Often those with a hypothyroid condition are also deficient in other areas too. Supplementing vitamins, minerals and other hormones can help thyroid medication do its job better. We recommend asking your doctor to test for deficiencies along with your standard thyroid tests - FT3, FT4 & TSH. Some excellent supplements, herbs and more are:
Alfalfa is believed to have a beneficial effect on the pituitary gland, it helps in chemical imbalance, neutralises uric acid for arthritis, and is useful as a Food to prevent cholesterol accumulation in the veins.
Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb stimulates thyroid activity; it’s sold widely at health food stores. Make sure your brand is standardised.
Avenasativa: From the wild oat plant, this is an effective tonic for improving thyroid function as well as other health benefits.
B vitamins complex: B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status
Burdock is believed to be helpful in fortifying and supporting the immune system. It has several historical uses including helping with skin disorders particularly when they are caused by a system imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and therefore is useful in treating anorexia nervosa and digestion and appetite problems. Some believe, in addition to helping with digestive concerns, burdock aids the pituitary gland to help adjust hormone balance. Burdock has sometimes been recommended for thyroid health.
Chromium GTF Inorganic chromium is very difficult to absorb, but organically attached chromium is 10-25 times more easily absorbed. Chromium is generally accepted as an essential nutrient that potentiates insulin action and thus influences and supports carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function and has wonderful antiseptic properties. It contains medium chain fatty acids such as lauric (C-12), caprylic (C-10) and myristic (C-14) acids.
Coleus forskohlii: This is an herb from the mint family. It boosts energy, improves allergies, asthma and psoriasis, boosts thyroid levels and can help with glaucoma. Avoid soy as it lowers thyroid hormone. As does eating a lot of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables.
CoQ10 Multi vitamin - vitamin A, vitamin B complex, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc, to be taken as directed 100-200 mg daily
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA, a hormone that enhances the body's metabolic functioning, may also be deficient in individuals with hypothyroidism (Tagawa et al. 2000). A DHEA blood test should be administered to achieve optimal dosing. DHEA, 25 mg 1-3times per day (refer to DHEA Replacement Therapy protocol)
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Also known as Asiatic Pennywort and Luei Gong Gen. It contains chemicals which improve collagen formation in bones, cartilage and connective tissue. It also helps with circulation and the general health of blood vessels. Research suggests a beneficial effect for memory and concentration as well as healthy thyroid function.
Guar gum seed is a water soluble fibre in the form of a galactomannan, extracted from locust beans. It improves tolerance to glucose by decreasing absorption. Guar and Locust Bean Gum (LBG) are commonly used in ice cream to improve texture and reduce ice cream meltdown. LBG is also used extensively in cream cheese, fruit preparations and salad dressings
Iodine: can be properly called THE THYROID support mineral since the body’s sole use of the mineral iodine is for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T1,T2,T3, & T4). Thyroid hormones are made by adding iodine molecules - the primary thyroid hormone (T1) is called monoiodotyrosine, which means it needs iodine and tyrosine. It gets converted to T2 with the addition of more iodine, then to T3 with more iodine then to T4 with even more iodine.. Hence, dietary deficiency of iodine can be a cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in kelp and other seaweeds and seafood. It is also available in iodised salt. Those who suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, may want to avoid taking extra iodine because this disorder is not due to iodine deficiency and may not be of much help. For some it may irritate the thyroid and make matters worse. Excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, so combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day. You can take iodine supplements such as Lugol's or you can use a seaweed that is rich in trace minerals, especially iodine. It’s called Bladderwrack, which is short for Fucus Vesiculosus. Use short-term. Some people are sensitive to Iodine, and others can use it for a short time with no problems. Be careful. For more information on Iodine visit Optimox.com and the Iodine Project
Kelp is a Food high in minerals, especially iodine. Kelp has long been used (since 3000 B.C.) to provide nutritional support for the thyroid gland. Kelp can rebalance thyroid metabolism, resulting in successful weight management and the reversal of many conditions which are caused by a thyroid imbalance, including stomach and respiratory disorders” Gary Null, Ph.D. The body’s sole function of the mineral iodine is for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T1,T2,T3, & T4).
Liver glandulars have sometimes been recommended by nutrition-oriented practitioners for some with metabolic concerns. The liver is involved in blood sugar regulation, conversion of T4 to T3, and a variety of enzymes.
Magnesium: Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.
Melatonin: 300 mcg-6 mg at bedtime
MycoPhyto: A blend of mushrooms that balances your immune system and calms overactive cells. This product can be used for any type of immune system disorder.
Multivitamin and multiminerals: Vitamin C (1,000 mg per day), vitamin A (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day), B complex[(50 - 100 mg/day), augmented with vitamins B2 (riboflavin, 10 mg), B3 (niacin,10 - 25 mg), and B6 (pyridoxine, 5 - 15 mg)], selenium (200 mcg per day), vitamin E (400 IU per day), and zinc (30 mg per day) can help promote normal thyroid hormone production
L-Phenylalanine. As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism
Pituitary glandulars have long been used by doctors. The pituitary produces TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which signals the thyroid to make its own support hormones.
Scullcap (also spelled “skullcap”) is recommended for thyroid support.
Selenium: Can lower TPO antibodies. Selenium assists in removing toxins from the body through the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It is readily available in many foods, such as asparagus, grains, garlic, and mushrooms. Many agricultural areas, however, are extremely deficient in selenium. Research has linked selenium with thyroid function. One study found that the combination of both iodine and selenium deficiency was particularly toxic to the thyroid gland (Contempre et al. 1995). A recent study in Belgium used sele
Often those with a hypothyroid condition are also deficient in other areas too. Supplementing vitamins, minerals and other hormones can help thyroid medication do its job better. We recommend asking your doctor to test for deficiencies along with your standard thyroid tests - FT3, FT4 & TSH. Some excellent supplements, herbs and more are:
Alfalfa is believed to have a beneficial effect on the pituitary gland, it helps in chemical imbalance, neutralises uric acid for arthritis, and is useful as a Food to prevent cholesterol accumulation in the veins.
Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb stimulates thyroid activity; it’s sold widely at health food stores. Make sure your brand is standardised.
Avenasativa: From the wild oat plant, this is an effective tonic for improving thyroid function as well as other health benefits.
B vitamins complex: B vitamins are essential for energy production, mood, nervous system function and wound healing. One of the main complaints of hypothyroidism is fatigue, which is mostly caused by low levels of thyroid hormone, but may also be the result of low B vitamin status
Burdock is believed to be helpful in fortifying and supporting the immune system. It has several historical uses including helping with skin disorders particularly when they are caused by a system imbalance. It stimulates the digestive juices and bile secretion and therefore is useful in treating anorexia nervosa and digestion and appetite problems. Some believe, in addition to helping with digestive concerns, burdock aids the pituitary gland to help adjust hormone balance. Burdock has sometimes been recommended for thyroid health.
Chromium GTF Inorganic chromium is very difficult to absorb, but organically attached chromium is 10-25 times more easily absorbed. Chromium is generally accepted as an essential nutrient that potentiates insulin action and thus influences and supports carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolism.
Coconut Oil: Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function and has wonderful antiseptic properties. It contains medium chain fatty acids such as lauric (C-12), caprylic (C-10) and myristic (C-14) acids.
Coleus forskohlii: This is an herb from the mint family. It boosts energy, improves allergies, asthma and psoriasis, boosts thyroid levels and can help with glaucoma. Avoid soy as it lowers thyroid hormone. As does eating a lot of broccoli, Brussels sprouts and other cruciferous vegetables.
CoQ10 Multi vitamin - vitamin A, vitamin B complex, magnesium, manganese, selenium and zinc, to be taken as directed 100-200 mg daily
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) DHEA, a hormone that enhances the body's metabolic functioning, may also be deficient in individuals with hypothyroidism (Tagawa et al. 2000). A DHEA blood test should be administered to achieve optimal dosing. DHEA, 25 mg 1-3times per day (refer to DHEA Replacement Therapy protocol)
Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica): Also known as Asiatic Pennywort and Luei Gong Gen. It contains chemicals which improve collagen formation in bones, cartilage and connective tissue. It also helps with circulation and the general health of blood vessels. Research suggests a beneficial effect for memory and concentration as well as healthy thyroid function.
Guar gum seed is a water soluble fibre in the form of a galactomannan, extracted from locust beans. It improves tolerance to glucose by decreasing absorption. Guar and Locust Bean Gum (LBG) are commonly used in ice cream to improve texture and reduce ice cream meltdown. LBG is also used extensively in cream cheese, fruit preparations and salad dressings
Iodine: can be properly called THE THYROID support mineral since the body’s sole use of the mineral iodine is for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T1,T2,T3, & T4). Thyroid hormones are made by adding iodine molecules - the primary thyroid hormone (T1) is called monoiodotyrosine, which means it needs iodine and tyrosine. It gets converted to T2 with the addition of more iodine, then to T3 with more iodine then to T4 with even more iodine.. Hence, dietary deficiency of iodine can be a cause of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in kelp and other seaweeds and seafood. It is also available in iodised salt. Those who suffer from autoimmune thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis or Graves' disease, may want to avoid taking extra iodine because this disorder is not due to iodine deficiency and may not be of much help. For some it may irritate the thyroid and make matters worse. Excess iodine can actually inhibit thyroid function, so combined dietary and supplemental levels should not exceed 600mcg per day. You can take iodine supplements such as Lugol's or you can use a seaweed that is rich in trace minerals, especially iodine. It’s called Bladderwrack, which is short for Fucus Vesiculosus. Use short-term. Some people are sensitive to Iodine, and others can use it for a short time with no problems. Be careful. For more information on Iodine visit Optimox.com and the Iodine Project
Kelp is a Food high in minerals, especially iodine. Kelp has long been used (since 3000 B.C.) to provide nutritional support for the thyroid gland. Kelp can rebalance thyroid metabolism, resulting in successful weight management and the reversal of many conditions which are caused by a thyroid imbalance, including stomach and respiratory disorders” Gary Null, Ph.D. The body’s sole function of the mineral iodine is for the thyroid to make thyroid hormones (T1,T2,T3, & T4).
Liver glandulars have sometimes been recommended by nutrition-oriented practitioners for some with metabolic concerns. The liver is involved in blood sugar regulation, conversion of T4 to T3, and a variety of enzymes.
Magnesium: Magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body and is essential to good health. Approximately 50% of total body magnesium is found in bone. The other half is found predominantly inside cells of body tissues and organs. Only 1% of magnesium is found in blood, but the body works very hard to keep blood levels of magnesium constant. It helps maintain normal muscle and nerve function, keeps heart rhythm steady, supports a healthy immune system, and keeps bones strong. Magnesium also helps regulate blood sugar levels, promotes normal blood pressure, and is known to be involved in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. There is an increased interest in the role of magnesium in preventing and managing disorders such as hypertension, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Dietary magnesium is absorbed in the small intestines. Magnesium is excreted through the kidneys.
Melatonin: 300 mcg-6 mg at bedtime
MycoPhyto: A blend of mushrooms that balances your immune system and calms overactive cells. This product can be used for any type of immune system disorder.
Multivitamin and multiminerals: Vitamin C (1,000 mg per day), vitamin A (10,000 - 25,000 IU per day), B complex[(50 - 100 mg/day), augmented with vitamins B2 (riboflavin, 10 mg), B3 (niacin,10 - 25 mg), and B6 (pyridoxine, 5 - 15 mg)], selenium (200 mcg per day), vitamin E (400 IU per day), and zinc (30 mg per day) can help promote normal thyroid hormone production
L-Phenylalanine. As a precursor to the amino acid tyrosine, phenylalanine plays an important role in thyroid function. Deficiency of phenylalanine and L-tyrosine has been associated with hypothyroidism
Pituitary glandulars have long been used by doctors. The pituitary produces TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) which signals the thyroid to make its own support hormones.
Scullcap (also spelled “skullcap”) is recommended for thyroid support.
Selenium: Can lower TPO antibodies. Selenium assists in removing toxins from the body through the enzyme glutathione peroxidase. It is readily available in many foods, such as asparagus, grains, garlic, and mushrooms. Many agricultural areas, however, are extremely deficient in selenium. Research has linked selenium with thyroid function. One study found that the combination of both iodine and selenium deficiency was particularly toxic to the thyroid gland (Contempre et al. 1995). A recent study in Belgium used selenium (20-60 mcg per day) to treat 18 children with congenital hypothyroidism. Supplementation with selenium caused a 74% increase in plasma selenium and normalised the levels of TSH. The authors concluded that selenium improves the thyroid hormone feedback system and improves the conversion of T4 to active T3 (Chanoine et al. 2001). Another article described the use of selenium in three cases of hypothyroidism in children. After only 4 weeks of supplementation, they saw a marked improvement of all clinical symptoms and a return to normal metabolism (Pizzulli et al. 2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 36 elderly subjects conducted in Italy found a linear correlation between selenium levels and T4 (as well as the ratio of T3:T4). Reduced conversion of T4 to T3 causes an overt hypothyroid condition that is common in the elderly. The main result of the study was a significant improvement in selenium levels and a decrease in the T4 levels inselenium-treated subjects (Olivieri et al. 1995). The recommended daily amount of Selenium is 200-600 mcg per day.
Tyrosine: is an amino acid which your body uses (along with iodine) to make thyroid hormone. Tyrosine is a precursor of thyroid hormone and the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. A deficiency of tyrosine leads to hypothyroidism and low adrenal function. The recommended daily amount of tyrosine is about 1 gram per day for adults(Marz 1997). If you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, it is important not to take L-tyrosine without direction from your doctor. Do not take L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure. Careful: Excessive tyrosine can speed the heart. Take about 500mg one to four times daily.
Vitamin C: Helps to promote normal thyroid hormone production (1,000 mg per day)
Vitamin D: Technically not a "vitamin," vitamin D is in a class by itself. Its metabolic product, calcitriol, is actually a secosteroid hormone that targets over 2000 genes in the body. Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more. For more information visit easy-immune-health.com
nium (20-60 mcg per day) to treat 18 children with congenital hypothyroidism. Supplementation with selenium caused a 74% increase in plasma selenium and normalised the levels of TSH. The authors concluded that selenium improves the thyroid hormone feedback system and improves the conversion of T4 to active T3 (Chanoine et al. 2001). Another article described the use of selenium in three cases of hypothyroidism in children. After only 4 weeks of supplementation, they saw a marked improvement of all clinical symptoms and a return to normal metabolism (Pizzulli et al. 2000). A double-blind, placebo-controlled study of 36 elderly subjects conducted in Italy found a linear correlation between selenium levels and T4 (as well as the ratio of T3:T4). Reduced conversion of T4 to T3 causes an overt hypothyroid condition that is common in the elderly. The main result of the study was a significant improvement in selenium levels and a decrease in the T4 levels inselenium-treated subjects (Olivieri et al. 1995). The recommended daily amount of Selenium is 200-600 mcg per day.
Tyrosine: is an amino acid which your body uses (along with iodine) to make thyroid hormone. Tyrosine is a precursor of thyroid hormone and the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. A deficiency of tyrosine leads to hypothyroidism and low adrenal function. The recommended daily amount of tyrosine is about 1 gram per day for adults(Marz 1997). If you are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, it is important not to take L-tyrosine without direction from your doctor. Do not take L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure. Careful: Excessive tyrosine can speed the heart. Take about 500mg one to four times daily.
Vitamin C: Helps to promote normal thyroid hormone production (1,000 mg per day)
Vitamin D: Technically not a "vitamin," vitamin D is in a class by itself. Its metabolic product, calcitriol, is actually a secosteroid hormone that targets over 2000 genes in the body. Current research has implicated vitamin D deficiency as a major factor in the pathology of at least 17 varieties of cancer as well as heart disease, stroke, hypertension, autoimmune diseases, diabetes, depression, chronic pain, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, muscle weakness, muscle wasting, birth defects, periodontal disease, and more. For more information visit easy-immune-health.com