Hypothyroid Remedies

Hi Everyone.....I have a quick question....does anyone know why every time I attempt to use enzymes, it always cause a burning sensation in my stomach....I am hypothyroid and always feel like anything I eat is not digested the way it should....any advice would be helpful....Thank you...

Lauren, can you experiment with a MUCH lower amount?

Hi Lauren xxx

Go to a website called 'stop the thyroid madness' lots of information and what to do to help yourself on there.

Love Andrea C xx

Thyroid: what is the recomended T3 level? Mine is 4.4, my t4 is 10.1 ans s-tsh is 4.27

Shiehaam, When your blood tests come back from your doctor, then ask for a copy of them. They have the normal ranges printed right there on the paperwork. Also, ask your doctor for a 3rd generation tsh test, instead of a 1st generation one because the 3rd generation test shows results that are much more precise, whereas the 1st generation tsh test is less precise, and only somewhat guesses at what normal is.

Shiehaam, The normal ranges for thyroid tests are printed on the test results. Get a copy of the lab results from your doctor.

Hi Ec....Does anyone know if its safe to use Charcoal for internal cleansing if you are hypothyroid? Please advise....Thanks

To mama to many -- just curious what have you used charcoal on externally. Thanks

Tthank you, mama to many, charcoal is a very handy thing to keep on hand. I didn't know it can do so many things. I always keep it but I'll use more from now on, thanks again

Thank you Mama to many for your response. You are very kind and helpful always. I am curious though.....what did you do to become symptom free from thyroid disease? I have been trying for the past four years to achieve that....I mean I feel like I have taken every vitamin out there, I have drunk every green juice on this earth, I rarely eat junk food and yet I am struggling especially since menopause...any suggestions would greatly help....thank you so much

Hi Mama to many.....Thanks a million for your detailed response. You couldn't be more right when you said that sometimes its not just about the diet but many other factors contribute towards illness. I can attest to that cause that's exactly how my life played out....a lot of stress on a daily basis....maybe that's why I can't regain true health. But I am not a quitter...I keep pressing on with the good Lord by my side and hopefully one fine day, I will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Anyways, thank you again for taking the time to answer my query with such detail. I really do appreciate it and yes I will let you know what worked for me if I find something that does.....I heard about a product called Thyrogold that I am thinking of trying cause I don't want to be on medication all my life. Have you heard of this and if so, what are your thoughts? Looking forward to hearing from you, Take care and have a blessed day....

Dear Lauren,

I admire your attitude!

I have never used Thyrogold, not have known anyone to. However, when I read about it online, it seems like something I would try if I were wanting to get off medications and what I was trying was not working. So much of what I have learned has been trial and error on myself.

Have you ever read any of Dr. John Lee's books? I have his book called, "What Your Doctor May not tell you about Premenopause." He also has one for menopause. His writing is somewhat technical, but also interesting and helpful. I mention this because in his Premenopause book, he talks some about thryoid, particularly its relationship to other hormones. The premenopause book is directed towards women in the 30-50 age range and the menopause one for 50 and over. You have obviously done your research and tried many things...there may be a few more "stones to unturn" in his writings.

Keep in touch and God bless.

~Mama to Many~

Thank you Mama to many....I definitely would check out the books...never thought of that and I am a reader....thanks for that tip...take care and have a blessed day......

My reply to Mama of Many regarding your well water... it's easy to think it's safer than city water. But my brother in law's family were on a well, and two of their four children were diagnosed with diabetes, insulin dependent. It's very sad because now they have to be on diabetic meds for the rest of their lives. They traced the issue to pesticide run off from the farms around their property. So please get your water checked (if you haven't already).

And thank you for sharing your remedies for hypothyroid. I am hypo, and take iodine daily, plus all the vitamins I can afford.

Best wishes, Lauren

Lauren, Your children do not have to be on medications for the rest of their lives...Go to watercure2.org. Then read the testimonials for the close to 50 diseases...Bob Butts will have a coach call you (On their dime) and walk you through the simple procedure...It's ALL free as Mr. Butts cured himself of cancer and is spreading the word about his cure and many other cures through a web site and radio show...He should be sainted...

I am avid supporter of selenium and have been for years. Selenium sources are just as important as the trace mineral itself. Brazil nuts vary widely in their selenium content depending on the soil content where they were grown. I swear by an organic high-selenium yeast with a broad spectrum of selenoproteins because it is safe and guaranteed.

Iodine and selenium are great tools for thyroid health.

Also, a great iron source is Floradix. One of the best organic iron sources out there with superior absorption.

For every good product there are always a plethora of crappy and ineffective ones. Do your research, when you get supplements, choose a pharmaceutical-grade quality instead of wasting your money at grocery stores and retail chains.

Hello mama to many, I know this post was very old, but just came across it. Was curious how much synthroid you took in the beginning? how did you "manage" to get a dr to prescribe the blood work if you were not taking the medicine? I do not have hair falling out, but have mercury toxicity we are working on slowly, but I'm wondering how many of my symptoms are from syntroid or exacerbated by it? I DO have hashimotos also, had a hot nodule and stupidly ( because I felt so bad, and just WANTED relief) took the radioactive iodine, it was probably 8 months then went hypo and 3 weeks after starting synthroid, my sleep stopped or went to 4 hours max. which then snowballed into all this other stuff. Im just searching for hope in the middle of this mercury madness.

Thanks for any input!

Hi am 38 years old on thyroxine for the last 8 years. Ihave been feeling very tired and irratable lately . After reading many post about coconut oil and apple cider vinegar I myself sees difference in my health after starting as in am feeling not as tired and less irratable.

Even though my thyroid report according to doc to its all good and wants me to continue take 150 ug everyday . But I don't feel good and want it addd some supplements to support my thyroid function . I will continue taking coconut oil and apple cider vinegar everyday but also want to add kelp too. But after reading many sites it found that it can be full of toxin but it says pottasium iodide is very safe to take it

So my question is how much pottasium Iodide to take it everyday and where to buy in Australia and which brand? And also does It actually help thyroid or kelp is better option

Please help me I want to feel good and energetic since I have kids to chase after. Will be very grateful if someone could help me. Thank you for reading. Waiting for HELP.

Dear Dee,

Glad to hear that the ACV and coconut oil are helping. I find them helpful, too.

Regarding kelp versus potassium iodide....well, I have tried both in my family. The thing is that if you are truly deficient in iodine, which so many of us are, you would need a lot of kelp to get the amount needed. I don't personally notice much difference when I take kelp. But some do.

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. I took a very small dose of levothyroxine and it made me feel much worse. (But my doctor assured me that I was better since my labwork looked good.) Well, I ended up going off the medication and trying natural stuff. It took some time but I did find things that helped me. ACV and coconut oil being some of them. But potassium iodide made the biggest difference for me. I take Iodoral (the pill form of Lugol's.) I take 1 12.5 mg tablet a day (12.5 iodine/potassium iodide.) Iodine supplements should be taken with Selenium and B-complex. Some also include vitamin C.

If you take some time to read people's stories on Earth Clinic's Iodine page and Hypothyroid page, you can read a lot about what people do and what helps. The one thing is that different things help different people. Some feel a lot better taking iodine. Others do not.

You may find that you need less of your thyroid medicine if you supplement with iodine. It might be helpful to try Lugol's iodine (the liquid form) as it is easier to take less and build up to more.)

Keep us posted on your progress.

~Mama to Many~

HI Mama to Many. First of all thank you so much for responding me I always read your posts on this site . They are all so useful and I cannot Belive that somebody I adore responded me.. I will definately try liquid pottasium iodide with selenium (can I eat 3 brazil nuts instead selenium pill) and b complex as you suggested.

Am lacking iron (stopped taking iron tablets now sick of taking them) and b12 (taking shots regularly) and vitamin d too. And I am vegetarian not vegan. Its feel so good that somebody lives so far understood my pain and took some time out to respond me back. Thank you so much!!! Am not feeling alone now. Take care.

Dear Bill, thank you million for all the information you shared. I will go for a tFfree t3 and t4 test and also hair analysis test too . And also thank u So much for all the info regarding iodine and how to take it.. Am on the path to heal my self naturally . Your time and support means a lot to me.. This site is amazing!!!! I put my husband on ACV for his allergies issue and heseems to start believing in natural products now.. Thank again. God bless you!!!

Dear Dee,

Hi again! Regarding using Brazil nuts instead of a Selenium supplement, I think that is a good idea. Whenever possible, I like to get the needed nutrients from food. Then they are perfectly balanced with other needed nutrients. I think the recommendation for Brazil nuts is 1 or 2 nuts a day (ideally, one and a half! )

Have you considered Blackstrap Molasses for your iron? It has helped me greatly with pregnancy related anemia. It is wonderfully nutritious. I once saw a naturopath who put almost all of her patients on Blackstrap. She must have seen great results from it. (1 Tablespoon per day.)

Keep us posted on your progress! God bless you!

~Mama to Many~

Hi. I have been under active for nearly 18 years following my last pregnancy. Tuesday I have to have a fine needle biopsy done on my thyroid due to a cyst. Scared!!!!!! A have a build up of calcium that was detected it blood tests and the cyst in an ultra sound I'm on 150 mg thyroxine tablets but today have started taking ACV and Coconut Oil. I have lost 43 kg in weight since 2013 and have that to loose again.

This morning I out 1 tsp coconut oil in my fresh green juice and couldn't taste it at all. I will do this twice daily.

I put 1 dsp ACV in warm water and took this afterwards. I will try and do this three times a day.

Do you think I'm taking enough of the vinegar and oil? Thanks

Hi Dee, I believe that your problem is that the doctor is giving you way too much thyroid meds. I took 150 mcg when I was a small child because children require more. But as we age, we require less, so a doctor put me on only 100 mcg for over 40 years! Now I realized that the reason why I always feel exhausted is because I need to split the tab, take part in the morning, and part before bed....it was still too much at 100 mcg to take all at once. Your doctor is probably wrong that "you're fine because the test came back normal". Ask him or her for the more sensitive and precise 3rd generation tsh test, instead of the regular 1st generation one because it is much more exact. Doctors have a way of always saying they are right, or if you question them, then a lot of the time they say it's your fault, not theirs, whatever the problem is! If the doctor ignores you again by telling you there is nothing wrong, then it's time to say sayonara, baby, and get a different doctor that will listen to your problems and concerns, and try out different ideas that may help you. Some doctors that are not endocrinologist (and even some that are ) don't really know very much at all about thyroid disorder. My own Endocrinologist, Dr Yank Coble, had me on 100 mcg for over 40 years, meanwhile I constantly complained of horrible, daily exhaustion where I would sleep in a semi-comatose state for 8 or more hours a day, even though I got enough sleep at night and ate well. During my sleepy time I could be dehydrated, or famished but I was too weak to get up to get something to drink or some food...I must've been very close to death thousands of times. Meanwhile, Dr Coble went on to become the head of the American Medical Association and the head of the World Medical Society, yet he never really listened to my pleas for help, nor changed my dosage. Years later, one day I planned that I would get a written prescription for my blood work, and go get my blood drawn only when I became very exhausted, like what was happening to me, only when I had such exhaustion that I could barely stay awake....and that way I could find out whether my tiredness was due to my meds being too high or too low. The results came back showing a huge amount of T4 circulating in my blood, and an overly suppressed, very low, sub-normal reading on the TSH test. All of that means that I was over medicated on 100 mcg a day. So at that point I started splitting the tab, taking half in the morning and half at night. I also tried out only 88 mcg dosage. Both ways worked better than taking the 100 tab all at once. Now I split the 100 mcg, and even though I feel sleepy and sometimes have to take a nap, I'm not going into a semi-comatose state, and having to sleep 8-12 hours a day until the meds wear off some. Make your doctor allow you to see the results of your tsh test, and discuss it with you. Don't let him get away with just telling you, "you're fine....there is no problem....the test results are normal". The tsh paperwork should show a range, like from 1 to 10 on it, and your tsh level should fall somewhere in the middle of that 1-10, or 1-5, or whatever the range is.

Lauren, I lowered my thyroid hormone, after being prescribed 100 mcg per day for almost 50 years. Today I took half of the 100 tab in the morning, and half at night. 150 mcg you say? That sounds way too high, ...unless you weigh 200 lbs or more. The reason you get exhausted and irritable is because that dosage is way too high. I have been getting exhausted for years, so I decided to get a prescription for blood work, and to force myself to get the blood drawn when I was very exhausted, and could barely even stay awake. That way I could tell if my exhaustion was from the med being too high or too low. The results came back: a huge amount of thyroid hormone was circulating in my blood, and my tsh was a very small, below normal value...this means the medicine was way too high. Yet lowering the dosage made it be that I didn't get enough in a 24 hr time period. So splitting the tab was the best idea for me. 150 mcg is the amount I was on as a child, but as we grow to adulthood, we need far less...even the best endocrinologists don't always know what they are doing. My old endocrinologist became the head of the American Medical Association, and the World Medical society, yet he could never help me, as I was constantly beyond exhaustion, ... he just kept giving me 100 mcg, never suggesting that the problem was that my dosage was too high, because he believed that giving me the largest amount of med I could possibly stand was a great idea. After all, my test results showed my tsh was in the normal range. But he was wrong because he was over suppresing my tsh, even though the test results were in the "normal" range, normal, for me, is a different number within that supposedly normal range. There are different tsh tests including 1st generation, and 3rd generation tsh tests. Try to get a 3rd generation test because the results are much more accurate. I found that I was actually being over medicated by taking the whole tab all at once. Now I split the tab and take half the 100 mcg in the morning and half at night. When you feel agitated, it means your dosage is too high. If your doctor won't allow you to lower the med, or want talk with you, or listen to your concerns and problems, then find another one, ... perhaps an Endocrinologist knows better than a regular plain MD. Many people think the Doctor is their boss, but in reality, the best Doctors are the ones that listen well to your concerns, and then try new ways to make it better for you. Find someone willing to try new, different ways to help you, ... Try lowering the tab to 100 mcg. If that doesn't work, then try splitting the tab in two and taking only part in the morning.

So, what exactly did you take, in what amounts? Thanks.

Hello. I just turned 50 and take .75mcg of Levothyroxine and have for about 3 years now. I hate taking meds and seem to miss more than I take. I am looking for a better more natural way to get this hypothyroidism in check so I can throw my pills away. Advice from anyone who suffers from this and has taken a more natural approach and feels better would be great!

Thanks, Teri

T: Check out the E.C. page for this disorder here https://www.earthclinic.com/cures/hypothyroidism.html

Hi, I am 13 weeks pregnant and suffering from hypothyroid currently taking 50 mcg synthroid. Can I take ACV and coconut oil for my thyroid during pregnancy?

Dear Mili,

I have taken ACV all through pregnancy. I would not take huge amounts of it or anything. But I probably took up to 2 Tablespoons a day.

Coconut Oil is a great oil to use in pregnancy.

I am assuming you are not going to off your synthroid? I would not make any prescription changes during pregnancy without doctor supervision. Low thyroid can cause miscarriage or other problems with the baby.

Some pregnant moms need to have medications adjusted as pregnancy may change the amount of synthroid you need. So if ACV and coconut oil improve your condition and make it so you need less of the synthroid, presumably this would be picked up during bloodwork you have as part of prenatal care.

~Mama to Many~

Thanks for sharing! I'm now off the levrothyroxine and learning more about what I can use instead.

Armour Thyroid is difficult to get; but it's still out there. You may have to pay cash for it.

Kelp tablets are easy to take, to naturally build up iodine levels in the body!

Hello! I am diagnosed with hypothyroid 2 years ago.

I have been struggling with low energy, oversleeping and still feeling tired, depression and anxiety, racing thoughts, visual side hallcinations, muscle and joint pain during day and night, low blood pressure and heart rate, very cold hands and feet, bouts of insomma, low concentration, anaemia, repeated stomach upsets with diarrhoea, irregular periods extreme sensitivity to light and hair loss amongst others.

My Dr. changed me from levothyroxine to Endonorm and for the first time since I have been hypothyroid I have felt better and my body temperature is now normal!

I read that endonorm is actually a female sex hormone estrogen therapy.

Can you share if you had any weight loss after taking ACV for so long? Thanks.

Nadine,

I'm sorry to say my doctor said the same thing about Nature Throid just last month. I tried Armor and lasted two days, I kid you not. I've been hypothyroid for 28 years and sadly have only had the Fairy Godmother experience of feeling normal once. I have been on Synthroid as it works best for me and Compounded ER T3 which helps alleviate the symptoms but nothing ever fixed the weight gain issue. In addition, may I caution you and anyone else who is hypothyroid to keep a very watchful eye on your cholesterol levels. I was literally the poster child for cholesterol before the hypothyroid diagnosis; complained profusely to the endocrinologist at the time who said, “I'll send a note to your primary care! ”. I never went back to him, but my cholesterol levels kept climbing and the weight such that now the cholesterol is off the charts high.

I'm going to give the ACV a try.

Yes, I spoke with the pharmacist yesterday, he stated that NatureThroid will probably not be on the market again. Very disappointing. However, Armour is available. Also Ashwaganda and Bladderwrack. I ordered these yesterday, as I would like to try to jumpstart the feedback loop to my thyroid to start producing again. We will see.

Thanks both. I have understood that iodine is something you should be careful about taking as it can block the thyroxine, so I've always been wary of it. Unfortunately, Armour is not available as an option here in France so that's out. Funnily enough, I am reading Stop the Thyroid Madness at the moment, it's interesting.

I was holding about 2 stone (30 pounds) excess weight but it started coming off late last year - when I started taking cider vinegar. No idea if this is a coincidence or whether there's a different cause. I certainly don't want to lose any more weight though. I'll certainly look out for Benedryl tablets and give that a go.

Hi Mike, thought I'd replied but obviously not posted. The whole issue is obviously complicated. And you must bear with me if I don't fully understand. Are you on thyroxine? And does the iodine interfere with it?

Thanks Mike, you've been very helpful. I shall get myself some and give it a go.

Linda, When you have hypothyroidism, you feel less hungry and you eat less, but gain more weight because your metabolism is too slow, resulting in you not able to efficiently burn your food so that it becomes fuel or energy that you can use....so then you gain weight..even though you are eating less. Go to a doctor, get a tsh thyroid test done...the results will probably come back that the tsh number is too high, which means that you need to take some thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine or Synthroid is best, I have found.

Linda, Low appetite and weight gain means you are taking too little amount of thyroid hormones. Or that your body has problems using the meds, even though you take them. Find an Endocrinologist that you can trust, that listens to your needs and feelings. If you need to, find a therapist or friend that you can talk to and rely on for support during this difficult time. I take 100mcg, but I split the tab, taking half in the morning and half before bed. I recommend the synthetic form, which can be gotten from an MD, after you have a TSH blood test. Then try a little exercise, like jumping in a swimming pool and either swimming at you own pace, or just moving your arms and/or legs in the shallow end, whatever is comfortable for you, as this can help you speed your too-slow metabolism. Or, take an enjoyable walk when the weather is comfortable for you. Eat whatever seems to help you in the amount you feel comfortable with....I like a green salad with some cheese, maybe cold cereal with blue berries, bacon or red meat...don't blame yourself that you're not hungry or gaining weight. It is very difficult, having this disorder, both physically and emotionally, but try to be brave, love yourself, pat yourself on the back, and help yourself in whatever ways you can. I have the exact problem and symptoms you have has been for 50 years, so I know exactly how you feel. I'm so sorry. I hope you will find ways to help yourself in this situation, which can be depressing and frustrating. I care about you, and I want to help you out of this. Soon they may develop a way for you and I to get a new thyroid gland, made from stem cells. When they do, I am going to look into it, and I suggest you do also.

TSH 160.9: Can anyone explain what this means and how to make health corrections? My eyebrows are thin and missing outer third on both sides of face. My thyroid numbers were in mid range of normal.. NO PROBLEM...!!! ... ? :(

I found my answer this week while going through some papers... A high THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE blood work number means that the thyroid is not putting out enough hormone~hypothyroid

thyrotropin =TSH= thyroid stimulating hormone

produced by the pituitary gland telling the thyroid to make and release the thyroid hormone into the blood. I am experimenting with some Kelp since I already use iodized salt. I have used kelp supplement before. If you are hyperthyroid, do not use kelp or iodine without doing research and seeing a doctor.

Miguel: There are a myriad post suggesting many forms of Iodine as well as Iodide; nascent being the best. Also, in order of "not mentioning" I have posted a few times the need for supplementing Tyrosine along with the Iodine and Selenium. Also, all glands in general, not just the thyroid, are quite sensitive tissues and are often the first to show signs of stress. This is why antioxidant nutrition is critical for healthy endocrine system. Zinc/Vit-A is also specifically indicated for healthy glands.

Joy, Have you ever been tested by an MD for thyroid function? Just a guess....you have some form of hyperthyroidism is why you're loosing hair.

Have a doctor give you the 3rd generation TSH test, not the usual 1st generation. It is more exact or precise as to whether your thyroid is too high or too low.

Might be worth checking emu products—I've learned that many topical formula include a numbing agent (i.e. an anesthetic -caine) that becomes the active ingredient. If you find that troublesome, emu oil capsules can be pierced and applied topically.

Hi Denise... I think that your body temperature of 96.3 °F would probably seem to confirm a hypothyroid problem. Your body temperature should be at about 98.6 °F.

So perhaps its best to go and see your doctor and ask, at the very least, for a Free T3 and Free T4 (thyroid hormones) test. Your doctor will probably advise that you simply take just the TSH test - which is highly inaccurate on its own. So I would insist on the TSH plus the Free T3 and Free T4 tests for the thyroid gland. Your series of tests, to give a complete picture, should also realistically include blood tests for ferritin(anaemia), adrenal hormones(stress), TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3 and a test for Vitamin B12 levels in the blood. This is described in more detail in the links below.

For a proper understanding and much more detail on how to actually cure your own thyroid problem and symptoms (using the lugols iodine protocol and natural bio-identical hormones) you should also try to read Dr Brownsteins two books which will give you a much greater understanding of your problem:

Iodine: Why You need it, Why you Can't Live Without it

Overcoming Thyroid Problems

The above books can also be found on Amazon.

And also from Dr Brownstein, here is a simple link that quickly describes, in fair detail, some surprising reasons as to what really causes hypothyroidism, its particular effects on the body and what you can actually do about it.

http://americannutritionassociation.org/sites/default/files/Brownstein 1.pdf

Lab results of TSH: I had a lab done on 2-21-2013 and the one I don't understand is the TSH, 3rd generation is 4.62 (0.40-4.50 mIU/L) it ia marked as High does this mean that my thyroid is high or low? I am 66 yo and had 4 surgeries from last year April till Sep. 1, 2012, the doctor did not seem overly consinerd about it, but if someone understands these labs I would love to know what they mean. Merrryanne in Central FL

Hi, It looks lke your thyroid is a little bit on a HYPO ( low) side. What about your other thyroid tests? Free T3 and Free T4? The results of TSHm T3 and T4 will give more precise picture of your thyroid health.

Belladonna

Thank you Belladonna for your response: The results I posted are from my regular blood work, I forgot to ask the doc did mean high or low, what I mentiond was the only result concerning TSH, thank you, Merryanne in Central FL

Thanks Linda! This site is very helpful in interpreting test information never shared by doctors.

Hi, I am a new mom for 2 weeks old baby girl. She is under the medication with synthroid 0.44mcg/kg/day after she was diagnosed with congenital hypothyroidism. Her thyroid gland is under-active producing 0.4 T4 level. We are badly broken. Is there any chance for my daughter to get cured completely. Prayers and medicine are our only hopes.. Please help. Thanks

Dear Shiny,

I would ask around locally and try to find a natural doctor you could take her to. With a tiny baby, even with natural treatment you will want to monitor your baby and make sure what treatment you are doing is working.

I am assuming you are breastfeeding your baby? You will want to continue that for at least a year at all possible. Two years is ideal for a child with special health or physical needs.

Whether you continue with conventional medication or natural, try to keep her health secondary and enjoy every day with her. They grow so fast and these days with a little one you can snuggle and cuddle are really quite short, though at times they can seem long! :)

~Mama to Many~

Hello Shiny,

in your child's case I would like to encourage you to give them the synthroid daily. Their development at this stage is so crucial that not doing so will effect them for the rest of their life.

Our son, who is now nine, was born with only the tiniest amount of non functioning thyroid tissue. We have giving him synthroid daily since he was nine days old. He is now at the top of his class, is considered gifted in math, super athletic, and one of the tallest kids his age. He would have been a different kid had we not made sure he took his medicine daily.

I'm all for trying natural remedies for most ailments, but not in the case of congenital hypothyroidism.

Dear Nursing Student, Forget about CHOICE. It is against the law not to test newborns, and I believe, also against the law not to treat them for thyroid disorder. Otherwise, like you said, they will become a cretin, or totally retarded. Born in 1959, I'm incredibly blessed that my own thyroid gland kicked in for the first 2 years of my life, which is the time most crucial in childhood development (other than in the womb) for a brain to develop and function. Because there was no law back then about testing newborns. Now it's mandatory, ...you must.

Hi Ec..... I am hypothyroid, have been for the past three years. As many of us who has this disease know, you can never feel the way you did when you were not sick. I personally have changed my diet, used every green drink/vitamin imaginable and am still struggling. Recently, I have noticed that anytime I have a stressful day, or has overworked, I would have this sudden discomfort directly in the center of my chest. It would last from an hour to sometimes the whole day. I have used cayenne, lemon water, magnesium, fresh green juice, co q10, apple cider vinegar, garlic etc but nothing seems to help until one day out of desperation, I reached for a glass of milk don't ask me why.. All I know is that it took maybe 10 mins for the feeling to just disappear. I cannot up till now figure out why milk out of everything helped this issue. Could it me I was lacking calcium? I hope someone in this wonderful community can help me figure out this one. Please guys.... Bill, Lisa, anyone.... Your input would be very appreciated. God Bless

Sounds like you have reflux.

As I read this post, I am wondering about copper?

At the beginning of last October after my last annual blood test, I tried Anatabloc, a new over-the counter anti-inflamatory nutriceutical for secondary hypothroidism. I was my last hope before going to a doctor and it worked better than I hoped. Anyway, I saw on the web some speculation that it would also be effective for BPH and even though my PSA level was only 1.30, it has been slowly rising for the last 7 years. I got another blood test at the beginning of February that focused on thyroid associated hormones and a PSA test. My TSH level went from 0.3 to 2.8 and my PSA level went from 1.30 to 0.60. I'm a happy camper. One other thing that I noticed is that the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands no longer hurts.

Cece, 50 may not be enough. Weight gain can mean you don't have enough. I never heard of euthyrox. Can you get Synthroid or Levothyroxine instead ? Have you had a TSH test to see if you need more or less ?

Erika, my hypothyroid was off the charts a yr ago, and small nodule, but is now normal. My regimen wasn't completely like yours but some similarities. I had severe side effects to the Levothyroxine with only 2 doses. I used magnet therapy daily on each gland for almost 1yr. I finally broke down and decided the Kelp thing wasn't enough and the povidone iodine may not be suitable, and began liquid potassium iodine. A few weeks of daily LPI I experienced a sudden symptoms of radiation sickness. I took some pectin fiber and sodium bicarbonate to deal with the radiation (I assume). Normal now. Oh, I also took raw thyroid glandular daily for several months.

Hope this helps and good luck.

Watch out so you don´t overdo it! I screwed up my liver because I started taking like 20 supplements at the same time. They have no time to work separately, so you do need to stop the madness. Take the kelp and ACV and wait with the VCO because it is actually cleansing your liver and will make you worse for couple of weeks, so when you start with it, you need to be sure that you don't take anything else! Good luck!

Hello, I would like to request your input regarding the link between low thyroid and anemia. About one year ago I was diagnosed with iron-deficient anemia and been told by my doctor to take OTC iron supplements, I took it for a couple of months and then stopped. I went back recently for blood work to see if things have improved and not only have there not been any improvements, but my numbers (iron, %saturation and hemoglobin) are actually lower. I also know from the way I feel (tired, depressed, unable to think clearly, shortness of breath, etc.) that things have not improved.

I started searching about anemia and came across some information that discusses the possible link between anemia and low thyroid function. Does anyone have any thoughts or personal experience regarding this? If so, please let me know, I thank you very much in advance. I have been considering taking raw thyroid supplement and liquid iron to see if things get better...

Olivia;

Take a food source of iron: black strap molasses, spinach, or.......... choose another one.

Mineral forms of iron are:

1] not absorbable for biological functions

2] highly poison-us

A few years ago, the #1 cause of child-hood deaths was iron supplements. This was when all the AMA doctors were pushing iron supplemnts for anything that was wrong with a female. The children were eating their mothers iron supplemennts and dying. Iron supplemnts were the #1 killer of children in the United States.

They were so poisonous, and the body-mind knew it, that all the women were naturally [un-consciously] stimulated to eat more food to dilute the poison they took. [thus saving their life]. As a result, the main side effect noticed by the women was weight gain, getting fatter.

Yes, I've been hypo for almost 10 years. I was diagnosed with anemia prior to that. So yes, IMO there is a correlation. But there are so many variables. Who really knows for sure. What helps one may hurt another. I've read on here eating too much raw brocolli could cause thyroid issues. Really?????

My husband has both hypothyroidism and anemia. To be more specific, he's suffering from Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and pernicious anemia. They are both results of autoimmune disorder.

Maybe you should check with your doctor if you are suffering from pernicious anemia. It can only be solved by regular B12 injection.

Olivia, Get a TSH test from an MD to see if you have thyroid dysfunction. I tried natural hormome, but it didn't work very well, so I take the synthetic. I have never heard of the liquid.

My doctor has been monitoring me with blood tests for over six months, thinking I might have underactive thyroid, I had many of the symptoms but they would come and go and switch around.

I am now on a healthier diet but get good days and bad days, is it the same with you? Am thinking of taking licquorice and some other things, deciding which way to go, turmeric keeps coming up as being a good idea. How are you getting on?

Hi Carmel, I feel little improvement not every day, but every week in general.

Does your blood test display that you are low in freeT3, T4 and have too high TSH and antibodies?

If your blood test results are within normal range, but you have simptoms of underactive thyroid, I would recommend you to choose natural remedy in accordance with the symptoms. I am not a doctor, this comes from my personal experience.

If you have issues with the immune system, you should understand, either you are TH1 dominant or TH2 dominant, and take the herbs accordingly (TH1 - green tea, gotu kola, pycnogenol, grape seed extract, lycopene; while TH2's are echinacea, licorice, astragalus, maitake mushroom etc). There is information about this in Google.

If it is slow methabolism, there are coconut oil, triphala for constipation and general detox, probiotics. For stress and anxiety there are adaptogenic herbs such as ashwagandha, siberian ginseng, passiflora. And vitamins of course for general well-being.

Did you use any other medicines except coconut oil and licorice? How high was your TSH before you started taking them? How is it now?

Hello Everyone: Can someone tell me which is the best seaweed to consume? I am thinking of adding this to my diet to help my hypothyroid symptoms but do not know which one to choose. Thank you everyone for a quick response.

Fucus seaweed is what I use. I make it into a tea.

Many recommend kelp. Does anyone know if kelp and kombu are the same thing?

Hi Mmsg, Kombu is a variety of kelp just as in Australia we have bull kelp growing off Tasmania (I think it is still harvested at King Island). Some other varieties are: giant kelp; stalked kelp; sea bamboo; wakame.

Bladder wrack is a seaweed that is often used to extract iodine and some refer to it as a kelp but I have read that it is not.

Irish moss is supposed to promote healthy thyroid function. It might be worth researching. Most herb stores carry it.

I swim everyday for 30 min. in an indoor chlorinated pool. I also have hypothyroidism. Is this bad for me? I have ask two Dr.s but they seem clueless. I have come across a couple of comments online that suggest swimming in an indoor chlorinated pool is bad for the thyroid. Is this true? Unfortunately, because of knee problems and shin splints I have had to move to a low impact aerobic form of exercise. Swimming seemed a viable alternative.

After swimming for a year, I am now worried about my thyroid. I had the condition well before I started swimming. But, I'm wondering if I'm exasperating my condition? Or, asking for even more trouble with my thyroid by swimming? It is all in an attempt to stay healthy, and maintain a level of fitness despite my hypothyroidism, but now I'm wondering if I'm doing more harm then good.

Seeking help with a diagnosis..

Symptoms/ailments:

• Fatigue
• Poor concentration
• Poor memory
• Apathy/lack of interest or motivation
• Depression
• Intermittent occurrences of what I assume is mild Dyshidrotic eczema on my hands
• Often light headed upon standing
• Thin facial hair; falls out.
• Caffeine makes my face break out.
• Poor circulation fairly often (cold hands and feet)
• Premature ejaculation
• Face ranges from semi-dry to outright oily
• Extremely pale completion (Pallor)
• Severe sugar and alcohol cravings

After getting fed up with conventional doctors' bullshit (being put on SSRI's and the like),

Saw a holistic doctor when I was perhaps 22. Said I was borderline hypothyroidic. Put me on some type of thyroid med (Armour thyroid if memory serves), to no avail. Gave up.

Nearly 28 now. Recently ate a lot of cruciferous vegetables (for whatever reason) over the course of two or three days and skin began to itch horribly for the better part of 36 hours. Looked into it, made the hypothyroid connection. Did some preliminary research and decided to start supplementing my diet with kelp (for the iodine) and Brazil nuts (for the selenium). Cut out all known "goitrogens" etc. After two or three days, woke up today feeling energetic, in fairly good spirits, yet slightly nervous (all of which are unprecedented for me). Ate a moderate breakfast that kept me satiated well into the afternoon (usually I have cravings). Crashed half way thru the day and couldn't even get myself into the gym to do light cardio for 30 minutes.

Can someone help me out, here? What the hell is going on with me? Should I continue using kelp and brazil nuts?

Any help is greatly appreciated, Jesse

Jesse, everything you have described as symptoms all point to toxicity. To begin cleaning start w/ your environment --home, workplace, food, water, air. Next start a parasite cleanse and proceed to kill chronic infections (bacteria, fungi, viruses). Next get out possible heavy metals and zenobiotics (that cause parasites and infections) w/ ionic foot spa, detox foot pads, and oil pulling.

Info on the particulars of these protocols are found on this site. Also, body buffering or alkalizing is very important as well as oxygenation. Take whole body hot baths of 1/4 cup Epsom salt 1/4 cup baking soda and rotate to either a ACV or Borax bath for infections.

Support the liver and kidneys w/ recommended herbs. NAC is a must for glutathione boosting (detoxification). Flood your body with nutrition especially antioxidants. Coconut oil or caprylic acid is a must. A good 3-6-9 oil supplement will help much.

Be diligent and patient because this process could take months or as much as 2 yrs depending on specific conditions.

Jesse, one thing I have read is not to take TOO much selenium, which means that I do not take more than ONE OR TWO brazil nuts a day. NOT MORE.

You may have an adrenal issue, but I'm certainly no expert!

Now I'm not advertising this center; just helping you hone in on one in your area that may help you.

I would suggest contacting the The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor - (734) 302-7575. While I've never been there, it appears that they do Nutrition Response Testing, recommend eating whole foods and taking Standard Process whole food supplements.

Their website is

http://www.thenutritionalhealingcenter.com/

I've been seeing a specialist in Columbus, Ohio for the past 4 years who does Nutrition Response Testing, and I've experienced excellent results.

Best of luck!

Re chlorinated pools: I swim regularly at our local health club who will be introducing SPHAGNUM MOSS to augment their chlorine-based filtration system. Apparently sphagnum moss can DECREASE the chlorine by as much as 50%(! ).

Currently, there are some universities and health centers who are already using sphagnum moss.

I found this link which explains more:

http://news.discovery.com/earth/swimming-pools-moss-green.html

You may just be hypothyroid or have the autoimmune Hashimoto's--that attacks your thyroid. I think this because you said you took thyroid meds and it did nothing, been there. By taking them you increased your immune response to attack and had even less energy than you started w/. on what you are doing. Go to hypothyroid or Hashimotos page, there is wonderful info already written. Invest in Dr. Brownstein book on autoimmune/thyroid (not exact name). It will give you a fuller accurate picture of a treatment plan.

You will also want to see someone in natural med who agrees about using iodine. The reason for this, once your thyroid is off/not working right it affects ALL your hormone levels. When you introduce iodine to focus on fixing the thyroid, if your adrenals are not keeping up you won't have sustained energy, the balance is tricky so help is good (someone who muscle tests is best so you get the correct dosing you actually need) and I'm 3 1/2 weeks into Hoshi treatment, it is up and down. I am having on/off with the healing crisis, Dr. Brownstein states usually 3 months on 'therapy' levels of iodine, for me 100mgs a day, or until all symptoms have stopped, then a slow decrease to 'maintainance' level of 12/5 mg a day. And people being people that is an average number for maintainance, you wean yourself down and stop at the level where you don't feel as well, move back up a drop then stay there. don't give up.

Look into parasites cleanses

Hey EC: I am hoping someone can help me with this problem. Shortly after being diagnosed as being hypothyroid, I noticed that small white spots started appearing on my legs/calves etc. Didn't pay much attention to it until the other day while doing a pedicure, I was stunned to see how much it had spread. Anyone knows what is causing this? Is this a common symptom of this disease? What if it keeps spreading. Help someone/anyone with an answer. Thank you EC. You people are the best!!!

My husband also has those white spots and his doctor didn't know what they were either. I researched the net and found out that his were "Stucco Keratosis". Unfortunately there is no cure for that. I have a few at the bottom of my legs also. My husbands' always show lighter after he gets out of the pool. Maybe the chlorine does it. Not contagious, just unsightly.

Hi, there are all kinds of white spots, so it is difficult to say what it is. I started having white spots on my legs years ago, then they started spreading and the ones in the legs started getting bigger. Doctors have no idea what it is but they all assure me that it is not viltligo. It is quite ugly and nowdays I have quite a few on my arms, chest, some on my back. I have tried quite a few things but nothing has helped. I found out that this particular kind of spots is called Idiopathic Guttate Hypomelanosis. I have now been trying to rub lemon juice on them twice a day (don't go in the sun for a while after doing this or you might get more stains) also because I have a few age spots but so far nothing has happened neither with the white or the brown ones. Sorry.......... No idea what causes them!

Several months ago I purchased organic coconut oil, not for hypothyroidism, which I now believe I have, because my hair is falling out rapidly, and also read here that 'brain fog' and low body temp are also symptoms of it, which I also have. In reading about it on here, it looks like I need to go look for 'cold pressed' CO. The jar says 'expeller pressed'. It was very expensive at $9.51 for a 14 oz. jar. What is the difference in the way it is pressed? Will 'expeller pressed' work? I hunted in this small town for a long time looking for any CO and finally found this at the health food store.

To M from farmington, I"ve only been using VCO for a short time. What I noticed in difference of CO vs- VCO, the good stuff VCO, when you open the jar you smell coconuts, everytime! The other, nothing so smell nothing, get nothing in benefit.

Mercury amalgam fillings prevent T4 thyroid medication from working properly. Mercury is a endocrine and enzyme disrupter and you will likely not feel well until all of your amalgam fillings are safely removed by a biological dentist.

I found this out after I had 11 amalgam fillings removed and I had chelation therapy afterwards to flush the mercury and other heavy metals from my body. About 8 months after I had my fillings removed and replaced with composite I started feeling better after suffering for 40 yrs with depression, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, headaches, brain fog. In fact, there are 150 know symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings which helps keep the doctors and hospitals from running out of patients. Amalgam fillings have been banned in Europe and the Philippines now for about 10 yrs now but are still legal in North America.

Here's former dentist Dr. Hal Huggins. After Dr. Huggins refused to give mercury amalgam fillings and root canals to his patients his dentist license was revoked. Dangers Of Amalgam Fillings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYFDkIa6kw

Regarding keratosis....I had keratosis pilaris on my arms that cleared up completely when I stopped eating wheat.

Hey EC: I have a quick question for anyone with an answer. In my quest for a healthier lifestyle since being diagonosed as hypothyroid, I started a morning smoothie made with pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, wheatgerm, a few brazil nuts and a splash of milk. A day or so after drinking this smoothie, I noticed that I kinda feel wired and struggle to sleep in the night. I am tired but I just cannot sleep. Also, I developed a constant headache. Any idea whats going on? I love this smoothie and don't want to stop drinking it because of these problems. Help please someone!!!! Thank you guys.

It will be the brazil nuts and the pumpkin seeds - Selenium in both is the active ingredient. They can act to convert t4 to t3 and may tip you into being hyperthyroid. (Read Mary Shamon on this) If you are on medication for the hypothyroid or, if you have hashimotos disease as well, you may have too much active thyroid hormone in your system. This explains the headache that won't go away and a wired feeling. Don't change your medication - it takes at least 8 weeks to have an effect. Just cut out the nuts and seeds. It is so cold here that the hyporthyroid symptoms are out so lots of Vitamin D and selenium supplementation. Get your adrenals checked - that could also be a reason for night-time waking.

Hi Loren...

It sounds like a herxheimer or detox reaction to me. You may have taken too much of a good thing too fast, and your body couldn't keep up with it. You miight want to cut back a bit on how much you drink at a time, and work up to it more slowly.

Just a thought... But any time I do anything new, if I try too much too fast I get ill. I know that it is sometimes hard to start of slow, because we want to feel better FAST... but it is really worth it to allow our bodies the time to adjust to the new thing we are ingesting (mo).

Hello Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone has had the same issues I'm dealing with being Hypothryoid.

I had RAI done in 2009 for being Hyperthyroid, consequently I became Hypo due to this procedure I'm taking 137mg of Synthroid but find that I'm still dealing with the most troublesome issue of burning and watery eyes. I now have noticed that one of my eyelids is drooping a bit my Dr says my levels are fine with the Synthroid and that in time this should go away???? Has anyone had to deal with this before?

Any feedback would be so helpful, Thank you so much...

Siera

I have hypothyrodism with a level of 4.8 and my doctor prescribed me synthroid of 50 mcg which I was afraid to take. I feel week, have brain fog at innumerable times during a day. I like to know if yoga or applying coconut oil will help me.

I am having 2 drops of iodide/iodine every day on emty stomach. Please help me as I don't want to take medication. Weight gain is there.

I was just told by a nutritionalist/naturopathic person that have definite adrenal fatigue and a thyroid issue, but haven't been to the doctor to figure out for sure. (No insurance) Well I took her advice with the iodine and I'm taking 4 dropper fulls and supposed to go up to 6 dropper fulls which is way over the direction doses on the packages..... And its working! In 48 hrs, the large lump in my throat that has been very uncomfortable (hard to swallow, restricts breathing) is gone or at least has shrunk enough to not notice it. I do know that with iodine supplementation you have to take Vitamin C and B's to carry it through for absorbtion in the body. Vitamin C has to be around 1500 mg and Extra B's. I was told not be scared of the high doses because you'll just pee them out within a few hours, but they are very important in absobing the nutrients. If anyone has any more knowledge they'd like to throw my way I'd love the feedback! Also how do you know if you are HYPO or HYPER thyroid? My symptoms are a mixture of both and a lot of adrenal. Which from my understanding adrenal & thryroid go hand in hand?

Jessica, when taking iodine and vitamin c ensure they are taken at different times of the day. If you have an iodine stain on clothes for instance putting vitamin c crystals on the stain will make it disappear.

Hypothyroid issue for yrs, now. Nothing was really making a difference. Bought colored Iodine in a bottle from the pharmacy and did a patch test. The orange color was completely gone in an hr. Taking Iodine and selenium now, and in 1 day that huge goiter was gone! Swallowing normally for 1st time in yrs, noticed feet and face are softer in a week, brain fog gone, and my hair loss is 90 % less, My joint pains are almost completely gone, they were so bad, there were times I had to crawl from the bed to the bathroom in the mornings. I just began middle age, so this was especially difficult. I will be adding b vit and A and C as well. Why didn't I find this info yrs ago? Dr. Jonathan v. Wright's site helped as well as this one and Dr. Mercola.

Anita, when 1st diagnosed with hypothyroidism I was put on Synthroid but was constantly ill. After refusing to continue with Synthroid, I was prescribed Armour and I felt a difference immediately, and no longer felt ill. Personally, I refuse to use any synthetic (laboratory-made) thyroid products again (e.g. , Synthroid, Levothroid, levothyroxin, etc. On the other hand, Armour Desiccated Thyroid Hormone, Nathroid, Westhroid, and other brands derived from the thyroid gland of the pig, use natural glandular concentrates or extracts containing thyroid hormone. Now I order mine online, porcine thryoid health which is much like Armour if not the same, and am feeling really good. Armour Thyroid and other natural thyroid preparations contain natural thyroid hormone. Armour Thyroid and most natural thyroid preparations are made to standards approved by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP), which helps assure that its potency is accurately stated on the label. They contain T4, T3, T2, and T1 and most closely resemble natural human thyroid hormone. At the proper dose, natural thyroid hormone works quite well and are preferred by nearly all "natural" or "alternative" physicians. Synthetics, on the other hand, consist solely of T4. They depend on the body to convert the T4 to T3 and the other metabolites.

Hi Imcinnamon,

I'd like to know what is your regimen/dosage amount for taking the iodine and selenium? How long was it before you started seeing results? Have you lost/gained any weight as well?

I am trying to locate a good practitioner in NYC to properly diagnose and treat me as I have over 90% of the symptoms for having an underactive thyroid in addition to an somewhat enlarged goiter. I am also looking to lose some weight as well.

I appreciate suggestions/input you have, thanks!

I have read these threads with interest because I have speculated I might have a thyroid issue because of my fatigue and inability to lose weight. I started taking 750 mg. of guggul extract along with 250 mg. of forskoli and in two days have noticed a drastic increase in energy. I reccommend only taking these supplements first thing in the morning. I used to be sluggish in the morning even after sleeping 7 hrs. But not anymore. For the women that got advice from her nutritionist that she might have adrenal fatigu and a thyroid issue.... If you noticed a lump in your neck then you most likely have hyperthyroidism which means your thyroid is already overactive and these supplements would not benefit you. There are herbal supplemetns you can research that heal the adrenal glands so I would suggest you start there and take a good multi-vitamin and eat nutritous foods. Goodluck!

Where do we get these items - EVCO, Apple Cider Vinegar etc. Are they at the grocers or medical shops?

I started off getting them at GNC. Then I found a Whole Foods. It's hard finding Iodine though. Get that offline.

For the question of where to buy ACV with the mother and CO. I get mine at a large nationwide discount store, that does not require membership, at reasonable prices. I don't think I can give the name because I had another post removed due to mentioning it.

Go to the vinegar section of the store--you will see several brands. Look for one that says "Raw" or "unpasteurized", it will usually also say 'with the mother'. For coconut oil, it's in the section with the oils. Make sure you get one that says virgin, cold-pressed. It will look like shortening because stores are usually cooler and it's solid at over 74 degrees. I avoid the one in the white plastic bottle-you can't see what you're getting.