foods Make Hyperthyroidism Worse)

These foods should be AVOIDED if you have Graves' disease. These foods have the potential to cause problems due to how your body processes them in the hyperthyroid state. How do you know if you should avoid them? Well, here I'm talking to people who have ACTIVE graves' disease. Active Graves' disease means that you are taking thyroid-blocking medication like methimazole or if you are currently hyperthyroid. If you've had your thyroid removed or ablated with radioactive iodine then this information doesn't apply. If, however, you have active hyperthyroidism then watch on! #1. Gluten We know that the symptoms of graves' may improve when gluten is removed. Gluten causes inflammation and increases intestinal permeability. #2. Common food allergens (more histamine in your body means a higher chance of reactivity) Graves' results in more histamine production in the body which means you may be more REACTIVE to foods. Foods in this category include: Milk, eggs, peanut, soy, wheat, tree nut (brazil nuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pistachios, etc), shellfish Be cautious of these foods if you’ve had reactions in the past. #3. Dairy products Dairy products can stimulate estrogen receptors, may cause inflammation, and many people have trouble processing them. In addition, we have studies that show that eliminating dairy in Hashimoto's patients has shown improvement. #4. Foods high in iodine - iodine can stimulate the production of thyroid hormone in graves’. Look for foods such as seaweed, iodized salt, and certain fish. #5. Any source of caffeine Coffee is stimulating and may cause problems in those with Graves'. Avoid these: Coffee, teas, herbal products, matte, guarana #6. Refined sugar Those with Graves' tend to suffer from insulin resistance so they need to be extra careful with excess sugars in their diet. #7. Industrial seed oils. These highly inflammatory oils can cause problems. #8. Processed foods with preservatives Processed foods may cause inflammation and worsen existing immune dysfunction.