In a recent feature with Women’s Health, Daisy Ridley revealed that she was diagnosed with Graves’ disease in September of 2023.
Graves’ disease is a disorder of the immune system that causes an overproduction of hormones in the thyroid. Common symptoms include shakiness, sensitivity to heat, weight loss and skin irritation.
After shooting Sam Yates’ 2024 thriller “Magpie,” Ridley began feeling symptoms of increased heart rate, rapid weight loss, exhaustion and trembling hands. “I thought, ‘Well, I’ve just played a really stressful role,’ presumably that’s why I feel poorly,’” Ridley said.
After describing her condition to the endocrinologist, they mentioned the feeling of Graves’ is often described as “tired but weird.” At that moment, Ridley realized how irritable she had become going through the early stages of the disease.
“It was funny, I was like, ‘Oh, I just thought I was annoyed at the world,’” Ridley said. “But turns out everything is functioning so quickly, you can’t chill out.”
Ridley, who has been vegan for several years, cut out gluten as well following the diagnosis. Although she admits she is not “super strict about it,” the diet change “generally” makes her “feel better.”
The “Star Wars” star has also added infrared saunas, cryotherapy and acupuncture to her wellness routine to help with symptoms. She also carries around a piece of rose quartz with her, which is said to calm emotional turmoil, deepen inner peace and promote self-love.
“I do a fair amount of the holistic stuff, but I also understand that it is a privilege to be able to do those things,” Ridley said.
From Variety US