CONTRIBUTED CONTENT - Graves’ disease: Symptoms, root causes and natural support
When the thyroid becomes overactive, the body can feel as though it is running without brakes. Racing heart, tremors, anxiety, sweating, sleeplessness, and unexplained weight changes are common symptoms of Graves’ disease. But what causes the thyroid to become overactive? I always want to know WHY?
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition in which antibodies stimulate excessive thyroid hormone production. Yet the underlying process may begin long before diagnosis. Many people experience hypothyroidism long before developing Graves’ disease, while others have evolving immune disturbances without previously measurable thyroid dysfunction. Disease rarely tells us exactly when it began.
An underactive thyroid may produce fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, brain fog, dry skin and hair, hair loss, and cold intolerance. An overactive thyroid commonly causes palpitations, anxiety, tremors, heat intolerance, sweating, frequent bowel movements, sleeplessness, and weight loss, although weight gain can also occur.
If you’re experiencing these symptoms but your doctor checks only one or two thyroid markers and declares everything “normal,” don’t dismiss your concerns. TSH is a useful initial screening test, but persistent symptoms deserve further investigation. Depending on the circumstances, free T4, T3, thyroid antibodies, and evaluation of pituitary function may be appropriate. Ask your physician to investigate further or seek another opinion. Normal thyroid results don’t necessarily mean your symptoms have no underlying cause.
When looking at the WHY’s, chronic stress is one consideration. Prolonged physical or emotional stress influences adrenal function, cortisol, immune activity, and thyroid regulation. Poor sleep compounds these disturbances, limiting the body’s opportunities for repair.
Nutrients such as selenium, zinc, iron, vitamin D, and B vitamins play important roles in thyroid and immune health. Identifying and addressing deficiencies is important. Whole-food nutrition and whole food supplements provide complex combinations of nutrients that isolated synthetic supplements cannot duplicate. Iodine is essential, but excessive iodine can aggravate Graves’ disease.
The thyroid doesn’t function alone. The hypothalamus and pituitary coordinate thyroid signaling, the liver processes thyroid hormones, the pancreas regulates blood sugar, and the digestive system supplies essential nutrients. Poor diet, excessive sugar, alcohol and caffeine, inflammation, smoking, genetic susceptibility, and environmental exposures may contribute to the broader picture of what caused this disease in the first place.
Acupuncture provides an important avenue of support. Its applications include stress relief, addressing circulation, muscular tension, digestion, sleep, pain, and affects inflammatory and hormonal signaling. Individualized treatments can support people experiencing fatigue, anxiety, digestive disturbances, weight gain or loss, and other accompanying symptoms.
Because uncontrolled Graves’ disease can damage the heart, bones, and eyes, appropriate treatment and monitoring are essential. Do not ignore your symptoms.
The goal isn’t simply to quiet an overactive thyroid. It’s to recognize the contributing factors, investigate persistent symptoms, and address the body’s broader needs for lasting health.
Want to explore this topic further? Listen to Ep 136, “The Thyroid and Lab Tests,” and Ep 7, “Understanding Your Thyroid and Its Role in Your Health,” on the VitalHealth4You podcast. Find VitalHealth4You on your favorite podcast app or visit vitalhealthcda.com/podcasts/
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Holly Carling is a Doctor of Oriental Medicine, Licensed Acupuncturist, Doctor of Naturopathy, Clinical Nutritionist and Master Herbologist with over four decades of experience. Holly is a “Health Detective.” She looks beyond your symptom picture and investigates WHY you are experiencing your symptoms in the first place.
Holly is currently accepting new patients and offers natural health care services and whole food nutritional supplements in her Coeur d’Alene clinic. Visit her website at www.vitalhealthcda.com to learn more about Holly, view a list of upcoming health classes and read other informative articles.
Holly Carling can be reached at 208-765-1994 and would be happy to answer any questions regarding this topic.