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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Mar Mimi (Paros, Greece) on 01/29/2013
★★★★★
I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and the first thing is to go gluten free - you will not regret it. Join the facebook page Hashimotos 411 and also their sister page which is for those wishing to follow the elimination diet (presently into day 2 of that). Since going gluten free, my symptons are subsiding, my back ache has gone, my scorched mouth feeling has gone, I've not had a single migraine (usually a big sufferer) and generally feel great. If you really want to get your health back on track - gluten free.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Jbh (Marietta, Usa) on 01/17/2013
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!
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Drnatural (Tucson, Arizona, Usa) on 01/07/2013
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.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Jorge (Buenos Aires, Argentina) on 01/06/2013
Look for LUGOL's IODINE on the web. There are many articles about it.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 01/05/2013
Hashimotos is an autoimmune problem for which many people on the Yahoo LDN site have had success using low dose naltrexone, an FDA approved drug with no side effects, taken in very low doses of 2 - 4.5 mg. As a matter of fact, after starting LDN, often thyroid medicine will have to be reduced within a month because the LDN will begin moderating the immune system. Please see www.ldninfo.org or the Yahoo LDN group. There are published studies on LDN being used on children with Crohn's disease with excellent results and no side effects, so it is safe for children also.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Jenny (Suffolk, Ny/usa) on 01/05/2013
I never heard of Hashimoto's Thyroiditis until sixteen years ago when I was diagnosed. I was given a prescription for synthroid and sent away. I have never felt the same, but I lived with it. My husband was diagnosed with the same eight years ago. This year my 10 year old was diagnosed with this disease three months ago. This month my 7 year old daughter also walked out of the doctor with a prescription. I have only my four year old child that has not yet tested positive for Hashimoto's.
I was able to handle living with the symptoms and taking a pill of 175 mg per day, but I can't accept this future for my children. I am willing to try anything to cure it. I don't know if I should stop the medication on them and try different things (my husband a doctor, is against this), or do it simultaneously. I am willing to try it on me first until I see possitive results. I told the endocrinologist that I am a living proof that the medicine does not work. I also wanted more blood tests done, but she told me that Hashimoto disease is hereditary. My husband and I are the first to have it in our family, so who did we get it from? I am thinking that it my be contagious.
Please help I want something better for my children. I don 't find any books or resources on alternative medicine for children. At the moment the doctors are just happy to be having a whole family with Hashimoto's disease. I am feeling like a lab rat. I can't stop crying when I go to my kids appointment.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dee (Chicago, Il) on 01/02/2013
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by 1kday (Colorado Springs, Co) on 08/07/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Terri (Phoenix, Az) on 08/03/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Trizia (Nyc, Ny) on 08/03/2012
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
General Feedback
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 07/22/2012 13 posts
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Dr (New Mexico, NM) on 07/08/2012
If you have Hashimoto's when you consume Gluten it causes your immune system to attack your thyroid.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Terrie (Perry, Florida) on 06/01/2012
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!!!!
Dietary Changes
Posted by Thyroid Sufferer (Jupiter, Fl) on 05/22/2012
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.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Ritesh (Mumbai, Maharashtra) on 05/08/2012
Homeopathy treatment for hypothyroidism.
Just order these four medicines. bottle size 1 oz,
6 tablets (which should be kept below tongue) and taken only once in month.
1. sulfur 200 (after getting this tablets you may get some aggravations to pull out ailments from root, don't be afraid its for good & it will be temporary)
then after one month take again 6 tablets of (only once)
2. Calcaria carb 200.
then after one month take again 6 tablets of (only once)
3. Lycopodium 200
then after one month take again 6 tablets of (only once)
4. silicea 200
then after this treatment if you still have any problems then mail me on 4all.ritesh(at)gmail.com.
Homeopathy does not have any side effects. If medicine is chosen correct then it will surely give good lasting affects.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Lorica (New Albany, In.) on 04/28/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Kathy (Soldotna, Alaska) on 04/27/2012
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Kathy (Soldotna, Alaska) on 04/26/2012
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
Iodine
Posted by Pixie Poet (Sunnyvale, Ca) on 04/21/2012
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vt) on 03/19/2012
★★★★★
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Patients Helping Patients (San Luis Obispo, Ca) on 03/13/2012
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
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tresa (Boise, Id) on 03/09/2012
Suz, specifically McKim Chiropractic.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tresa (Boise, Id) on 03/09/2012
Suz, also I wanted to mention that it was a doctor(who was a former chiropractor) who now practices Dr. Kharazian's protocol.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tresa (Boise, Id) on 03/09/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Suz (Austin, Tx) on 02/08/2012
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
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/22/2012
Thanks Tina, I found the site but Lugol's is not in stock although they say that they would have it after the 15th of Dec. Also, it says that the components are iodide crystal and potassium iodide. I am not sure that is correct.... but I sent them a message and got an automated message back informing me that it can take quite a while for them to respond! I have also a Welsh site where they sell Lugol's just they seem to offer 10% to new clients while it was only till last year, not very correct to have the banner still there....
Water, Supplements
Posted by Tina (Princeton, New Jersey, Usa) on 01/21/2012
Hi Francisca, Lugol's iodine is also available through a UK based company, Regenerative Nutrition. They ship all over the world. I have bought other supplements, oils, and powders from them and am very happy with their quality and customer service. Look them up on Google. They offer a lot of information on the supplements they sell as well. One more thing I like about them, the price is inclusive of shipping charges. Hope this is helpful.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Lisa (Rabat, Morocco) on 01/21/2012
Francisca, I belong to a yahoo group about iodine that includes many members from Europe. Recently there was a discussion about purchasing iodine in Europe and someone responded that they purchase Lugols/Iodoral from seeknatural. Co. Uk. You may want to look into it further to see if they will ship to you. I believe kelp is not a recommended source because it is usually contaminated and it also does not provide very much iodine. I hope this website will help you find what you need.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/20/2012
Thanks for the advice Timh, I will look into it! As other than Kelp iodine doesn't seem to be sold here in Europe there is very little people like me know about it! I also found Nascent Iodine which seems to be more easily absorved but it is also more expensive! I will have to order tomorrow if I want to pick it up at my sister-in-law's house when we are there in February! I also felt no difference at all with kelp and I read today that kelp can contain arsenic!
Water, Supplements
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 01/20/2012 2048 posts
Francisca, pardon my forwardness but I would recommend not jumping over a cliff for the Lugols as there are other brands arguably as effective. I wasn't making any progress with Kelp so I chose "Life-Flow Liquid Iodine Plus" with very good results. I even experienced an acute detox reaction (surprisingly not immediately as I had expected) after aprox. 2 mo of use.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/19/2012
PS - Maria, be aware that a lot of stuff that has been forbidden over the year it is more out of interest or profits than about danger for health! What is really dangerous never seems to be forbidden! In my book I read that they used to add iodine to the bread as a dough conditioner, then it was forbidden and bromide was introduced instead which is very toxic. So there you go....
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/19/2012
Oh Maria, nice to hear that I am not the only one once in a while struggling with the Internet.... Usually I am quite good but Ebay I have to say has always been a mystery to me! Amazon is very easy, I use it to order loads of books, often very inexpensively (I use other companies as well like Abebooks), ordered my hula-hoop from them.... You just look for whatever you need, compare the prices from the different sellers, choose whether you want new or used (I often order used books as they are mostly almost new or even new), fill in your bank details and address and that's all! I even send gifts to other people by filling in their delivery address!
I had never heard of Lugol's either as it is almost banned here in Europe. My husband is going to a natural doctor today and as I am going with him I will ask her whether one can get Lugol's here in Switzerland (in the pharmacies you can't, not in the health food shops! ). If she knows where to buy it I will wait till I can make an appointment, if not I will order online and have it sent to my sister-in-law in the UK, then I don't pay postage! Like you I only knew about iodine to us on wounds. If you are interested in learning more about the subject I suggest you read one of the book on it! Great information.....
Water, Supplements
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 01/18/2012
Hi Francisca, They also have buy it now prices it's not all bidding, mind you I don't know how to use amazon. I know what you mean about the strength, the choice for me was easy as where I found it (the internet as it's not available locally) they only sell the 2%. I would have liked the 5% as that is what is being used in the studies so when I read how many drops I would not have to think about converting it. It took me a long time to pluck up the courage to start using it as I was taught it was poisonous and decades ago dairy farmers were banned from using it to clean their equipment as it could get into the milk.
Funny thing is, I also knew it was safe to use in hospitals on patients. We were never taught about the different types of iodine although we did know that one brand stung on a wound and another brand did not. Never knew they were different types which now sounds odd. The first I heard of Lugol's iodine was here on EC (thanks again EC). We are sooooo glad that I finally got the courage to try it.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Zug, Switzerland) on 01/18/2012
Thanks Maria, but I have to confess that I have never bought anything from e-bay. The thought of having to bid.... I have no idea how it works! I am also at a loss as to which Lugols to buy. Amazon sells 3%, 7% and 15%.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Sally (Chennai, India) on 01/18/2012
Dear Jen from Bozeman,
You've expressed several thoughts that were bothering me about the real cause of illnesses and the state of the world in general, so beautifully. Thank you. There are quite a few people who are opting out of the unhealthy, degrading glorification culture, be it of youth, beauty or ostentation. We can only take heart from them and go ahead in our own search for meaning and health.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 01/18/2012
Francisca there are some UK ebayers who sell it too.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 01/17/2012
Hi Pema, I agree that most people feel low self esteem at some point or another. I believe it has mostly to do with our society and all of the images we see daily on TV and magazines. 100 years ago you did not get exposed to thousands of beautiful people on a daily basis. There may have been a few gorgeous people in your town but you probably only saw them occasionally. Now we are constantly seeing beauty and we are comparing ourselves to it which is completely unrealistic. I am just as guilty as anyone else. The unworthiness is also associated with the fact that these beautiful people are burried in wealth and attention while we are (usually) not.
On a different note. There is also an association between autoimmune diseases and some sort of traumatic event that may have happened to a person which caused a sort of self blame. In response to this self blame the body begins attacking itself. For myself I have found this to be a possibility. I have a form of thyroid disease called Graves Disease. I did have an event happen in my life right around puberty which is most likely when my disease started. I blamed myself for the event and until recently you could say I may have hated myself for it. I have also read that thyroid disease in particular are associated with a feeling of not being heard or not speaking out. As it is located right where your vocal cords are it can actually cause laryngitis. I have found this to also be true in my case. I used to be very quiet and very rarely spoke my feelings or opinions in most situations. I did find my voice in writing though and that may be part of the reason for my healing:)
No matter what though you are not alone as far as low self esteem goes. I do not have hashi's but there is still this feeling of not being worthy of love and attention. I fight it on a daily basis. I try to stay away from TV and magazines to help the issue but I am still exposed on the internet and while standing in line at the grocery store. I hope that someday we will stop thinking beauty is so important but I also pray for peace on earth and so far it's not looking likely.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Francisca (Zug, Switzerland) on 01/17/2012
Hi Pema, I think that most of us have low self esteem at one time or another. I am struggling a bit with it right now because I always looked amazingly young and all of a sudden I found out that I was getting older. Maybe I thought that it would happen to everyone but me?
On another level, if you have Hashimoto's maybe you should consider reading a book I am reading at the moment about Iodine use by Dr. David Brownstein or his other book (which I haven't read) Overcoming Thyroid Disorders! I find that he gives a lot of very interesting information even if I don't think that I have thyroid problems! I do think that I am iodine deficient and I am looking into finding Lugols here in Europe, not an easy task! Someone gave me a tip on this site once but I have to confess that I forgot what it was. I think that there is some place you find it in the UK or else you can find it through Amazon.co.uk.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 01/17/2012 2048 posts
Pema, not only an emotional or psychological aspect involved in a particular illness; but the social and even subconscious attitude we are conditioned with during childhood and beyond. Firstly, in an competitive socioeconomic environment, we know how ruthless the fight for money can be. In many people there are fully developed attitudes of defeatism operative. When I was 24 yrs and learned of my dear Aunt's terminal cancer diagnoses, I automatically assumed an attitude of defeat, and that left me with horrific regrets I can never rid of. Fast forward a few yrs and learned of my Mother's terminal cancer diagnosis, I assumed an attitude of a warrior.
So, if you are a person of worth and goodly character, you are cheating yourself by not becoming a warrior, and not only for yourself; think of your loved one's, especially children, who are watching your every move and some who even worship you. How you can let others down by letting yourself down. Maybe this is what you experienced as a child.
I have recently had a thyroid disorder that brought crippling fatigue and depression, but am better now (and not without a fight). Take Kelp and or Potassium Iodide, and L-Tyrosine, and Raw Thyroid Glandular. Many good reports of Low Dose Naltrexone for autoimmunity. And of course any number of different detox methods to rid the body of "the foreigners".
Hope this helps and good luck.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Pema (Suffolk, England) on 01/16/2012
Hi there - I may possibly have Hashimoto's and the question in my mind the most for everyone in this forum is about the psychological-emotional aspects of autoimmune disorders such as Hashimoto's. How many of you have any level of low self-esteem or at least grew up feeling unworthy or unappreciated? This is definitely the case for me and I would love to know how many others feel any kind of psychological-emotional cause? Many thanks and I really appreciate everything I have read so far on this forum. Best, Pema (England)
Dietary Changes
Posted by Ishtar (Cerritos, California) on 01/12/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jeff (Laguna Niguel, Ca) on 01/12/2012
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Susan (Milliken, Co) on 01/11/2012
I am also very curious as I would love to even get marked improvement.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Susan (Denver, Colorado) on 01/05/2012
Has anyone heard or tried juicing (veggie/fruit) to help hashimotos? I have hashimotos and no insurance.
General Feedback
Posted by Lisa (Morehead City, Nc) on 01/04/2012
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
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Cindy (Dudley, Ma) on 12/25/2011
I was just wondering if you have written your book yet. I have Hashimoto's and I'm trying to find a way to get off meds and improve my immune system.
Water, Supplements
Posted by Kavita (Somerset, Nj) on 12/01/2011
This post is addressed to Eve K fron Houston Tx. Are you still doing okay..? The TSH=1 and 0 antibodies?
Please let me know.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Mh (Toronto, On) on 11/28/2011
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tresa (Boise, Id) on 11/18/2011
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.
Iodine
Posted by Imcinnamon (Orlando, Fl) on 10/30/2011
★★★★★
I am an avid follower of Dr. Jonathan Wright, and Dr. Mercola. The information on Dr. Wrights site is excellent regarding hypothyroid and Iodine. Two Dr's said in all their yrs of practice, I have the worst case they have ever seen, and described it as "off the charts" I have went from an energetic thin person to overweight, exhausted, depressed and anxiety ridden person overnight. I feel so ill sometimes, I even thought maybe I had cancer. After reading Dr. Wrights site last week, I purchased iodine (colored) to test my iodine, [put the orange color on my inside arm, and it completely disappeared within an hour. I then ran to a health food store, and purchased Iodine, and literally overnight, I felt better than I have in years. In 2 days, the huge lump I had on the right side of my neck, is completely gone. Nothing short of amazing for me. I plan on adding _____s apple cider vinegar next, and a few supplements that are purported to assist.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Lisa (Chicago, Il) on 10/24/2011
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Hashiaussie (Melbourne, Australia) on 10/04/2011
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 10/03/2011 13 posts
★★★★★
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
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Romy (Daytona Beach, Fl) on 09/24/2011
Please could you let me know. I am dealing with Hashimoto for 25 years but now been reading about the gluten affecting thyroid. I've been trying to eat alkaline more fresh verses processed for many years. And did bio scan and shows no gluten allergy.
I am trying to avoid gluten and wondering what is the best alternative for bread. Mostly ate dark dry. And now found Millet breat no gluten. Is that ok to eat? And brown rice and gluten free brown rice pasta?
Thank you much for your feedback.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Mizmiriam (Asheville, Nc) on 09/22/2011
Hello Susan from Seattle - I am so excited to read your post! I am writing a book about the stories of people who have cured Hashimoto's disease and would love to interview you for the book. Could you please be in touch? If anyone else out there has cured themselves, please be in touch as well. We are all on this site to help each other. Thank you so much, Miriam
Selenium
Posted by Ds (Us, Usa) on 09/17/2011
I was just looking at the "Selenium Cures" page on this site, as well as researching it in general. They're saying that more than 2 brazil nuts per day is dangerous. That you can get your "recommended" amount of selenium from just 2, and some are saying just one. One source was also saying that the danger is more than just too much selenium, but that this nut has some type of poison(s), and so advising not to eat more than 2 per day.
I purchased a bag of brazil nuts recently, and at first was just eating 2 (I'd remembered reading previously that this was a good amount to eat), but then seemed to be craving them, so I let myself eat 6. And I've been doing that for the last several days. I was feeling a little sick a couple of times, but that may be because of the high fat. That's more fat than I usually eat (liver issues). Also, I wasn't even considering that I might be getting too much selenium--and not taking into account that I'm also taking several different supplements (and foods) that contain selenium.
So I'm pulling back on the brazil nuts. No more than 2 from now on and will make a note of how much I'm getting from food/supps.
Very appreciative of the information on this site.
General Feedback
Posted by Jen (Bozeman, Mt, Us) on 09/08/2011
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Et (Sgp) on 09/08/2011
I had my blood tested for the 3rd time,
thyroglobulin antibody & TPO antibody (HIGH), T4, T3 & TSH (NORMAL)
does it mean I have hasimoto's?
I did a food allergy test too & I'm allergic most to flouride & apples, does it mean if I totally stop taking the two my blood test will be normal?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Mary (Bradenton, Florida Usa) on 09/03/2011
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Marina (Lake Stevens, Washington, United States) on 08/18/2011
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
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Kristina (Wichita, Ks) on 08/13/2011
Are you still taking the tea? Did it help?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Renee (Evans, Colorado) on 08/06/2011
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?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Jc (Merrimac Valley, Ma) on 07/12/2011
Can you share more about your diet?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Andrea (Davidson, Nc) on 05/25/2011
I have being diagnosed as a hashimoto patient. I visited a practioner (she says she follows Dr. Kharazian's protocol) and she recommended me to follow the diet "Eat Right For Your Type - Dr. peter j D'Adamo".
I am vegetarian and the first item she tells me to add to my diet is buffalo meat. I need some feedback if Dr. Kharazian, follows and recommends that diet for hashimoto's patient. Please your opinion is very valuable to me, as I am confused and not sure about the protocol of this practitioner.
Much gratitude, Andrea
General Feedback
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 04/30/2011 13 posts
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 04/29/2011 13 posts
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Louise (Petaluma, Ca) on 04/28/2011
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.
General Feedback
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 04/27/2011 13 posts
I wanted to share my update since being diagnosed with Hashimoto's in late February of this year. I also had a 1cm nodule on the right side of my thyroid. I had already started the VCO on 02/24/2011 and in addition, my doctor told me to go on a gluten-free diet immediately and chart my symptoms/progress, etc...
I have been diligent about not cheating since going Gluten Free and I have been faithful in taking 1 TBS of VCO daily along with other supplements. I had a follow-up appt. On 04/19/2011 and my doctor could not find the nodule! I have also felt increasingly better since going GF. I noticed a huge difference after about a month of being GF and I am feeling better as time goes on. She will check my thyroid levels in June, including antibodies.
Currently I am not on any meds and she has said she hopes to keep me off of any medication as long as possible. I do believe it is the combination of the VCO and GF diet that have helped with the Hashimoto's. The supplements I am on, I have been taking for a long time. So I think at this point I am actually able to absorb the nutrients and am benefitting from those from a nutritional standpoint. I have also been told that people with Hashimoto's need to be very careful about supplementing with iodine since our issue is an immune system issue and not rooted in the thyroid per se. I am not saying nobody should take iodine but at this point I am not using it and and being cautious. My doctor said she did want to check my iodine levels as well but for now to continue on as I have been doing. Here is a link to Dr. Kharrazian's site: http://drknews.com/iodine-and-hashimotos/ author of the book titled: "Why do I still have thyroid symptoms when my lab tests are normal"
Any feedback or input is greatly appreciated!
~C.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Erin (Nashville, Tn) on 04/19/2011
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Infaith07 (Lexington, Ky) on 04/15/2011
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.
Dietary Changes
Posted by 6finns (Oswego, Il) on 04/12/2011
★★★★★
I have been cured of Hashimoto's through a diet initially developed for Asperger's by Sandra Desorgher (later used to treat her Autistic daughter, Sarah). After being on the diet (which is lutein- and beta carotene-free) for about 5 months, my thyroid antibodies tested negative. I've seen other improvements such as feeling more present and alert, more patience, and a greater ease in shifting my focus.
Iodine
Posted by Naomi (Machynlleth, Powys Uk) on 04/12/2011
I have Hashimoto's hpothyroid-diagnosed 1997. In UK we are advised not to use iodine or kelp. Now I have read on your posts that I am at high risk of breast cancer due to thyroid hormone replacement, and supplementing with iodine could help prevent this. I have fibrocystic breast tissue.
What should I do?
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Barb (Chicago, Il) on 04/11/2011
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Yoki (Charlotte, Nc) on 04/09/2011
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Karen (Beaumont, Tx) on 04/08/2011
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?
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Sophia (Salt Spring Island, Bc, Canada) on 03/30/2011
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.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Melbee9999 (Fort Lauderdale, F) on 03/22/2011
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's in Jan this year. I felt so tired in the morning, couldnt figure out what was wrong. All the classic symptoms. Saw the endo, he put me on levathyroxine 100mcg daily. After 2 weeks I felt 100% better, but I do not want to stay on this med. I was told that Kombucha tea is a cure for Hasi's. I am going to try the gluten free diet along with the kombucha tea. I can not loose weight. Maybe this will help. Let me know what you all think. Bless you!! Mel
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Lisa (Asheville, Nc) on 03/17/2011
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
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Diane (Chicago, Il) on 03/04/2011
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!
Iodine
Posted by Dallas (Amesbury, Ma, Usa) on 02/10/2011
I have tried iodine/iodide and I have Hashi's hyPOthyroidism. At first, iodine/ide makes me more tired even if I take Vitamin C with it. Then, after a week or so I get more energetic and feel better. Except for one thing. Along with the Hashi's, I also have the thyroid eye disease (ted) that usually comes with Grave's hyPERthyroidism. Iodine seems to make the double vision of the ted much worse and I can't live with the pain behind my eyes or the sensitivity to light when I paint myself with iodine. This doesn't make sense as I am normally very iodine deficient and I know we need iodine. Go figger! Anybody ever dealt with this?
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Jackie (Bayfield, Colorado, Usa) on 02/06/2011
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Jcp (Nashville, Tn) on 12/26/2010
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?
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Pinkdiamondz (Chilton, Wi) on 12/01/2010
I'm going to look up some more info on that doctor, Michael Johnson. He sounds great!
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Erin (Nashville, Tn) on 11/28/2010
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.
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Deb1234 (St Louis, Mo Usa) on 11/24/2010
Hi, Are you seeing a practitioner or just following the K protocol on your own?
Eliminate Gluten
Posted by Erin (Nashville, Tn) on 11/21/2010
I am being treated for Hashimoto's with Datis Kharrazian's protocol, which involves eliminating gluten, which causes antibody production (as most Hashimoto's sufferers have gluten intolerance, but not necessarily with digestive symptoms), balancing the immune system, healing the gut and improving thyroid hormone conversion (which happens in the liver and gut). Determining the dominant immune pathway imbalance and stimulating the non-dominant pathway is a huge part of the protocol. As I am th1 dominant, I avoid th1 stimulators like astragalus, echinacea, medicinal mushrooms and licorice, as they make me worse and instead take a polyphenol complex, emulsified D and a glutathione/SOD cream to reduce inflammation. Most Hashimoto's patients don't need thyroid medicine (unless the thyroid is already ceasing to function due to damage)- they need immune system balancing to stop the autoimmune attack. Meds do not accomplish this and if you have Hashimoto's, you are at much higher risk for developing other autoimmune disorders down the road, as long as the immune system remains imbalanced.
Since starting my protocol, my brain fog has lifted, I've lost weight without trying and I'm much less tired and heavy feeling. The improvement was very quick for me. My friend is also being treated and has had similar quick improvements. Just eliminating gluten (before I ever started the Kharrazian protocol) eliminated my debilitating menstrual cramps and the monthly IBS that accompanied them. My skin also had a lot less breakouts.
Iodine
Posted by Pat (Santa Monica, Ca) on 11/10/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I do not take iodine. Just heard too often that it isn't good for people with Hashi's
Selenium
Posted by Pat (Santa Monica, Ca) on 11/10/2010
I keep a bag of raw Brasil nuts in the frig and snack on 3 - 4 a day. That quantity is supposed to give you the amount of selenium you need which means I get extra because there is selenium in my multi. RAW is the important point here.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Gipapltn (Appleton, Wi) on 10/31/2010
Dear PinkDiamondz,
I too live in Wisconsin and the doctors here have NO CLUE about Hashi's. I read the book everyone has mentioned, and I knew I had it. My female dr in appleton said that "Hashimoto's is so rare, there is virtually no chance of you having it. " She basically said its all in my head, and that I am "anxious". I persisted, and she said fine, if it will make you stop worrying, I will feel better too, so go to the endocrinologist. After the endocrinologist asked me a few questions, I asked him "with all of these symptoms, is it possible that I might have hashimotos?" He said "Might? There is no doubt you have hasimotos! Its obvious! " Now he put that in my medical record on the computer, but my dr not wanting to admit I was right, left my diagnosis as "Primary Hypothyroidism". I hate the doctors here. They scare the hell out of me. I want to move back to Canada, no offence. Dr. Michael Johnson, a chiropractor in Neenah, WI, deals with hashimotos and give you oxygen therapy, 12 different blood tests, and a bunch of other stuff about your diet, and no gluten. 100% gluten free. But I can't get his help because he only takes credit or cash, and it costs $9,000 and I am on UI. I can't get well because no one will help me. I'm poor and alone. All my relatives are in Nova Scotia. PinkDiamondz, please contact me so we can compare notes by email or phone. I need help desperately. I am getting sicker.
[email protected]
Water, Supplements
Posted by Eve K (Houston, Tx, Usa) on 08/25/2010
I was diagnosed with mild hypothyroidism and positive for antibodies--though my endo never called it Hashimoto's. I spent a year on thyroid medication which did lower the antibody levels and also the TSH, but did not do anything to alleviate my symptoms (weight gain, lack of libido, fatigue, etc. ). I did not have a goiter. After getting fed up that I was not actually feeling any better, I eliminated as many sources of fluoride and chlorine as possible: no fluoride dental care products or treatments, drink & cook with only distilled or non-flouoridated water, installed a shower filter (claims to remove chlorine and also some fluoride), and so forth. There are many books and resources on the web that can be researched. I also followed Ted's borax protocol briefly, helps to remove fluoride from the body. There are other sites that recommend additional ways to remove fluoride--drinking fresh beet juice, eating more fresh beets, eating lots of fresh cilantro, the list is endless. I followed the suggestions that did not seem too outlandish. Finally and most importantly, I disregarded the "avoid iodine" advice that comes with most thyroid treatments. I bought the pill form (12. 5 mg) of the iodine/iodide. There are many references it to on this website--there is also a liquid form called Lugol's that I found hard to find. The pills are easy to find on the internet and not terribly expensive. I took 4 a day to start (2 in am, 2 in pm) because I am heavily endowed in the bust area and this is supposed to indicated a greater need for supplement. I am no longer on thyroid medication, my TSH is around 1 (the target of the endo), I have zero antibodies and I have more energy, better sexual energy, and am no longer gaining weight. I am still struggling to lose but I was able to take off 10 pounds relatively quickly as I began to feel better, something that was impossible before. This is just my personal experience, but in addition to finding a new endo (by the way, a gyn may also be willing to prescribe Armour), I would look at the fluoride and iodine connections. I still avoid soy for a number of reasons, and it will certainly not hurt for your daughter to eat a clean, natural diet and avoid potential allergens if they are suspected. There are also a number of diets on the net that describe how to eliminate and challenge potential allergens such as wheat, corn, dairy, etc. Good luck!
Water, Supplements
Posted by Deidre (Sylva, Nc) on 08/24/2010
Trea, Just wondering if your goiter disappeared? I have a daughter, seventeen, who has similar system--hashimoto's disease and huge goiter on left side. Last visit to endo was two weeks ago. Her recommendation was removal of the thyroid. I absolutely refused. Endo has done nothing by prescribed T4, which has been ineffective in treating the goiter. She refuses to prescribe Armour and has said nothing about diet changes or supplements. Researched. Now have daughter on a gluten free, soy free, sugar free diet and am adding a multivitamin to her daily routine. Her vitamin had iodine in it, which worries me as their is some conflicting information regarding it. The diet is hard on my daughter, and I'm worried she's not completely sticking to it. Need some positive advice from someone to show her that goiter can go away. Endo has told her it will always be there. Looking for a new endo. Hope to hear from you.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Pinkdiamondz (Chilton, Wi) on 05/18/2010
I also came to the conclusion that Kombucha tea could be the answer. I only just received my diagnosis of Hashimoto's disesase. The doctors in my area are not very vigilant about validating their patients' concerns. Therefore, I've been forced to take it upon myself to find a cure for my condition, rather than just be ill for the rest of my life and mask the symptoms with medication. I'll be trying the Kombucha tea cure because I too read about the yersinia bacteria as well as TH1 antibodies.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Lisa (Highland, Il) on 05/12/2010
★☆☆☆☆
I have just been diagnosed with Hashimoto's and was looking up giving up gluten. I have been drinking homemade kombucha for about three years now. Although I think it's a great immune booster and I really like it, I guess this proves that it's not a cure for everybody. I still hypothyroidism and have had it for around 7 years.
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Rachel (Paris, France) on 04/28/2010
Hi, I'm suffering from hashimotos and despite all the tests and treatments, I can get no relief from my symptoms, they are just getting worse. I read that Yersinia enterocolitica could be a cause and it can be treated by kombucha tea. Is this correct and could you suggest other remedies. Thank you so much
Water, Supplements
Posted by Trea (Shirley, New York, Usa) on 01/24/2010
Question about Borax and Oil Pulling
I am not sure where this question should be posted. I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and I have made great progress in the size of my goiter in the last 2 weeks due to drinking more water and using the ACV and Baking Soda to start detoxing my body. I drink 96 ounces of water a day, I take my multi vitamin which has 150mcg of iodine in it 3x a day now instead of once to make up for loss due to more water, I take extra calcium, magnesium, D and potassium also along with a B complex. I'm using 2TBSP of ACV with 12 oz of water twice a day for one week so far. I will be doing the ACV and water for one more week.
I live in New York and I believe that my thyroid problem could also be from fluoride and chlorine in my water. Is it safe to do the Borax detox and oil pulling at the same time? I have to go for a thyroid sonogram in 2 weeks, and even though my goiter is one quarter of the size it was 2 weeks ago thanks to the info on this site, I want it to be even more improved by then.
My endo wants to do a biopsy and possibly remove my thyroid and I want to avoid that at all costs. If it is not safe to do both at the same time which would be most beneficial to do first? I'd appreciate any help I could get.
Thank you, Trea
Water, Supplements
Posted by Trea (Shirley, New York) on 01/23/2010
★★★★★
I have Hashimoto's disease and a golf ball sized goiter on my neck on the right side of my thyroid. I had an appointment with my endocrinologist two weeks ago. Aside from sending me for a blood test and another sonogram he also said he wants me to have a biopsy. That was when I decided to try some alternatives. I am not allowing them to take out my thyroid and be on medication for the rest of my life when the medication has not helped at all. I found this site and Dr.Batmangheldj's site.
I knew I was dehydrated so I started increasing my water intake to 96 ounces a day. I weigh 180 lbs and Dr. Batmangheldj recommends drinking half of your body weight in water each day. I also started taking extra potassium, magnesium and I take my multi vitamin 3 times a day instead of once because it has iodine in it and the water causes flushing out of your system. The goiter went from golfball size to half of that in less than a week just from the water and increase in supplements. I also do not feel as many bumps as I had on my goiter as I had been feeling when I lay back and stretch my throat.
Also my edema is much better. My hands and face are less swollen and my skin is no longer sticking over my socks a quarter of an inch which they had been for a long time. This past week I have started with the apple cider vinegar and baking soda (2 tbsp ACV and 1/8 tsp of baking soda) twice a day and the goiter has gone down even more. At 52 I thought I was getting arthritis but I guess it was dehydration because almost all aches and pains are gone now.
I live in New York, we have chlorine and fluoride in the water so I am getting a shower filter and the Zero water pitcher (it's supposed to remove fluoride from the water) and maybe my thyroid will improve even more. I will also be trying the Borax to rid my system of fluoride. I'm so glad I found this site. I was feeling kind of hopeless after I left the endos office.
Iodine
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) on 01/20/2010 392 posts
Dear Diego:
Potassium iodide in general has the least side effects when taking the iodine supplements. A lugol's solution for most people, the use is limited to 1-2 drops. However in the case of a client I know, who has severe Parkinson's disease, they are far more sensitive to the lugol's solution, taken either internally or applied externally to the feet or applied to the throat area. Hence I have found another kind of iodine which produces even less side effects then Edgar Cayce's Nascent Iodine, which is the hydrogen iodide. I had to since this particular case is a hypothyroid. A lot of researchers really got stuck into what forms of iodine has the least side effects and allow the body to utilize them. For most people, I will use lugols' 1-2 drops in the evening with 500 to 1000 mg of vitamin C as it is more available. A potassium iodide will also do fine and has few side effects, but iodine in general will cause some people, at least initially of acne, being the most common problems. In practice, the use of iodine against Hashimoto does reduce them, but it's more likely that a person will not increase in energy. The effects of iodine is because it's a halogen, and a required mineral, it will also drive out cancer causing fluoride and bromine out of the body, even after months of use, it will continue to drive them out. The beneficial effects is it re activates the pineal gland, which is considered your organ's clock mechanism, such as a CPU clock in the computer, and allows for more regular sleep cycle. For example, the common benefits from increase energy is likely more regular sleep patterns which is most responsible for the increase in energy.
The reason why there are conflicting information is the body simply has trouble trying to get iodine and utilized them, as many forms of iodine produces side effect. So the Quick and Dirty rule is commonly used by conventional medicine such as giving out, thyroid medication instead of the use iodine. So you get a quick fix approach, which commercial scale is cost effective, for them, but won't cure your condition as you will end up taking thyroid medication for the rest of your life. So that doesn't make economic sense as a consumer. It just makes economic sense for the conventional medicine approach. As a result the best forms of iodine I have found is hydrogen iodide, nascent iodine, potassium iodide (or a similar form SSKI), are the ones with the least problem. A lugol's makes more economic sense for most people as they are more easy to find, but it's limited by the dose a person can take, which is usually 1-2 drops with vitamin C before sleep and this works too, at least for most people.
The other problem is how to get the body to really utilize the iodine, hence it's possible that lugol's solution can be taken with tyrosine, which helps the body utilize them, but magnesium seems to be also an important factor too, not just vitamin C so the person can take larger dose of iodine without problems. Therefore in event of a hypothyroidism, which in severe cases leads to goiter, it was well known that the use of iodine in larger doses was in fact the cure fo thyroid. This fact is known for over 150 years, but in today's meidicine the quick and dirty rule is slash and burn, which translates to remove the goiter, and take thyroid medication for the rest of your life. That doesn't make sense, so some may rationalize and just say it is shut down.
However, too much iodine might not be possible for the body to utilized them, since other supplements are needed so the body can handle them, such as taking tyrosine amino acid along with the iodine. It would be a boon to actually allow the body to quickly utilize the iodine if other supplements are also taken so it can be cured faster. So if a simple case for most people I would modify taking a bit larger drops of Lugol's solution to say 4-5 drops every night, with vitamin C 1000 mg, and 500 mg of tyrosine supplements. Or a more conservative dose, if someone still have problems is just to limit to 1-2 drops again. Another indirect way is to take the tyrosine supplements 500 mg with vitamin C in the morning followed by a 10 drops in 1/2 glass of water with lugol's solution as just a mouthwash. That should also reduce some of the problems. SO the cause of hypothyroidism and goiter has been the lack of iodine, how we can take them without problems is the real issue. In fact iodine can cured malaria as same as MMS, but both has problems with the side effects and some can handle them, some cannot. It's all about finding the remedies that won't cause problems for a great majority of people, not a small minority of people. In general for the questions of Lugols' versus the potassium iodide, the answer is simply that potassium iodide produces less side effects then the Lugol's solution, such as light headedness is the ones I noticed, but I take in much larger dose, such as 10 drops to test for their side effects. I won't get these problems at 1-2 drops. As for potassium iodide in general, there's no lightheadness problem if the dose are reasonable and keeping it at 10 mg dose or below. It's harder to do a 10 mg dose on Lugol's. In general, Lugols' for most people are easier to obtain then potassium iodide, so if it's hard to get, people will just get Lugol's and get around the problem by taking them at night and take the vitamin C to reduce the side effects of lightheadedness. It's taken during the night because lugol's solution does make you sleepy. Hence it's one of my remedies to help sleep also and allows people for regular sleep patterns.
Ted
Iodine
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn) on 12/22/2009 490 posts
Hello Diego from Albequerce,
You are right, the body does need iodine for the thyroid to function properly, and for a lot of other things including producing hydrochloric acid in the stomach. Just a couple of drops of Lugol's solution or SSKI daily is enough to take care of this, but when you take increased dosage of either for prolonged period you need to have your TSH checked every month or two and if your TSH goes up it tells you to lay off the iodine awhile and let the body return to normal.
For further information on SSKI (saturated solution of potassium iodide which is not much different from the Lugol's solution) type Potassium iodide in a search window and go through references to pull out Dr. Jonathan Wright's great article on SSKI, which tells you what to use it for and how much to use and approximately how long. You can print this out to keep for future reference. After my bout in the hospital last spring, I started taking 6 drops of SSKI daily for multiple purposes (loosen secretions in the head/lungs, get rid of small renal cysts, flush cholesterol out of blood vessels, and also locally for hemorrhoids) but had to drop off after about 2-3 months of this dosage because it did suppress my thyroid (when taking larger dose for prolonged period should have TSH checked every month or two).
The doctor wanted to prescribe me a low dose thyroid supplement but I declined and told her I'd just stop the SSKI temporarily and increase my B complex vitamins (which the thyroid also requires for proper functioning) and have another TSH in a month or two. The next TSH was back to normal, which tells you that when you treat your body right it works with you and balances out.
Another thing you should remember with SSKI or Lugol's solution is that you should never take it with any water containing chlorine as this reacts with it and causes the potassium iodide to revert to iodine.
Iodine
Posted by Diego (Albuquerque, Nm) on 12/20/2009
Iodine and Hashimoto's
Hi, I've been doing research on the effects of iodine on the thyroid and I seem to be going in circles. Some articles say iodine can shut down the thyroid if overused or cause an increase in antibodies. Yet, doesn't the thyroid need iodine to produce t3/t4? If Hashimoto's is more of an autoimmune disorder than hypothyroidism, is it wise to treat it the same way?
Also, I've been supplementing with potassium iodide for a few weeks and I've noticed memory/brain fog improvement. What are the advantages of using a mixture such as Lugol's (iodine and iodide) as opposed just iodide?
Kombucha Tea
Posted by Alimaacd (New Fairfield, Ct) on 08/29/2009
My question is to Susan from Seattle, What treatment if any were you using to treat your Hashimoto's? I have read on a Hypothyroid forum that antibodies will lessen as hashimoto's worsen which it will if not treated with thyroid meds (preferably Natural Dessicated thyroid). I am curious to know if you suffer any symptoms of hypothyroidism? I have heard of the many benefits of Kombucha tea but very much want to know if it cured your hypothyroidism or if you are just assuming so because you are not showing antibodies. In a nutshell are you symptom free since taking this and nothing else?
Rhodiola
Posted by Paola (Lugano, Ticino/Switzerland) on 03/16/2009
★★★★★
Rhodiola for Hashimoto Disease: Thyroid:
I have been taking Russian-Rhodiola for a week now, 300g in the morning. I'll see my Doctor tomorrow, as I am also under pills for my thyroid, and I would like to replace thyroid chemical pills (Levothyroxine sodium - thyroid hormones) with rhodiola's cure, let's see what he's going to tell me. I feel definitely better, from the first day. I used to be chronically tired, now not anymore.
EC: Read more about Rhodiola here.
Selenium
Posted by Rich (Boca Raton, FL) on 01/30/2009
The vitamins that usually go along with iodine are Selenium, Sulfur, Magnesium, B6(which helps the body story more Magnesium), and Niacin.
The Guy Abraham and Brownstein research on Iodine looks pretty good. Hyperthyroid is sometimes associated with high iodine intake. Iodine kills fungus, so Bacterial infections makes some sense for this disease. Perhaps extra vitamin C (Sodium Ascorbate) would come in handy.
Anyways, Magnesium Citrate, which Ted often recommends for a leaky guy, seems to cure "Yersinia enterocolitica", if Yersinia is the cause.
Could Antibiotics Cure Your Hashimoto's Disease
Foodborne Bacteria May Be a Cause of Hashimoto's Disease
http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/yersinia.htm
"In this research, investigators studied the prevalence of antibodies to Yersinia enterocolitica in patients with diagnosed Hashimoto's thyroiditis. What the researchers found was the the prevalence of antibodies to yersinia --evidence of exposure -- was 14 times higher in people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis than in the control groups."
http://iai.asm.org/cgi/reprint/63/12/4837.pdf
Y. enterocolitica strains were cured of the virulence plasmid by
streaking them on Luria-Bertani agar plates containing 20 mM MgCl2 and 20
mM NaC2O4 and incubating the plates overnight at 378C (11).
Yersinia enterocolitica induces apoptosis in macrophages by a process requiring functional type III secretion and translocation mechanisms and involving YopP, presumably acting as an effector%u2009protein
http://www.pnas.org/content/94/23/12638.abstract
Selenium
Posted by Autumn (L.V, U.S.) on 11/10/2008
I just found out that I have Hashimotos. I read an article about selenium being helpful. Just started taking it.Will give an update in a few months.
Shen Lu
Posted by marion (Paris, France) on 05/22/2007
★★★★★
re: hashimoto disease: in France we just take thyrosine hormons... but I saw 2 interesting articles, one saying they have a good cure in China, called "shen lu", and another, for which I send you the reference :
'http://www.thyroid-info.com/articles/yersinia.htm
