Hormones affect how every system in your body functions, and regular hormone production is absolutely necessary for your health.

When your body doesn’t produce hormones as it should — either too many or not enough, for whatever reason — it can result in chronic health conditions. One such condition is called Graves’ disease.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that has to do with the overproduction of the thyroid hormone, and it’s an often uncomfortable and painful condition.

This disease is one of over 80 known autoimmune disorders, and the symptoms vary due to the wide-reaching impact of the thyroid gland.

Thankfully, there are ways you can reduce problematic symptoms and help your body function at its best — check out Graves’ disease treatments for natural treatment options.

But first, let’s look more in depth at Graves’ disease and its causes, symptoms, and risk factors.

What Is Graves’ Disease?

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder characterized by the overproduction of thyroid hormones.

It was first identified approximately 150 years ago by its namesake, a physician named Robert Graves’.

Because the thyroid gland is one of your body’s most important endocrine glands, it affects almost every part of your life from sleep, to metabolism, to your reproductive health.

Therefore, when this gland overproduces hormones it interferes with numerous different aspects of your health.

Treatment for Graves’ should focus on lifestyle and environmental changes, so that the underlying immune disorder is managed.

Let’s look at the signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease.

Symptoms Of Graves’ Disease

Because the thyroid affects numerous areas and systems of the body, there are a wide variety of symptoms that arise as a result of Graves’ disease.

Often, Graves’ disease is mistaken for another condition (or takes a very long time to diagnose) because of its varying symptoms.

The main signs and symptoms of Graves’ disease include:

• Anxiety
• A short temper or irritability
• Tremors in hands and fingers
• Heat sensitivity and over-perspiration
• Abnormal weight loss
• Heart palpitations or rapid heartbeat
• Bulging eyes, a sign of Graves’ ophthalmopathy
• Enlarged thyroid gland

Graves’ ophthalmopathy is seen in around 30% of individuals with Graves’ disease. It’s the result of inflammation around your eye muscles and tissue.

Typical symptoms of Graves’ ophthalmopathy include the aforementioned bulging eyes as well as pressure or eye pain, puffy eyelids, inflamed eyes, light sensitivity, general vision loss, and a “gritty” sensation in your eyes.

Another condition caused by Graves’ disease is Graves’ dermopathy, which is much less common than other signs and symptoms.

Graves’ dermopathy causes your skin to become red and thick, especially on your feet and shins.

What Causes Graves’ Disease?

The pituitary gland in your brain is in charge of producing thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. This hormone communicates with the thyroid gland and tells it how much thyroid hormone to produce.

For those with Graves’ disease, the communication between the pituitary gland and the thyroid gland is disrupted, which causes the release of abnormal antibodies.

Your thyroid gland mistakenly sees these antibodies as TSH, so it overproduces thyroid hormones in response.

The underlying reason for the miscommunication and subsequent production of antibodies is unknown, but we do know these antibodies — called thyroid stimulating immunoglobulin (TSI) and thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) — cause you to have an overactive immune system and inflammation.

Risk Factors for Graves’ Disease

Although we don’t know the exact cause of Graves’ disease, we do know of various risk factors that may influence your chances of developing this condition.

These risk factors include:

1. Family history — Although the specific gene that causes Graves’ disease is unknown, we do know those with diagnosed family members have a greater chance of also having the disease.
2. Age — This disease is usually developed before the age of 40.
3. Gender — Women are at a much greater risk of developing Graves’ disease.
4. Other autoimmune disorders
5. Stress — Physical or emotional stress may trigger the development of Graves’ disease.
6. Pregnancy or recent childbirth — The overall stress of pregnancy or childbirth on your body, as well as other possible unknown factors, may increase your risk of this disorder (especially if you’re more susceptible due to other risk factors).

Natural Treatments For Graves’ Disease

Thankfully, there are natural ways to deal with the pain and discomfort of living with Graves’ disease.

Here are some lifestyle and environmental changes you can incorporate into your life to find relief.

1. Eat An Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Your diet has a massive impact on every aspect of your health, especially when you’re living with an autoimmune disorder such as Graves’ disease.

Many symptoms of Graves’ disease are a result of (or contribute to) inflammation, so reducing inflammation through diet is a great way to manage your condition.

Consuming an anti-inflammatory diet will help support your immune system as well as your digestive system.

Some foods known to cause inflammation include:

• Dairy
• Gluten
• Peanuts and other tree nuts
• Artificial colourings and flavourings
• Processed foods, or foods with added sugar

Some of the foods to make sure you include in your anti-inflammatory diet include:

• Fresh vegetables, green juices, or smoothies
• Fresh fruit
• Herbs such as parsley, rosemary, and basil
• Spices such as garlic, ginger, and turmeric
• Probiotics, to support your digestive system
• Omega 3 fatty acids and other healthy fats

2. Quit Smoking

Smoking cigarettes affects your body in countless negative ways, and it’s especially hard on your immune system.

Causing stress and damage to your immune system may increase your risk of developing Graves’ disease, and if you’re already diagnosed, your smoking habit may be making your symptoms worse.

The toxins and chemicals in smoke are known to contribute to inflammation and cause damage to your healthy tissues.

On top of that, cigarettes increase your chance of developing Graves’ ophthalmopathy, which as we mentioned is seen in around 30% of individuals with Graves’ disease.

So, in case you needed another reason to quit smoking, here it is. Quitting smoking can be tough, but your body will thank you — and you’ll feel the benefits.

3. Manage Your Stress

When you have an autoimmune condition and your body is under stress, it has been proven that inflammation and autoimmune reactions get much worse.

In fact, traumatic or stressful events (or even chronic stress) can make you more susceptible to developing Graves’ disease.

When you’re stressed, your body produces more adrenaline and cortisol.

These chemicals interfere with brain function and disrupt your neurotransmitters. They also can cause imbalance in your immune system.

Some natural stress relievers to incorporate into your daily routine include meditation, gentle exercise, spending time outside, and massage therapy.

Even just taking a few moments each day to relax and breathe can help reduce stress levels.

4. Reduce Your Exposure to Endocrine Disruptors

Endocrine disruptors are various toxins we often interact with on a daily basis, from pesticides to plastic to cleaning products.

These chemicals can contribute to the development of autoimmune disorders by interfering with hormone production.

When possible, purchase organic fruits and vegetables — this will help you avoid ingesting pesticides that affect thyroid function.

BPA-free glass and cast iron are great disruptor-free alternatives to plastic containers and Teflon/non-stick cooking tools.

Dioxin is another compound to avoid, as it has been recognized by the US government to be an endocrine disruptor.

It’s found in meat and other animal products, so consider cutting down on your meat intake or incorporating more vegetarian or vegan meals into your routine.

Another endocrine disruptor, a synthetic form of estrogen, is found in oral birth control.

5. Exercise More

Not only is exercise great for managing stress, but it’s also an important factor in managing the problematic inflammation caused by Graves’ disease.

Even gentle exercises such as yoga, walking, stretching, or swimming can help support your immune system, promote brain function, and encourage healthy hormone production.

Strength training is very beneficial for strengthening and supporting your bones and reducing bone loss.

Contact Nardini Naturopathic

Living with an autoimmune disease such as Graves’ disease can be immensely difficult, especially when you’re experiencing a symptom flare.

However, there are many natural ways you can use to manage the disease and greatly improve your quality of life.

Contact Nardini Naturopathic today and book a consultation with me, Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, a naturopathic doctor.

Together, we’ll work to determine what’s causing your health concerns, and work out the best treatment options for you and your body.

Chronic illnesses are often frustrating and painful, but you aren’t alone.

Naturopathic Treatments for Graves’ Disease was written by Dr. Pat Nardini, ND and originally appeared on Nardini Naturopathic | Toronto Naturopath and Thyroid Specialist.