Step One: Make sure you're in the right hands
Here is a list of the supplements my doctor put me on for my Hashimoto's. Always consult a doctor before starting a new regimen yourself. It takes about 6 weeks of consistently taking these EVERYDAY (in addition to following the gluten-free diet) to really feel optimal.
Find a reputable physician who will work side-by-side with you to reach your goals. I really did my homework to make sure I was in the best hands possible and getting the most up-to-date, reputable information.
My physician is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. A thyroid patient herself, she has dedicated her practice to natural hormone balancing via the latest evidence-based practice practices. I'll share how I found my physician (and how you can, too!) in a future post.
If you're looking for dietary/supplement advice or information about natural thyroid hormone, it's paramount to find a physician who takes a holistic approach (hint: this isn't going to be your average endocrinologist). Don't be frustrated if your regular doctor isn't helpful with this. In fact, expect it!
Spend some time researching a doctor that fits the bill. Think of how much time you spend researching a new camera, car, stroller, carseat, etc. before purchasing. Why would this be any less important? You may have to try a couple physicians before you find someone whose values coincide with yours. But it's totally worth it when you finally do!
Find a reputable physician who will work side-by-side with you to reach your goals. I really did my homework to make sure I was in the best hands possible and getting the most up-to-date, reputable information.
My physician is a member of the American Academy of Family Practice, the Institute for Functional Medicine, and the American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine. A thyroid patient herself, she has dedicated her practice to natural hormone balancing via the latest evidence-based practice practices. I'll share how I found my physician (and how you can, too!) in a future post.
If you're looking for dietary/supplement advice or information about natural thyroid hormone, it's paramount to find a physician who takes a holistic approach (hint: this isn't going to be your average endocrinologist). Don't be frustrated if your regular doctor isn't helpful with this. In fact, expect it!
Spend some time researching a doctor that fits the bill. Think of how much time you spend researching a new camera, car, stroller, carseat, etc. before purchasing. Why would this be any less important? You may have to try a couple physicians before you find someone whose values coincide with yours. But it's totally worth it when you finally do!
Nutritional Supplements for Thyroid Patients
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Iodoral - 12.5mg - The National Institutes of Health maintain that the majority of thyroid impairments are associated with co-existing deficiencies in iodine and selenium. Iodine deficiency is a well-known cause of goiter and hypothyroidism. The decrease in use of salt and increase of bromine in the diet (used to condition bread dough and also present in vegetable oils) has led to higher iodine deficiency in the US population, as bromine competes with iodine in the body.
Dosages in iodine supplementation are controversial, but this dose equates to the average Japanese citizens' daily intake of iodine. Concerns about excess iodine supplementation causing hypothyroidism often occur concurrently with selenium deficiency. Taking both Iodine AND selenium together should solve this problem. Read Dr. David Brownstein's book, Iodine: Why You Need it, Why You Can't Live Without It for more information.
I take this one here.
Magnesium - 400-800mg - This plays an important role in heart and bone health, and may help prevent heart palpitations and rhythmic disturbances. The biggest thing it helps me with is anxiety, a common complaint of Hashimoto's patients. I prefer this brand because it isn't buffered with inferior forms of magnesium and the glycinate form doesn't cause GI disturbances (such as diarrhea) common with magnesium oxide and citrate.
Multivitamin/Shakeology - Personally, I don't take multivitamins anymore. I drink Shakeology daily and it provides everything a multivitamin does and beyond. I'll talk about the myriad of benefits of drinking Shakeology (and why it's so beneficial to anyone with thyroid issues especially!) in a later post.
Vitamin D3 - 1000units+ (read below)- This is a powerful agent for preventing cancer. Patients with Hashimoto's tend to be low in vitamin D due to abnormalities in their vitamin D receptors. Studies suggest that Vitamin D is essential for bone health, and may help prevent diabetes, heart disease and fight cancer. Check your level before starting supplementation.
I was shocked to find that mine was low (29) even living in sunny southern California! I actually had to take 7500 units daily to get mine up to a healthy level (yes, my doctor is okay with this). You want to be careful if you have a history of kidney stones and always consult your doctor regarding dosage. Check out this book by Michael Holick, Ph. D., M.D. or his website www.uvadvantage.com for more information.
I take this supplement of vitamin D3.
Adrenal Support - 1 tablet three times a day with food - The systems of the body are akin to a symphony. When one part isn't functioning properly, it stresses other systems. Many hypothyroid patients need some form of adrenal support for weak adrenal function, due to the stress it places on your body. This supplement provides a nice "floor" of hormone function, by providing low levels of adrenal and other hormones. These were formulated by Dr. Wilson, author of the Adrenal Fatigue book. I'll talk more about adrenal fatigue and why it must be corrected for optimal health and thyroid function in a later post.
Like I said, it will take time of taking these consistently and on a daily basis (6 weeks, give or take) to really feel the full effects. For me, these have been very helpful in resolving my residual thyroid symptoms.
Questions? Comment below or contact me!
Like I said, it will take time of taking these consistently and on a daily basis (6 weeks, give or take) to really feel the full effects. For me, these have been very helpful in resolving my residual thyroid symptoms.
Questions? Comment below or contact me!
