Graves’ Disease Diet: Foods to Avoid
There are certain foods people with graves disease should avoid eating in large amounts. (9). These include;
Too much iodized salt
It is a type of table salt that has been fortified with iodine. Iodine is a mineral that (in trace quantity) is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. However, too much iodized salt is also harmful for the thyroid gland and can trigger the development of graves disease. While iodine is naturally present in some foods, such as seafood, many people who consume foods rich in iodine are more likely to develop graves disease than those who do not get adequate iodine from their diet.
Seaweed
Foods rich in iodine aren’t healthy for people with graves disease. It causes thyroid glands to stimulate the production of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), which in turn, produce high levels of thyroid hormones. Seaweeds, such as nori and kombu are high in iodine, and thus not recommended to be consumed in graves disease.
Gluten
Gluten is known to aggravate this condition and should be avoided by those with graves disease. It is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. It can cause inflammation in the gut and lead to problems such as diarrhea, constipation, and bloating. For people with graves disease, gluten can also trigger an immune response that leads to inflammation throughout the body.
There are many foods that do not contain gluten and can be enjoyed by people with graves disease. These include: fruits, vegetables, lean protein sources, and whole grains.
Caffeinated beverages
Caffeinated beverages are not recommended for people with graves disease. Caffeine can increase heart rate and blood pressure, which is not ideal for someone with a heart condition. Additionally, caffeine is a diuretic, so it can cause dehydration. This is particularly concerning for people with graves disease, as dehydration can worsen the symptoms of the condition.