Re: Thank You -- Rita & ph

[Guest guest]

Rita and ph,

You are so very welcome. I am honored to have been able to help you. With

ph being so sick, it is all the more of a relief to know that we have

been able to help. He needn't suffer so, and I hope that he will be feeling

better soon (as I believe he will).

It is hard for me to advise you on his diet, as I'm not sure if they are

the same for those who did and did not have RAI. So forgive me if my ideas

are off...I will provide them and others can correct me.

My thoughts are, use common sense, and think about what our " natural " diet

was for our ancestors. Eat fresh whole foods (preferably organic) --

vegetables, fruits, nuts (regularly, but in small amounts), lean meats --

and avoid packaged or processed foods (I now limit restaurant food). Avoid

artificial sweeteners (including aspartame), MSG, soy, caffeine (coffee,

chocolate, colas), refined sugar, and alcohol. Trans-fats are bad for

everyone. Lean protein is good. NO SMOKING! (That one I'm sure about.)

Iodine is bad for hypers. Humans need 150mcg per day, no more. The American

diet is typically high in iodine. Iodine is found in iodized salt,

kelp/seaweed, shellfish and other seafood, dairy (that's all I can think of

right now). HypOs should not have too little iodine, from what I understand

(150mcg, like everyone else). If he is hypO, he should probably limit

goitrogens, like broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, cauliflower, peanuts,

etc. (brassica family vegetables), as they suppress thyroid function.

Flaxseed oil is good for eye symptoms, and perhaps helps the immune system.

Wheat can cause problems for some. Especially if there is a gluten

sensitivity. This can be checked by getting a test for anti-gliadin

antibodies. Those who are gluten intolerant have celiac disease. People

with thyroid disease are at high risk for this disease (as well as other

autoimmune diseases) and so should be tested for gluten sensitivity. If

positive, then foods with gluten are to be avoided.

Stress management is important (yoga, bike riding, tai chi, whatever floats

your boat). Stress is a known trigger for Graves'. Exercise is beneficial,

when his thyroid levels are stabilized within the normal range (but it

should be avoided if one is hyper, so as to not put a strain on the

overworked heart).

Proper rest and lots of water.

See, common sense. Most of these suggestions apply to everyone (except

perhaps avoiding fish and dairy). But still, I URGE YOU TO DO SOME RESEARCH

OF YOUR OWN. Please don't rely on what I wrote alone, as I am not an

expert. I am just another thyroid patient. When you see something that is

repeatedly suggested, and the sources are reliable, then you can put more

stock in it.

I won't get into supplements -- too complex, and everyone needs to do their

own homework, as it becomes so individual. But one recommendation is to

avoid things that stimulate the immune system, such as zinc, echinacea,

goldenseal, and ginseng. And make sure there is no iodine in any vitamins

that are taken.

At 11:20 PM 8/17/2003, you wrote:

>This is ph's wife,Rita. I want to personally Thank You for all

>you have done for us.