Graves disease is also known as hyperthyroidism
which is caused by the "over"
production of thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is the body's
thermostat that regulates your temperature thru two hormones that
control how quickly the body burns
calories. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are: nervousness, irritability, constantly being too hot,
insomnia, fatigue, increased bowel
movements, weakness, rapid heartbeat, goiter,
hand tremors. Graves disease affects women more than men.
Grave's disease is the most common form of
hyperthyroidism.
It is a disorder that happens when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone,
causing an overactive metabolic state. Note that all of the body's
functions may speed up with this disorder. Hyperthyroidism
symptoms include: fatigue nervousness, irritability, a constant feeling of being hot, increased
perspiration, insomnia, increased frequency of bowel movements, less frequent menstruation and decreased menstrual flow, weakness,
hair loss, weight loss, change in skin thickness, separation of the nails from the nail bed, hand tremors, intolerance of heat, rapid heartbeat,
goiter,
and possibly protruding eyeballs. Hyperthyroidism is sometimes also called "thyrotoxicosis".
Grave's disease, which affects over 2.5 million
in just the United States alone.
The thyroid gland is the body's internal thermostat. This gland regulates the
body temperature by the secretion of two hormones which control how
fast the body
burns calories and utilizes energy. If a person's thyroid gland secretes
too much hormone, hyperthyroidism results; too little hormone results in hypothyroidism. Many cases of hyperthyroidism
and hypothyroidism are thought to result from an abnormal immune response. The
specific cause is unknown, but the immune system may produce antibodies that
can
invade and attack the thyroid, disturbing normal hormone production. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by lumps or tumors that form on the thyroid and
may also disturb hormone production. Both inflammation or infection of the thyroid
may cause temporary hyperthyroidism. There are also prescription
drugs that may cause temporary hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is not as common as
hypothyroidism. Both of these thyroid
problems affect women more than men. Also a malfunctioning thyroid can be the
root cause of many recurring health problems.
Nutrient /
Supplement |
Importance
( 1 - 10 ) |
Helpful notes |
Multi-vitamin
& Mineral supplement |
10 |
contains vitamin
B, vitamin E,
vitamin C, and zinc
which all are helpful for grave's disease and thyroid problems. A
daily supplement's nutrients are required for general good health and well being. |
vitamin B |
10 |
vitamin B complex helps to improve cellular
oxygenation, strengthens immune system, improves digestion,
increases red blood cell formation, and thyroid function. |
Thiamine |
10 |
vitamin B1 is required for blood
formation and aids with energy levels |
Riboflavin |
10 |
vitamin B2 is needed for normal
operation of cells, organs, and glands in the body. |
Pyridoxine |
10 |
vitamin B6 enzymes are activated
by it and it is needed for antibody production to help the
immune system. |
Essential
fatty acids |
10 |
helpful in repair of body tissues,
aids in healing, restores proper fatty acid balance, needed
for healthy functioning of the thyroid gland. Fatty acids
are found in omega
fatty acids from fish oil, flax seed oil, and
borage seed oil. |
Lecithin |
9 |
Aids in digestion of fats and it
also protects the lining of all the body organs and cells.
|
vitamin C |
9 |
needed for immune function in the
human body
|
selenium |
8 |
mineral with antioxidant
properties that helps immune function
|
Bioflavonoids |
9 |
work with vitamin C and help with
stress and immune system
|
vitamin
A |
8 |
helps with immune function as well
as the eyes, skin, and hair
|
vitamin
E |
8 |
important for healing,
circulation, and immune system
|
Other Changes To Make
-
drink 6-8 glasses of steam distilled or
filtered water a day
-
eat 50% raw fruits and vegetables (organic is best)
-
nuts, seeds, and whole grains are good
-
juice is good (make your
own with a juice machine)
-
do not worry as much about calories as eating the right foods
-
carrot and celery sticks are good to use as a snack
-
a colon cleansing can be very helpful - (do several times each year)
-
do not drink coffee, alcohol, soda pop, other junk food drinks
-
do not eat processed foods white sugar, white flour, etc...
-
use stress relief like going for walks in the park
(or the 10/90 rule - see
Stress)
-
brown rice is good to eat
-
avoid red meat and animal fats
-
reduce dairy products cheese, milk, and others
-
fast a few days a month
-
get at least 8 hours of sleep
-
exercise light to moderate amounts
-
avoid artificial sweeteners like Aspartame and NutraSweet
-
do not smoke and avoid second hand smoke
-
do not skip meals - just eat better and not as much at each meal
-
do not chew gum - it can cause you to feel hungry
-
do not watch too much TV try reading a book or something else
|