Diet for graves disease

A Natural Perspective On Autoimmune Disorders
By Michelle Newport

Autoimmunity involves the immune system failing to recognize the body's cells and tissues as being a part of the body, which results in the immune system attacking those cells and tissues.  Any disease resulting from autoimmunity is called an auto-immune disorder.    There are over 60 known disorders thought to be related to autoimmunity. Below is a summarized list of conditions related to autoimmune disorders :

Alopecia Areata - An autoimmune disorder that is characterized by hair loss. It is found commonly in men and women and can occur at any age, including childhood.

Alzheimer's Disease -  Characterized as a progressive brain disorder, which involves a decline in social and intellectual abilities.  Alzheimer's Disease is thought to be associated with free radical damage in the brain and inorganic aluminum.

Celiac Disease - A chronic inflammation of the colon that creates an intestinal breakdown due to an allergic reaction to gluten. Gluten is a protein that is found in grains such as wheat, barley, oat and rye.

Crohn's Disease - A chronic inflammatory bowel disease, which is characterized by severe inflammation of the lining of the gastrointestinal tract.  This disorder is typically seen in persons between the ages of 15 and 35, but can also be found in young children and the elderly as well.

Fibromyalgia - This disorder is characterized by aches and pains in the muscles along with chronic fatigue and insomnia.  It is estimated between 3 to 6 million people in the US suffer with Fibromyalgia. Ninety percent of them being women.

Graves Disease - A disorder affecting the thyroid gland.  In this disease auto-antibodies bind to the thyroid gland, which increases the production of thyroid hormone, which plays a major role in metabolism. Symptoms include nervousness, diarrhea, insomnia, sweating, and weight loss with increased appetite. More serious symptoms include irregular heart beat, tachycardia (increased heart rate), swelling of eyes and legs. In rare cases, cardiovascular collapse, shock or coma could occur.

Lupus - A disorder which instead of the body's immune system functioning properly as protection from harmful invaders, it forms antibodies that attack healthy tissues and organs.  Symptoms include aching joints, inflammation, swelling, fatigue, fevers and rashes.  Lupus is a mild disease affecting only a few organs, but for others it may cause serious, even life-threatening problems.

Multiple Sclerosis - A chronic inflammatory condition which involves the central nervous system (CNS), which consists of the brain and spinal cord.  This chronic inflammation causes severe damage to the myelin sheath (covering of the nerves).  Symptoms include blurred vision, numbness and paralysis. Mercury toxicity may be a causal factor.

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Psoriasis - A common chronic skin condition which is characterized by symptoms similar to eczema. It involves the hyperactivity of the immune system which creates a form of inflammation.  This inflammatory reaction causes skin cells to multiply seven to twelve times faster than normal.  The skin is often dry and itchy as well as being cracked or blistered.

Rheumatoid Arthritis - This disorder can affect many joints, but most commonly the small joints of the hands.  An autoimmune attack on the tissues causes inflammation along with pain and swelling.  If uncontrolled it could lead to destruction of the bones, deformity and eventually disability.  It is thought that a factor of rheumatoid arthritis is holding onto bitterness.

What are natural ways that can be used which are helpful for autoimmune disorders?

    Most  people with autoimmune disorders suffer from exhausted adrenals. The  adrenals produce a hormone that controls the immune response called  cortisol.  Cortico-steroid drugs are used to treat autoimmune  disorders to mimic the action of cortisol, but have undesirable side  effects.  A natural alternative to consider is Licorice, which is an  herb that supports the adrenals, as well as having anti-inflammatory  and antiviral properties.  Yucca also has anti-inflammatory  properties as well as mimics the effects of cortisol.  It also has a  detoxifying effect as well as a blood thinning property. Wild Yam is  another herb that can be taken as an anti-inflammatory and  antispasmodic.  Willow bark also has an anti-inflammatory property  and can help bring relief from pain in autoimmune disorders.

    Stress  management is a key factor in dealing with autoimmune disorders as  stress adversely affects the adrenal glands.  Getting an adequate  amount of sleep as well as having a positive mental attitude can be  very helpful.  Supplements that can be beneficial in helping the  body manage stress are Siberian Ginseng, Chinese Mineral Chi Tonic  and Nutri-Calm.

    Antioxidants  aid the body in balancing immune activity and also fight free  radical damage. Green Tea Extract and High Potency Grapine are  appropriate choices.

    Essential  Oils that may be beneficial for autoimmune disorders include  Bergamot, Clary Sage, Lavender and Roman Chamomile.

    Adding  essential fatty acids to your diet like Flax Seed Oil and Omega-3  EPA can help to reduce inflammatory responses.

    Magnesium  deficiency is also common in cases of autoimmune disorders.   Fibralgia contains magnesium as well as malic acid which is  beneficial for generating cellular energy and may be helpful for  Fibromyalgia.

    Moderate  exercise such as walking or swimming can be helpful but care should  be taken not to over exert the body.

 Taking a digestive  enzyme is very beneficial.   Taking  a Probiotic daily is recommended to help put healthy bacteria into  the intestines which may help reduce allergic responses.

Diet for graves disease

What should be avoided?

    Immune  stimulants are contraindicated as this could only make the problem  worse. Avoid taking herbs and supplements that boost the immune  system such as Colostrum, Dandelion Root, Echinacea, Goldenseal, and  Yarrow.

    Avoid  essential oils that stimulate the immune system such as Geranium,  Thyme and Ylang Ylang.

    Food  allergies may also be a factor in autoimmune disorders. Common  allergens are hydrogenated fats and oils such as margarine and  shortening, grains such as wheat and corn and dairy products.  Foods  that aggravate the condition should be avoided.

    Avoid  refined carbohydrates and sugars which feeds Candida, a fungus that  may also be a contributing factor for autoimmune disorders.

  Toxicity and Heavy Metal Poisoning

It is believed that heavy metal poisoning, such as with vaccines that contain mercury and other toxins that are injected directly into the bloodstream as well as other toxic chemicals we are exposed to on a daily basis, are a major factor in the  underlying cause of autoimmune disorders.  A gentle detoxification is recommended so as not to detoxify the body too quickly causing a "healing crisis".  SAM-e can be helpful in detoxifying the liver and has been beneficial in some cases of Fibromyalgia.  Enviro Detox taken in small doses can also be helpful.

Resources:

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

About the Author:

Michelle Newport is a certified herbalist and naturopath and is the founder of Nature For Life, a company offering natural health consulting services and education.

Information in this article is provided for informational purposes and is not meant to substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider. Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

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Diet for graves disease

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