14 Foods to Avoid with Graves Disease

2. Cruciferous Vegetables

Although broccoli and cauliflower are healthy for most people, they should be avoided by those with Graves disease, those who have a tendency to develop goiters, and people who run the risk of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Cruciferous vegetables include a long list of otherwise healthy foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, turnips, rutabaga, kale, bok choy, wasabi, horseradish, and watercress.

At first glance, cruciferous vegetables may cause hypothyroidism, which is the opposite problem of Graves disease, which is characterized by hyperthyroidism. However, the issues these vegetables cause may lead to goiters which can create an imbalance in thyroid production. Once a goiter is formed, more thyroid hormone is produced, and hyperthyroidism can result. It may be hard to avoid these vegetables at first, particularly if you like leafy greens, but you can replace them with colorful, flavorful vegetables that are filled with nutrients.