HEALING HYPOTHYROIDISM NATURALLY: SUPPLEMENTS

Hypothyroidism = Low thyroid function

Many of us diagnosed with this chronic health condition are told that it is a life sentence of taking thyroid medication every morning for the rest of our lives. We're told that our thyroid gland is broken. If we've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's Hypothyroidism, we're told our thyroid gland is destroyed and beyond recovery. Our only hope is to swallow a pill every morning. Or is it?

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MY EXPERIENCE WITH THYROID MEDICATION

I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s Hypothyroidism in February 2017. Hashimoto’s is the autoimmune form of hypothyroidism. This means that the body produces a large amount of antibodies that are attacking the thyroid gland and damaging the tissue so that the gland is unable to produce the hormones that it is supposed to produce. 

After my diagnosis, my doctor started me on medication. There are many different kinds of thyroid medication out there. The one she had me on was a natural desiccated thyroid hormone derived from the thyroid gland of pigs. She thought it would be a good option for me because it contains a good balance of T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. 

Unfortunately my body did not respond well to the medication. I felt so fatigued I could hardly move, but the most concerning side effect I experienced was severe depression and suicidal thoughts. She had me discontinue the medication immediately, and these feelings went away. 

I NEEDED TO FIND ALTERNATIVES

I tend to react badly to pharmaceutical drugs. It’s rare for me to find medications that don’t cause side effects for me. My body is just sensitive, and I’ve learned over the years that it prefers the more gentle touch of naturopathic medicine. 

After my frightening experience with the thyroid medication, my doctor and I decided to see how I responded to a naturopathic approach. I am thrilled to be able to say now that our naturopathic protocol has been working! In this time, my TSH, T4, and T3 have all come back into the normal range. AND my thyroid antibodies have decreased!

This approach to thyroid healing has involved several components, which I will be covering in a series of posts. Today I’m going to talk to you about all the supplements and herbs I take to keep my thyroid healthy. In the upcoming posts, we will be talking about dietary changes and energetic healing, so stay tuned for those. 

SUPPLEMENTS I TAKE TO SUPPORT MY THYROID

Please keep in mind, I am only sharing my experience with the supplements I'll be mentioning here. I am sharing this information simply because I want people to know that there are alternatives to mainstream thyroid treatment, as I’m sure there are others like me who have not responded well to thyroid medication. Please talk to your doctor about the right treatment plan for you. We are all unique, and I am in no way saying that taking medication is a bad choice. It just wasn’t the right choice for me personally.

BLADDERWRACK

When I wake up in the morning, the first supplement I take for my thyroid is an herb called Bladderwrack. This is a sea vegetable that contains the nutrient iodine, which is a critical nutrient for thyroid hormone production. You can get iodine from other sea vegetables as well, but I choose to use this one because it comes in a convenient capsule, and I can make sure that I am getting the right amount of iodine. Too much can be just as bad as too little, so you’ll want to talk to your doctor about the dosage that’s right for you.

GUGGUL

I also take an herb called Guggul. This herb has several benefits, but I take it to support healthy thyroid function. It also helps to increase metabolism, maintain healthy weight and promote healthy cholesterol levels. My doctor recommended this herb in particular because it is one that has actually been well researched and has been shown to have good outcomes for the thyroid.

L-TYROSINE

I also take an amino acid called L-tyrosine. This amino acid is one of the building blocks for thyroid hormones. While you can get this amino acid from your diet, it doesn't hurt to take a supplement so that you're guaranteed to get enough. 

VITAMINS + MINERALS

Making sure you are getting adequate vitamins and minerals is crucial for thyroid patients. One of the most important nutrients is selenium, and I make sure I get enough of this one by eating Brazil nuts each day. You’ll also want to make sure you’re getting plenty of B12 and vitamin D since thyroid patients (and really anyone who lives in modern society) are often deficient in these nutrients.

I HAD TO MAKE SURE THE TREATMENT WAS WORKING

It's so important to follow up with your doctor after a new treatment plan is implemented. Throughout your thyroid journey, you’ll want to make sure to have your bloodwork checked regularly to make sure your treatment plan is getting you the results you desire. My doctor has me get my TSH, Free T4, Free T3 and thyroid antibodies checked every six months now. So far, so good!

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