Healing Hyperthyroidism Nutritionally

Knowing the etiology and screening methodology for hypothyroidism is all well and good. However, what good is knowing whether or not you have a certain condition without understanding what treatments are available to manage it?

Those of you who follow my posts will notice that I’m a proponent of healing disease through the ‘holy trinity’ of natural health - nutrition, exercise and sleep. I’m not saying that medicine doesn’t have it’s place in society. It is simply my belief that physicians are great at curing SYMPTOMS rather than the underlying CONDITION.

From the angle of natural health, a range of nutritional supplements have been suggested to aid in the management of an underactive thyroid gland. These can be separated into four categories:Essential, Very Important, Important & Helpful.

Essential:

• Kelp (2,000 - 3,000mg daily)

Kelp contains iodine which is the basic substance of thyroid hormone.

• L-Tyrosine (500mg twice daily on an empty stomach)

L-Tyrosine aids with low plasma levels which have been associated with hypothyroidism and is best taken with 50mg of Vitamin B6 & 100mg of Vitamin C to aid in absorption. Note: it is best taken with water & should NOT be taken with milk.

Very Important:

• Multi-Glandular (American Biologics, as directed on label)

A nutritional supplement for the endocrine, hormonal & enzyme systems.

• Raw thyroid glandular (as prescribed by your physician)

Taken to replace deficient thyroid hormone. This is available by prescription only.

• ThyroStart (Silver Sage, as directed on label)

A herbal supplement containing ingredients to support the thyroid.

Important:

• Vitamin B complex (100mg of each major B vitamin, 3 times daily with meals)

B vitamins improve cellular oxygenation and energy and are needed for proper immune function, thyroid function and for the formation of red blood cells.

• Extra Vitamin B2 (50mg twice daily)
• Extra Vitamin B12 (1,000 - 2,000mcg 3 times daily on an empty stomach)

With the above, a sublingual form provides the best absorption.

Helpful: 

• Brewers yeast (as directed on label)

A rich source of basic nutrients, especially B Vitamins

• EFA’s (as directed on label)

Essential Fatty Acids are necessary for proper functioning of the thyroid gland.

• Vitamin A (15,000 IU daily, if not pregnant)

Needed for proper immune function, healthy eyes, skin and hair.

• Natural Beta Carotene (15,000 IU daily)

Omit beta carotene if you have diabetes, as individuals with diabetes cannot convert beta carotene into Vitamin A

• Vitamin C with bioflavonoids (500mg 4 times daily - not more)

Necessary for immune function and the production of cortisol. Do not take high doses of Vitamin C as this may affect the production of thyroid hormone.

• Vitamin E (400 IU daily - not more)

Improves circulation and immune response. D-Alpha-Tocopherol form is ideal!

• Zinc (50mg daily - do not exceed 100mg from all supplements daily)

Stimulates the immune system further.

However, one should not expect these supplements to work miracles on their own. Other recommendations that should assist in managing hypothyroidism include dietary changes to include: apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, prunes, raw seeds, fish, raw milk and raw cheeses.

Conversely, foods to be eaten in moderation include: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach and turnips as these may further suppress thyroid function.

It is KEY to avoid processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar and to begin a moderate exercise program (as directed by your physician). Avoiding fluoride, including that found in toothpaste and tap water and chlorine are vital as both chemicals block iodine receptors in the body, resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production.

It goes without saying that hypothyroidism is a serious condition that affects one in eight women in their lifetime. This is certainly not helped by the stressful lives our society promotes both in the recreational and work contexts. If you suspect that your thyroid function is anything less than optimal, you should consult a health care practitioner, who will be able to give you further advice on the matter.

Reference: 

Balch, P.A, & Balch, J.F. Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition (2000). Avery, NY.