Grave’s diseases happens to be an autoimmune disorder that affects the body’s immune system. Usually occurring in conjunction with hyperthyroidism, Grave’s disease if not treated in a timely manner, will lead to several health related complications in the future.
Grave’s disease can be effectively treated with the right combination of diet and exercises. Given below are some options that would help you deal with the condition better.
Dietary considerations for Grave’s Disease
While there is no strict diet for Grave’s disease, eating healthy foods is one of the ways to treat the condition and not aggravate its symptoms. Since body conditions and constraints vary from individual from individual, it is considered wise to check with the doctor beforehand to create a personalized meal plan to treat the condition better. Accordingly, here is a generalized view of what one should eat and avoid when suffering from Grave’s disease.
Berries
Berries contain plenty of antioxidants that help protect the immune system and keep it strong. Since Grave’s disease attacks the immune system, eating berries like raspberries, blackberries and blueberries can help prevent the degeneration of the healthy tissues in the body by this autoimmune disease. Eating at least 2 servings of these berries can therefore, keep your immune system strong and improve overall health.
Dairy Foods
The body would need plenty of calcium in order to counteract the bone loss caused by Grave’s disease. You would need plenty of calcium to rebuild the bones that are affected by the condition. Foods like cheese, yogurt, milk and other dairy products can provide you with the calcium you need. Also make it a point to eat foods rich in Vitamin D, as it would help your body absorb the calcium faster. 3 servings of calcium rich foods a day would offer ample protection from the bone degeneration effects of Grave’s disease.
Vitamin D rich foods
Vitamin D is needed by the body to absorb calcium better. Hence, it is considered wise to eat foods rich in the nutrient, including eggs, salmon and mushrooms. The body also absorbs Vitamin D from the sun’s rays although too much exposure can result in skin cancer. Vitamin D supplements can also help the body receive the necessary amount of Vitamin D it requires to work with calcium and keep the bones strong.
Green, leafy vegetables
Dark, green leafy vegetables like broccoli, kale and cauliflower are known to reduce the production of excess thyroid by the thyroid gland, thereby treating hyperthyroidism, which in turn, would help treat Grave’s disease effectively. One cup of cruciferous vegetables every day would thus, help in the treatment of Grave’s disease.
Protein rich foods
Protein helps build body muscle and keeps the body energetic for long periods. Grave’s disease can cause drastic weight loss. Hence, eating protein rich foods can help your body maintain its muscle mass effectively. A single serving of protein rich foods like beans, chicken, turkey and nuts, etc. on a daily basis can restore lost muscle mass, thus treating Grave’s disease and its symptoms effectively.
Omega 3 Fatty Acids
Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids can help boost the body’s immune system and keep it strong. Since the body does not produce these acids naturally, you would need to opt for external sources like olive oil, walnuts and salmon, etc. to get them. Accordingly, 1-2 servings of foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids would be adequate for the body to treat Grave’s disease in the long run.
Foods to avoid
Individuals suffering from Grave’s disease would also need to avoid certain foods in order for their diet and exercise to be effective in treating the condition. Accordingly, some of the foods you need to avoid during treatment include caffeine and other food allergens like wheat, corn and dairy products.
Exercise Considerations for Grave’s Disease
Individuals suffering from Grave’s disease would also need to opt for certain diseases along with their diet in order to treat the condition effectively. It is considered wise to opt for exercises that help improve blood circulation and strengthen the heart. Exercises that improve muscle tone are also considered advisable during this period.
Individuals with Grave’s disease are also often prescribed weight-bearing exercises in order to retain bone density. Regular exercises will also help improve appetite, thereby curbing the weight loss that accompanies Grave’s disease.
Summary
Grave’s disease tends to affect the immune system. The above-mentioned dietary considerations as well as exercises would help an individual treat the condition better.