Diet for Hyperthyroidism and Graves...my own research

[BadassNB]

Hi there. I have done some research now and have come up with some good and bad foods with regards to Graves Disease. There are many conflicting views out there and as I am on a block and replace medication I go from Hyper to Hypo quite often so I will need a specialist diet drawn up for me. In the meantime I have ordered a weekly delivery of organic meats and veg and have drawn up some kind of plan below as to what I can and can't eat. Does anyone have any comments please??? is it useful for any of you out there?? Any medical person able to verify if I am on the right track??? many thanks. (Ps I have already posted about diets but didnt know how to add this new info so I have just started a new question instead!!)
RULES FOR GRAVES’ DIET

• NO IODINE WHATSOEVER
• ONLY ORGANIC MEAT, VEGETABLES AND FRUIT
• EAT AVOIDABLE FOODS 4 HOURS AFTER TAKING THYROID MEDS

Allowed foods                                                                 Foods to avoid
Egg whites (organic)                                                         Dairy
Brown rice                                                                         Soya products
Unsalted sunflower and pumpkin seeds                         Cured meats ie bacon, ham, sausages, hot dogs etc
Raisins                                                                          Wheat and yeast
Salt free non diary butter                                                 Caffeine, incl Green and Black teas
Non dairy “milk”                                                                  Aspartame incl fizzy drinks, gum,
Herbs                                                                          Stock and flavourings
Vegetable oil                                                                   Corn oil
Non iodised salt                                                                   Tap water
Organic hummus                                                          All seafood
                                                                                  Spicy foods



Supplements to research
Aloe Vera Gel
Acidophilous and Bifodabacteria
EPA/DHA 3000mg or higher
Glutamine 2 grams upon waking
GLA x 2 capsules with each meal
Flaxseed oil x 2 tablespoons
Vitamin C Ester 500mg 3 x a day
Vitamin E 400 IU
Magnesium 400-800mg (slow release)

[bunchiebabe264]

Tap water actually can help people with hyperthyroidism as ive found several times ive drank it and its stopped thyroid storm when i have had too much iodine its practically a life saver

[Barb135]

We haven't seen BadassNB since her last post in October 2013, so I don't know how she's doing.  

You can eat anything you aren't allergic to/intolerant of.

[bunchiebabe264]

what about peanuts or peanut butter?

[Red_Star]

I don't drink tap water. I can taste the chemicals in it. Ugh.

[BadassNB]

Barb
I went away for 10 months and worked hard on all aspects of this dreadful illness, not least a short temper  (Graves rage) racing thoughts, and an extraordinary new apect of my personality that is easily offended and therefore defensive!! UURGHHH
(No wonder in the olden days they used to sling Graves patients in the loony bin!!!)
I did not understand your comment AT ALL way back then and felt you were somehow judging me or not acknowledging the endless research I had done. I remember feeling REALLY angry that you asked me why I dont drink tap water!!! All I could think was NO ONE DRINKS IT AS IT HAS SO MANY TOXINS!!!!!
Anyway all that is over. I am less fiery/crazy now!
Hope you are winning your battle!!!

[BadassNB]

Thanks redstar!! It seems Graves/Hyper really does nab you if you don't look after your diet...on top of stress/aspartame consumption/hereditary considerations/digestive disorders etc etc.
Oh how I truly HATE Graves. (I am usually NOT negative but it has turned my life upside down and I havent got time for all that! AARGGHHH)

[BadassNB]

Thanks very much Falcon. You are right about malnutrition being one of the key aggravators of hyperthyroidism. I for one have eaten junk food as and when I like for the last 20 years and only now have I been forced to go the opposite way.
I am sooo glad I am taking all those supplements and of course magnesium is  amongst them...and in slow release form.

One very interesting thing to add here about my quest for natural foods etc. I spent an awful lot of money on organic and fresh fruit ad veg so that I could have green juice daily.
I did this for about 2 or 3 months. DAILY.
I somehow felt healthier because I had all the superfoods in the juice but I would often scratch my ears and my tongue would feel itchy and swollen after drinking this green juice.
Surprise surprise, after eating an avocado one day I felt so ill that I had to research it and there is something called latex fruit syndrome.
On top of my SEVERE GD, TED, SEVERE walking difficulties due to myopathy, and numerous digestive issues I now find out that I am intollerant to/and or allergic to the following which all contain a natural form of latex:

WHAT IS LATEX, AND WHERE IS IT FOUND?
Latex is the milky sap from the rubber tree, and allergic reactions are caused by its proteins. More than 40,000 products used in homes, schools and medical settings contain latex, including common items such as:
rubber bands, balloons, carpet backing, surgical and examination gloves, clothing elastic, toys, sink mats, foam pillows , anesthesia equipment, IV catheters, elastic bandages, adhesive tape, electrode pads, etc.

Many of the proteins which cause latex allergy are also found in foods such as:
kiwi, passion fruit, cherries, bananas, papaya, avocado, figs, peaches, nectarines, plums, tomatoes, celery and chestnuts.

So basically I spent a LOT of money and time eating these foods and also blending some of them into my green juice only to discover that they were doing me more harm than good. the irony.
Pineapple also brought me out in hives...so watch out for that too.

I havent mustered up the enthusiasm to make any more juices but when I do I will stick to
spinach
kale
carrots
ginger
parsley
goji berries
and items free from latex! ll the times I have washed up wearing latex washing up gloves!
anyway I just thought some of you out there might not have heard of this syndrome....and it can be very harmful if you have a strong allergic reaction.

In better news, I have started acupuncture and homeopathic remedies so I am feeling a little better.
I am happy to answer any questions on any of the above....so ask away...

[Red_Star]

According to the National Center for Health Statistics, 68% of US adults consume less than the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of magnesium, and 19% consume less than 50% of the RDA.

[falconfairmont]

Actually I can confirm much of what BadassNB has shared here, there is a lot left to study though but the one important thing is the cruciferous vegies should be consumed near raw if not for a Hyperthyroid or graves disease person. and quantities and proceedures are very specific for each person.
The reason why cruciferous vegies help is they have sulphurous elements and most people with these conditions are actually very malnourished. Hyperthyroidism is a more malnourished state than Hypo thyroidism, hence the reason why people slip back and forth between the two states.
Another important factor is too much Magnesium in our diets These are crucial to understand for good health  .

I will wait to see if any respond to this before I continue.

[BadassNB]

Final research to share with you good people.
All of these are supposed to aid Graves patients and I will be trying some of them. These are MY suggestions so do not try anything until you have done your own research on it and your doctor agrees. I am simply sharing what I have found out. Thanks.
Bugleweed
Lemon Balm
Gypsy Wort
Steohenia Root
Motherwort
Hawthorn
Elevthero
Vitamins A B C D Omega 3 fatty acids
Acai berries
Gogi berries
Macqui Berries
Mangosteen fruit
Noni fruit.
That's all for now. Time for me to go to bed now. Exhausting work all this research. Enjoy!!!

[BadassNB]

Ok. I will try to answer your questions. You must remember that I have done a lot of research on my own and have painstakingly put this list together and I have considered factors such as cost as well as including my "new" foods for my sons. THEY do not have my allergies and therefore can process normal healthy foods. And they are hardly home. One is at University and the other is at home with me for half a week only. So I know how to manage multiple meals. When my youngest is at home he will eat whatever I cook for myself. Anything else like my special juices or smoothies I will save for myself as I will be adding herbs and supplements that he doesn't need and that will taste vile.
Tap water contains Iodine and other minerals that MY body doesn't need. Teas contain caffeine that will not help my palpitations. Everything on my lists are for ME and every Graves patient is different. I am just sharing this information as I thought it would be useful. I worked very hard on it, I stand by it and I am very proud of it!!!

I have already started making my own stock but will also by organic stock as I cannot always find the strength to cook for hours while balancing on my walking sticks. All this research is just to keep me going until I see a nutritional expert who will create a bespoke diet and a new list of foods I can and cannot eat. Because everything is so slow in this country I am not waiting for this appointment and instead will start to change my way of eating NOW.

[Barb135]

More questions........ why are you avoiding tap water and teas?  

"Socks and flavourings containing iodine, yeast, wheat and gluten"  I assume you mean "stocks", rather than socks.......lol   Not all stocks contain iodine, yeast, wheat or gluten......... If you are referring to prepared sauces, etc, you have to read labels carefully.  

If you make your stock from fresh foods (beef, chicken, turkey or vegetables) that you buy and prepare, there's no reason not to use them and they are awesome in home made soups/stew or other dishes.  Chicken with brown rice, made with home made stock...... yummy....

Might want to substitute that vegetable oil with olive, sesame, sunflower or safflower oil.  I use all of those and though they do have fat in them and have to be used in moderation, it's the "good" fat, which is essential for a healthy diet.

You might also want to do some more research...... your list of "allowed" foods apparently contains all organic foods.  Your grocery bill is going to be astronomical, not to  mention a whole different fridge, just for your food and the time it will take to prepare multiple meals at one time - one for you and one for your children.  There's a lot of research out there that says  it's not always necessary to pay extra for organic, while there are some foods that it's recommended to always buy organic.

On another note, maybe your children could also benefit from your "better" diet.  Remember:  a diet is what you eat.  You are embarking on a whole new diet.

[BadassNB]

For everyone....I have updated the list as below. I don't know how to edit my original post!!

Banned foods
Gluten
Wheat
Iodine
Seafood
Soy
Dairy
Aspartame
Tap water

Allowed foods                                                                  
Egg whites (organic)                                                          
Brown rice                                                                          
Unsalted sunflower and pumpkin seeds                          
Raisins                                                                          
Salt free non diary butter                                                  
Non dairy “milk”                                                                
Herbs                                                                          
Vegetable oil                                                                    
Non iodised salt                                                                    
Organic hummus          
Criuciferous vegetables                                                

Foods to avoid
Spicy foods
All cured meats ie bacon, sausages, ham
Caffeine
Green and black tea
Socks and flavourings containing iodine, yeast, wheat and gluten
All fizzy drinks, diet products, chewing gum etc

[BadassNB]

Thanks you so much Toibee. I have been sooo angry and frustrated (obv mainly due to Graves) that no one answers me about diet. I have spent weeks researching and on Friday night sat up ALL NIGHT on my laptop creating my lists of dos and donts. It still isnt perfect but I did it on my own and very proud I am doing something positive!! if only more people out there would recognise that a fresh organic diet can help the healing process....
Thanks so much for responding and I am delighted to meet you. I will wait until my organic delivery comes on Tuesday and I will send you a LOOONG message about how I intend to revolutionise my diet. Which is in fact NOT a diet but a way of eating that is different to what I am used to. I am even going to buy a fridge just for me and separate to the one in the kitchen for my children and visitors!! That is how serious I am!! take care Tori and I am sure we shall be in constant contact!!

[BadassNB]

|thanks. I will move the vegetable oil to the avoid list and in fact have decided that organic rapeseed oil is better. Not cheap though!! I am looking into the very same herbs you mention and will be buying brazil nuts..I read about that also. Who knew??? While my diet seems restrictive and harsh, I am actually looking forward to the challenge. I have suffered for years with Hyperthyroidism and Graves undiagnosed and have had numerous digestive disorders so it is now time to turn my life around!!

[Barb135]

It's good that you're getting tested for celiac to be certain whether you have it or not.  Just for your information, it's not really"related" to thyroid problems.  The relationship lies only in the fact that both celiac and Graves are autoimmune and once a person has one autoimmune, the chances of them getting another are much greater.

You should also be aware that thyroid conditions actually cause some indigestion issues, so it's very possible that once your thyroid levels are right for you, many of the problems may go away.

[Red_Star]

I would move the vegetable oils (too high in polyunsaturated oils therefore highly prone to oxidation and going rancid quickly) to the avoid list..this is for everyone who values their heart...and their tastebuds LOL.

Selenium is recommended for both hypothyroid and hyperthyroidism. Brazil nuts are the highest source of selenium with anywhere from 50 - 90mcg of selenium per nut.

Herbs for hyperthyroidism include bugleweed, lemon balm, motherwort, gypsywort, stephania root.

[BadassNB]

I have long term digestive disorders which have never been properly tested for. Celiac is the one related to thyroid problems and autoimmune so I am being tested for that. I might have Colitis or Crohns. Either way I need to avoid more foods than most people. And yes, I am cutting out/down processed carbs and white carbd like bread ( because of the gluten in wheat and also the yeast) potatoes and pasta etc. I will be buying organic brown rice though and eating pulses, nuts etc. I will have a strict but very healthy diet in the end.

[Barb135]

Do you have celiac?

Not everyone with thyroid disease has it, or has reaction to either wheat or dairy.  If, however, you really are sensitive to them, by all means, avoid them.

Yes, seafood has some iodine, but it's also a very good source of protein and other nutrients.  While I wouldn't recommend that as an only source of nutrition, I certainly wouldn't avoid it either.

It's also necessary to make sure you are cutting out the right type of carbs.  You need the ones found in whole grains, veggies, fruits, etc. They fill you up and keep you feeling fuller longer, so will actually help you lose weight.   You don't need the ones found in sugary foods, those made from white flour, white rice, etc.  These are the ones that enter the blood stream quickly and if not used for energy, right away, go straight to fat.

[BadassNB]

Also I must avoid gluten like the plague as it causes problems with Celiac disease

[BadassNB]

I agree about moderation and that is why I haven't labelled them banned foods...instead they are to be avoided. Iodine is the one thing I was told to cut out completely and it has traces in cured foods and all seafood. Digestive problems ie Celiac go hand in hand with most thyroid complaints and I have numerous allergies so dairy and wheat both need to go.So all the foods I am avoiding already cause me problems so it wont be a hardship to avoid them. I will miss seafood however, but my health is far more important. I am looking for a non dairy spread and I found an organic one but I shall check the ingredients. If need be I will buy unsalted butter and have it sparingly. I have also been advised to cut down carbs which will make me put on weight so I wont have too much need for butter......

[Barb135]

Why are you avoiding dairy, teas, wheat, stock and flavorings, all seafood and spicy foods or all cured meats?  

Check your "salt free non dairy butter"........ it might be worse for you than real butter.

Once cruciferous veggies are cooked, they are not considered "taboo"; however, even eating them raw probably isn't going to hurt anything if not eaten directly after taking thyroid medication; these fruits and veggies are extremely healthy, either raw or cooked and are an important part of a good diet.  Many/most of us find that it's not necessary to eliminate any foods from our diet, other than the obvious unhealthy items, such as those loaded with sugar or fat, unless a particular food causes some type of reaction in your body.  

Your plan seems overly restrictive, as there is no scientific evidence to support eliminating a lot of foods from your diet. It doesn't make sense to give up foods that provide necessary nutrients, such as dairy, seafood, wheat or the cruciferous veggies, all of which are chock full of protein and other vitamins/minerals that are vital to good health.

All things in moderation.

[BadassNB]

Can I also ask if you know whether one is supposed to cook the cruciferous vegetables for a long time or to eat them as raw as possible?? There were also conflicting stories about this. Thanks