Graves’ disease is a type of autoimmune problem that causes the thyroid gland to produce too much thyroid hormone, which is called hyperthyroidism. Because thyroid hormones affect a number of different body systems, signs and symptoms associated with Graves’ disease can be wide ranging and significantly influence your overall well-being.
Graves’ disease is caused by a malfunction in the body’s disease-fighting immune system, although the exact reason why this happens is still unknown.
One normal immune system response is the production of antibodies designed to target a specific virus, bacterium or other foreign substance. In Graves’ disease for reasons that aren’t well understood, the body produces an antibody to one part of the cells in the thyroid gland, a hormone-producing gland in the neck.
Normally, thyroid function is regulated by a hormone released by a tiny gland at the base of the brain (pituitary gland). The antibody associated with Graves’ disease, thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb), acts like the regulatory pituitary hormone. That means that TRAb overrides the normal regulation of the thyroid, causing an overproduction of thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).
Although Graves’ disease may affect anyone, it’s more common among women and before the age of 40.
The primary treatment goals are to inhibit the overproduction of thyroid hormones and lessen the severity of symptoms.
Signs and Symptoms Include:
Anxiety and irritability
A fine tremor of your hands or fingers
Enlargement of your thyroid gland (goiter)
Change in menstrual cycles
Heat sensitivity and an increase in perspiration or warm, moist skin
Weight loss, despite normal eating habits
Bulging eyes (Graves’ ophthalmopathy)
Fatigue
Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)
Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido
Frequent bowel movements
Thick, red skin usually on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy)
Risk Factors
Although anyone can develop Graves’ disease, a number of factors can increase the risk of disease. These risk factors include the following:
Family history. Because a family history of Graves’ disease is a known risk factor, there is likely a gene or genes that can make a person more susceptible to the disorder.
Other autoimmune disorders. People with other disorders of the immune system, such as type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, have an increased risk.
Smoking. Cigarette smoking, which can affect the immune system, increases the risk of Graves’ disease. Smokers who have Graves’ disease are also at increased risk of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy.
Gender. Women are much more likely to develop Graves’ disease than are men.
Age. Graves’ disease usually develops in people younger than 40.
Emotional or physical stress. Stressful life events or illness may act as a trigger for the onset of Graves’ disease among people who are genetically susceptible.
Pregnancy. Pregnancy or recent childbirth may increase the risk of the disorder, particularly among women who are genetically susceptible.
There are no specific nutrition recommendations for Graves’ disease but there are healthier options to follow to improve your health:
- Increase the intake of antioxidants: since this disease is an autoimmune disease, antioxidants help keep your immune system strong. Some example are: blackberries, blueberries, cranberries, raspberries, tomatoes and bell peppers.
- Increase the amount of calcium in your diet: Graves’ disease can cause bone loss that can lead to other complications such as osteoporosis. Obtain calcium from dairy products, such as low fat milk, low fat cheese, low fat and no added sugar yogurt, fortified foods, like, orange juice, soy milk, whole grains cereal and bread. Another source of calcium is green leafy vegetables, such as, spinach, okra, collards and turnip greens.
- Increase your protein sources which are going to be very important for strength and muscle mass restoration when you have Graves’ disease. Choose protein with low fat content, for example, fish, salmon, chicken without the skin, eggs, turkey, mushrooms and beans.
- Avoid refined foods, solid fats and foods with added sugars since those have less nutritional value, for instance, white bread, pastas, sugar, butter and fried food. Choose whole grains, baked or broiled foods, margarine, canola oil in spray and olive oil.
- Avoid caffeine, such as tea, coffee, chocolate and soft drinks. Caffeine could aggravate symptoms like anxiety and rapid heart rate.
- AvoidNon-fermented soy foods like tofu are often touted to be healthy, but if you’re affected by a thyroid condition, eating these foods may be a bad idea. Soy contains phytoestrogens that can damage the thyroid and cause cognitive decline, especially in women.
- Avoid processed foods, Bromine, an ingredient often found in processed foods, is an endocrine-disrupting food additive. Endocrine disruptors are chemicals that interfere with how hormones are produced, thus affecting the immunological, neurological and developmental processes of the body.
