Updated: Mar 14
Graves’ eye disease, also called Graves’ Ophthalmopathy or Thyroid Eye disease, is a problem that usually develops in people with an overactive thyroid caused by Graves’ disease.
Thyroid eye disease is a condition in which the eye muscles, eyelids, tear glands and fatty tissues behind the eye become inflamed.
This can cause the eyes and eyelids to become red, swollen and uncomfortable and the eyes can be pushed forward ('staring' or 'bulging' eyes).
How is the Graves' eye treated?
Glucocorticoids are a class of corticosteroids, which are a class of steroid hormones.
They are commonly prescribed to help reduce the inflammation associated with thyroid eye disease. They also help to suppress the immune system and lower the TSH receptor antibodies.
Unfortunately, glucocorticoids are not perfect. They may lead to:
- glucose intolerance
- water retention, including swelling in the feet, ankles, lower legs, or hands
- increase in triglycerides and cholesterol
- unwanted hair growth
So, how can You use Selenium to improve Graves' disease?
- Selenium is important for the formation of selenoproteins. Selenoproteins are powerful antioxidants and help to fight off the effects of oxidative stress, which is caused by free radicals.
- Trials have shown that Selenium supplementation decreases Graves' disease symptoms.
- Sufficient amount of selenium can help to regulate the immune system.
- Couple more benefits of Selenium...
Alright, so How Much Selenium Should You Supplement?
200 mcg/day is a typical therapeutic dose. This is enough to provide result without causing selenium toxicity.
However, keep in mind that some people may not respond to this dose and may need to increase the dose to around 350 mcg/day.
This is usually safe, but You still want Your doctor to track your selenium deficiency and supplementation as selenium in too high levels can be toxic.
What About The Form Of Selenium You Should Be Using...and which of the forms is the best?
Selenium is one of the most important nutrients for Graves' patients. This is especially true if someone is suffering from Graves' eye disease.
It's essential to thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction, DNA synthesis, and it protects you from infection and damage resulting from oxidative stress.
You have to remember that Selenium can be toxic (in too high doses). That's why You should work with health a practitioner who will track Your health and increase the dose if needed in a safe way.
Also, keep in mind that Selenium deficiency is only one of the triggers of the autoimmune reaction in Graves' eye disease.
For many patients removing this trigger will help but may still not be enough as there is usually more than 1 trigger of this disease.
In order to heal Graves' disease,You may want to find and remove all the triggers and very often it can take a lot of time and be very complicated.
If You want to treat Graves' disease and improve the condition of your eyes much faster; we've prepared a special health program for thyroid patients just like You...which will save you multiple visits at endocrinologists, lots of effort, money and time.
To book a strategy call with us, during which we will understand your problem click here: https://www.thyroidboss.com/our-services-2.
To ask any other questions, comment below!
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