Getting out of an early Grave's Q: Do you have any information on natural cures for Grave's disease? JVW: Grave's disease is a condition in which the immune system interferes with the work of the thyroid gland (though no one really knows why this happens). Many of the common symptoms of Grave's disease are the same as other cases of hyperthyroidism, such as weight loss, increased appetite, heart palpitations, elevated blood pressure, increased sweating, soft fingernails, diarrhea, tremors, restlessness, and irritability. However, this autoimmune disease also has an effect on the skin and eyes. One hallmark of the disease is bulging eyes, which is caused by fluid retention in the tissues behind the eyes and inflammation. Skin changes, such as red, thick, swollen skin on the shins and sometimes the tops of the feet are also a symptom of the disease. Mainstream treatments completely shut down the production of thyroid hormone using dangerous patent medicines. But lithium can get to the root of the problem much more safely. In 1972, Mayo Clinic researchers published the first clinical investigation of lithium treatment for Graves' disease. Using high-dose lithium for 10 individuals, they reported that thyroid hormone levels fell by 20-30 percent within five days. Twenty-six years later, in a review of more than 10 successful trials of lithium therapy for Graves' disease, the authors wrote: "a small number of studies have documented [lithium's] use in the treatment of patients with Graves' disease... it's efficacy and utility as an alternative anti-thyroid [treatment] are not widely recognized..." They also note lithium's rapid effect: "Lithium normalizes [thyroid hormone] levels in one to two weeks..." Of course, they also caution that "toxicity precludes its use as a first-line or long-term therapeutic agent." But if they'd just added flaxseed oil and vitamin E to their treatment, they would have basically eliminated the risk of toxicity. Herbs also offer effective relief for hyperthyroidism and Grave's disease. For more details on which herbs are best for this particular condition, refer back to the article "Calming an overactive thyroid with nature's soothing herbs," by Kerry Bone in the September 2001 issue of Nutrition & Healing. (Subscribers can download and view this issue for free by logging on to the archives section of www.wrightnewsletter.com with the username and password listed on page 8 of your most recent newsletter.) If you're interested in learning more about lithium or herbal treatment for Grave's disease, consult with a physician skilled in natural medicine. To find one near you, contact the American College for Advancement in Medicine (800-532-3688 or www.acam.org).
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