Heal Hyperthyroidism & Grave's Disease Naturally
Hyperthyroidism and Grave's Disease are autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms like weight loss, anxiety, and sleep disturbances. Conventional treatments typically aim to manage symptoms and might involve medications, radioactive iodine therapy, or even surgery. However, these approaches often overlook the root causes of the condition.
Functional medicine offers a more holistic, natural solution, focusing on addressing underlying factors to restore health and improve quality of life. In the latest episode of the Sleep Like a Boss podcast, I was joined by Dr. Eric Osansky who explained how functional medicine can provide a path to healing for those with hyperthyroidism or Grave’s Disease.
Dr. Eric Osansky is a chiropractor, clinical nutritionist, and a certified functional medicine practitioner who has over 20 years of experience in health in wellness, and has been helping people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions since 2009. He is the author of the books "Natural Treatment Solutions for Hyperthyroidism and Graves' Disease", "The Hyperthyroid Healing Diet", and "Hashimoto's Triggers", and is the host of the Save My Thyroid podcast. Dr. Osansky was personally diagnosed in 2008 with Graves’ disease, and after seeing how well a natural treatment approach helped with his condition, he began helping others with different types of thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, and hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Understanding Hyperthyroidism and Grave's Disease
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive, producing excessive amounts of thyroid hormones. These hormones regulate many essential functions, including metabolism, energy production, and heart rate. When the thyroid produces too many hormones, it can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, irritability, hair thinning, and sleep issues.
Grave’s Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is classified as an autoimmune disorder. In Grave’s Disease, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to overproduce hormones. This autoimmune response further complicates the condition, making treatment more complex.
Both conditions, left unmanaged, can lead to more severe complications, affecting overall well-being, heart health, and emotional stability.
The Role of Functional Medicine
Functional medicine shifts the focus from symptom management to identifying and addressing the root causes of disease. Instead of viewing hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease as isolated conditions, functional medicine looks at the interconnected systems in the body to uncover triggers that may contribute to thyroid dysfunction.
For instance, triggers such as chronic stress, environmental toxins, infections, or dietary imbalances can contribute to the onset of autoimmune conditions. Functional medicine takes a personalized approach to identify these triggers and restore balance in the body. The ultimate goal is to help the thyroid function properly, while also supporting the immune system and reducing inflammation.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Healing hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease naturally starts with diet and lifestyle adjustments. Certain foods can trigger inflammation and worsen thyroid function, so dietary changes are a critical first step in any functional medicine protocol.
Eliminating gluten and dairy, which are common inflammatory foods, is often recommended for people with autoimmune conditions. Additionally, reducing exposure to processed foods, refined sugars, and artificial ingredients can lessen the burden on the immune system.
Many functional medicine practitioners suggest following a Paleo or Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet, which focuses on whole, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, lean proteins, healthy fats, and low-glycemic fruits. These diets also emphasize the importance of avoiding common allergens and inflammatory triggers to promote gut health and reduce autoimmune activity.
Lifestyle modifications, such as managing stress, are equally important. Chronic stress is known to worsen hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease by promoting hormone imbalances. Incorporating stress-relief techniques like mindfulness meditation, yoga, or regular exercise can support the body’s natural healing processes. Prioritizing quality sleep is also essential, as restful sleep helps regulate the immune system and improves overall thyroid function.
“When the thyroid produces too many hormones, it can cause symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, weight loss, irritability, hair thinning, and sleep issues. Grave’s Disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and is classified as an autoimmune disorder.”
Gut Health and Autoimmunity
The gut plays a central role in immune health, and research indicates that leaky gut syndrome (increased intestinal permeability) is often present in people with autoimmune conditions like Grave’s Disease. Leaky gut allows harmful substances to escape the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream, triggering inflammation and immune system responses that can exacerbate thyroid dysfunction.
Healing the gut is crucial for anyone looking to manage autoimmune diseases naturally. This often involves adopting a gut-friendly diet, incorporating probiotics and prebiotics, and using targeted supplements to repair the intestinal lining. Reducing inflammation in the gut can have a powerful impact on overall immune health, and by extension, thyroid function.
Testing and Monitoring
While conventional medicine primarily monitors thyroid hormone levels (TSH, T3, and T4), functional medicine practitioners go beyond these basic tests. Comprehensive testing includes thyroid antibodies, which can reveal whether the immune system is actively attacking the thyroid. This deeper insight allows practitioners to create more targeted interventions based on the autoimmune activity present.
Monitoring these markers over time is essential, as it provides valuable data on how the body is responding to treatments and whether adjustments to the protocol are necessary.
Natural Treatment Options
Functional medicine emphasizes the use of natural remedies to support thyroid health and modulate the immune system. Several herbal treatments have shown promise in managing symptoms of hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease:
Bugleweed and motherwort are herbs known to reduce symptoms like heart palpitations and anxiety by calming an overactive thyroid.
Lemon balm has been used for its soothing properties, helping to alleviate stress and anxiety, which can further regulate thyroid hormone production.
Additionally, L-carnitine, a nutritional supplement, has been studied for its ability to reduce the overactivity of the thyroid, and low-dose naltrexone (LDN) has shown potential in modulating immune system activity, making it a promising option for autoimmune conditions like Grave’s Disease.
The Importance of Individualized Care
No two cases of hyperthyroidism or Grave’s Disease are the same, which is why individualized care is crucial. Each person’s triggers, symptoms, and overall health vary, and a functional medicine approach customizes treatments to each individual. Working closely with a functional medicine practitioner allows for continuous monitoring and adjustments, ensuring that the body heals at its own pace.
Personalized treatment plans take into account not only physical health but also emotional and mental well-being. This comprehensive approach ensures that all aspects of thyroid dysfunction are addressed, helping individuals restore balance and regain their quality of life.
Hyperthyroidism and Grave's Disease can significantly impact your health, but functional medicine offers a promising, natural way to heal. By addressing the root causes—whether they stem from stress, diet, or gut health—you can work towards restoring thyroid function and improving your overall well-being. If you're struggling with these conditions, consider seeking out a functional medicine practitioner who can provide personalized care and help guide you toward healing. With the right approach, it’s possible to heal hyperthyroidism and Grave’s Disease naturally, and reclaim a life of vitality and balance.
If you want to learn more about Dr. Eric Osansky and his work, make sure you connect with him on Facebook and take a look at his YouTube channel.
