Graves Disease Treatment - Medical and Holistic Remedies

Here, you will learn about some available options for Graves disease treatment.

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder most often affecting the thyroid, causing what was at one time commonly referred to as a goiter.

Becoming overactive, a hyperthyroid condition can cause symptoms such as increased heartbeat, irritability, disturbed sleep and muscle weakness, as well as weight loss, even though eating typically increases. It can also affect the eyes, causing a bulging eye disorder known as proptosis. Other parts of the body that might be affected are the skin in the shin area of the legs, the heart, nervous system, and circulation.

About 2% of women are affected, often after childbirth, and it is believed to run in families more so in women than men. Smoking and even exposure to second-hand smoke raises the risk of Graves' eye disease rather than being directly involved with the thyroid.

The two signs that denote Graves' disease alone are the unusual protrusion of the eyeballs and the presence of a goiter. While a smaller goiter may go unnoticed, larger ones can be plainly seen by the naked eye.

It is a condition in which the thyroid over produces the thyroid hormone. It occurs in several diseases, of which Graves' disease is one. Others include toxic goiter and Thyroiditis, and Graves disease treatment is conditional of the cause.

Medically, beta blockers are commonly used for Graves disease treatment, and while these drugs have no effect on the gland itself, they have the ability to rapidly block the way the high hormone levels affect the heart as well as other vital organs.

With the use of anti-thyroid drugs, sufferers show remission in about 50% of all reported cases. Graves' disease most often returns in about 60% of these people. The most common side effect of these drugs is a rash which can be severe, requiring the medication be stopped. Joint swelling or liver inflammations are rarer side effects of the medications.

Radioactive iodine, as well as surgery, is also an available form of Graves disease treatment. In the US, radio-iodine is commonly used and has been used effectively for the last 50 years. The treatment consists of taking a pill that contains radioactive iodine. It is generally painless, though there might be mild soreness for a few days. Surgery is rarely a needed treatment.

On your path to wellness, such considerations as diet and stress reduction steps should be included as part of holistic Graves disease treatment. Getting iodine from the food you eat is far better than having it added. Try fish, which will also promote good amounts of essential omega 3 fatty acids. Watch foods containing too much salt, such as sushi, due to the seaweed.

Essential fatty acids in flax seed oil, which include good amounts of omega 3 fatty acids, help reduce inflammation. Oils such as bergamot, sage, lavender and chamomile have calming effects and can help with managing stress, along with meditating, yoga, prayer therapy, or deep breathing exercises. And do begin an exercise program, even if it is just brisk walking.

As part of holistic Graves disease treatments, eat plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, especially cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and broccoli), which all contain nature's own thyroid blockers. Drink plenty of good pure water and rest as often as you need to.

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