During her interview, Ridley recounted a moment when she realized that her symptoms were not just a result of stress but were actually related to her health condition. She described feeling as though everything in her body was functioning too quickly, which made her unable to relax. She had originally thought her frustration and discomfort were just a personal issue, but she learned that they were signs of Graves’ disease.
Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that affects the thyroid gland, leading to symptoms such as those Ridley experienced. After her diagnosis, Ridley made some changes to her diet, including cutting down on gluten, which she found helped her feel better. She mentioned that she is not extremely strict about avoiding gluten but tries to limit it because it improves her well-being.
Ridley also emphasized the importance of listening to one’s body and not dismissing persistent symptoms. She noted how common it is for people, especially women, to ignore their health issues or downplay how they feel. Ridley’s message was that acknowledging and addressing health problems is crucial, as many people, like herself, might experience undiagnosed or overlooked conditions.
Other celebrities with Graves’ disease include Wendy Williams and Missy Elliott. Ridley’s openness about her health journey aims to encourage others to be more aware and proactive about their own well-being.