Remedies for Hashimoto's Thyroiditis

This post is addressed to Erin, who stated her health improved after following Dr Datis Kharazian's diet -

You say you have autoimmune thyroiditis. Do you have Before and After test results?

I know you didn't claim that the diet actually reversed your condition - but did it? Did you retest your anti-thyroid antibodies - thyroid peroxidase (TPO) and anti-thyroglobulin to see what the numbers are? Total remission is 0-34 for the TPO, and <20 for antithyroglobulin. Maybe the numbers just decreased significantly.

Numbers are the only way to tell if this autoimmune condition is in remission, and others that make claims that a diet or protocol has reversed their condition can only prove it by these numbers.

Hope you're out there Erin and see this!

Thanks.

I was going to see a doctor that follows the Dr. Kharrazian protocol till he told me it would cost $7,000. 00. Which would basically come out of your pocket cause insurances pretty much won't pay for the type of tests they do. Just can't afford that.

Hi Teresa, Can you tell what doctor charged $7K to run all those tests? I'm about ready to take my daughter to someone who sounds like they do the same type of testing... And $7K is way out of my range. They just state that you can't afford not to do it.

Thanks

Suz. I believe a lot of it has to do with all of the testing that they do is why it is so expensive. If money grew on trees fine. So I am going a different route. Will be going through a professional 10 day detox and work on healing the guts because a big, if not most of the immune system is in the stomach/inner terrain.

Suz, also I wanted to mention that it was a doctor(who was a former chiropractor) who now practices Dr. Kharazian's protocol.

Suz, specifically McKim Chiropractic.

I can tell you from experience that Dr Kharazian's protocols regarding diet are not well informed and have cost me dearly health and pocketbook-wise. Hashimoto's is cureable by switching to using Armour or Erfa thyroid supplement. All the stuff about leaky gut, allergens, etc are not the problem if you eat carefully and include a lot of raw juices. The key to changing the condition is the T3 in Armour, check out StoptheThyroidMadness. com or herbdocblog.com

A lot of raw juicing can actually cause thyroid problems if things like spinach and other goitrogens are being consumed, which they usually are. Juicing causes those things to go into your system in an especially intense form. Also, put no soy in anything. Soy is the major goitrogen.

The individual who stated Hashimoto can be treated with Armour successfully is making an erroneous statement. I have had the disease for over 20 year. I have tried synthetics and currently on Armour for 7 years now. My disease is more inflamed now than ever. I am considering a diet change to gluten free. Each individual is different and therefore each individual needs a different solution.

For the comment on Armour, a lot of people have had problems lately w/Armour, my problem was NO doc in N Fl would prescribe anything but SYNTHROID w/cytomel(T3), I spent 8mo's barely able to get out of bed, so weak I could hardly hold a glass of water, these quacks(12 so called specialists) just kept changing the synthroid dose back and forth with NO CHANGE in my condition. My husband decided to let me try some ERFA from outside US since no doc will give me a prescription for NATURAL THYROID, I had to take my life/HEALTH into my own hands, I have been on it for 8 weeks and I AM DOING SOOO GOOD!! I am energetic, strong, riding my 3yr old horse for the first time!! I owe my life to NATURAL THYROID!! I have a mostly healthy diet, but I still enjoy some junk, I am losing this HYPO weight and getting my skin back to pre-HYPO state, I will NEVER TAKE SYNTHETIC again, it wasted 8 mo's of my life! STOP THE THYROID MADDNESS!!! GET RID OF SYNTHROID!!!!

If you have Hashimoto's when you consume Gluten it causes your immune system to attack your thyroid.

Concerning hashimotos: do people who avoid gluten also avoid grains in general? do any of you eat rice? Did anyone take the natural glandulars by Standard Process? Can anyone recommend affordable practitioners in NYC?

And finally, is anyone for or against taking kelp for iodine if you never eat iodized salt?

Thanks for answering, trizia

Since you are familiar with Standard Processing I would recommend you use their iodine product. I also take their thytrophin and cataplex f (or m)for my hypo thyroid.

I felt better after taking the iodine.

Yes you can eat rice. Research gluten free there are some really great gluten free foods. I have found that I don't really even like grains. If you have a local gluten free bakery that would be a great way to try some new things. Remember you will find awesome gluten free items and you will find that there are some really bad items. It is hit or miss but there is a lot more available now. Go online and sign up to receive info on gluten free dining too. Hope that helps.

What should I expect when I see a practitioner following Dr. K's protocol? I am at my wits end with these palpitations, weakness, and fatigue. How much does it cost approximately. I am on my 4th endo and no one knows what to do for me. All they say is that my thyroid levels are normal but very high antibodies. Can anyone recommend a good practitioner in Chicago who follows Dr k's protocol? Please help.

For Dee from Chicago: Go to the Raby Institute of Integrative Medicine on North Michigan Ave, Chicago.

This practice has MD.'s (internist, ob/gyn, pediatrics, Naturapaths, Nutritionist, Accupuncturist, etc.... They are integrative with their approach to health, and are especially versed in womens health issues. It may take time to get an appt, but they will help. I know the founder Dr. Raby, she is beyond amazing. Good Luck

Hi there! Not every person with Hashi's has problems with gluten. There are accurate (read, tested, controlled, etc) labs like Biotek out of Seattle that can test for IgG for food sensitivites. A simple finger poke helped me avoid an aggravating elimination diet. I found out that Whey and Egg Yolk cause problems for me and once I cut them out of my diet, major improvements in health. Changing my diet has been the only thing that has helped lower my TPO. Probiotics (HMF Genestra) have helped me feel better and avoid illnesses like the flu, and EFA/DHA has stopped my hair from falling out. Find a fabulous ND that will be thorough. I work with Julie Brush, ND at 2BWell. She has helped me when other doctors have struggled to look past test numbers to help with total health.

Dr. Kristen is in the Schaumburg area, and she writes a lot of articles in natural magazines on thyroid problems.

When I looked into a Dr. Kharazian practitioner, they charged a flat fee of $10,000 a year. They had a strict diet which was not for me and if you went off the diet a tiny bit, the disease is your fault for not following the diet perfectly and you could lose access to the practitioner.

There are many worthwhile diets. I do not have such a big amount of funds to pay someone to scold me.

Hello, Was wondering if this blog site is still active. Haven't seen any posts or responses since 3/2015. Just starting to do research on this topic due to hypothyroid issues along with high cholesterol issues. Trying to find a connection if there is one and how to reverse it or get my numbers back where they are supposed to be without padding the big pharma's pockets. Please respond if this is still an active site. I'd like info before heading back to my Dr. Want to be armed with alternative alternatives! Thanks.

Hi,

I was wondering how you are doing on the natural thyroid item you bought from outside USA. Did it continue to work for you? I have Hashimoto's also. I agree the doctors are so expensive. Who can afford this. I would appreciate if you post more info on how your are doing Thank you ... looking for your post

Yes, it is still active! Your cholesterol is high because you have low thyroid. I have been on Levothyroxine for 7 months and my tests came back much improved. Avoid gluten and especially soy at all costs and take a capsule of turmeric four times a day to deal with inflammation. I am symptom free.

Try matcha green tea, plus rolled oats, greens plus a bean every day like pintos, cannellini, grapefruit, apples, nuts like pecans, English walnuts, raw almonds, flaxseed oil, avoid sugars and refined carbs. Be sure to be well hydrated with water the day before tests and the morning of labs have 2 17 oz bottles water...I also take fish oil, msm plus boron, resveratrol got my total cholesterol to 183

Hi, would you explain what desiccated thyroid treatment is. I too have Hashimoto's and some days the joint pain is so bad. I would so appreciate any info.
🌸

Can you share more about your diet?

Cured ? wow that is wonderful, even 80% of even natural / holistic doctors says that Hashimotos cannot be cured but managed by being symtom free... Remember its an autoimmune disease.... Mosltly all say not curable.... , but.... I am very interested on how you still are feeling now ?... And just want to make sure I didn't misunderstand , but you used the word cured.. really ?... If so that is awesome... just thought a person can't be cured of if?

I am also very curious as I would love to even get marked improvement.

Hashimoto's is curable... Auto immune diseases are curable. Any auto-immune deficiency is simply the result of Leaky Gut Syndrome (which itself is easily curable). If you do a good herbal colon AND parasite cleanse for 90 days, plus eat a diet high in fiber from fruits and vegetables (not too much fruit/sugar), restricting or eliminating dairy, restricting animal based proteins (plant based instead... You can make protein shakes with a combination of pea protein and brown rice protein to help you get the protein you need). You will also want to take pro-biotics during the cleanse to help improve your intestinal flora. Within 90 days your intestinal tract will be healthy again... No more leaky gut, no more auto immune disease. Here is a very good article on Leaky Gut Syndrome and auto-immune:

http://www.mold-survivor.com/leaky_gut_syndrome.html

The best colon and parasite products are "Experience" and "Clear" made by Awareness Corporation. However you might also look into Dr. Natura prodcuts.

Don't believe the "it's not curable" crowd... it's because they haven't done the right research.

Hashimoto's disease can definitely be cured. Did you all know that it does not exist in China. Thyroid problems in Chinese medicine are a symptom of the true imbalance in your body. Find a good acupuncturist. It may take a year of more to cure but it is worth it. Besides, thyroid meds give people heart problems after taking them for several years.

Hello Ishtar, I would like to correct you on China not having Hashimotos disease. I am in China right now and I have been living here 6 months out of the year for 12 years. Thyroid disease, hashimotos disease is epidemic in Southern China. This is by the coast cities. I met a researcher who 10 years ago found out that the salt containing iodine was the culprit. If a person wanted to buy sea salt they had to go to a pharmacy and buy it. Today it is not so readily available like we have in the US. They are treating thyroid diesase in China just like our Western doctors treat. However there are TCM practitioners who are curing hashimoto's using herbs and acupunture. The problem now in China is finding a TCM Dr. that knows what he is doing. The almighty buck has poisoned this great tradition. That's been my problem here. I want to mention a group of herbalist in China they are the Mao people they use a very traditional method of using herbs and they have cured many serious cancers. Again to find these doctors you sometimes have to travel into the back villages of China.

I believe this about the iodized salt. I stopped using it in 2000 because I broke out in hives and was feeling VERY strange. My son was working at McDonald's and every time I ate the fries, I would feel sick sick sick. So I stopped using iodized salt, but I got thyroid disease anyway. I guess I was destined to get it. But, I also noticed my health changed when I started drinking bottled water (about the same time). So it could have been the plastic bottles.

Thank you for posting on the beta-carotene avoidance. I started using Vitamin A and avoiding beta-carotene and it sure has helped my eyesight. My Hashimoto's went on for 30+ years before diagnosis. I am trying T3 compounded, long acting hormone. T4 is a poison for me now. If any of the MDs or naturpaths that I had seen in the '80's had caught this, I might have had a better life, but maybe not. The study of thyroid problems is not funded now die to the TSH test being the Gold Standard (from Hell) and T4being the one-size-fits-all treatment. Meanwhile, we need real help! Also I eat no gluten and very low carb. The T3 is giving me my life back. My temerature has been very low for a long time. It is finally coming up and my heart rate too, which was in the mid-50s.

Jeff in CA does this holds true if one thyroid lobe has been removed?

My two year old son also get's sick after eating Mc Donalds nuggets and fries.............my oldest son 15 years has hypothyroid. and on 125 levothyroxine. Before we found out about our son he was getting sick to his stomach.....and alot of other things but digestion slowing down is an indicator that your metabolism is slowing. He was severely hypo stunted growth and all. But he is growing now. Still I'm in search of a real cause of it.......................maybe soy oil maybe a combonation othe things..........gmo...............causing digestion problems leaky guts etc.....don't know.........but the mc donalds post caught my eye....im sure they use cheap oils...gm oils for sure. to much money at stake for people/farmers to lose because of genetically modified grains......it's a shame that we aren't committed enough to ourselves and people to admit a fault and make the change to something that works for everyone. Farming the grain processing and selling it to food companies and families.........I'm frustrated but will continue to press on ....what else is there to do......do your best. Pray. Love. "sounds simple that's what your thinking but love can walk through fire without blinking...it doesn't take much if you get enough living on love".....that's a country song...lol!

Hi Allison...Hashimoto's can be managed and even cured but no doctor will know how to do it. If you want one key substance that will help -- think Iodine. Here is something I wrote a long while ago about Lugol's Iodine just to show you how important iodine is for your body metabolism and all-round body health.

Here are some websites that you can also investigate for yourself which might help to change your thinking about how to treat your son's Hashimoto's condition.

The Iodine Protocol

Stop this Thyroid Madness website

Dr Guy Abraham's Iodine Research

McDonald's is junk food.

Can you give me the contact info for your naturopath? I live in silver spring too.

I'm confused. WHY avoid iodine? I thought iodine deficiency is the culprit?

Thank you so very much for sharing! I found it extremely helpful.

That's amazing. I want your Dr. Where are you? Can you tell me what the liquid vitamin and natural thyroid support he prescribed? Thank you!

Who is your doctor? I can't find anyone in NY who will take my hashimoto's seriously. They all say diet doesn't matter, I need to accept the infertility from it and just take more synthroid! I'm going crazy

For hashimtos - I have been to 13 mds in NYC and no one has a clue how to make me feel better. I take LDN, gluten free diet, selenium and Sarrapeptase.

What is the liquid supplement you're taking? I'm looking at Intramax, 415+ essential vitamins and minerals and other good stuff, made by Drucker Labs and sold thru Global Healing Center. Love Global Healing and started using their nascent iodine.

Hi Laura,

I'm taking desiccated beef thyroid and have made a number of changes over the years do you have any suggestions on how much to take I'm currently on just one capsule but it does say up to 8 which sounds rather a lot.

Thanks

I have Hashimoto's, and was told that it 'tends to run in families', so I took my 12 year old daughter to be tested. Her T3 and T4 and TSH were fine, but she did have the thyroid antibody which attacks the thyroid. I took her off glutens for 4 weeks, and had her retested. Her autoimmune response had decreased by 50%.

Unfortunately, a gluten-free diet was just too hard for a school-age kid. She went back on glutens. Now she is 16, and did her own research on her fatigue, rough skin, etc. and has decided to take herself off glutens on her own.

I take Armor Thyroid, but have limited my own intake of glutens for the last 5 years. I haven't eliminated completely, but only consume gluten infrequently. I notice that my skin is smoother and softer, and I have much more energy.

I have cut back on glutens too. I went "cold turkey" last fall and avoided them like the plague, when I resumed eating them my hair started falling out. Be careful! I thought my skin was getting softer because I've been taking a bath in white distilled vinegar (about 2 C. In a very large garden tub) and using lemon soap! Maybe it's the reduction in gluten!

I read a book called 'wheat belly', by cardiologist, he makes the claim that 'wheat' today is not real wheat, it is gmo'd and causes problems chemically in the body by stopping natural needed enzymatic reactions, and auto immune issues stem from this. So just w/o gluten isn't enough, it is off wheat, gluten and initially all grasses and carbs and sugars, to retrain your body not to have a fast insulin reaction. ??? for what it is worth, his information is compelling, we are doing, have hoshimotos as well. It has been a month, ??? book says takes months to get 'normal' but good will come gradually in this protocol. Also showed marked improvement or 'cured' pre and active diabeties(sp) 1 and 2, just by stopping sugar spikes and wheat spikes in blood sugar. Also marked improvement in the hair, yeah the stuff on your head, one toxic reaction your body has is the hair falling out because of the wheat. The book is way detailed as to bodies reactions to wheat and why and how it is different and how many 'issues' we have go right back to these 2 things, wheat and gluten. Get it at library, it is worth reading. hope it helps

Just a correction regarding Dr. Davis's book "Wheat Belly". Wheat is not GMO, it has gone through hybridizations (if I remember correctly some 25,000). This has completely changed the primitive wheat that existed 2,000 years ago and has greatly increased the percentage of gluten and also gliadin. According to Dr. Davis, the amount of gliadin in modern day wheat is more than normal digestion can handle and creates excess gliadin in our body. The problems caused by gliadin may be as bad or worse than the problems caused by gluten. Thus making modern day wheat bad for everybody whether gluten sensitive or not.

Because Hashimoto is an autoimmune disease and can never be cured, treating the gut is the key component to managing the disease. A good probiotic with meals can help with digestion. It also helps if you do get indigestion and need relief. Gluten free foods are not entirely what they are marketed to be so be careful of the ingredient xanthan gum. It could impact an already compromised digestion system.

To rid the body of gluten, which takes about six months to remove from deep tissue and cells, there's a detox program for 7 to 21 days with a select group of foods to choose from.

Be sure to drink pure water (reverse osmosis) which can be purchased at select health markets. Dry body brushing before showering can help with smoother skin. Moisturize with a gluten free lotion.

There is so much to learn about what and how to manage this disease but it can be done with determination and awareness. It isn't always easy to do but you can always get right back on course once you've fallen off but ask yourself, was it worth it?

Good post but I will say you want to take your probiotic on an empty stomach and with a small amount of water with some lemon or lime in it. This is the most effective way to take them.

This gets it where it is needed the fastest (in your intestines)and with less insult from the HCL in your stomach. Unless you have a stomach parasite you don't need them in your stomach. You should also take Live probiotics vs. Freeze Dried. The Freeze dried can not reproduce.

Do you mean CAN'T take probiotics if you have parasites? stomach... Why?

Hi, Are you seeing a practitioner or just following the K protocol on your own?

I'm seeing a practitioner. Dr. K's protocols are too involved to do on your own, although anyone can start by eliminating gluten, taking emulsified D3 and using Oxicell glutathione cream.

I am new to this protocol and am in between docs - I am thrilled that you have found a practitioner in our area utilizing his protocols. May I ask who you are seeing?

Thank you so much for taking the time to share your knowlegde. I have learned so much and have many new questions to ask my doctor.

Thank you so much for sharing your experience. I am just starting with a local practitioner and he is recommending a gluten free diet for my newly diagnosed hashimotos. It all sounds rather odd, so I am glad to see that others are successful with this path of treatment. I hope my treatment is as successful as yours!

Thank you for the information. I also have hashimoto's and going the natural route to balance my immune system. I was wondering if your levels have evened out yet? this disease has cause me horrible heartache due to not being able to get pregnant. I am hoping ths natural balancing s going to help me so I can get pregnant and all my other horrible symptoms start going away. Ie mood swings, sleep, exhaustion, blah blah blah if your are on here you know what I am going through. Thanks for sharing. Lisa

Hi, I am celiac have been eating gluten free for almost 8 years. I recently found out that I have the beginning stages of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, but I believe I got it because it runs in my family. Gluten intolerance or Celiac disease is the ability to not to digest gluten. When this happens, the gluten stops the body from digesting the nutrients it needs and leads further health problems. I highly suggest going on a gluten free diet and seeing if it helps at all, but I don't believe that it is the cure to Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

I was just diagnosed with Hasimoto's and asked Dr. for antiobiotics, after the 5 day Z pack, I feel like a million bucks. I was tired, fatigued, depressed, weak, sore throat, hoarse voice, coughing, etc. I was a very active person until the symptoms took me down. Has anyone else had success with antibiotics?

Hello, I luv the z-pac. By the way, my mother is from Kountz, TX. Shot out to Beaumont and Ozan High School- one of my friends use to coach there.

Hi, I am wondering if this is similar at all to the Marshall Protocol and/or Inflammation Therapy?

I have heard all Vit D supplements, foods and even sunlight are stopped while doing a protocol involving Th1. I understand you were told to take Vit D Erin? Why stop Vit D for one protocol but with yours it is allowed?

Thank you for information and continued success with your health.

Hello, can anyone tell me if Erin ever responded with the name of the person that was treating her? I would be very interested and very willing to make the drive to Nashville.

Thank you.

Hi everyone!

The practitoner I see is Brian Foley, D. C. In Nashville. Dr. Brady Hurst will work with people long distance. http://www.truehealthdc.com/

Dr. Kharrazian also has a list of pracitioners on his site: www.thyroidbook.com
No, gluten avoidance is not the cure all, but a majority of Hashimoto's patients are gluten intolerant (many genetically so) and gluten is a major trigger for cytokine attacks in Hashimoto's. The thinking is that gluten molecules resemble TPO molecules and as the body goes after gluten, it also attacks TPO in the thyroid tissue.

Most gluten intolerance doesn't cause gut symptoms (except in true Celiac)- instead, it causes joint, brain skin, heart or reproductive inflammation, so someone may have no clue they have it. Cyrex Labs has new saliva tests that test all 12 forms of gliadin, not just Alpha Gliadin (which is what other tests are based on) and they even have a test to find out which part of your body is being affected by gluten or if there is a cross-reaction going on (casein and coffee are two offenders, here.)

As far as the Marshall Protocol goes, it's only applicable when Hashimoto's is triggered by an infection, as far as I understand. Dr. Kharrazian talked about that in an interview and said that he tests his patients to see if they have the situation where they need to avoid D and hardly any of them do. D modulates both branches of the immune system and is very anti-inflammatory. Dr. Kharrazian has found that most of his autoimmune patients do best when their D3 levels are in the high end of normal.

Dr. Kharrazian's protocol is pretty specific: balance the overactive branch of the immune system, remove the triggers, heal the gut, balance the blood sugar and deal with hormone and neurotransmitter imbalances. Neurotransmitters can be very affected by thyroid hormone imbalances. It's very all-encompassing.

I'm still doing the protocol, now with the addition of dopamine support (Dr. Kharrazian makes a formula for it called Dopatone) and I'm feeling EVEN better! My elimination has improved a lot, my brain feels way more "on" and my libido has returned.

I am 54, have had Hashimoto's for 8 years and treat it with synthroid. I would like to do more natural diet related treatment and eat only fish and eggs, no meat. The thing is an a health professional I am concerned when I read that there is a DR., actually a Chiropractor, in Nashville who has been recommended as a medical source. Treatment of Hashimoto's is I thought outside his scope of practice and he is not licensed to prescribe or treat a medical condition other than through nutrition and chiropractic measures. What I am saying is I know there are a lot of good people out there that have help to offer but if they don't have a medical degree, and a Chiropractor or other does not have a degree to practice Medicine, then I would make sure you are being followed by a good Endocrinologist as well.

Lisa, the *last* thing a person following a natural protocol to treat a serious health ailment needs is an allopathic MD interfering! The biomedical system is self-legitimating (i.e. , they declare themselves to be authorities) and self-policing (they intentionally exclude natural healing practices, as they interfere with their almost-pathological need for control over people and their bodies). Many of us here do not recognize allopaths as legitimate health practitioners, or, at most, as people who hold to extremely limited and generally misguided beliefs about the body and healing.

This is for MH from Toronto Hello MH I really like what you wrote about allopathic doctors. They have sad things and done things to me that were not beneficial towards my Hashimotos. I had blood work done in China and they have tried to put the fear of God in me. Allopathic docs in China are just like the ones n the US. They want people to buy drugs and do endless amount of tests. We know how we feel right? I am on armour and the protocols that I see on this webste. I feel excellent. Its just when those doctors try to scare me I lose my focus.. Do they really know how to treat this disease? They want to slash burn and put poisons into us. I beleieve in alternative medicines and the power that we can heal ourselves. MH thank you for your words of wisdom. You helped me get back on track. Kathy

Many chiropractors DO hold degrees in nutrition while an M.D. often knows nothing about nutrition!

As a Hashi patient, I see a naturopath which I love. She has helped me so much more than all the medical doctors I have seen! They spend less than 5 minutes, then bill insurance!

Hi JBH from Marietta... I live just north in TN and would so love to know who you see in Marietta (assuming this is GA). Looking for someone who truly understands Hashis. So thankful for your reply!

Hi, can you please say what doctor you've used? Or maybe how I can find one that follows dr khazzarians protocol? I live in nyc and have had a hard time finding one.

I've celiac disease-to STOP inflammation no GF products should be ingested at all. Also LDN compounded (Low Dose Naltrexone) works great to change wacky thyroid numbers. LDN great to halt Crohn's disease symptoms & arrests the effect of MS. Look this chemical up.

Kathy from Olympia, re. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. Google Thyroid Maddness. When I switched from synthetic to natural thyroid dessicated meds, my symptoms dissappeared. In my reseach I found the best natural dessicated thyroid medicine and the purest, manufactured in Belgium, distributed in Canada by Erfan. In the last 4 yrs since I made the switch my Antibodies have been reduced from 4 Million to 29.

Study, research and take responsibility for your own health...... No one else will. Good Luck.

It sounds to me like if you don't stop using flouride and eating apples you might possibly have thyroid issues in the very near future. It might be possible to stop both of them and get retested in a few months to see if the TPO is still high. Just remove the antagonist and you should be fine.

Doesn't chlorella chelate fluoride?

I have also been diagnosed with Hashimoto thyroiditis and am interested in starting vinager and coconut oil. I'm just not clear on how you take it. Thanks for any advice.

Hi Louise~

I will share what I am doing for my Hashimoto's which includes virgin coconut oil. I do take 1 TBS _____'s organic vinegar about once a week as well. Everything I am doing is under the supervision of my healthcare provider. She practices integrative medicine and that makes a huge difference in treatment. Most conventional/western doctors will put you on some type of synthetic thyroid hormone. Here is my current protocol:

1) Gluten free diet is a must and has made a huge difference : )

2) I take 1 TBS of virgin coconut oil daily - usually I just put it in my tea but some people prefer to put it on toast or in a smoothie, etc... I know some people take up to 3 TBS/day but I have found 1TBS to work great for me, no side effects.

3) sublingual B12 (methylcobalamin)- 1000mcg per day

4) 200mg CoQ10

5) 2000mg krill oil

6) pro-biotic -I use Jarrow brand but there are many good ones out there

7) D3 5000iu daily

8) daily raw multi-vitamin

9) adrenal cortex was just added to support my adrenals - I haven't started taking this yet.

10) L-Theanine for anxiety when needed but since going gluten free my anxiety is pretty much gone : )

I know this is probably more than you wanted to know. But I didn't want it to seem like I was just using VCO for my Hashi's.

Health and wellness to you~

~C.

Update on Hashimoto's protocol... I forgot to mention a few very important supplements in addition to the ones I already listed.

1) 2000mg vitamin C in the form of ester C - this is essential for adrenal health. Most people with a thryoid condition also have some form of adrenal fatigue.

2) 12 mg Zinc 3- x's week ( the zinc I use also has vitamin C and vitamin A)

3) 400mg magnesium daily - I use a topical magnesium gel that is in a sea water solution. This has helped with heart palpitations, and I sleep much better. My healthcare provider also said that magnesium taurate is great but I didn't want to take another pill so she is fine with me using the gel. Magnesium is very important - if you want to learn more just google "symptoms of magnesium deficiency" or "benefits of magnesium" - very interesting reading. I wonder how many people would benefit from this supplement alone but doctors never even mention it!

God Bless~

~C.

This Website has given me so much hope and a new beginning. I am a strong believer of one self healing itself with nature. I have been suffering from hashimoto's for about 6 years now and not one has made me feel hopeful. I went to one naturopath and neither she didn't show any knowledge. I have been shut down so many times. I have been reading and found conflicting suggestions until now. My endo is supposed to be the best one in town. Unfortunately, I don't need an endo. I will take control of this disease and Everyone here has given me this strength to do so. Thank you everyone. I will get that book today and definitely go gluten-free. I have 3 hideous visible inflammed nodules all over the front of my neck. I'm so glad I didn't go through the surgery when I almost did. The whole surgery made no sense to me at all. I didn't want to removed a gland which had to deficiency whatsoever. I can now finally start my journey to balancing my immune system and living a more comfortable life.

God Bless, Marina

Update on original post from 2/24/11 about my progress with Hashimoto's. It has now been 7 months since diagnosis and being gluten-free. I had my last appointment on 08/31/2011 and my thyroid nodule is still gone, and my thyroid feels normal. The only issue I have is slight T4 to T3 conversion deficit that I am hoping will correct itself since I am on supplents with selenium and I still use VCO daily. I am feeling good on a daily basis. I never thought I could stick with being gluten-free but I feel so good and it is just my life now and I am fine with that. I felt so bad for so long that it is a small price to pay to wake up feeling rested and have energy all day. To play with my kids, clean my house, take a walk, all the things I couldn't do because I was so fatigued. I write this in hopes of offering encouragement. I am optimistic that in another 5 or 6 months to be at optimal wellness by losing 20lbs now that I can exercise again. For those that are suffering, please don't give up, just make one change at a time and take it one day at time.

I would love to know how others are doing and feeling, what protocols you are on, etc...

Blessings~

~Carleen

I too have been gluten free for some years now and note the difference for my Hashimotos. I have been on selenium and magnesium which help a lot and just recently VCO and ACV when I came across this site. I was on t4 and t3 to get me started some 7 years ago and now on t4 alone. I have read Dr Karazian's book - thethyroidbook - and it is very clear on what to do once you know whether you are T1 or T2 dominant. I am T1 so drink green tea all day, coffee once a day and avoid echinacea - all of which make me feel better. I have a glutathione cream and various supplements, zinc, vit D, Bs. Recently, Hope for Hashimotos has proven instructive. My current challenge is insulin resistance and high cholesterol so oats (I do not have the intolerence to oats gene) and 4 hourly protein. This is a hard disease demanding constant attention but if my family's predisposition to alzheimers is to be avoided then it has to be done. I also look at hashimotos411 on the social network, sciencedaily and Mary Shamon's site to research anything that comes up. I am definitely better since doing all this and have been exercising now for 2 years. Here in Melbourne informed medical practitioners are rare so you just have to do it yourself and it is possible but does take a lot of time and research skills cross-verifying the information. Best of luck to you.

Hi Carleen... I have Hashimotos and live in Morehead city. Just wondering who your Dr. is? I have been to a few around here with no real help! Would love to find someone who knows this disease and can actually help!

Thanks, Lisa

I was diagnosed in February of 2011 and immediately began a GF diet along with various supplements. It is now almost 1½ years later and I am still med free and feel really good. I am still GF ( mostly Paleo/raw) and will continue to eat that way since I react horribly when I ingest even a small amount of gluten. I am truly grateful for the healing that God has brought to my body. I share this information to offer hope and to let people know that it is possible to heal. It is a commitment and the journey can be long but for me it has been worth it!

My recent appointment on June 5, 2012 went well. My bloodwork is as follows:
Free T3: 3.0 normal
FreeT4: 1.12 normal
Ferritin : 28 low
CRP : 4.0 high
Vitamin D: 55 good
Cholesterol: Triglycerides 132, HDL 55, LDL 69, ratio 2. 7 all normal, low risk.

My antibodies were normal the last time we did bloodwork so I guess that is why she didn't check them this time.

One of my most frustrating issues is not being able to lose 20lbs. My doctor thought since my T3 is low normal that could be hindering the weight loss so she put me on cytomel ( T3 only) for 3 months (12.5 mg 2x's day). After 3 days I was so tired I stopped taking it. I am not sure why I was tired- the usual side effect is the opposite but not for me. I felt better within a day or two and decided that I would find another way to lose weight. Just curious if anyone else has tried cytomel and if it helped or not.

If anybody has any insight on why my CRP is elevated please share. My doctor thinks I might have a parasite, or yeast but I just did a yeast cleanse and don't have any symptoms of candida. I do have a broken back molar that needs a crown but no infection and my other teeth and gums are good.

I am trying to get my supplements down to a minimum ( I am a recovering supplement junkie : ) and at this point I have found the following to be the most beneficial for me:

Probiotic - dairy free and at least 30billion active cultures.
Magnesium - or a topical Magnesium gel
L-theanine - great for anxiety - I don't take this much anymore but it helps with sleep too. Non-drowsy - just relaxes you and helps with GABA production.
N Acetyl Cysteine - 600mg
Tumeric - I take this for inflammation - hoping it will help lower my CRP
Vitamin C - 1000mgs
Selenium from Brazil nuts - I almost purchased selenium and noticed it has wheat in it - be sure to check labels if you go that route.
Krill Oil or fermented cod liver oil - I alternate these 2 supplements
Iron - I will take this until my iron stores are adequate
Coconut oil - organic
Brewers Yeast - I just added this less than a month ago - I was skeptical because I thought it would cause candida but I read up it and this kind of yeast is good for many things. So far, no side effects at all. I like the fact that I am getting vitamins and amino acids from a food source rather than a pill. Only taking 2TBS a day not the 3 that is recommended.
Liqui-Kelp - I just started this yesterday. I realize this goes against the Dr. K Hashimotos protocol and against what I said in an earlier post but I read an article about how to take iodine if you have Hashi's and my doctor also said that it is necessary for overall health even if you have Hashi's. She recommends Atomidine but I wanted to try a kelp based one. I am only taking 4 drops once a day which is 150mcg - very low dose. I am hoping that this will help with my immune system, lower CRP level, and help with weight loss. Any Hashi's people out there who have used iodine ( kelp, lugols, etc.. ?) with success? I will let you know what happens, still too soon to tell. Here is the article if anyone is interested:

http://perfecthealthdiet.com/2011/05/iodine-and-hashimotos-thyroiditis-part-i/

Here are the issues that have resolved for me:
-Thyroid nodule is gone and thyroid is no longer enlarged.
-No more chronic sinus infections
-No more catching every virus/flu that comes around
-No anxiety, heart palpitations
-My eyelashes and eyebrows are full an thick again ( I had bald spots on my eyebrows and was missing a lot of eyelashes)
-Steady energy throughout the day - thank God!!
-My feet don't hurt anymore
-Clear thinking ( clear for me anyway : )

Always consult your healthcare provider before taking supplements. I know some of us are forced to self-treat - I was one of those people for a long time. Now that I found a wonderful integrative healthcare provider - my health has improved greatly.

Please don't give up hope - it takes time but once you get there it is worth it. Sorry this was so long! Health and Wellness to all~

~Carleen -- frog_513(at)yahoo.com

Carleen, how are you doing now. I see you were starting Kelp. The iodine always worked against me. I don't think Hashimoto's is an iodine deficiency. I have tried all of these things at one time or another. Now taking prescription thyroid med Tirosint and it has worked up until now. Thinking of stopping it again.

Hi Michael.

You may find the following article link useful regarding Hashi's and homeopathic options:

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/homoeopathy-hashimotos-disease-dr-ks-gopi

Please keep us posted on how this works out and good luck!

Art

Hi! I've been treating my Hashimoto's under a holistic Dr, and have several possibilities that could be helpful.

Tell me what u are targeting to handle, I.e. fatigue, pain, etc. And I'll do my best to offer you how I have found best to progress in life.

Thanks a bunch Art (for the Hashimoto)!

Will let my friend know about this now.

She will be impressed at such prompt feedback, as she asked for information only yesterday. My kudos will be inhanced!

Cheers and keep up the good work you are doing.

M

You're welcome, Michael!

You might also mention to your friend that keeping her gut microbiome in tip top shape may be additive to the homeopathy for Hashi's. Synbiotics, probiotics, prebiotics, fermented foods and fermented drinks are a few ways to help toward that end.

Art

Thank you Victoria,

I will try to keep you posted when I get a little more feedback on this one.

All the best to you.

Michael

A Meal a Day keeps the Grim Reaper at Bay

A while ago, Art was interested in being kept informed of any improvement in a patient of my Homeopath being treated for Hashimoto's Disease/Syndrome as I recall (Hi there Art! ). Seems that after many weeks, homeopathy has shown to be of great help in this particular case. My practitioner is best pleased with the outcome here. Homeopathic treatments need to be tailored specifically to the individual (their "type"). A site to visit would be Dr Batra's (and others) in order to become more acquainted with more on this subject.

Apropos something different. We have a good friend at the top of our road who is much older than us and, being on their own for a few years after the demise of their partner, was loosing vitality, weight, purposefulness and becoming slapdash in taking care of their-self. Loss of "Mojo" I think the modern term might be. Great word there!

Not paying enough attention to looking after herself properly, etc.

Noticing these almost imperceptible changes over a period of time, we struggled to decide what (if anything) we could do about it that wouldn't seem too intrusive (they are not "family" as such). In the end, my wife resolved to take her over a nutritious mid-day meal every day and low and behold, after just three weeks, things took a turn for the better and all those above conditions reversed. A new interest in food came about suddenly that was not there before.

Moral of the Story?? No matter your advanced age, beneficial changes in health, metabolism, mood, attitude, happiness, sense of well-being, interest in life etc etc can come about in only a few weeks with minimal intervention (3) .. what's not to like??

I can hear you say something to the effect of "Oh, but getting all that attention and concern was probably just as instrumental in their recovery". O.K. point taken but never mind. Guess we cannot keep it up forever though! What to do then?

Of course this has been quite a commitment but we are not here too long and it's good to be a force for good occasionally and see someone down suddenly perk up.

Cheers from Down Under where another scorching summer is forecast!!

BTW Queen Elizabeth 11 has been a life-long believer in Homeopathy and the members of the Royal Household seem to live forever! "God Save the Queen"!

Hi Michael!

Thank you for remembering and thinking of me!

Actually, I am always very happy when people come back with details about how effective a treatment was for them, not just ones that I suggest, because these replies are very useful for anyone who is considering a particular treatment for their health condition.

I have seen so many times on EC and other health forums where people post their remedy that was effective for them, but they leave out relevant information that leaves the reader wishing they could use the remedy, but something important is missing such as brand, dose, frequency of dosing, best time to take it etc. So I am always happy to see people update their progress, give a revised dosing schedule or just give enough information in their initial post so as to make their remedy useful for others without having to ask questions because often times the person is asking a question about a remedy that is years old on EC and the original poster may not be around to answer those questions!

Art

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/homoeopathy-hashimotos-disease-dr-ks-gopi

Hi Art and good that you spotted my recent post- I hope this finds you well and full of beans?

I think that the link you advised me to pass on to my Homeopath was the above one and they reported that after many weeks of treatment, things have improved significantly for the patient.

I guess any required information, dosage, frequency, potency etc can be found on this link.

I do not claim to be a Homeopath in any shape or form but have relied on numerous similar Homeopathic remedies in the latter part of my long life and am a believer but my original Practitioner claimed that "only" 70% of people / patients (?) derive any benefit and that is possibly at least part of the reason for the widely-held view among some persons that it "Doesn't work".

The other group will express dismay that, "How can this substance become increasingly powerful the more it is diluted?". Search me . Do I look as if I care, as long as it works? Mind you, an essential part of the skill of said Homeopath is in the accurate diagnosis of the malady in the first place and also of the patient "Type". So I was lucky that my Practitioner had had plenty of years of practice and had not just switched from being a panel-beater yesterday.

("Thanks a Bunch" to the 14 people who liked my post- does this constitute a "Cult Following? or even a "Gone Viral"?? Down Boy Down!!)

Cheers from Down Under

Hi Michael,

I had a longer reply almost finished and then I somehow lost it! Those things happen sometimes.

I am very glad to hear that your homeopathy practitioner is making headway with the patient! There are quite a few variables involved in homeopathy so a good practitioner is very helpful in resolving the issue!

Art