Natural or functional medicine approaches to Graves’ disease complement conventional treatments and go deeper into addressing the root causes that trigger the condition. This approach focuses on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, restoring immune system balance, and suppressing the autoimmune process while preserving the thyroid.

Natural Supplements and Botanicals

Graves’ disease can be a serious condition that requires careful management. Therefore, it is essential to work with an integrative or functional medicine practitioner skilled in supplementation. He or she can determine which supplements, forms, and dosages are appropriate for your individual case. The following are some natural supplements that have been shown to reduce hyperthyroidism or its symptoms in Graves’ disease:

L-carnitine: Research shows that L-carnitine can reduce and prevent symptoms of hyperthyroidism and increase bone mineral density. It works by inhibiting the entry of T3 and T4 into the cell nuclei and is useful in thyroid storm or when a lower dose of MMI is required. High doses may cause stomach upset or diarrhea. These results are not applicable to acetyl-L-carnitine, D-carnitine, or DL-carnitine.
Selenium: Selenium supplementation may help achieve remission and enhance the effectiveness of ATDs. When combined with L-carnitine, one pilot study found that selenium reduced symptoms of hyperthyroidism and improved quality of life.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): Lemon balm extract can help manage hyperthyroidism by reducing thyroid hormone levels. In animal studies, it decreased oxidative stress and improved thyroid gland structure.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): This potent anti-inflammatory agent and antioxidant is often low in people with hyperthyroidism. Preclinical research and small studies suggest proper supplementation can restore optimal levels and improve cardiac function within one week in those with hyperthyroidism.

The 5R’s Functional Medicine Approach

The 5R approach in functional medicine can be particularly beneficial in managing Graves’ disease. Even after RAI or thyroidectomy, most of these therapies can still benefit Graves’ disease and overall health. The steps involved in this approach include the following:

Remove: Treat infections, minimize exposure to toxins, and eliminate foods that cause inflammation, such as gluten, dairy, soy, ultra-processed foods, and sugars. Avoid factors that increase intestinal permeability, including alcohol, certain medications, and stressors. Avoid caffeine if it increases heart rate or anxiety.
Replace: Supplement digestive enzymes and essential nutrients that may be deficient. A broad-spectrum, high-potency multivitamin and mineral supplement can provide general nutritional support and antioxidants to combat oxidative stress. Balance hormones as indicated by testing. Because supplement quality can vary drastically, it’s important to ensure professional-grade quality or enlist a health care practitioner to help.
Reinoculate: Rebuild the gut microbiome with prebiotic and probiotic foods and supplementation based on stool analysis.
Repair: Use gut-healing nutrients like collagen peptides, glutamine, curcumin, zinc L-carnosine, vitamins A and D, and omega-3 fatty acids to protect and repair the gut lining and help reduce inflammation.
Rebalance: Make lifestyle modifications to reduce stress, prioritize sleep, increase movement, and improve work–life balance. Eat an anti-inflammatory, nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods.

While there is no one-size-fits-all diet for Graves’ disease, anti-inflammatory diets such as the Paleo, autoimmune protocol (AIP), or Mediterranean diets may be helpful. What is inflammatory can vary by individual, so it is important to work with a nutrition professional to determine the best approach for you.

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