The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
Apple Cider Vinegar, Coconut Oil
Posted by Nikki (Bernalillo, NM) on 05/13/2009
I have been reading about Apple cider vinigar and coconut oil on your site but I do not have a thyroid or parathyroid glands. they were taken out due to thyroid cancer. I am wondering if I can still use the ACV as long as I wait till after 4 hours of taking my synthroid and cytomil I am on? I want to take that for loosing weight. also would the coconut oil do any good if I do not have a thyroid for it to improve on?? thank you for any advise you can give..
Coconut Oil
Posted by Nicole (Chicago, IL USA) on 03/19/2009
Chest pain from using coconut oil could actually be a good thing, if it is the feeling of a clogged up lymphatic system starting to drain. This feels like painful, slow-moving lumps.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dianne (Orillia, Ontario Canada) on 03/20/2009
For a sluggish thyroid I use Kelp 660mg x2 and I also have started on Maca 1 tsp daily in your favorite beverage or choice of beverage, I have mine with my morning coffee. Both seem to be working fine. When I used it a few years back, (different reason) it worked well, cleared up the issue plus increased my energy and gave me a new attitude. Works good for mental, emotional wellness too. Good health and Blessings.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Les (Alaska) on 03/05/2017
I got same thing when drinking coconut oil, it was in wishbone area in chest, turned out to be gall bladder spasms. I got this after taking growth hormone injections and 600 calorie a day diet with no fat for 3 sessions X 6 weeks each. Needless to say, gall bladder went into spasms off / on for 2 more months and the test they did at hospital showed gallbladder not functioning properly. The spasms were so painful, I agreed to have it taken out. I so wish I knew how bad that is on / for your body!! Change your lifestyle, eat organic, remove wheat, caffeine, no plastic, no chlorine, no milk, lots of put water, organic teas.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Nanette O. (Gainesville, Florida ) on 06/02/2017
The problem it is not the coconut oil, you need to treat your low functioning gallbladder first so stop the coconut oil until you do this, a low functioning gallbladder is a precursor of hypothyroidism. Eat beets.. search for gallbladder attacks there's a diet and also products that you can use to dislodging gallbladder stones also melt them as well other approaches for making your gv healthy thus your thyroid will be well specially it is hypothyroidism
Coconut Oil
Posted by June (Sydney, Australia) on 03/17/2009
★★★★★
Thanks to this site I have been able to contol the symtoms of an inactive thyroid. I take 2 tablesspoons of EVCO in small glass of orange juice morning and night . This has given me energy, I am now able to exercise 4 times a week, stopped the constipation.Improved my moods and increased my general wellbeing. It did not decrease my weight so i have started counting the calories. I used to be able to feel my thyriod constricting, now that has gone, so I know that the EVCO is having a direct effect on my thyroid. I have not decreased my medicine -1 thyroxine per day and my scan shows no change to the thyroid surface, but the EVCO has given me my motivation back.
The Doctor says I have an autoimmune response to my thyroid "hasimoto desease". Is there any suggestion to how else this may be treated? Thanks
Coconut Oil
Posted by Alimaacd (New Fairfield, Ct) on 07/21/2010
90% of hypothyroidism is caused by hashimoto's... It's the #1 cause of hypothyroidism in the USA. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease so it's absolutely necessary to address what's causing autoimmune responses. Some possibilities include dysbiosis, dysglycemia, food sensitivities etc. Check out the hashimoto's groups on facebook and you'll get alot of info on this.
Eliminate Soy
Posted by Thinking (Wash) on 09/03/2016
The way soy is made in Japan is very different than here. I read that organic soy non-GMO soy that is made in the old world way is fine. But my integrative MD told me to lay off the soy because finding a good producer is too hard and that soy can cause women issues with hormones.
Medications
Posted by Holly (Dundalk) on 04/15/2021
What about Armour thyroid? I had a very inflamed thyroid with nodules. After 2 years of armour thyroid, my thyroid is normal and nodules gone. Healthy eating, supplements, etc were just not enough for me.
Iodine
Posted by Barok358 (Covina , Ca, Usa) on 12/21/2010
★★★★★
I agree about all the good feed backs of VCO, 2004 I was diagnose with ulcer, I underwent colonoscopy once, endoscopy twice and my doctor put me on NIXIUM for 8 months, it helps in a sense that I am relieve but not cured, but when I used VCO WITH IN 3 WEEKS I am cured and can eat anything I wish, not feeling to throw up when I smell the food. I gain back my weight that I lost, I am back to 155lbs. Suppose to be my normal weight. It is also good for gum disease it is called oil pulling( you gurgle 1 tbs oil Virgin Coconut Oil for 20 minutes once or twice a day, right after you spit out the Virgin Coconut Oil you feel very clean, your loose teeth will become strong again. Athletes foot apply before putting on your sock everyday, dandruff after shower, heals wound very fast.
Iodine
Posted by Katie (Edison, NJ) on 10/23/2008
Some multivitamins have the recommended dosage of 150. I started with 225mcg (It says thyroid support potassium plus iodine) for awhile then Iodoral half tablet, then full 12.5mg. I know my body and adjusted as needed. I haven't slept right in ten years, I am now sleeping and dreaming. The bags under my eyes are almost gone. I also take ACV twice a day.
Iodine
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 04/28/2008 489 posts
Congratulations to Jan -4/18/08. When more people stop thinking M.D. stands for medical deity and follow their own judgement as you did & took Lugol's solution to cure your goiter instead of taking the endocrinologist's radioactive pill to kill off your hyperactive thyroid. I have a great niece who now has to take thyroid medication because of that mistake. She was only l6 when they gave her that radioactive pill!
Supplements for Hyperthyroid
Posted by Jay Lo (Manila, Philippines) on 03/08/2008
★★★★★
HYPERTHYROIDISM In response with NAY question: Hi NAY, we have the same situation, I also took (50mcg of Euthyrox) for six months. I stopped using this medicine because my situation became worse. In short, the simple diagnose from June 2007 tripled in six months. Holistic medicine is a great remedy. I am not advertising these holistic medicines but it worked with me. If you have heard about the DXN products, these are best products that can cure lots of illnesses. Try using Ganocelium and Reishi Gano. Since you are from Thailand, you can check this out: DXN International (Thailand) Co. Ltd. 12/F BB Building Sukhumvit, 21 Asoke Rd, Klongtoey Neur Wattana, Bangkok. Tels: 00-6326875091-94. . Tel: 006622040154-8.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Sharon (Soldotna, Alaska) on 03/07/2008
★★★★★
I am obese not from overeating, but due to stressors that I did not handle well and that caused a major stroke a year ago. Since then, I have made a major change in my diet even though I had eaten very well before without white flours, sugars and the other problem foods for many years. Now I am eating raw vegan foods and have not only finally dropped almot 40 pounds but my blood sugar levels are down to the mid-90s. I credit eating a raw food lifestyle with all this! My thyroid numbers are also in the more normal range! Lots of good changes that I believe eating a raw food lifestyle made happen.
Raw Food Diet
Posted by Amanda (Hot Springs, Ar, Usa) on 07/01/2010
Stay away from soy, fluoride, chlorine (even get a shower filter because your skin absorbs it), bromine(in some breads and gatorade and mountain dew). If thyroid is low then no raw cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, no mustard, millet, peanuts.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Karen sheridan (Essex, england) on 01/30/2008
★★★★★
Coconut Oil: Has really helped me with my thyroid condition and has given me energy when it has not been functioning that has really helped.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Adrienne (Idaho) on 02/16/2023
Ha, I just read this while looking for low thyroid suggestions. I said I would update and apparently forgot for several years...probably my low thyroid. :-) Well, what I'm doing now is Armour thyroid which seems to have no side effects. Yay! But, my doctor started me on only 15 mgs, she's cautious, and is gradually increasing the amount. I'm up to 45 and still have to keep the kitchen at 75 degrees, and often have cold hands. However, I read online in more than one place that we can take Armour under the tongue so it bypasses the stomach. I've been doing it that way, and we'll see. I tried calling the Armour company about doing their thyroid sublingually, but they didn't know. The lady said I'd have to ask my doctor...who's really a nurse practitioner which I have come to prefer. One more thing, I now have pancreatic insufficiency which can be caused by low thyroid! So, I'm getting serious about taking my thyroid supplements, bladderwrack, guggul, tyrosine, etc.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by CheeMiss (Toronto, Canada) on 01/29/2009
You must be right. For 1 yr., my mom (in her mid 80's) and I totally abstained from commercial iodized salt and only used a high quality, unprocessed (no iodine) sea salt with 80+ minerals stated on the package.
Towards the end of that year, (a couple of mths ago) her thyroid grew very large. Mine did not grow much, but we both ended up with hyperthyroidism and on meds. We both have separate doctors. Both doctors could not figure out what caused this condition and neither did we. We only supplemented with iodine drops or kelp now and then. I guess it was not enough to keep the thyroids in balance. I was suspicious that it might be the lack of iodine in the salt. Perhaps iodine should be in the salt after all. We are now sparingly using the sea salt w/o iodine and focusing on sea salt with iodine even though, it is processed.
Great point about ACV leeching out iodine. Pls. note that excessive consumption of raw cabbage (coleslaw) also does the same. That is why it is safer to eat less raw cabbage and more cooked, as cooking the cabbage neutralizes most of the leeching of iodine component. Even though raw cabbage is great for getting rid of fat in the abdomen area, don't over do it. That warning is found on the net, but you do have to search for it.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention, as I too have search and searched and did not find the info you posted. It sheds a lot of light on our situation. Thank You and God Bless.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Msnatalie (Fishers, Indiana) on 06/14/2011
THANK YOU
A million years ago I read ACV depletes iodine, it's 2011, and can't find that straight up as an information footnote in general ACV praises. Stumbled across this, and I SAID I KNEW IT, I'M NOT CRAZY!!! Someone below stated they removed iodine from their diet, as did I, LOADED UP on cruciferous vegetables, Brussel Sprouts, Cabbage, Broccoli; so Double Whammy! My weakened system, weakened thyroid allowed YEAST CANDIDA ALBICAN over growth. What a vicious cycle, in between 106 beats a minute, No MEDICAL INSURANCE...... I can barely live.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jolene (Albuquerque, New Mexico) on 02/23/2013
You can just apply iodine (about a square inch patch) to an area of the body where the skin is thin and your body will absorb what it needs. Check every 6 hours or so to see if the iodine has been absorbed and apply more if so.
Regarding cruciferous vegies - you always need to heat them up before you eat them if you have any type of thyroid issues to deactivate the engoiterins in them. You can let the cabbage cool off before useing it in a slaw - it's still yummy that way.
Some people's thyroids respond well to maca root, but your body must be free from any type of hormone supplements like natural progesterone for a couple of weeks before starting it. Do a lot of research about it before deciding to try it.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Peter (Koh Samui, Thailand) on 10/05/2007
★☆☆☆☆
I was diagnosed with mild Hypothyroidism in May 2006, studied the benefits of VCO and started to use it shortly after. For the first 6 manths I experienced an increased energy and a better digestion. However this effect did not last. The oil did not have any effect on the funtion of my Thyroid and my general wellbeing. I am still using the VCO internally(every heated meal is prepared with it) and I also use it externally (on some parts of my body). I do this, because I am convinced by the benefits of this oil. However it does have not any dramatic effect, as testified by others. Since about one week I am having digestion problems and feel congested in my liver and spleen area. I am still on my Thyroid medication (50 mcg of Euthyrox). Does anyone have a similar experience that they seem not to benefit so much from the oil? I am of the blood type O and according to the bloodype diet I should avoid coconut and also the oil from it. Has anybody experiences with the effect of VCO on blood type O people?
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jess (Bg Ky) on 01/26/2014
When coconut oil is heated to a certain temp, the "good stuff" is killed essentially. The same happens with many foods. That is why so many of you are probably not seeing much benefit. It can be used in WARM liquids to drink, but not HOT. (Same goes for honey for the record.) If you aren't buying COLD PRESSED oil then you will not see the same results. Of course you CAN cook with it--it won't hurt. But it won't really HELP you much medicinally either. Might as well use olive oil to cook with since it's typically much cheaper. I put a mixture of coconut oil, honey, and cinnamon in my tea once it has cooled down to a nice warm temp. I also use the same mixture in hot chocolate (once it has cooled to warm of course) along with protein powder. Very yummy.
When using ANYTHING as "medicine" be sure to read as much about it as you can!!! For example, as I've read on here elsewhere, the potassium iodide (I think that's right) in Lugol's iodine is counteracted by vitamin C when both are ingested within an hour or two of one another (so take your iodine supps at least an hour before/after having any vitamin C intake). Such info is crucial if you want to get the most out of your supplements (and the money you paid for them). Earth Clinic is a treasure trove of info! Read everything on here that you can. AND then google your supplements, and also google combos of the supplements you take to see what info is out there about taking them together (many times things can counteract one another). You can't just cook with coconut oil and say "Coconut oil didn't cure me of ______ so it doesn't work" etc, etc. You have to know HOW to use natural remedies (especially when you're also on any pharmaceutical DRUGS).
Coconut Oil
Posted by Robert Henry (Ten Mile , Tn.) on 01/27/2014
HI U PRIORIS, , , , , , , , , Our Anti-aging doctor put us on fish oil big time some 6 years ago. We buy ours from LEF because they are quality folks. We subscribe to a few medical news letters and one is edited by Dr Robert Rowen. He says that Omega 3's from fish oil is bad news Charlie and will cause you to age before your time. You have to believe somebody so we are swapping out about $ 400 of Omega 3 fish oil for 3, 6, 9 oil from vegetables. There are a lot of experts this day and time and you have to pick who you think is a winner.
The best two news letters we have found is Dr Rowen and Dr Frank Scellenberger. You dang sure can't go with your regular MD. He is 20 years behind the times and only listens to the Pharma rep in a tight skirt, and feeds his staff. I say that because our youngest daughter was a Big Pharma rep for a number of years.
The medical field has changed in my lifetime and most of you know this. It's a big house, a beach house and a European vacation. As the sayin goes, " DON'T MESS WITH TEXAS". Don't mess with the medical field unless you want confusion.
That is my word. ======OLE ROBERT HENRY==========
Borax
Posted by Bev (Elroy, Wisconsin) on 09/11/2007
★★★★★
After reading the info on fluoride on Earth Clinic I realised that the onset of my severe hypothyroid symptoms of extreme fatigue, weight gain, hair loss etc. was caused by taking repeated doses of Flucanazole to prevent yeast during repeated antibiotics for acute asthma [healed after 90 days on Zithromax]. My TSH [thyroid stimulating hormone] is less than .01 which shows hyperthyroidism so I have had a hard time finding a doctor willing to treat me. Now I know it is because the fluoride inhibits the pituitary gland from producing TSH. I live in a fluoridated community so my exposure has been long term. For several years I have had reverse osmosis water but it is very disappointing to find there is no acceptable whole house removal system. It was recommended to me to take cool showers as skin absorption is greater than drinking. I am hoping to convince our city council to drop the fluoride. I was happy to hear that borax can be used for detox. Yesterday I mixed 1/8 tsp of borax and sea salt in one L of water. During the night I awoke with a headache. By morning it was so bad that I vomited the aspirin, snack and enzymes I took to combat it. I couldn't keep anything other than sips down without dry heaves until early evening.I am thinking that is a detox reaction. I am going to hold off another day and dilute it further. I currently take Armour Thyroid and about $400 of supplements, mainly enzymes to prevent reflux, keep spinal alignment, joint stiffness, fatigue, sinus infections, constipation, hair loss and all those other nasty hypothyroid effects. I was also taking the apple cider vinegar and baking soda [about 8 days now] at the same time so may be that was too much at once with the borax. I will keep you posted on my progress. Thank you for this wonderful website.
Avoid Soy
Posted by KT (Usa) on 09/01/2013
Please be aware that dairy cows are being fed GMO grains and grasses. "Free-range" cattle or chickens are no longer safe. The only way I could get around this was to reduce my consumption. Helps keep my weight down too.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Rischa (Seattle, wa) on 06/23/2007
★★★★★
I started taking it because I read it could help regulate my thyroid. Even tho medicated for my hypothyroid, I continue to have symptoms. I began coconut oil and found I had to reduce my levothyroxine by 1/3 2 weeks after starting taking about 3 tbsp daily. I am hoping it will continue to get better!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sue (Orrtanna, PA) on 04/26/2007
★★★★★
My daughter and I are experimenting with the coconut oil and have seen some great results immediately. Her thyroid is working at 20 percent and the swelling is already going down after one week. I am taking it for the overall effects and also an organic liquid vitamin and am feeling great and have more energy. There are some small spots that look like melanoma from the sun and I'm putting the oil directly on them. I'm hoping to see results from that. Will keep you posted. I'm so happy we came across this. It's also helped with a very sensitive stomach.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Linda (Orlando, FL) on 02/22/2007
★★★★★
Hypothyroid / Coconut Oil: I suffer from hypothyroid and have taken levoxyl for about 7 years. I also have suffered with fatigue for most of my 47 years for a wide variety of reasons (anemia, depression, hypothyroid, sleep apnea, RLS). It seems I have every condition that can rob one of sleep and energy. Anyway, I was looking for a natural form of thyroid support and came upon information about coconut oil being helpful (about two weeks ago). I just found this wonderful site this week, which I intend to frequent OFTEN, and I thought I'd contribute my experience with coconut oil. So far (2 weeks) I have a bit more energy. I have gained about 8 pounds since January (I tend to be slim), which I want to lose. I hope the energy helps the weight loss. I'll keep you posted.
Iodine
Posted by Cat (Austin, Tx) on 03/16/2010
make sure that your "protein" shake has no soy! It depletes iodine.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Charlene (Jamaica, NY) on 01/16/2007
★★★★★
My co-worker introduced me to Coconut Oil. I suffer from dry skin and Thyroid problems. I must admit it has made a major difference in my life! I take it orally every morning and I have noticed a healthy, glowing complexion on my face. I also use it on my skin and I cook with it as well. My overall feeling of using CO is very good because I believe that I've felt healthier since taking it!
Iodine
Posted by Elizabeth (Gaston, OR) on 09/25/2006
★★★★★
I'd seen all kind of Dr. s they said my thyroid was in reasonable limits. The natureopaths had me on tons of herbs saying my thyroid was low. One natureopath put me on thyroid medication which had me in horrible mood swings and no benifits. I found Lugol's when I read Dr. hulda clarks book "a cure for all diseases". I've been taking 4-6 drops a day and my weight gain stopped(I'd gained 65 pounds in 4 months) and I've actually started loosing weight, 10 pounds in the last 3 months. And my mood has returned to normal. I've also been doing the zapping and all the cleanses she reccommends in her book. Thanks.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Geri (Monrovia, CA) on 05/07/2006
★★★★★
I know among many other things that pure Virgin Coconut oil helps thyroid, regulates body temp. Tropical Traditions website has the best info, product, and prices as well as giving the money from sales to the islanders who actually produce it. I provide health product recommendations to people and this is one of my top items, along with Apple Cider Vinegar.
Iodine
Posted by Karen (England) on 04/25/2006
★★★★★
I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism in Feb 2006. I had lost weight, my hair was thinning and I had appalling sweats. I was given medication to regulate the thyroid function, beta blockers to control the rapidity of my heart (up to 139 btm) and to stabilise atrial fibrillation and Warfarin (coumadin) to prevent stroke. After six weeks I was advised by the hospital to have radioiodine treatment (which would make me radioactive for two weeks) and cardioversion to jolt my heart back to the correct rhythym. I know that these prodecures are commonly used and are fairly effective. I definitely didn't want them! I decided to look at homeopathic treatments, which, oddly led me to my local doctor's practice. In my session he prescribed a different natural remedy (the main ingredient being unrefined sea salt). He also said sometimes the iodine is depleted with hyperthroidism. I went home and dug out some kelp that my partner had stopped using. I had only 3 tablets in single doses and my heart beats have returned to normal. I have to admit that they have actually become rather low with a resting beat of 46 btm. I think this is caused by me continuing to take the prescribed medication as well. I have stopped the kelp. I would like to stop the prescribed medication now but need to see the doctor first. My appointment is not for six weeks. I definitely believe that the iodine in the kelp has helped me.
