I have had 2 patients recently who suffered with an overactive thyroid gland due to the autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease.  Both of these ladies shared important clues to the cause of their Graves' Disease- namely a dysfunctional immune system.

  • They had severe periodontal disease of the gums with gum retraction and infected gums
  • They had a deficiency of progesterone causing heavy menstrual bleeding and premenstrual syndrome
  • They were gluten intolerant
  • Their thyroid gland was swollen and inflamed
  • They had abnormally high levels of the antibodies called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Receptor antibodies
  • They were iron deficient due to their heavy menstrual bleeding and gluten intolerance
  • They were fatigued and suffered stress and anxiety even though they were being treated with drugs for the Graves’ disease, namely carbimazole and a beta blocker.
I recommended they see a good dentist and start to clean their teeth with a soft toothbrush three times daily. Also it is a good idea to swill sea salt in water around the mouth and to rub colloidal silver gel or solution into the gums as it is a good antibiotic. Extra vitamin C  and vitamin D  can make a huge improvement in gum disease. These women both needed to follow a gluten free diet and improve their liver function by eating more vegetable salads and fresh fruits. A good liver tonic  and a selenium supplement  can help the immune system. Magnesium  can help to relax the nervous system and help with a racing heart beat and insomnia that are associated with an overactive thyroid gland. An increase in the dietary intake of omega 3 essential fatty acids can help to reduce inflammation which is very high and out of control in Graves’ disease. The healthy essential fatty acids are found in oily fish (mackerel, sardines, trout, salmon and tuna), fish oil, krill oil, walnuts, hemp seeds, ground flaxseeds, chia seeds and avocadoes. Natural progesterone cream in a dose of 50 to 100mg daily can reduce heavy menstrual bleeding and cramps and also appears to calm the moods and promote thyroid balance. A blood test was done to check the levels of vitamin D in these 2 women, as it is imperative to overcome vitamin D deficiency in all autoimmune diseases. A urine test was done to check if these ladies were low in iodine and guess what? – They were both deficient in iodine! Some people mistakenly believe that Graves’ disease or overactive thyroid gland is due to too much iodine intake. In reality it is not; Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disease and there is often a family history of thyroid disease in patients with Graves’ disease. Check your family history and you will discover important leads to your health problems. Holistic medicine is very scientific, as it looks at all the causes and exacerbating factors of autoimmune diseases. Another interesting fact is that thyroid disease is the most common type of autoimmune disease. The above statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease.