Diet for Graves Disease



While following a diet for Graves disease, it is important to know what foods to eat and what foods to avoid. You must avoid foods like soybeans, soy products, and allergy causing foods like dairy products, seeds, and nuts. On the other hand, vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, kale, and collard greens are good for people suffering from Graves disease as they inhibit the iodine uptake of the body. In addition to dietary recommendations, you can use simple home remedies in tandem with conventional treatment options to treat this condition. Some of the helpful home remedies for Graves disease include:

  • Ginger: Ginger is a popular herb because of its anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties and this makes it an effective treatment for Graves disease as well. Regular intake of ginger helps reduce inflammation caused in Graves disease. You can take it in root form or in the form of capsules, extracts, or oil for the natural treatment of this disorder. Experts recommend a 75-2000 mg dose of ginger everyday, divided into multiple doses.
  • Flaxseed: Flaxseed is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that may help reduce inflammation in Graves disease, especially in Graves ophthalmopathy. Dosage should only be as per the doctor’s prescription.
  • Bladderwack: Bladderwack, also known as kelp, is a great herb for boosting the body’ thyroid function. A quarter teaspoon of bladderwack taken two or three times a day is an effective natural treatment for Graves disease.
  • Milk Thistle: Milk thistle is another natural ingredient for the treatment of Graves disease and is usually take in supplement form for this purpose. It contains a flavonoid called silymarin that contains powerful antioxidant properties that are beneficial in the treatment of this disorder. It is also helpful for treating eye problems caused by Graves disease.
  • Lemon Balm: Lemon balm is usually combined with bugleweed to treat Graves disease. Studies show that this herb is helpful in lowering the production of thyroid hormones when given in injection form. There is no evidence to show the effectiveness of its oral administration.