Foods rich in calcium, selenium, vitamin D, and magnesium may help support your overall health if you have Graves’ disease. Other foods, including those high in iodine, may worsen symptoms.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that causes hyperthyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones.

It’s usually managed with medical treatments like medications or radioactive iodine (RAI) ablation. But making some dietary and lifestyle changes may also help maintain remission and support your overall health.

Keep reading to learn more about what foods to eat and limit if you have Graves’ disease.

A note on diet and Graves’ disease

Some foods rich in specific nutrients may help manage symptoms associated with Graves’ disease.

However, it’s important to note that limited research has examined the specific role of diet in Graves’ disease management.

Consider speaking with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian about the best dietary approach for managing your condition.

Here are some foods that may help manage symptoms of Graves’ disease.

Calcium-rich foods

Hyperthyroidism may increase bone resorption and osteoclastic activity. These are normal processes involved in bone remodelling, but more activity may increase the risk of brittle bones and osteoporosis.

However, some calcium-rich dairy products may contain iodine, and consuming too much iodine may lead to worsening symptoms if you have hyperthyroidism.

As such, you may wish to consider eating non-dairy sources of calcium, such as:

  • broccoli
  • kale
  • okra
  • chia seeds
  • sardines
  • salmon
  • soybeans and tofu

A doctor or dietitian can help you determine which dairy products are suitable for you to eat and which ones to avoid.

Foods high in magnesium

If your body doesn’t have enough magnesium, it can affect its ability to transport calcium and potassium across cells. All of these nutrients play an important role in supporting bone health.

Foods high in magnesium may include:

  • pumpkin seeds
  • chia seeds
  • spinach
  • almonds
  • dark chocolate
  • brazil nuts
  • cashews
  • legumes
  • avocados
  • chicken breast

Foods containing selenium

Some researchers hypothesize that a selenium deficiency may be related to thyroid eye disease in people with Graves’ disease. This could cause bulging eyeballs and double vision.

Selenium is an antioxidant and a mineral that can be found in:

  • brazil nuts
  • brown rice
  • sunflower seeds
  • sardines
  • tuna
  • shrimp
  • turkey

While some nutrients may exacerbate symptoms of Graves’ disease, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional before eliminating certain foods, as this may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies.

You may want to keep a food diary to track the types and quantities of food you eat, as well as any symptoms you experience afterward. This can help you identify possible trigger foods.

Some types of food to consider eliminating include:

Gluten

According to a 2022 study, there’s a higher incidence of autoimmune thyroid disease in people with celiac disease than in the general population. This may be due, in part, to a genetic link.

People with celiac disease experience an autoimmune reaction after consuming foods or drinks containing gluten. The reaction can damage the intestinal lining, making it harder for the body to absorb nutrients from food.

If you have Graves’ disease and celiac disease, a doctor may recommend avoiding gluten-containing products, such as:

  • wheat and wheat products
  • rye
  • barley
  • malt
  • triticale
  • brewer’s yeast
  • grains, such as spelt, kamut, farro, and durum

Dietary iodine

The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK) notes that consuming too much iodine might trigger hyperthyroidism in people with Graves’ disease.

That said, iodine is a micronutrient essential for health and development, so it’s important to consume enough.

Iodine-fortified foods include:

  • salt
  • products made with iodine-fortified salt

Foods that are naturally high in iodine can include:

  • fish, especially white fish, such as haddock and cod
  • oysters
  • seaweed and kelp

Some medications and multivitamins may also contain iodine.

A doctor can determine if you need to make any dietary changes or avoid any sources of iodine.

Meat and animal products

An older 2014 study found that vegetarians had lower rates of hyperthyroidism than those who followed a non-vegetarian diet. Researchers noted the most significant benefit in those who avoided animal products, such as:

  • beef
  • chicken
  • pork
  • fish

That said, a 2024 review suggests that following a strict plant-based diet may increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies associated with Graves’ disease, such as selenium, which is often found in animal products.

Following a Mediterranean diet may be a suitable compromise. A 2023 review found that a Mediterranean diet may potentially protect against autoimmune hyperthyroidism. However, additional research is needed.

This eating plan is mostly plant-based and includes:

  • vegetables
  • whole grains
  • fruit
  • moderate consumption of fish and seafood
  • olive oil
  • limited consumption of meat, processed foods, and alcohol

No specific foods trigger Graves’ disease, but people may experience worsening symptoms of hyperthyroidism if they consume too much iodine. Many foods contain iodine, including those made with iodized salt and other foods that naturally contain iodine.

Additionally, if you have celiac disease, consuming food containing gluten may cause an autoimmune reaction and worsen symptoms of celiac disease.

It’s best to speak with a doctor before taking vitamins if you have Graves’ disease. Many vitamins, including multivitamins, contain iodine, which, when consumed in excess, can exacerbate symptoms. A doctor may recommend changes to your diet.

There’s no cure for Graves’s disease, but treatment can depend on factors like your symptoms. Treatment may include certain medications, radioactive iodine therapy, and thyroid surgery. Doctors may also recommend paying attention to your iodine intake, as excessive consumption may worsen symptoms.

Graves’ disease is a leading cause of hyperthyroidism. Doctors may recommend changes to your diet to support your overall health if you have Graves’ disease or an autoimmune thyroid condition.

They may recommend eating a nutritious diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables. You may also need to monitor your iodine intake.

Talking with a doctor or a dietitian and keeping a food diary can help you determine what to eat and avoid.