The condition known as hyperthyroidism is often the result of an underlying autoimmune disorder known as Graves' disease. A variety of herbs and nutrients have properties that can enhance the well-being of someone with Graves'.
Graves' Disease as the Cause of Hyperthyroidism
There are a few different thyroid conditions which affect the health of Americans, and one of those is Graves' disease. More than 12 percent of inhabitants of the U.S. are estimated to experience a thyroid condition during their lifetime. About 1 percent of the population is estimated to specifically have Graves's Disease; It's purported that more than half of those with Graves's disease are in fact unaware that they have it.
Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder, and it is the foremost cause of hyperthyroidism, which is an overproduction of hormones within the thyroid. This disease is often the result of genetic factors; However, Graves' can be precipitated by external factors as well including pregnancy, smoking, and stressful life experiences.
Graves' can lead to a number of symptoms. Goiter (enlarged thyroid), fatigue, weight loss, and trouble sleeping are common. Other symptoms can include sensitivity to heat, a tremor in the hands, menstruation disruptions in women, and erectile dysfunction in men. Some people with the disease experience symptoms in their eyes as well, but this is treated distinctively from cases without it.
Supplements for Graves' Disease
The thyroid produces and uses a variety of hormones and substances in the body. Therefore, the quality and substance of your nutrient intake can have a bearing on your thyroid health if you experience hypothyroidism/Graves' Disease. Here are some dietary supplements that can be of particular use for this disease.
Probiotics: Probiotic bacteria, specifically that of Lactobacillus acidophilus, can be helpful for those with hypothyroidism and have a compromised immune system. This healthy bacteria can support the gut microbiome and improve immunity, as well as the gastrointestinal system. These could bring improvement if you experience symptoms in these areas.
L-carnitine plays a critical role in energy production in the human body. Hyperthyroidism can cause your body's stores of L-carnitine to be depleted. Taking L-carnitine can help reduce the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and improve general quality of life.
Selenium could improve health outcomes in individuals with Graves' disease; 100-300 mcg of selenium per day has been shown in one study to reduce thyroid symptoms after 6 months.
Vitamin B12 is a vitamin for which those with Graves' disease are often found to have a deficiency Supplementing with B12 can restore the flourishing of this vitamin in the body, which has a variety of benefits.
Vitamin D is yet another vitamin that is often deficient in those with this disease. Taking a vitamin D supplement can make up for this, and improve thyroid function.
Coenzyme Q10 (Coenzyme Q10) is an enzyme whose presence and activity in the body can be curtailed to the point of deficiency by Graves' disease, leading to negative health outcomes in the area of heart health. Supplementing with CoQ10 can mitigate these issues and improve cardiac functioning in those with hyperthyroidism.
If you or a loved one experience Graves' disease/hyperthyroidism, then consider how the above supplements might help. It is highly recommended that you talk to your healthcare provider before taking one of these supplements, since some of these can interact with certain medications.