[Ski]

#1063702

You sound like a very smart, very rational lady who has done her homework and is on the right track. ” title=”Very Happy” />

I wish you luck in your efforts ~ the only caveat I’ve heard regarding food is that if your thyroid remains functioning, you should avoid seaweed/kelp products, because they contain enough iodine to increase thyroid hormone levels and increase your discomfort. The body creates thyroid hormone from iodine. Other foods have iodine in them, but nothing else that I’ve heard of has a proven and dramatic effect on thyroid hormone levels. Eating healthy is your best course of action. You may want to experiment to see if you have sensitivities to specific foods or food groups, just to keep your body calm and balanced. That has more to do with your own personal chemical makeup, not really the Graves’ antibodies, but paying attention to keeping your body comfortable overall can certainly help.

Glad you found us!

[James]

#1063703

Having been down he Antithyroid (ATD ) route long term, I spent much of my early years post diagnosis trying to discover a perfect Graves’ diet. So like you, I can very much relate to your frustration of being told by one medical professional one thing concerning diet, and then another thing by another. I spent a lot of time and money on a holistic practitioner who was also an MD; and although there are certain theories concerning diet and the thyroid that were certainly valid, I was never completed satisfied with the input I was receiving, as it was at times conflicting. There are theories such as broccoli being a goitrogen having the ability to suppress thyroid function. You can’t count on treating the thyroid solely on diet and goitrogens, but rather diet in conjunction with medical intervention (in this case ATD therapy). The goal of course to eventually wean from the ATD and sustain normal thyroid levels. I am a strong believer that a good diet of nutritionally dense foods, avoiding processed foods with preservatives etc is a very good thing and something I personally would strongly encourage. But not as a replacement to medical intervention. As far as dairy is concerned and the reduction on dairy in ones diet. If you do this, you need to make sure that you are replacing calcium at a time when you may need it the most, so that is a tradeoff that must be considered. A qualified dietitian who understands the nature of Graves’ disease or autoimmunity may also be a good resource for you. In the end I came to the conclusion that having a healthy diet of whole foods with everything consumed in moderation was probably the best approach. At least that is what I found after going through a period of searching for answers just as you are doing. To this day I try to limit iodine intake. For me it is using non-iodized salt. We need some of Iodine of course, but through our North American diet we typically receive more than we require.

Wishing you the best.

James

[dilemma]

#1018279

Hello –

I was diagnosed with Graves in June 2010 (immediately before buying a house and getting married, which would seem to give a lot of support to the theory that GD can be brought on by stress ” title=”Very Happy” /> ). When I had my levels checked again in August, I was actually slightly hypo. Around this time, I also had a reaction to methimazole (a chicken-pox-like rash) and my endo reduced the dose from 15 to 5 mg a day. Since then I have not had another reaction but I have been feeling pretty lousy generally and am not sure if it is the result of the medicine or of heading into hypo territory. I’d like very much to try and stay on the methimazole and gradually lower the dosage in the hopes of achieving remission. I am really not thrilled by the alternatives of RAI or surgery. At the same time that I’m following the treatment plan of my Western docs, I’m trying to incorporate more alternative methods of healing like acupuncture and yoga (despite the controversy I read about all over the place regarding its effectiveness in GD).

I’ve read all kinds of conflicting information on the best nutrition plan for thyroid health. In one study, I read that soy should be avoided, in the next I read that its perfectly fine. After trying to take it all in, my best guess is that it would benefit me to stay focused on lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains (avoiding white flour) and to avoid caffeine, sugar, and dairy. It seems pretty extreme to have one doctor ranting against things like kale and broccoli, and another telling you to incorporate those very things into your diet. I would appreciate any insight others might have.

[Bobbi]

#1063704

James wrote you some really good info, but I would like to add a couple of comments. First, while there are plants that contain a compound considered a goitrogen, when I did research on this particular issue I found that it would be physically impossible for a human being to ingest enough of these plants to actually adversely affect their thyroid function. Inasmuch as these foods (like broccoli) are jam packed with other nutritious compounds, avoiding them is not only not neccessary, it is also probably a bit unwise. As James mentioned, we most definitely need food with a high nutritional content. And I’m talking only about goitrogens, here. Kelp is in a category of its own and it IS possible to take in enough to throw your thyroid out of whack. But I know of no studies that have shown that reasonably sized portions of broccoli or even kale, etc. can hurt.

Second, the issue with dairy puzzles me. During the time you are hyperthyroid, you are loosing bone. The cells which build bone are not as active as the cells that take bone away while we are hyper. And, as we age, we are loosing bone as well. Dairy products are an incredibly important source of calcium, and one the body most easily incorporates. So, before you eliminate dairy, I would advise you to double check your source and their information. I personally am skeptical of supplements, even calcium supplements. I KNOW what nutrition a glass of milk contains, basically, but supplement manufacturers are not controlled, and what the specific content of their pills might be has been shown to vary widely.

[LaurelM]

#1063705

The one thing my endo cautioned me about was being careful to limit seaweed/kelp. No big sushi binges. There is so much other food that I like that this hasn’t been a problem but it was nice to to not be completely prohibited should I want a little taste.

The other thing he nagged me about (CANNOT exagerate the nagging) was to be sure that I was getting enough calcium. He wanted me to take a calcium supplement with D. In the PNW, we tend to be D deficient as well and you need D to use the calcium. He went over my typical diet with me which includes 2-3 glasses of non-fat milk (8 oz) and some other dairy (cheese or yogurt) in a day. He said it was still not enough even with the prenatal vitamin I was still taking. Of course, I had just had a baby and was nursing so my body probably had an even greater need to replace calcium. My family also has a history of osteoperosis. When I had my 2nd child who has a dairy allergy, I had to bump up my supplement even higher since I had to go dairy free. She also now takes a calcium/D supplement per her Dr. We want to ensure her growing bones get what they need.

I eat a nutritionally dense diet. Mostly whole grain, lots of fruit/veg, dairy, mostly lean protein, and organic when possible. Nothing special other than just a healthy way to eat – with an occasional brownie. Yum. And, I continue to take my vitamins & calcium + extra D.

Best wishes for a speedy recovery,
Laurel

[dilemma]

#1063706

Wow! Thanks, everyone!

There’s a number of folks out there advocating the no dairy thing- there’s a doctor associated with the livestrong organization who advocates for a paleolithic diet, which excludes dairy among other things, and I’ve read elsewhere about folks having good results with that particular diet plan (I’ve also read a lot from those who think it’s a horrible nutritional theory). Another source was Graves Disease: A practical guide by Elaine Moore. I think the advice you all have given sounds completely reasonable and a little more healthy and balanced ” title=”Smile” /> I’ve always been a conscious eater and am a huge advocate of organic and local foods; I think that impulse to make sure I’m eating right has been kicked into overdrive since my diagnosis!

[Ellen_B]

#1063707

The daily requirement of iodine for individuals is 150 mcg which is equal, I believe, to be roughly a half a teaspoon (or two grams) of iodized salt. It may be a little more or a little less. You could check this out with a nutritionist. Too much salt is not good for anyone away for a number of reasons so eating more salt than necessary is not something to look for. Also Graves’ patients are putting out too much thyroid hormone and providing extra iodine would likely only add fuel to the fire.
As far as goitrogen containing foods (one of which belongs to the brassica family—such as kale and broccoli) are concerned, these foods are supposed to slow the thyroid down and possibly cause a goiter. However, you have to be iodine deficient (very unlikely for an individual eating a normal diet) and you have to be consuming large amounts (must be the mainstay of your diet) to be able to produce a harmful effect. It is possible for this to happen in underdeveloped countries but unlikely in the USA.
The long and the short of it is your conclusions as to what is a reasonable diet seems very sensible. Enjoy your food and feel better soon.
Ellen Brightly
Administrative Assistant
Graves’ Disease Foundation
Toll-free – (877) 643-3123
400 International Drive
Williamsville, NY 14221
Email: Gravesdiseasefd@gmail.com
Website: http://www.NGDF.org <http://www.ngdf.org/

[Ewenme]

#1063708

Some excellent information in all the responses, which I will have to re-read so I can absorb it all. I don’t think anyone talked about soy, though. Any advice about that? I have read/heard that soy has a tendency to lower thyroid function, which makes me think it would be not be a problem for those of us who have Graves. In the past I have tried to increase my soy intake because it has lots of health benefits, especially for post menopausal women (reduced hot flashes, etc) without the negative side effects that are caused by HRT. Would appreciate any thoughts others have.

[Kimberly]

#1063709

Hello – Soy seems to be somewhat controversial. I’ve read articles that claimed it had all these wonderful health benefits…and then other articles that warned people to completely avoid soy!

For those who are taking replacement hormone, it *is* believed that soy interferes with the body’s absorption of thyroid hormone…so it’s often suggested that soy consumption be delayed for a few hours after taking your thyroid meds.

[dilemma]

#1063710

Well, I’ve just returned from a visit with a new endo at Dartmouth Hitchcock and it turns out that going as hypo as I went in August should have been a red flag for my last endo since I was on such a low dose of methimazole and my levels dropped so much and so quickly (from just June to August). We are waiting on lab results to confirm, but I most likely have Grave’s AND Hashimoto’s. She indicated that this was good news (I’m still trying to wrap my head around why). Based on my situation, she feels I will be able to come off the ATDs and not necessarily have to have ablation or surgery in the near future. She had some concerns about the nausea and vertigo I’ve had for the past month, but thinks it is separate from the thyroid stuff…(she rattled off a number of possibilities including Celliac disease and Addison’s disease – UGH!). There is also a remote possibility that it was simply an episode of thyroiditis triggered by some sort of virus…So I thought I had a definitive diagnosis in June, but this is not actually the case!

I’m a little concerned that my first endo did not give me the iodine uptake test to confirm graves that is apparently standard diagnostic practice…I’m also feeling dismayed and a little outraged that the first endo did not seem to be concerned that I had gone hypo and that she simply lowered my dosage of methimazole. Overall, this has been a long and frustrating journey, but I am starting to feel like I am on the right path, which is encouraging.

There is SO much information to process, it’s a bit overwhelming.

[Bobbi]

#1063711

I would be interested in knowing why having both Graves and Hashimoto’s would be good news, too, dilemma. But typically from what I understand, when you have both sets of antibodies, one or the other will predominate. It might be that your endo thinks that the Hashimoto’s antibodies will predominate, in which case all you would have to do would be to take replacement hormone in sufficient dose to bring your levels back to normal. Should you find yourself moving back and forth between hyper and hypo, however, you might have to face having some of your thyroid removed. I know of cases where that had to happen. To prevent frequent episodes of hyper, the doctor counseled the daughter of a friend of mine to do that. Being hyperthyroid repeatedly isn’t any good for the body.

And, typically, a blood test is definitive for a hyperthyroid diagnosis. It must be treated. And if you are treating it with antithyroid drugs, then you don’t need an uptake test. It doesn’t really matter what caused it because the treatment options are generally the same. Obviously, for viral thyroiditis, you wouldn’t want to remove the thyroid; but for all the other possible causes the options of antithyroid drugs, RAI and surgery are the same. And, if it is viral, there are usually other symptoms of infection present.

I do wish you good luck with your future treatments, and hope you are feeling much better soon.

[optimist]

#1063712

Bobbi wrote:I would be interested in knowing why having both Graves and Hashimoto’s would be good news, too, dilemma. But typically from what I understand, when you have both sets of antibodies, one or the other will predominate. It might be that your endo thinks that the Hashimoto’s antibodies will predominate, in which case all you would have to do would be to take replacement hormone in sufficient dose to bring your levels back to normal.

I see where the endo is coming from. Similar situation over here, except I was only on 5mg of methi for 3 weeks, and honestly I only had symptoms for 2 of those three weeks. I stopped the meds without doctors orders b/c I know my body, and sure enough my labs revealed I was right. My FT3 AND fT4 were on the LOW side of normal. I also have both(i’ve come to that conclusion myself based on antibodies and mild symptoms) and it’s actually working for me. I think with some who have graves, it takes the medicine much longer to work, and even when they are on meds they can have the racing heart etc. Also, Hashi trumps graves, so instead of waiting 15+ years for your thyroid to burn out, hashi will make sure that happens at a faster rate. I don’t think I’ve ever heard someone with graves (especially in a flare) complain about the possibility of going hypo, lol. I’ve met a few other people with hashitoxicosis who are dealing with the hypo end and say it’s a picnic compared to hyper.

[optimist]

#1063713

dilemma wrote:Well, I’ve just returned from a visit with a new endo at Dartmouth Hitchcock and it turns out that going as hypo as I went in August should have been a red flag for my last endo since I was on such a low dose of methimazole and my levels dropped so much and so quickly (from just June to August). We are waiting on lab results to confirm, but I most likely have Grave’s AND Hashimoto’s. She indicated that this was good news (I’m still trying to wrap my head around why). Based on my situation, she feels I will be able to come off the ATDs and not necessarily have to have ablation or surgery in the near future. She had some concerns about the nausea and vertigo I’ve had for the past month, but thinks it is separate from the thyroid stuff…(she rattled off a number of possibilities including Celliac disease and Addison’s disease – UGH!). There is also a remote possibility that it was simply an episode of thyroiditis triggered by some sort of virus…So I thought I had a definitive diagnosis in June, but this is not actually the case!

I’m a little concerned that my first endo did not give me the iodine uptake test to confirm graves that is apparently standard diagnostic practice…I’m also feeling dismayed and a little outraged that the first endo did not seem to be concerned that I had gone hypo and that she simply lowered my dosage of methimazole. Overall, this has been a long and frustrating journey, but I am starting to feel like I am on the right path, which is encouraging.

There is SO much information to process, it’s a bit overwhelming.

I know the feeling, I was pretty down when I learned that I have all 3 antibodies, but….. as I said in so many words, it could actually work in our favor. It levels things out so one isn’t dominating the other, well not for too long at least.In fact many times thyroid panels will be in range b/c of the ”leveling playing field”. There’s not too many of us out there, but I’ve met a few online who don’t have horror stories. I’m not taking any meds right now and I feel fine. I’m anxious to see what my latest labs reveal though. If anything I feel hypo based on a few mild hypo symptoms.

I WILL say that I am taking natural anti-inflammatories and supplements, and I think taking these are helping and not hurting me.

[snelsen]

#1063714

Just note from my experience. Hyper is hell. Hypo can be terrible! When I ended up being hypo b/c my Synthroid was reduced too much, I was pathologically cold, just as bad as being a furnace when I was hyper, but more than that, I wanted to go to bed, stay in bed, and my entire GI system went on strike. But it is easier to adjust meds for hypo than it is hyper!
Shirley

[Ski]

#1063715

The issue is typically more about the fluctuations ~ it’s just as debilitating for us to have thyroid hormone levels continually "travelling" as it is to have a consistent hyper or hypo state. We need long term stability before we can start to really, truly feel normal.

[Author]

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