Grave's Disease

Grave's Disease is one form of hyperthyroidism (over-active thryoid gland). This disease affects women much more than men, at a rate of 7-10:1. It is actually an autoimmune condition, and the affected patient will have autoantibodies to Thyroid Stimulating Hormone receptors on the thyroid gland. The antibodies stimulate or attack the receptors causing increased production of thyroid hormone T4, and therefore results in overactivity of the gland. Current medical treatments for Grave's Disease are antithyroid medications, surgery and radioactive iodine.

Grave's Disease is often triggered by a very stressful event, and it does have some genetic influence. Other things that increase the risk are smoking, excess iodine, Cadmium and Mercury exposure, and toxic reactions to medications. Diagnosis is usually made based on lab testing for thyroid hormones. Classic presentation are increased thyroid hormones and decreased Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, as well as the presence of thryoid receptor antibodies. Symptoms of Grave's Disease include: increased heart rate, weakness, sweating, weight loss, nervousness, loose stools, intolerance to heat, fatigue, irritability, warm or thin moist skin, tremors, goiter, and exopthalamus (classic bulging eyes of hyperthyroidism).

A condition like this should not be self-treated and a physician should be consulted when beginning new treatments. Following are some suggestions for natural, non-invasive ways to control hyperthyroid symptoms.

• Reduce risk factors (stress, smoking, excess iodine intake, avoid toxins)
• Avoid situations that cause excitation or anger
• Stress counceling or meditation
• Dietary changes: consume organinc, whole foods, increase calorie intake through small frequent meals
• Avoid caffeine and other stimulants
• Avoid refined sugars and foods made with white flour and white sugar
• May increase consumption of cabbage to 1/2 raw head of cabbage per day
• Increasing goitrogens is controversial, but may help. (turnips, broccoli, brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, soybeans, peanuts, pine nuts, millet)
• Maintain gut health with fiber intake, probiotic use and get tested for food sensitivities
• Supplement the following: Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Selenium, Calcium, Zinc, L-Carnitine, CoQ10, EPA/DHA. Amounts are specific to patients, to avoid mis-use of supplements, I will not give dosage amounts here.

References:
1. Brent GA. Graves’ Disease. N Engl J Med. 2008;358:2594–2605.
2. Streetman DD and U Khanderia. Diagnosis and Treatment of Grave's Disease. Ann Pharmacother. 2003;37(7-8):1100-9.