Graves’ Disease Flare, Recovery, and What’s Working for Me Now

After I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, an autoimmune disorder that causes hyperthyroidism, I began sharing my journey to regain my health on social media. Through a strict diet and regimen from my doctor, I have been able to put my Graves’ into remission and heal my thyroid. Today I’m sharing my journey plus other resources that have helped me on my health journey.

Please note: I am not a medical professional and this is not medical advice. I am sharing my experience. While Dr. Redd is a medical professional, he is not your doctor. Please consult your own primary physician before starting any new health or diet protocols.

First, check out the YouTube video we just filmed together. Trust me, Dr. Redd can explain the medical/science-y stuff a whole lot better than I can! There are two parts packed with LOTS of info.

Part 1:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yras-ZzXqOY[/embedyt]

Part 2:

[embedyt] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TeuQeKedH6E[/embedyt]

 

 

Welp… Graves’ Disease Is Back (March 2025 Update)

 

Alright, here’s the honest truth—this year threw me for a loop. In November, my labs came back completely normal—basically textbook-perfect. Everything looked amazing, and I was feeling really good. But then, in February, I started having really bad pain in my kidneys. Turns out, it was a UTI I didn’t even realize I had (yikes), and it hit hard. Combine that with the stress of moving and making a million life decisions for my kids, and BOOM… the perfect storm for a Graves’ Disease relapse.

I started noticing the signs creeping back in—weight loss, hair falling out, racing heart, brain fog, fatigue, shortness of breath—you name it. I knew something was off. I reached out to Dr. Redd and he got me in right away for an IV. Then I met with Dr. Stadler for labs… and unfortunately, the results weren’t pretty. My labs were worse than when I was first diagnosed—seriously, worse. Not what you want to hear.

At first, they thought it was inflammation-related, so I jumped straight back into my strict anti-inflammatory diet and started loading up on supplements (including some from Just Ingredients use code ‘JORDAN’ for 10% off). They also put me on Propranolol to help with my racing heart and Methimazole to calm my thyroid. But… I actually started feeling worse. I broke out in hives, felt super nauseous, and honestly, I was miserable.

Buuut—I’m happy to report that now, two weeks in, I’m finally starting to feel better! 🙌 Dr. Stadler said it doesn’t look like inflammation is the culprit this time (phew), so I don’t have to be quite so extreme with my diet. I’m still focusing on clean eating—staying away from preservatives, dyes, and sugar—and being consistent with my meds and supplements. I’ve got a follow-up with my endocrinologist soon, but for now I’m just taking it one step at a time.

 

This flare was a wake-up call that stress is a BIG deal. Like, bigger than I realized.

 

So right now, I’m focusing on managing stress, getting rest, and giving my body what it needs to heal. It’s not fun, but I know I’ll come out stronger on the other side.

If you want to hear how this all started and learn what helped me get into remission the first time, be sure to check out the YouTube videos above—I sat down with Dr. Redd and he explains everything way better than I ever could. Then keep reading for the tools, resources, and recipes that have helped me feel like me again.

 

More Resources to Support Your Health Journey

 

Dr. Redd shared so much great information in the videos, but I know that making real-life changes can feel overwhelming. To help, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite health resources, including simple, go-to recipes that made sticking to my diet easier!

 

My Favorite Healthy Go-To Recipes

 

Not gonna lie; the strict diet can get old FAST. Thankfully, I found a few approved recipes that I didn’t mind eating over and over. Here are a couple of recipes that I LOVE incorporating into my everyday meal planning:

• Easy 10-Minute Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bowl Recipe – Make Your Own Take-Out Favorite!
• “Go-Go Balls”: Easy (and Healthy!) No-Bake Protein Ball Recipe Your Kids Will Love! 
• Mason Jar Salad Recipes to Make Healthy Eating Easy
• Butternut Squash Soup Recipe

I’m going to have to work on putting together another blog post with some of my other clean recipes for you. I’ll type up some of the simple things I ate regularly on my diet, but also encourage you to go check out my “Healthy Food” highlight on my Instagram!

• Homemade hummus: 15oz. can chickpeas + 4 Tbs olive oil + 1 clove garlic + 1 tsp. cumin + 3 Tbs. lemon juice + 4 Tbs. cold water + salt to taste. Puree in a food processor until smooth!
• Homemade pesto sauce: 2 cups fresh basil + 3 Tbs. pine nuts + 3 cloves garlic + 2 Tbs. lemon juice + 3 Tbs. olive oil + 2 Tbs. lemon juice + 3-6 Tbs. water + salt to taste. Combine in food processor.
• Breakfast Bowl: smoked salmon, chicken sausage, roasted root veggies, spinach, balsamic glaze
• Lunch bowl: roasted sweet potato cubes, ground turkey, arugula, balsamic glaze
• Post-Workout Smoothie: Almond Milk (plain, unsweetened) + Clean Simple Eats vegan protein powder (code “JORDAN” for 10% off!) + chia seeds + banana + natural nut butter + ice + spinach

 

How To Keep Health & Fitness Affordable

 

Here are some of my best resources when it comes to finding healthcare, payment options for medical expenses, and keeping an active lifestyle without spending a fortune!

• Eating Healthy on a Budget: Tips, Tricks & Hacks for Feeding Your Family Whole, Organic Food
• 5 Tips for Picking the Right Healthcare Plan
• My Self-Care & Fitness Routine
• What is a Health Savings Account, or HSA? (And Why You NEED One!)
• Splurge vs Save: Health & Wellness Smart Spending

 

My Favorite Health Brands

 

These are the brands that have helped me the most as I’ve worked to regain my health.

• Built Bar – The tastiest protein bar there is! Use code JORDANPAGE for 10% off.
• Clean Simple Eats – Code “JORDAN” for 10% off
• Mico’s Micro Farm – Code “JORDAN” 10% off order
• Liquid IV – If you need energy or hydration, this is for you! Use code JORDANPAGE for 25% off!
• Mixers – They’ve created a synergistic blend of ingredients that nourish your body and balance your hormone levels! You can always use code JORDAN for 15% off. 
• Just Ingredients – Code ‘Jordan” for 10% off

 

 

Free Printables to Help You on Your Health Journey

 

Staying on track with your health goals is so much easier when you have the right tools! That’s why I’m sharing two of my go-to resources that helped me meal plan and track my nutrition while working to heal my thyroid.

• Food & Fitness Log: Keeping a record of what you eat and how you feel can help you pinpoint patterns, track progress, and stay motivated. Grab this free printable to make it easy!
• Meal Planning Printables: Sticking to a healthy diet is so much easier when you plan ahead. Use these free meal planning sheets to simplify grocery shopping and prep!

Download these printables, put them to use, and take control of your health one step at a time!

 

I’d love to hear about your favorite healthy recipes in the comments below! What meals or snacks have helped you stay on track?

Remember, taking care of your health is a journey, and small, consistent steps make all the difference. Whether you’re focusing on nutrition, fitness, or overall wellness, give yourself grace and celebrate progress along the way. You’ve got this!