Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism)

Avoid iodine excess (seaweed, kelp supplements, iodized salt—can worsen Graves', but don't need severe restriction), Eliminate gluten (molecular mimicry with thyroid tissue—gluten antibodies cross-react, AIP diet trial), Eliminate dairy, soy (goitrogenic, may interfere), Cruciferous vegetables (goitrogenic—may help slow thyroid, eat cooked: broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts), Anti-inflammatory diet (reduce autoimmune activation), Avoid stimulants (caffeine worsens tachycardia, anxiety), Limit sugar and refined carbs (inflammatory), Increase anti-inflammatory foods (omega-3 fish, colorful vegetables, berries, turmeric, ginger), Bone broth (gut healing), Fermented foods (gut microbiome), Adequate calories (hyperthyroidism increases metabolism, may need more calories), High-calcium foods (bone health—dairy if tolerated, leafy greens, sardines with bones), Avoid alcohol (liver stress, affects thyroid), Organic (pesticides and toxins affect immune/thyroid)

Stress management PARAMOUNT (stress is major trigger and exacerbating factor): meditation, yoga, breathwork, therapy, biofeedback (proven to help Graves' patients achieve remission), Adequate sleep (7-9 hours—immune regulation), Avoid overexertion (hyperthyroidism taxes system—rest more, gentle exercise only initially, no high-intensity until controlled), Beta-blockers SHORT-TERM if needed (propranolol—controls heart symptoms, tremor, anxiety while treating root cause), Smoking cessation (worsens Graves' eye disease dramatically), Cool environment (hyperthyroidism increases heat intolerance), Address triggers: recent stress, infection, childbirth, iodine excess, Monitor symptoms (weight, heart rate, tremor, anxiety, eye symptoms), Regular labs (every 4-6 weeks while active—track TSH, Free T4, Free T3, antibodies), Treat eye disease if present (Graves' ophthalmopathy—eye drops, selenium, avoid smoking, sometimes steroids or surgery if severe), Bone protection (calcium, vitamin D, weight-bearing exercise—hyperthyroidism causes bone loss), Support groups (living with autoimmune disease challenging), Work with integrative endocrinologist (monitor thyroid function, adjust meds, support remission)