GRAVES

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Functional Protocol for Graves:

By Elena Genik

Functional medicine approach to Graves’ disease, an autoimmune disorder causing hyperthyroidism, from a holistic perspective, addressing underlying imbalances in the body. It involves a comprehensive protocol focusing on diet, lifestyle modifications, supplementation, stress management, and supporting overall health. Here’s a generalized protocol:

1. Comprehensive Assessment:
   • Thorough medical history and evaluation of symptoms.
   • Comprehensive thyroid panel including TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TSI, TrAb, TPO).
   • Assessment of nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, selenium, magnesium, zinc, iodine, etc.).
   • Assessment of toxins & toxic overload (endocrine disruptors, environmental toxins, mycotoxins/mold and heavy metals)
   • Assessment of underlying infections (parasites, EBV, Lyme, stealth infections, etc.)
   • Evaluation of adrenal function (cortisol and metabolite levels).
2. Dietary Modifications:
   • Elimination of potential food triggers such as allergens, gluten, dairy, and processed foods.
   • Emphasis on whole, nutrient-dense foods including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and whole grains.
   • Consideration of an anti-inflammatory diet rich in antioxidants to reduce autoimmune response. (Check out the Thyriving Thyroid-Happy Diet for ideas)
   • Regular hydration with filtered water and electrolytes.
3. Nutritional Supplements: (scroll to the end for more info on each)
   • Selenium (with or without Myoinositol)
   • Vitamin D
   • Zinc
   • Omega-3 fatty acids
   • Probiotics
   • B vitamins
   • L-carnitine
   • Glutathione
   • N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
   • Iron
   • B-vitamins
   • Bugleweed
   • Motherwort
   • Lemon Balm
   • Omega-3
   • Inflammatone (Anti-inflammatories: Quercetin, Resveratrol, Turmeric/Curcumin, Boswelia, Ginger, more)
   • Glutamine
   • Colostrum
   • NAC or Glutathione
4. Stress Management:
   • Mind-body practices such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, or deep breathing exercises to reduce stress and support adrenal health.
   • Adequate sleep (7-9 hours per night) to support hormone regulation and immune function.
   • Counseling or therapy if necessary to address emotional stressors.
5. Lifestyle Modifications:
   • Regular exercise tailored to individual capacity, such as walking, yoga, or strength training.
   • Avoidance of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.
   • Limitation of exposure to environmental toxins.
6. Gut Health Optimization:
   • Support gut health with fiber-rich foods, fermented foods, and prebiotics.
   • Consideration of gut-healing protocols if there are underlying gut issues such as pathogens and/or leaky gut syndrome.
7. Medical Supervision and Medication Management:
   • Close monitoring by a qualified healthcare provider specializing in functional medicine.
   • Coordination with an endocrinologist for medication management, if necessary, to regulate thyroid function.
   • Adjustment of medication dosages as needed based on regular thyroid panels.
8. Regular Monitoring and Adjustments:
   • Periodic reassessment of symptoms and laboratory markers to track progress.
   • Adjustments to the protocol as needed based on individual response and ongoing evaluation of underlying imbalances.
9. Patient Education and Empowerment:
   • Empower the patient with knowledge about their condition and the importance of lifestyle interventions in managing autoimmune diseases.
   • Encourage active participation in their health journey and compliance with the prescribed protocol.
10. Community Support:
    • Encourage involvement in support groups or online communities for individuals with Graves’ disease to share experiences, resources, and encouragement.
    • Thyriving community!

It’s crucial to emphasize that this protocol should be personalized based on individual needs, preferences, and medical history. Working closely with a healthcare provider well-versed in functional medicine and autoimmune disorders is essential for optimal outcomes.

Nutritional Supplements for Graves Disease:

1. Selenium:
   • Recommended dosage: 200 to 400 mcg per day.
   • Selenomethionine is the most bioavailable (best-absorbed) version.
   • Selenium is essential for thyroid hormone metabolism and has antioxidant properties that help reduce inflammation and autoimmune response.
   • Food sources include Brazil nuts, seafood, organ meats, and sunflower seeds, but supplementation may be necessary to reach therapeutic levels.
2. Vitamin D:
   • Recommended dosage: 1000 to 5000 IU per day, ideally with vitamin K2 for better absorption.
   • Vitamin D plays a crucial role in immune regulation and may help modulate autoimmune responses.
   • Sun exposure is the primary source of vitamin D, but supplementation is often necessary, especially in regions with limited sunlight or for individuals with low levels.
3. Zinc:
   • Recommended dosage: 15 to 30 mg per day.
   • Zinc is important for immune function and thyroid hormone production.
   • Food sources include oysters, red meat, poultry, beans, nuts, and seeds, but supplementation may be required to address deficiencies.
4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (Fish oil):
   • Recommended dosage: 1000 to 3000 mg of combined EPA and DHA per day.
   • Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and support cardiovascular and cognitive health.
   • Sources include fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), fish oil supplements, flaxseeds, chia seeds, and walnuts.
5. Probiotics:
   • Recommended dosage: Varies depending on the strain and potency.
   • Probiotics support gut health and immune function by restoring the balance of beneficial bacteria in the gut.
   • Look for a multi-strain probiotic supplement with at least 10 billion CFUs (colony-forming units) per serving.
6. B Vitamins:
   • Recommended dosage: B-complex supplement providing daily values for various B vitamins.
   • B vitamins are essential for energy production, adrenal function, and nervous system health.
   • Food sources include meat, fish, poultry, eggs, dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified grains.
7. L-Carnitine:
   • Recommended dosage: 500 to 2000 mg per day.
   • L-Carnitine plays a role in thyroid hormone metabolism and may help reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
   • It also has antioxidant properties and supports energy production by transporting fatty acids into the mitochondria.
   • Food sources include meat, fish, poultry, and dairy, but supplementation may be necessary for therapeutic effects.
8. Glutathione:
   • Recommended dosage: 500 to 1000 mg per day (or as recommended by a healthcare provider).
   • Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that supports immune function and helps reduce oxidative stress.
   • It plays a role in detoxification and may help mitigate autoimmune responses.
   • While glutathione is available in supplement form, it’s also produced in the body and can be supported through dietary sources of cysteine, such as whey protein, eggs, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables.
9. N-Acetylcysteine (NAC):
   • Recommended dosage: 600 to 1800 mg per day.
   • NAC is a precursor to glutathione and supports its production in the body.
   • It has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce autoimmune activity and oxidative stress.
   • NAC also supports liver health and may aid in detoxification processes.
   • It’s commonly used as a mucolytic agent to help break down mucus in respiratory conditions.
10. Iron:
    • Recommended dosage: Varies depending on individual iron levels and requirements.
    • Iron is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis and overall energy production.
    • People with Graves’ disease may be at risk of iron deficiency anemia due to increased metabolic demands and potential gastrointestinal issues.
    • Iron can be obtained through dietary sources such as lean meats, poultry, fish, legumes, fortified grains, and dark leafy greens.
    • Iron supplementation should be tailored to individual needs and monitored closely to avoid excess iron accumulation, especially in individuals with underlying conditions such as hemochromatosis.
11. B-Vitamins
    • B-complex including B-12 comes in various dosages.
    • Essential for energy production, hormone synthesis, methylation, and overall cellular function.
    • B vitamins are found in foods like whole grains, leafy greens, eggs, dairy, meat, fish, legumes, nuts, seeds.
    • Pair B-vitamin-rich foods with a source of healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil) to enhance absorption.
    • For B12, ensure proper stomach acid levels as absorption can be reduced in people with gut issues or low stomach acid.

Thyroid-Specific Support:

• Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus): Helps reduce excessive thyroid hormone production and manage symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca): Supports calming of the heart rate and reduces palpitations associated with hyperthyroidism.
• Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis): Has calming effects on the nervous system and may help regulate thyroid function.
• L-Carnitine: Effective for managing hyperthyroidism symptoms by balancing thyroid hormone levels, reducing fatigue, muscle weakness, and restlessness.

Inflammation Management:

• Inflammatone (or a similar blend): Combines anti-inflammatory herbs and nutrients like turmeric, quercetin, and boswellia to help manage inflammation.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Essential for reducing systemic inflammation and supporting brain and heart health.

Antibody Reduction:

• Selenium (200 mcg daily): Shown to reduce thyroid antibody levels, improve thyroid function, and support overall immunity.
• Myoinositol: Works synergistically with selenium to further lower thyroid antibodies and improve thyroid health.

Gut Healing:

• Glutamine: Supports gut lining repair and improves intestinal barrier integrity, which is essential in autoimmune conditions.
• Colostrum: Rich in immunoglobulins, promotes gut healing, and strengthens the immune system to reduce autoimmune triggers.
• Probiotics: A high-quality, multi-strain probiotic to support gut health and maintain a balanced microbiome.

Antioxidant and Cellular Support:

• Vitamin C: Protects against oxidative stress and supports adrenal health.
• Glutathione: A master antioxidant to reduce oxidative stress caused by thyroid overactivity.
• NAC: Precursor to glutathione, helps support the liver and alleviates heavy metal burden, increases energy.
• Magnesium (Magnesium Citrate or Glycinate): Supports muscle relaxation, nerve function, and helps with stress management.

Some great combination products available: (find them via Fullscript or PharmToTable Store)

• Thyroid Antibody Support (Thyroid Specific Formulations): selenium, inositol, black cumin seed (nigella seed).
• Thyrommune (Designs For Health): combo of selenium + myoinositol.
• Thyroid Calming (Herb Pharm) or Thyroid Calmpound: Tincture contails bugleweed, motherwort, lemon balm.
• ThyroCalm Px (Restorative Formulations): combo of bugleweed, lemon balm, rosemary, selenium.
• ThyroSoothe (Thyroid Specific Formulations): Vit C, selenium, lemon balm, CoQ10, Quercetin- L-carnitine.
• Thyroid Synergy: Vitamin A, B2, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, tyrosine, adrenal support herbs. Do not take if hyperthyroid.
• Adrenal Health Daily Support: multivitamin + adaptogens (mild, helps with fatigue)
• Liver Protect: selenium, NAC, ALA, milk thistle
• Liver GI Detox: extensive liver & gut healing herbs, detox, anti-inflammatory
• Glutashield (Ortho Molecular): glutamine, licorice, aloe, zinc for gut lining.
• MegaMucosa (Microbiome Labs): various colostrum and amino acids.

Don’t forget to select me, Elena Genik, as your provider and use the code “ELENA10” to get 10% off!

Note:

This is NOT medical advice. Strictly for informational purposes only.

This protocol serves as a general guideline and should be personalized based on individual health conditions and needs. Consultation with a functional health practitioner or qualified healthcare professional is essential before initiating any new supplement or lifestyle changes and to determine the personalized doses required for each person. Regular monitoring and adjustments may be necessary based on individual responses and evolving health status.