GRAVES

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Functional Medicine Protocol for Graves:

By Elena Genik

Functional medicine approaches 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 and TrAb).
   • Assessment of nutrient deficiencies (vitamin D, selenium, zinc, iodine, etc.).
   • Assessment of toxins & toxic overload (endocrine disruptors, environmental toxins, and heavy metals)
   • Assessment of underlying infections (parasites, EBV, Lyme, stealth infections, etc.)
   • Evaluation of adrenal function (cortisol levels).
2. Dietary Modifications:
   • Elimination of potential food triggers such as 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.
3. Nutritional Supplements: (scroll to the end for more info on each)
   • Selenium
   • Vitamin D
   • Zinc
   • Omega-3 fatty acids
   • Probiotics
   • B vitamins
   • L-carnitine
   • Glutathione
   • N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC)
   • Iron
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 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.
    • Individuals 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.

Some great combination products available:

• Thyroid support complex: Vitamin A, C, D, iodine, zinc, selenium, tyrosine, adrenal support herbs, turmeric
• Thyroid Synergy: Vitamin A, B2, iodine, zinc, selenium, copper, manganese, chromium, tyrosine, adrenal support herbs
• Stress Balance: multivitamin + adaptogens
• Adrenal Health Daily Support: multivitamin + adaptogens (milder)
• Liver Protect: selenium, NAC, ALA, milk thistle
• Liver GI Detox: extensive liver & gut healing herbs, anti-inflammatory

Don’t forget to select me, Elena Genik, as your provider and use the code “ELENA15” to get 15% 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.