The Basics of HypoThyroid~Part 2
Updated: Oct 17, 2019
Here is Part 2 of our exploration of Hypothyroidism. In this post I will cover natural wellness interventions to optimally care for the thyroid.
Disclaimer: This information is NOT intended to diagnose or treat. This post is for educational purposes only. Consult with your Health Care Provider if you suspect a thyroid related health issue.
Helpful Supplements (support thyroid function):
-Bovine (thyroxin), a natural hormone supplement
-5HTP, helps balance hormones, including healthy support to serotonin
-Coconut oil, super supportive to nourishing the thyroid gland
-Kelp or bladderwrack (types of seaweed), packed with iodine
-Liquid iodine, needed to produce thyroid hormones
-L-Tyrosine, needed to stimulate thyroid hormone production
-B-complex, a catalyst for energy
-Zinc & copper, supportive to the immune system
-Selenium, provision of this nutrient helps support efficient thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism and protects the thyroid gland
-Adaptogen herbs such as Ashwagandha, Cordeyceps (mushroom), Siberian Ginseng. Adaptogen herbs are known for supporting the endocrine system including thyroid and adrenal glands. Research shows this class of herbs to be effective during times of distress (both emotional and physical).
* NOTE about alternative to medication Synthroid: Based on my research, Armor Thyroid and Nature-Thyroid are best known and noted to be effective, because they are a combination medication for hormone support. Compounding pharmacies can also produce natural thyroid hormone prescriptions, based on your test levels.
Nourishment & Healing Foods:
-Free range egg yolks
-Parsley
-Apricots, dates, prunes,
-Fish
-Chicken
-Coconut oil, coconut milk, coconut water
-Goat’s cheese
-Brewer’s yeast
-Brazil nuts
-Himalayan sea salt
-Drink pure water (chlorine and fluoride blocks thyroid iodine receptors)
Say NO to:
-Omit non-organic, GMO soy products
-The best soy product to consume is organic and NON-GMO. Look for fermented soy products. Read the ingredients label to be sure.
-Chronic stress
-Staying up late, lacking in adequate rest (which is 6-10 hours per night)
Say YES to:
-Sunlight. Catch rays early in the day. Face towards the sun (do not gaze directly into it) to stimulate the pineal gland (located in the brain). This will positively affect the thyroid. 10-15 minutes should give you a boost! If you are sensitive to the sun, I suggest using natural sun care products such as Dr. Mercola’s Aloe Vera line to grant your skin extra care: https://shop.mercola.com/category/1399/1/sunscreen
-High-dose iodine and/or greens
-Only use unrefined sea salt, such as Himalayan salt
-Identify + treat underlying causes (iodine deficiency, toxicity, etc)
-Adjust your diet and understand nutrition (be certain you are consuming enough iodine, as well as tyrosine, selenium, vitamins A & D, zinc, B vitamins & omega-3 fats).
-Check for food allergies and gluten intolerance.
-Use supplements, if necessary for nutritional support.
-Sweat (detox) in an infrared sauna.
-Rest (go to bed at a routine time and awake at a routine time).
Essential oils to support thyroid function:
-Wild Myrtle
-Coconut
Therapeutic bodywork:
Massage the Reflexology point of the thyroid and parathyroid glands: Located on the soles of the feet on the lower edge of the pad at the base of the big toes, into the crease between the big toe and second toe.
How much iodine do I need?
Dr. Jonathan Wright, a pioneer in natural medicine, recommends that women take about 6 mg of iodine per day, and men 3 mg per day to protect their thyroid and breast health.
Medical tests:
Typically, a TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) blood test is done. TSH is a hormone produced by your pituitary, which becomes elevated when your thyroid gland is malfunctioning. The body produces TSH in response to decreased hormone levels to ‘jump start’ the thyroid. The higher your level of TSH, the higher the likelihood that you have hypothyroidism. Traditionally, in the medical realm, the range for acceptable thyroid function is between 0.3 and 3.04, and anything above 5.0 is considered hypothyroidism. However, Dr. Mercola states that is "not accurate". Stated by Dr. Merolca, “In my experience, most adults with levels over 3 have Hypo-Thyroid.” Less than .5 level, you may have Hyper-Thyroid.
Important FYI:
It is important to have a full thyroid panel done (testing TSH, as well as T3 and T4). Inquire with your Primary Care Provider, and/or ask to be referred to an Endocrinologist (a specialist in hormone health).
There are specialty clinics that give as much attention to the Parathyroid glands versus the thyroid in relation to the pituitary gland (that secretes the TSH). The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands, located in the neck, that control the body’s calcium levels. Each gland is tiny. They average the size of a grain of rice. The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone (PTH). Check out www.ParaThyroid.com
Helpful Resources:
Life Extension's Triple Action Thyroid https://bit.ly/35LFx9s
Dr. Axe's Ashwagandha https://store.draxe.com/products/ashwagandha-capsules
Dr. Axe's Thyroid Support System https://store.draxe.com/products/thyroid-support-system
Thyroid Caps from Solaray https://bit.ly/2pxgYfq
Myrtle essential oil https://anandaessentialoils.com/product/myrtle-essential-oil/
I hope Part 2 granted you some wellness insights on how to care for your thyroid. What are your take-aways from this 2 Part Hypothyroid post?
In Grace~
Cara