Grave’s Disease Diet Plan

Newtrist Nutritionist Grave’s Disease Diet Plan consists of foods rich in minerals such as calcium, selenium, vitamin D, magnesium, fiber, protein, and healthy fats. A gluten-free diet free from iodine is advised for patients with Grave’s disease.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Cucumber-Mint detox drink with soaked almonds
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Avocado-Brazil nuts smoothie topped with shredded dark chocolate
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Broccoli-carrot salad sprinkled with pumpkin seeds
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Brown rice with spinach dal and mushroom stir-fry
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: Mixed sprouts salad with chopped vegetables
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Bajra roti with bhindi-tomato curry

What is Grave’s disease?

Grave’s disease, also known as “Basedow’s Disease” is an autoimmune disease caused due to the attack of the healthy cells of the thyroid gland by the body’s immune system characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland and causes the thyroid gland to overproduce the thyroid hormones.

Hyperthyroidism may be due to several risk factors of which Grave’s disease is one among them. Several body functions are carried out by the thyroid hormones which when affected show a wide variety of symptoms during Grave’s disease.

Women are more prone to Grave’s disease below 40 years of age. Grave’s disease is influenced by several factors such as genetics, age, gender, stress, pregnancy, and other lifestyle habits. Family genes can increase the risk of acquiring the disorder. The primary cause of the disease is unclear, whereas, the disease may result due to the build-up of carbohydrates in the cells and tissues beneath the eyes.  

Grave’s disease is diagnosed with the help of blood tests, thyroid scans, radioactive iodine uptake tests, and Doppler tests. The blood tests reveal the levels of TSH and other hormone levels. A thyroid scan and radioactive iodine uptake test are done simultaneously to observe the distribution of iodine in the thyroid gland.  

What are the symptoms of Grave’s disease?

The signs and symptoms of Grave’s disease shall appear before or after the onset of hyperthyroidism. Here are a few symptoms of Grave’s disease a person may experience.

• Bulging of the eyes
• Irritation of the eyes
• Pain or pressure in the eyes
• Inflammation of the eyes
• Sensitivity to light
• Loss of vision
• Blurred/Double vision
• Fragile bones
• Muscle weakness

Hyperthyroidism symptoms include rapid or irregular heartbeat, irregular menstrual cycles, weight loss despite increased hunger, nervousness, excessive sweating, irritability, fatigue, difficulty sleeping, poor heat tolerance, frequent bowel movements, goiter, and shakiness of the hands. Hyperthyroidism affects the texture of the skin, hair, and nails too. These symptoms may accompany Grave’s disease.

Some patients with Grave’s disease may experience mild and painless skin problems which may be rare. The assistance of a doctor may be required if a patient experiences heart-related symptoms and problems with vision.

Grave’s Disease Diet Plan

Grave’s Disease diet plan should consist of protein-rich options and foods low in iodine to reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones. Soy products and soybeans help in the regulation of thyroid hormones. Millets, nuts, and seeds are excellent sources of zinc to be included in the diet as zinc and other essential minerals get depleted during hyperthyroidism.

• Early morning drink @ 6:30 am: Carrot juice
• Breakfast @ 9 am: Egg white omelet with veggies and baked beans
• Mid-morning meal @ 11 am: Pumpkin soup with gluten-free bread slices
• Lunch @ 1 pm: Tofu-cauliflower pulav with onion raita and papaya slices
• Evening snack @ 4 pm: 1 cup of green grapes/orange
• Dinner @ 7 pm: Millet dosa topped with mashed sweet potatoes, capsicum, and onions

Foods to avoid with Grave’s disease

Foods to avoid with Grave’s disease are gluten-rich foods such as wheat, barley, rye, refined grains, malt-based beverages, dairy products, egg yolk, yeast, caffeinated drinks, sodas, chocolates, pastries, and baked products. Fried food items, junk foods, noodles, sugary foods, cakes, and cookies are inflammatory and have to be avoided.

Gluten may reduce the efficiency of treatment. Read the nutrition labels on foods to check for the availability of gluten in them. Several medicines contain traces of wheat (which contains gluten) as their binding agent.

Iodine is an important micronutrient required to maintain overall health but consuming them in the right amounts based on the health conditions is necessary. Cut down the intake of foods rich in iodine for hyperthyroidism such as table salt, papads, pickles, sauces, bread, seafood, seaweed, and sea vegetables like kelp as these foods might trigger hyperthyroidism.

Red meats and processed meats such as sausages, bacon, and hamburgers use salt for processing them. It is advised to stay away from these foods. Maintaining a food diary can make you aware of allergies and sensitivity toward specific foods.

Best vegetables for Grave’s disease

The best vegetables for Grave’s disease are

• Spinach
• Amaranth leaves
• Kale
• Broccoli
• Fenugreek
• Edamame
• Sweet potatoes
• Tomatoes
• Cauliflower
• Cabbage
• Radishes
• Butternut squash
• Cucumbers
• Carrots
• Beetroots
• Pumpkin
• Green peas
• Ladies finger

Leafy greens provide a good source of calcium, but they contain considerable amounts of iodine. Consult our expert nutritionists for the best vegetables to consume and to get a clear idea of the foods that contain iodine.

It is essential to fill the plate with more vegetables that are high in calcium and low in iodine that do not aggravate the symptoms of Grave’s disease. A wise selection of foods in association with medicines and radioactive iodine treatments can help in the improvement of the condition.

Bright-colored vegetables such as carrots, beetroots, pumpkins, broccoli, and tomatoes are rich sources of vitamin A which improves eye health and vision. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, radish, and Brussels sprouts are part of the goitrogen family that reduces the production of thyroid hormones. Broccoli improves metabolism and is a rich source of calcium and vitamin C.

Vitamin D is an essential nutrient for Grave’s disease. Vitamin-fortified foods such as mushrooms, eggs (egg whites), and salmon prevent the risk of osteoporosis and boost the immune system.

Best fruits for Grave’s disease

Some of the best fruits for Grave’s disease are

• Dried figs
• Dried apricots
• Kiwis
• Oranges
• Pineapples
• Papaya
• Blueberries
• Dates
• Avocados
• Pomegranates
• Strawberries
• Apples
• Bananas
• Guavas
• Melons

Fruits are naturally anti-inflammatory and loaded with antioxidants. Berries are excellent choices for Grave’s disease to maintain a healthy immune system and improve overall health.

Apples help in effective detoxification and ensure the smooth working of the thyroid gland. Some harmful metals like mercury inhibit the usage of iodine by the body. Consuming an apple every day flushes out toxins and helps in maintaining healthy skin.

Pomegranates reduce the overproduction of thyroid hormones due to the presence of ellagic acid and can be eaten regularly to manage hyperthyroidism.

Citrus fruits such as oranges, kiwis, and lemons are warehouses of vitamin C, calcium, vitamin A, potassium, and magnesium which are good for thyroid problems. Pineapples are rich in vitamin C, fiber, and manganese which promote better absorption of calcium and improve bone health.

Tips for Grave’s Disease

Some of the useful tips for Grave’s disease are

• Use eye drops (as prescribed by the doctor) to prevent dryness and scratchiness of the eyes.
• Cool compresses can provide soothing relief to irritating eyes.
• Wearing sunglasses can protect the eyes from bright light and avoid irritation of the eyes.
• Sleep with your head in a little elevated position as it may lower the fluid accumulation and pressure on the eyes.
• Eat a calcium-rich and low-iodine diet to prevent the risk of osteoporosis and manage hyperthyroidism.
• A stress-free and active lifestyle help in the effective management of the condition. Stress can aggravate the production of cortisol and adrenaline which worsens the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.  
• Stay away from gluten, flavoring agents, added sugars, high fructose syrups, processed meats, and packaged foods.
• Exclude all forms of iodine-rich foods such as salt, seafood, egg yolk, noodles, sauces, ketchup, and dried forms of foods that use excess salt for preservation.
• Insist of fresh vegetables, fruits, spices, herbs, probiotic foods, and healthy fats to prevent the symptoms from getting worse.
• Essential oils work well with coconut oil to reduce itchiness and inflammation of the skin. Lavender oil, rosemary, and tea tree oil possess anti-inflammatory properties and are gentle on the skin.

Foods to prevent Grave’s Disease

No specific foods can completely prevent the risk of acquiring the disease. Incorporating a healthy gluten-free diet that consists of fresh fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, whole grains, beans, legumes, nuts, seeds, lean chicken, freshwater fish, and healthy oils makes you feel better and reduces the risk of osteoporosis and other chronic diseases.

Include calcium-rich foods for improved bone health. Although dairy products contain iodine, several other calcium-rich sources such as leafy greens, beans, legumes, edamame, sweet potatoes, and broccoli provide numerous benefits for Grave’s disease.

Grave’s Disease FAQs