Foods to Eat and Avoid

Diet can play an important role in managing Graves’ disease. For example, foods rich in selenium may help support thyroid function, while calcium-rich foods may protect bones. On the other hand, foods containing iodine can worsen Graves’ disease symptoms.

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune condition that damages your thyroid. It can cause hyperthyroidism, also called an overactive thyroid, which is when your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones.

The foods and drinks you consume may soothe or worsen the symptoms of Graves’ disease. Adapting your diet for Graves’ disease, alongside medical treatments, may help you manage the condition.

This article explains what foods to include or avoid if you have Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.

Graves’ disease damages your thyroid gland, which produces thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormones support the function of various organs and body systems, including your:

• heart and cardiovascular system
• respiratory system 
• gastrointestinal (GI) tract
• nervous system  
• reproductive system 

Your diet may reduce Graves’ disease symptoms if it supports:

• the health and function of your thyroid
• the health and function of the various organs that Graves’ disease may affect 
• your metabolism and overall health 

Getting enough of the following foods and nutrients may help with Graves’ disease.

Selenium is a mineral and antioxidant naturally present in certain foods and in the thyroid.

A 2017 review of studies suggests that taking organic selenium supplements may help manage Graves’ disease and other autoimmune thyroid conditions. This is because selenium can help support thyroid function.

Selenium may also help Graves’ orbitopathy. This is when Graves’ disease causes swelling in the eyes. For example, selenium may help:

• improve or relieve eye symptoms
• slow the progression of eye problems
• improve quality of life

Food sources of selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• spaghetti
• cottage cheese
• oatmeal cooked with water

Brazil nuts are very high in selenium. Just one nut can contain around twice the daily recommended amount for adults.

Eating too much selenium can be harmful. Talk with a doctor before eating more than a few Brazil nuts per day or if you have new symptoms after eating a Brazil nut.

Learn more about selenium and the role of antioxidants.

Hyperthyroidism can cause osteoporosis, causing your bones to weaken and increasing your risk of fractures.

Calcium can help build and maintain strong bones and teeth.

Some dairy products are high in calcium but contain iodine. Too much iodine sometimes worsens Graves’ disease symptoms.

Low iodine foods that contain calcium include:

• fortified orange juice
• spinach
• fortified breakfast cereals

Read more about osteoporosis symptoms, causes, and treatment.

Some research suggests that people with Graves’ disease tend to have lower levels of magnesium.

Magnesium may also help promote muscle and bone strength. It may also improve fatigue, a common Graves’ disease symptom.

Magnesium-rich foods include:

• pumpkin seeds
• chia seeds
• almonds, cashews, and peanuts
• spinach
• black beans and edamame
• potatoes

Fruits and vegetables are a rich source of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, which promote overall health.

Getting enough fruits and vegetables may lower your risk of cardiovascular problems. Without effective treatment, Graves’ disease can increase your chances of cardiovascular conditions such as stroke and heart failure.

Try to include a wide range of fruits and vegetables of different colors in your diet every day. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) generally recommends adults eat at least 2 to 4 cups of vegetables per day.

A 2018 review suggests that iron deficiency can worsen thyroid function.

Researchers add that autoimmune thyroid conditions often occur with other conditions like autoimmune gastritis. Autoimmune gastritis can contribute to iron deficiency, further worsening thyroid function. 

Try to consume enough iron to reduce your risk of deficiency.

Food sources of iron include:

• iron-fortified breakfast cereals
• white beans
• kidney beans
• lentils
• chickpeas
• cashew nuts
• potatoes
• spinach
• tomatoes

Graves’ disease can cause various muscle problems, including muscle loss and swelling.

Protein is a key nutrient that can also help your body maintain, grow, and repair muscle mass.

Lean protein options include poultry without the skin, beans, and seitan.

Your medical team may recommend limiting the following foods or ingredients to manage Graves’ disease.

Iodine is a mineral present in certain foods. Your thyroid uses iodine to make thyroid hormones.

Eating too much iodine can cause your thyroid gland to raise its hormone production further, worsening Graves’ disease.

Doctors recommend following a low iodine diet if you have Graves’ disease. However, you may need to keep small levels of iodine in your diet, as deficiencies can also pose health risks.

Foods and products that can be high in iodine include:

• iodized salt
• seafood, including fish, shellfish, and seaweed
• some preprepared or highly processed breads and pastas
• some dairy products, which can vary per product and brand

As well as the foods above, the American Thyroid Association lists other foods to limit for a low iodine diet:

• commercially prepared bakery products, as they may be made with iodate dough conditioners
• egg yolks, whole eggs, and foods containing whole eggs
• soy products
• vitamins or supplements that contain iodine 
• herbal supplements, unless your doctor recommends them
• milk chocolate that contains dairy
• FD&C red dye No. 3, which is a type of color additive in certain foods and beverages
• blackstrap molasses
• foods that contain the additives:
  • carrageen
  • agar-agar
  • alginate
  • nori

Evidence of whether a gluten-free diet helps Graves’ disease is mixed.

Some people have tried a gluten-free diet and found improvements in their symptoms.

Still, researchers haven’t been able to confirm any benefits for people who do not also have a gluten sensitivity or intolerance.

If you have cardiovascular problems such as arrhythmia, caffeine can aggravate your symptoms.

However, a 2023 study analyzing data from 2007 to 2012 reports that drinking two to three cups of coffee per day should not increase the risk of arrhythmia if you don’t already have it.

Talk with a doctor if you notice new, worse, or persistent symptoms after having caffeine.

Megan Soliman, MD, has also reviewed the answers to these frequently asked questions.

Factors that trigger a Graves’ disease flare-up can include:

• eating too much iodine
• smoking
• pregnancy
• infection or other illness
• stress

Lifestyle approaches for managing Graves’ disease include:

• eating a balanced diet of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains
• avoiding iodine-rich foods
• getting regular physical activity
• managing stress

Eating foods rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron may improve Graves’ disease symptoms. Exercising regularly may also help.

There is no cure for Graves’ disease. Natural methods cannot treat the condition alone.

However, lifestyle approaches, such as eating a balanced diet, can help improve Graves’ disease management alongside medical treatments.

Foods that may help support your health with Graves’ disease include:

• fruits
• vegetables
• lean proteins
• calcium-rich foods
• selenium-rich foods
• magnesium-rich foods

Doctors may also recommend limiting foods rich in iodine, such as dairy, seafood, and soy products.

Talk with a doctor or registered dietitian if you have questions about your nutrition, especially before making significant diet changes.