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.
Charcoal
Posted by Lauren (Queens) on 04/02/2014
Hi Ec....Does anyone know if its safe to use Charcoal for internal cleansing if you are hypothyroid? Please advise....Thanks
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Melissa (Wisconsin) on 12/31/2013
Regarding keratosis....I had keratosis pilaris on my arms that cleared up completely when I stopped eating wheat.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/04/2013
Dear Dee,
Hi again! Regarding using Brazil nuts instead of a Selenium supplement, I think that is a good idea. Whenever possible, I like to get the needed nutrients from food. Then they are perfectly balanced with other needed nutrients. I think the recommendation for Brazil nuts is 1 or 2 nuts a day (ideally, one and a half! )
Have you considered Blackstrap Molasses for your iron? It has helped me greatly with pregnancy related anemia. It is wonderfully nutritious. I once saw a naturopath who put almost all of her patients on Blackstrap. She must have seen great results from it. (1 Tablespoon per day.)
Keep us posted on your progress! God bless you!
~Mama to Many~
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Melbourne) on 12/03/2013
Dear Bill, thank you million for all the information you shared. I will go for a tFfree t3 and t4 test and also hair analysis test too . And also thank u So much for all the info regarding iodine and how to take it.. Am on the path to heal my self naturally . Your time and support means a lot to me.. This site is amazing!!!! I put my husband on ACV for his allergies issue and heseems to start believing in natural products now.. Thank again. God bless you!!!
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Melbourne) on 12/03/2013
HI Mama to Many. First of all thank you so much for responding me I always read your posts on this site . They are all so useful and I cannot Belive that somebody I adore responded me.. I will definately try liquid pottasium iodide with selenium (can I eat 3 brazil nuts instead selenium pill) and b complex as you suggested.
Am lacking iron (stopped taking iron tablets now sick of taking them) and b12 (taking shots regularly) and vitamin d too. And I am vegetarian not vegan. Its feel so good that somebody lives so far understood my pain and took some time out to respond me back. Thank you so much!!! Am not feeling alone now. Take care.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 12/03/2013
Hi Dee...If you have a hypothyroid condition, then this is a condition that occurs when you have low iodine levels in the body and perhaps a lack of certain critical minerals in your body as well. Most people are low thyroid these days but if you lack certain mineral anti-oxidants in your body -- like magnesium, zinc or glutathione peroxidase -- this can even cause or aggravate hypothyroid and thyroiditis problems.
The protocol that you should be using is the full Lugol's Iodine Protocol with Companion Nutrients. Never take Lugol's Iodine just on it's own for reasons that are all explained here in this link. This link, which is a short excerpt from my book on Candida, describes, in detail, the reasons and causes for higher dose iodine problems.
If you are hypothyroid, it might also benefit you to supplement a natural bio-identical thyroid from bovine or porcine sources(such as Nature Thyroid for example) which contains real T1, T2, T3, T4 and calcitonin (hormone that controls bone formation). This form of thyroid is all natural, whereas allopathic equivalents like Synthroid only contains synthetic T4 to control the thyroid via the TSH from the Pituitary gland.
More reasons to use natural dessicated thyroid.
The Iodine Protocol with companion nutrients should definitely help to relieve your hypothyroid problems. A good series of books has been written by Dr Brownstein to help people to more understand and naturally resolve their own thyroid problems and these are:
Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't live Without It
Overcoming Thyroid Disorders
The Miracle of Natural Hormones
If you prefer to use the potassium iodide then just buy some SSKI (Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide) from the health shop or from ebay.com and take one drop of SSKI in water or juice twice a day. One drop of SSKI is equivalent to 25 mgs of iodide. Therefore 2 drops is 50 mgs which is the minimum dose you should be taking for hypothyroid. Always take the iodine/iodide companion nutrients if you take this as a supplement to avoid problems.
Personally, I would rather take either lugol's iodine or Iodoral (LI in a pill) for thyroid problems because it does much more than just iodide alone. Iodide is a very useful antioxidant that is needed for absorption by the thyroid gland. Lugol's Iodine contains iodide and elemental iodine that react together in solution to also produce Tri-iodide(same as nascent iodine) in this reaction:
I2 + I- « » I3-
And as you can see, lugol's iodine contains all three useful forms iodide/iodine/triiodide, which is much more beneficial for the whole body's absorption of iodine(not just for the thyroid).
If you have your thyroid checked by the doc then do not have the TSH test -- this test is very inaccurate because it only checks T4 levels(inactive form). Get the Free T3/Free T4 blood check for a more accurate check of your thyroid hormone levels. Insist on this from your doctor. If you doctor won't do the Free T3/Free T4 test then find another doctor or naturopath that will do it.
If you supplement iodine then you should also avoid all foods containing dairy and soy -- calcium and soy are goitrogens that tend to inhibit the absorption of iodine into the body and the cells.
What might also help you is to have a hair analysis(not expensive). This will tell you exactly what minerals you are lacking in diet and will also tell you what heavy metals and other poisons like chlorine, fluorine and bromine that you have in excess in your body(which are detrimental to the thyroid gland). This will allow you to more fine tune your protocols to address these mineral deficiencies and other problems concerning chelation and removal of excess heavy metals and halides in the body.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 12/02/2013
Dear Dee,
Glad to hear that the ACV and coconut oil are helping. I find them helpful, too.
Regarding kelp versus potassium iodide....well, I have tried both in my family. The thing is that if you are truly deficient in iodine, which so many of us are, you would need a lot of kelp to get the amount needed. I don't personally notice much difference when I take kelp. But some do.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism a few years ago. I took a very small dose of levothyroxine and it made me feel much worse. (But my doctor assured me that I was better since my labwork looked good.) Well, I ended up going off the medication and trying natural stuff. It took some time but I did find things that helped me. ACV and coconut oil being some of them. But potassium iodide made the biggest difference for me. I take Iodoral (the pill form of Lugol's.) I take 1 12.5 mg tablet a day (12.5 iodine/potassium iodide.) Iodine supplements should be taken with Selenium and B-complex. Some also include vitamin C.
If you take some time to read people's stories on Earth Clinic's Iodine page and Hypothyroid page, you can read a lot about what people do and what helps. The one thing is that different things help different people. Some feel a lot better taking iodine. Others do not.
You may find that you need less of your thyroid medicine if you supplement with iodine. It might be helpful to try Lugol's iodine (the liquid form) as it is easier to take less and build up to more.)
Keep us posted on your progress.
~Mama to Many~
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Dee (Melbourne) on 12/02/2013
★★★★☆
Hi am 38 years old on thyroxine for the last 8 years. Ihave been feeling very tired and irratable lately . After reading many post about coconut oil and apple cider vinegar I myself sees difference in my health after starting as in am feeling not as tired and less irratable.
Even though my thyroid report according to doc to its all good and wants me to continue take 150 ug everyday . But I don't feel good and want it addd some supplements to support my thyroid function . I will continue taking coconut oil and apple cider vinegar everyday but also want to add kelp too. But after reading many sites it found that it can be full of toxin but it says pottasium iodide is very safe to take it
So my question is how much pottasium Iodide to take it everyday and where to buy in Australia and which brand? And also does It actually help thyroid or kelp is better option
Please help me I want to feel good and energetic since I have kids to chase after. Will be very grateful if someone could help me. Thank you for reading. Waiting for HELP.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, OH) on 11/24/2013
Would you be able to tell us how much ACV you are taking to cure your hypothyroidism? How much and how frequently? Thank you so much!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Eviejeanable (Duluth, Mn) on 11/24/2013
★★★★★
I read about taking Apple Cider Vinegar for hypothyroidism on here. I started out taking levothyroxine, and over time (6 months) I already had to increase my dose. I wasn't really feeling better and was not losing weight. I also have PCOS and depression so I had a lot working against me. It all hit really fast, and I was overwhelmed. So, I quit taking my levothyroxine. I really did start to feel better within a week, but all of my thyroid levels weren't up yet. NOw, six months later, I went into my endocrinologist who was beginning to scold me for not taking my levo. When he went to go look at the results of my most recent thyroid tests, he was absolutely floored. My thyroid levels are normal...high end of normal! I wish you all could have seen his face. He had said a few times before, that increasing the thyroid medicine was normal because my thyroid is basically nonfunctional and will frequently require new dosing.
I am feeling wonderful now. I am off of my effexor, off of my PCOS meds and off of my thyroid meds. I am taking absolutely zero prescribed medications. I am so, so grateful.
Brazil Nuts
Posted by Tchamers (North Carolina) on 10/22/2013
★★★★★
I had hypothyroid issues and started eating 3 Brazil nuts a day that have high selenium in them and my thyroid is normal. Selenium regulates the endocrine system.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by David (Aurora, Colorado, Usa) on 10/14/2013
Hi Hope from Delhi,
Just a thought - If you're swimming indoors, in a chlorinated pool, it's possible that could be counterproductive. Isn't chlorine one of those things that can negatively affect thyroid function? (I've also read that school-age children who swim regularly in chlorinated pools are more prone to get asthma. ) Best Wishes to you.
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Linda (St Amans De Pellagal, France) on 08/08/2013
Thanks Mike, you've been very helpful. I shall get myself some and give it a go.
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Linda (St Amans De Pellagal, France) on 08/07/2013
Hi Mike, thought I'd replied but obviously not posted. The whole issue is obviously complicated. And you must bear with me if I don't fully understand. Are you on thyroxine? And does the iodine interfere with it?
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Linda (St Amans De Pellagal, France) on 08/05/2013
Thanks both. I have understood that iodine is something you should be careful about taking as it can block the thyroxine, so I've always been wary of it. Unfortunately, Armour is not available as an option here in France so that's out. Funnily enough, I am reading Stop the Thyroid Madness at the moment, it's interesting.
I was holding about 2 stone (30 pounds) excess weight but it started coming off late last year - when I started taking cider vinegar. No idea if this is a coincidence or whether there's a different cause. I certainly don't want to lose any more weight though. I'll certainly look out for Benedryl tablets and give that a go.
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 08/05/2013
Linda, Generally, hypothyroids tend to gain weight, but that has not been the case with me, either. As suggested in another post, I take an iodine supplement along with Selenium, B vitamins, and magnesium every day. Also, a natural thyroid replacement, such as Armour, will bring your TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 where they should be, as measured by blood tests and symptoms. A good book on the subject is, "Stop the Thyroid Madness" which helps you understand what is going on and gives good advice on what you need to do to balance your symptoms. Unrelated to thyroid issues, I have found that taking a Benadryl capsule (the pink and white one) can take me from nauseated to hungry in about an hour sometimes. Best wishes.
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Ed2010 (Canada) on 08/04/2013
Quick remedy for Hypothyroidsm is take 2 - 3 drops of Lugol's 5% solution everyday. Eat foods rich in Iodine, Kelp is rich in Iodine. Good Health
Hypothyroidism and Low Appetite
Posted by Linda (St Amans De Pellagal, France, France) on 08/04/2013
Please can someone help. I have hypothyridism and so a naturally low appetite. I have no desire whatsoever to eat, and we have hot weather which isn't helping. Today I ate nothing until lunchtime when I had half a marmite sandwich, and tonight I made a chicken salad which I picked at. My cat ate more of it than I did. I cannot begin to think about having fruit, or anything else nutritious, at some other time because then I will eat nothing in the evening. How do I handle this?
Remove Old Dental Fillings
Posted by Liz (Texas) on 07/07/2013
I have recently been diagnosed with hypothyroidism & started taking medication earlier this year. I'm doing better than I was, but could be better yet! I have some fillings I got when I was about 17 years old, I am now 25 years old (so I'm obviously not menopausal or post menopausal), but I did have a baby last year.... So I wonder if my fillings could be my issue. I actually lost one of my fillings a few months before I had my baby, I'm certain I probably ingested it. It's an interesting thing to wonder...
Thyroid Readings
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 06/25/2013 2048 posts
Miguel: There are a myriad post suggesting many forms of Iodine as well as Iodide; nascent being the best. Also, in order of "not mentioning" I have posted a few times the need for supplementing Tyrosine along with the Iodine and Selenium. Also, all glands in general, not just the thyroid, are quite sensitive tissues and are often the first to show signs of stress. This is why antioxidant nutrition is critical for healthy endocrine system. Zinc/Vit-A is also specifically indicated for healthy glands.
Thyroid Readings
Posted by Miguel (Toronto) on 06/23/2013
I greatly advocate the use of organic coconut oil for a myriad of uses. However, none of you will find a cure in it for this particular ailment. Nor will any prescription drug from Pfizer or Glaxo.
I'm very surprised to see the lack of mention in regards to selenium and iodine. Many cases of hypothyroidism stem to a deficiency of selenium and/or iodine. Both correlate with the levels of T3 and T4.
Thyroid Readings
Posted by Joy (Batttleground, Wash) on 05/29/2013
I found my answer this week while going through some papers... A high THYROID STIMULATING HORMONE blood work number means that the thyroid is not putting out enough hormone~hypothyroid
thyrotropin =TSH= thyroid stimulating hormone
produced by the pituitary gland telling the thyroid to make and release the thyroid hormone into the blood. I am experimenting with some Kelp since I already use iodized salt. I have used kelp supplement before. If you are hyperthyroid, do not use kelp or iodine without doing research and seeing a doctor.
General Feedback
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/25/2013
As I read this post, I am wondering about copper?
Thyroid Readings
Posted by Braveheart (Vancouver, Bc) on 05/05/2013
You have demodex mites. Eyebrow and hair loss are very telling. Try slathering yourself with organic coconut oil when you get out of your bathing. Face to feet and watch all the mites squirm out of your pores it is amazing. Add a few drops of tea tree oil to your bath products and it will kill the eggs too. Massage yourself firmly and press out all the poisons. I did this morning and night. Especially at night and I picked them off and put them on the tissue. Going to take them to my Dr. next week as she also had rosacea. That is why I did all the research for this cleanse. Awful acne/rosacea caused by demodex mites. We all have them. They came out of my kids and sister. They just have different symtoms or no symptoms and just carry them. I'm doing everyone in my family. Tell everyone and then come back and tell us how you do! If you watch the utub video on how to do eyelashes it is good but I don't bother I just use my fingers to rub everything in and then I make sure I do my best to get them off quickly as they can slide back in the pores and get stuck and cause breakouts like crazy. I have a couple and they are all red and zitty. Wasn't quick enough so many came out is was shockingly disgustingly amazing and so freeing to get back my health and energy.
Thyroid Readings
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/04/2013
TSH 160.9: Can anyone explain what this means and how to make health corrections? My eyebrows are thin and missing outer third on both sides of face. My thyroid numbers were in mid range of normal.. NO PROBLEM...!!! ... ? :(
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Dan (Cebu) on 05/04/2013
Mercury amalgam fillings prevent T4 thyroid medication from working properly. Mercury is a endocrine and enzyme disrupter and you will likely not feel well until all of your amalgam fillings are safely removed by a biological dentist.
I found this out after I had 11 amalgam fillings removed and I had chelation therapy afterwards to flush the mercury and other heavy metals from my body. About 8 months after I had my fillings removed and replaced with composite I started feeling better after suffering for 40 yrs with depression, suicidal thoughts, fatigue, headaches, brain fog. In fact, there are 150 know symptoms of chronic mercury poisoning from amalgam fillings which helps keep the doctors and hospitals from running out of patients. Amalgam fillings have been banned in Europe and the Philippines now for about 10 yrs now but are still legal in North America.
Here's former dentist Dr. Hal Huggins. After Dr. Huggins refused to give mercury amalgam fillings and root canals to his patients his dentist license was revoked. Dangers Of Amalgam Fillings: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xmYFDkIa6kw
Emu Oil
Posted by Toourlady89 (Hayward, Ca) on 04/23/2013
★★★★★
The soles of my feet hurt sometimes, I read that it could be one symptom of hypothyroid. I am hypothyroid. What I have found that helps my pain is Emu Oil. Rub to any painful areas really well. It goes deep into several layers of the skin, relieving pain. Also works for burns, sunburn, swollen joints etc. I carry it with me everywhere. Anyone with any itch, insect bites, painful gums, teeth or even for cleaning up, it works. Emu Oil is an Australian cure by the aborigines. It was introduced to me in US as a multi level marketing product. It now is in the mainstream so anyone has access. thru Amazon or Ebay.
Low Temperature and Hypothyroidism
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 04/20/2013
★★★★★
Hi Denise... I think that your body temperature of 96.3 °F would probably seem to confirm a hypothyroid problem. Your body temperature should be at about 98.6 °F.
So perhaps its best to go and see your doctor and ask, at the very least, for a Free T3 and Free T4 (thyroid hormones) test. Your doctor will probably advise that you simply take just the TSH test - which is highly inaccurate on its own. So I would insist on the TSH plus the Free T3 and Free T4 tests for the thyroid gland. Your series of tests, to give a complete picture, should also realistically include blood tests for ferritin(anaemia), adrenal hormones(stress), TSH, T3, T4, Reverse T3 and a test for Vitamin B12 levels in the blood. This is described in more detail in the links below.
For a proper understanding and much more detail on how to actually cure your own thyroid problem and symptoms (using the lugols iodine protocol and natural bio-identical hormones) you should also try to read Dr Brownsteins two books which will give you a much greater understanding of your problem:
Iodine: Why You need it, Why you Can't Live Without it
Overcoming Thyroid Problems
The above books can also be found on Amazon.
And also from Dr Brownstein, here is a simple link that quickly describes, in fair detail, some surprising reasons as to what really causes hypothyroidism, its particular effects on the body and what you can actually do about it.
http://americannutritionassociation.org/sites/default/files/Brownstein 1.pdf
Iodine
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 04/17/2013
Hi Saoirse, I agree that the synthetic thyroid drugs only supply T4 when our bodies need T3, T4 and other compounds found in natural thyroid. The synthetic T4 must be converted by the body into T3, and for some, this is difficult or impossible for some reason. I have recently been diagnosed with hypo and also take iodine, with the other suggested supplements that go with iodine. However, from what I have been able to read, untreated hypo has many serious and far ranging problems, like arteriotherosis, high cholesterol, and other things nobody wants. You can still take iodine with a natural thyroid drug and treat your thyroid so that you feel better. Adrenal issues can also complicate the issue. I'm just now learning about this, but I'm not sure about stopping your meds suddenly because they may not have been right for you. Maybe Ted or Bill will clarify this for both of us? I hope you feel better soon.
Iodine
Posted by Saoirse (Mason, Tx) on 04/17/2013
I truly wish I could go back in time when the hypothyroid was finally diagnosed and simply gotten a hold of some lugols or iodoral and started. Taking these synthroid, levoxyls whatever, has never ever made me feel better and I believe these synthetics simply put the thyroid into hibernation.
Iodine was the cure for both hyper/hypo and all this cautioning and hype /anti-iodine therapy has not helped the majority of those out here with thyroid irregularities. and this IS SIMPLY my humble opinion and you better believe THAT I AM sick and tired OF BEING sick and tired/
Will start the iodine and get through the inevitable detox symptoms etc and write back in a month. Do I have hasimoto's? I don't know and really don't care.
Funny, they're NOT concerned about synthroid stimulating more antibodies etc but with an organic substance that IS REQUIRED by the human body they ARE sooooooo cautious and condemning.
Hypothyroidism and Heredity
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, USA) on 04/10/2013
That is really great information. I never understood the serving of chrysanthemum tea at Chinese restaurants (instead of normal chinese green tea) until now. I would love to see a whole section on EC to do with Qi and what we can do to help it.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 04/08/2013
I use extra virgin coconut oil, and apple cider vinegar together in my homemade salad dressings. They should be fine together, unless you have a particular sensitivity. I'd also add that using them in a dressing makes the vinegar a lot more palatable. I just add a few spices and garlic flakes and sea salt and pepper.
Tip: Add some olive oil to the dressing to help stop it from going solid at room temp.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Trudyg (Waynesboro, Va) on 04/01/2013
Go to the vinegar section of the store--you will see several brands. Look for one that says "Raw" or "unpasteurized", it will usually also say 'with the mother'. For coconut oil, it's in the section with the oils. Make sure you get one that says virgin, cold-pressed. It will look like shortening because stores are usually cooler and it's solid at over 74 degrees. I avoid the one in the white plastic bottle-you can't see what you're getting.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Kathy (the USA) on 03/31/2013
For the question of where to buy ACV with the mother and CO. I get mine at a large nationwide discount store, that does not require membership, at reasonable prices. I don't think I can give the name because I had another post removed due to mentioning it.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Steve (San Antonio, Tx) on 03/30/2013
I started off getting them at GNC. Then I found a Whole Foods. It's hard finding Iodine though. Get that offline.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Dins (Kolkata, India) on 03/30/2013
Where do we get these items - EVCO, Apple Cider Vinegar etc. Are they at the grocers or medical shops?
EC: Some grocery stores sell both apple cider vinegar with the "mother" and virgin coconut oil. If you can't find there, try your local health food store.
General Feedback
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 02/28/2013 113 posts
Thank you Belladonna for your response: The results I posted are from my regular blood work, I forgot to ask the doc did mean high or low, what I mentiond was the only result concerning TSH, thank you, Merryanne in Central FL
General Feedback
Posted by Linda (New Haven, Ct, United States) on 02/27/2013
I often check my lab work on this site:
http://labtestsonline.org/
Use the section on the right hand side to pull up each of the tests conducted by the lab, then just read the various tabs that appear. You will then have a good understanding of your results.
Linda
General Feedback
Posted by Belladonna (Toronto, On) on 02/26/2013
Hi, It looks lke your thyroid is a little bit on a HYPO ( low) side. What about your other thyroid tests? Free T3 and Free T4? The results of TSHm T3 and T4 will give more precise picture of your thyroid health.
Belladonna
General Feedback
Posted by Merryanne (Orange City, Florida, Usa) on 02/26/2013 113 posts
Lab results of TSH: I had a lab done on 2-21-2013 and the one I don't understand is the TSH, 3rd generation is 4.62 (0.40-4.50 mIU/L) it ia marked as High does this mean that my thyroid is high or low? I am 66 yo and had 4 surgeries from last year April till Sep. 1, 2012, the doctor did not seem overly consinerd about it, but if someone understands these labs I would love to know what they mean. Merrryanne in Central FL
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Worldspice (Uppsala, Sweden) on 02/24/2013
Watch out so you don´t overdo it! I screwed up my liver because I started taking like 20 supplements at the same time. They have no time to work separately, so you do need to stop the madness. Take the kelp and ACV and wait with the VCO because it is actually cleansing your liver and will make you worse for couple of weeks, so when you start with it, you need to be sure that you don't take anything else! Good luck!
Hypothyroidism and Anemia
Posted by Fatty (Hong Kong) on 12/06/2012
My husband has both hypothyroidism and anemia. To be more specific, he's suffering from Hashimoto's hypothyroidism and pernicious anemia. They are both results of autoimmune disorder.
Maybe you should check with your doctor if you are suffering from pernicious anemia. It can only be solved by regular B12 injection.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Posted by Nursing Student In Florida (Saint Augustine, Fl) on 10/03/2012
First of all, after reading the blurb at the top about cretinism being a form of hypothyroidism in infants... this is a
CHOICE...I am a patient who has congenital hypothyroidism (in my particular case, my thyroid gland is so severely underdeveloped I basically do not have one) but thanks to my beloved mother listening to the physicians when she found out that I had this condition and
CHOOSING to make sure I took my medication everyday, I do not suffer from cretinism and am actually a nursing student with Certification as a Medical Assistant.
I have read several books and articles about this condition and ways to maintain a healthy diet. Unfortunately, there is not a cure but there are ways to live a healthy life despite the condition. I have heard that choosing a "flexitarian" diet that is a diet where meat is eaten once a day and the rest of the day a vegetarian-style diet plan is followed (high protein, high complex-carb... Think fiber). It is supposed to aid in proper BM also because you want to be eating higher amounts of fiber you want to drink more water which will promote the effects of the fiber. Monounsaturated fats and Polyunsaturated fats are also a huge help with this condition. Limit Saturated and Trans fats as much as possible (they break down into simple sugars which will leave you feeling drained).
Hypothyroidism can make joints and muscles feel weak, a good way to combat this is to start the day with yoga or some soothing exercise (save the cardio and strength training for later, allow your muscles the opportunity to ease into the day's movements) also this is the time of day when you want to consume the most calories ie: if you are consuming a 1600 cal diet then 600 breakfast, 500 lunch, 500 dinner (with that said I have heard over and over it is best to just stick with 3 meals a day rather than 5 or 6 mini-meals, our metabolism is not like everyone else [drats :(]). Try not to eat anything between 2 to 3 hours before going to bed at night (acid can creep up causing problems in the future).
Hope this helps! Nursing Student in Florida
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 09/14/2012
Yikes! Thanks. I've been taking my B vitamins at bedtime with my ACV/baking soda drink. Will start using lemon/baking soda then instead! Thanks for the heads up.
BTW that molasses tea drink sounds great, going to try it with my Bigelow vanilla caramel tea.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Alindley (Middlefield, Ohio) on 09/13/2012
I have read these threads with interest because I have speculated I might have a thyroid issue because of my fatigue and inability to lose weight. I started taking 750 mg. of guggul extract along with 250 mg. of forskoli and in two days have noticed a drastic increase in energy. I reccommend only taking these supplements first thing in the morning. I used to be sluggish in the morning even after sleeping 7 hrs. But not anymore. For the women that got advice from her nutritionist that she might have adrenal fatigu and a thyroid issue.... If you noticed a lump in your neck then you most likely have hyperthyroidism which means your thyroid is already overactive and these supplements would not benefit you. There are herbal supplemetns you can research that heal the adrenal glands so I would suggest you start there and take a good multi-vitamin and eat nutritous foods. Goodluck!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Zani (Toronto, Ont) on 08/14/2012
★★★★★
Thanks, for sharing your experience, I tired ACV so many time and always I got good result, it's work very good for Uric acid problems too.
Iodine
Posted by Alicia (Abq., Nm) on 06/26/2012
I have been tested for both hypothyroid and iodine deficiency. I am currently taking Levothroxine but still have little energy, etc. So I asked to have a iodine test which came out that I was about 50% below what I should be. I was told to take a drop per day of lugols in a glass of water - I really felt hypertensive on the two occasions I did this so I stopped. Recently I read that putting the drop in the water and just holding it in your mouth and repeating til the glass is empty will work. I did it and I did feel much better. But the question is if I continue doing this should I continue to take the thryoid medication I have taken since the 8th grade? Can I take both of these together?
Cayenne
Posted by Citygirl27 (Richardson, Tx, Usa) on 06/11/2012
How much cayenne did you need to get your results? I have capsules, but I also dash it on food quite a bit. Some like it hot :-) .
General Feedback
Posted by Pnutb (Somewhere, Usa) on 06/08/2012
Sounds like you have reflux.
General Feedback
Posted by Anon (Queens, Ny) on 06/06/2012
Hi Ec..... I am hypothyroid, have been for the past three years. As many of us who has this disease know, you can never feel the way you did when you were not sick. I personally have changed my diet, used every green drink/vitamin imaginable and am still struggling. Recently, I have noticed that anytime I have a stressful day, or has overworked, I would have this sudden discomfort directly in the center of my chest. It would last from an hour to sometimes the whole day. I have used cayenne, lemon water, magnesium, fresh green juice, co q10, apple cider vinegar, garlic etc but nothing seems to help until one day out of desperation, I reached for a glass of milk don't ask me why.. All I know is that it took maybe 10 mins for the feeling to just disappear. I cannot up till now figure out why milk out of everything helped this issue. Could it me I was lacking calcium? I hope someone in this wonderful community can help me figure out this one. Please guys.... Bill, Lisa, anyone.... Your input would be very appreciated. God Bless
General Feedback
Posted by Kk (Seattle, Wa) on 06/03/2012
Look into parasites cleanses
General Feedback
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vermont) on 06/02/2012
You may just be hypothyroid or have the autoimmune Hashimoto's--that attacks your thyroid. I think this because you said you took thyroid meds and it did nothing, been there. By taking them you increased your immune response to attack and had even less energy than you started w/. on what you are doing. Go to hypothyroid or Hashimotos page, there is wonderful info already written. Invest in Dr. Brownstein book on autoimmune/thyroid (not exact name). It will give you a fuller accurate picture of a treatment plan.
You will also want to see someone in natural med who agrees about using iodine. The reason for this, once your thyroid is off/not working right it affects ALL your hormone levels. When you introduce iodine to focus on fixing the thyroid, if your adrenals are not keeping up you won't have sustained energy, the balance is tricky so help is good (someone who muscle tests is best so you get the correct dosing you actually need) and I'm 3 1/2 weeks into Hoshi treatment, it is up and down. I am having on/off with the healing crisis, Dr. Brownstein states usually 3 months on 'therapy' levels of iodine, for me 100mgs a day, or until all symptoms have stopped, then a slow decrease to 'maintainance' level of 12/5 mg a day. And people being people that is an average number for maintainance, you wean yourself down and stop at the level where you don't feel as well, move back up a drop then stay there. don't give up.
General Feedback
Posted by Wendy427 (Columbus, Oh, Usa) on 05/31/2012 25 posts
Re chlorinated pools: I swim regularly at our local health club who will be introducing SPHAGNUM MOSS to augment their chlorine-based filtration system. Apparently sphagnum moss can DECREASE the chlorine by as much as 50%(! ).
Currently, there are some universities and health centers who are already using sphagnum moss.
I found this link which explains more:
http://news.discovery.com/earth/swimming-pools-moss-green.html
General Feedback
Posted by Wendy (Columbus, Oh) on 05/31/2012
You may have an adrenal issue, but I'm certainly no expert!
Now I'm not advertising this center; just helping you hone in on one in your area that may help you.
I would suggest contacting the The Nutritional Healing Center of Ann Arbor - (734) 302-7575. While I've never been there, it appears that they do Nutrition Response Testing, recommend eating whole foods and taking Standard Process whole food supplements.
Their website is
http://www.thenutritionalhealingcenter.com/
I've been seeing a specialist in Columbus, Ohio for the past 4 years who does Nutrition Response Testing, and I've experienced excellent results.
Best of luck!
General Feedback
Posted by Bill (San Fernando, Philippines) on 05/31/2012
Hi Jesse... Regarding your own problems, it would seem from the symptoms that you have described that you are hypothyroid or low thyroid at the very least. Therefore you should take the full
Iodine Protocol given in the link to replenish both your thyroid and your whole body's need for iodine/iodide.
Here is a link to the most current research that explains the whole body's need(not just the thyroid's need) for regular iodine/iodide using lugol's iodine:
Iodine Research
Unfortunately, it doesn't end there. Two of your symptoms make me quite suspicious and I wonder about another possible associated problem:
Caffeine makes my face break out.
Severe sugar and alcohol cravings
These symptoms are not indications of low thyroid -- they are symptoms of candida. Caffeine removal happens in the liver -- so you may have a stressed or insufficinet liver because of candida or parasites. Severe sugar and alcohol cravings can also be associated with candida problems. In my own experience of treating candida -- everyone I have ever helped(including curing myself of systemic candida) has had low thyroid symptoms always associated with their candida problems. I had 80%-90% of the same problems and symptoms that you have now except I also had psoriasis, eczma, jock itch, athletes foot, continual bloating, constipation etc. I can't possibly define all the diseases that can be associated with candida -- it would take up too much room -- but have a look at this link for for a full range of recognized candida associated symptoms. No two people will ever have the same candida symptoms which is why doctors have such a poor record of identifying early stage candida problems. And because of candida's wide associations with other diseases and problems such as low thyroid, gastro-intestinal problems, skin problems etc -- no two candida sufferers will ever have exactly the same symptoms.
So you must find out whether you have systemic or local candida problems. You can do a quick check on yourself and look at your tongue. If it is white or blotchy white(instead of a healthy pink) then you probably have candida. Best to go to a naturopath and tell him or her to test for candida(medical doctors are clueless at diagnosing early stage candida). Also ask the naturopath for a hair analysis to see what heavy metals and bad halogens you have in your body. The hair analysis will also reveal what minerals you are lacking in your diet.
If you do have candida then the whole ballgame changes and you should take the Anti-Candida Protocol.
But first you must confirm whether your low thyroid problems are due insufficient iodine or whether they are due to internal candida problems. So your best bet is to first go to a naturopath, as I have already described, for confirmation either way.
General Feedback
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 05/31/2012
Jesse, one thing I have read is not to take TOO much selenium, which means that I do not take more than ONE OR TWO brazil nuts a day. NOT MORE.
General Feedback
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky, Usa) on 05/31/2012 2048 posts
Jesse, everything you have described as symptoms all point to toxicity. To begin cleaning start w/ your environment --home, workplace, food, water, air. Next start a parasite cleanse and proceed to kill chronic infections (bacteria, fungi, viruses). Next get out possible heavy metals and zenobiotics (that cause parasites and infections) w/ ionic foot spa, detox foot pads, and oil pulling.
Info on the particulars of these protocols are found on this site. Also, body buffering or alkalizing is very important as well as oxygenation. Take whole body hot baths of 1/4 cup Epsom salt 1/4 cup baking soda and rotate to either a ACV or Borax bath for infections.
Support the liver and kidneys w/ recommended herbs. NAC is a must for glutathione boosting (detoxification). Flood your body with nutrition especially antioxidants. Coconut oil or caprylic acid is a must. A good 3-6-9 oil supplement will help much.
Be diligent and patient because this process could take months or as much as 2 yrs depending on specific conditions.
General Feedback
Posted by Jesse (Ann Arbor) on 05/30/2012
Seeking help with a diagnosis..
Symptoms/ailments:
- Fatigue
- Poor concentration
- Poor memory
- Apathy/lack of interest or motivation
- Depression
- Intermittent occurrences of what I assume is mild Dyshidrotic eczema on my hands
- Often light headed upon standing
- Thin facial hair; falls out.
- Caffeine makes my face break out.
- Poor circulation fairly often (cold hands and feet)
- Premature ejaculation
- Face ranges from semi-dry to outright oily
- Extremely pale completion (Pallor)
- Severe sugar and alcohol cravings
Brief history:
After getting fed up with conventional doctors' bullshit (being put on SSRI's and the like),
Saw a holistic doctor when I was perhaps 22. Said I was borderline hypothyroidic. Put me on some type of thyroid med (Armour thyroid if memory serves), to no avail. Gave up.
Nearly 28 now. Recently ate a lot of cruciferous vegetables (for whatever reason) over the course of two or three days and skin began to itch horribly for the better part of 36 hours. Looked into it, made the hypothyroid connection. Did some preliminary research and decided to start supplementing my diet with kelp (for the iodine) and Brazil nuts (for the selenium). Cut out all known "goitrogens" etc. After two or three days, woke up today feeling energetic, in fairly good spirits, yet slightly nervous (all of which are unprecedented for me). Ate a moderate breakfast that kept me satiated well into the afternoon (usually I have cravings). Crashed half way thru the day and couldn't even get myself into the gym to do light cardio for 30 minutes.
Can someone help me out, here? What the hell is going on with me? Should I continue using kelp and brazil nuts?
Any help is greatly appreciated, Jesse
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Had (White River Jct, Vt) on 03/20/2012
To M from farmington, I"ve only been using VCO for a short time. What I noticed in difference of CO vs- VCO, the good stuff VCO, when you open the jar you smell coconuts, everytime! The other, nothing so smell nothing, get nothing in benefit.
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Sony (La, Usa) on 03/19/2012
Hi, your msg. frightens me. I am on euthyrox since Oct'11 25mg daily and I have noticed a consistent weight gain since then. I have told my doctor about this, and he says be patient, you are actually supposed to lose weight on this , but you are giving me mixed signals. He increased the dosage by 25mg for one day of the week, and I think he wants to see what happens. As the visits are every two months, I think that I am in for a long wait , to see how my body reacts to teeny weeny increases.... I too have gained about 5 kg and very upset about it, despite controlled eating. I am on the verge of ditching the meds, but I have seen an improvements in other areas so dont want to give up on those. Instead I am now thinking of starting daily exercise of at least 1 hour a day, may be this will help.... But if it does, then it wont be the medication, it will be the excersise and I wont know for sure... I am confused as you are....
Hypothyroidism and Anemia
Posted by Lynn (Vero, Florida) on 03/10/2012
Yes, I've been hypo for almost 10 years. I was diagnosed with anemia prior to that. So yes, IMO there is a correlation. But there are so many variables. Who really knows for sure. What helps one may hurt another. I've read on here eating too much raw brocolli could cause thyroid issues. Really?????
Maca
Posted by G (Nyc, Ny) on 03/06/2012
Sonja.... What were your/are "estrogen dominant symptoms"? Thanks in advance.
Maca
Posted by Sonja (Toledo, Oh - Ohio) on 03/06/2012
★☆☆☆☆
I'm a certified Holistic Health Coach. I had previously used Maca when I was 40 because I was experiencing hormonal fluxuation. I wanted to mention that I had to stop because it was making me estrogen dominant. After stopping my estrogen dominant symptoms went away. I was hoping that it would have increased my progesterone.
Over the Counter
Posted by Tominco (Ft. Collins, Co, Usa) on 02/28/2012
★★★★★
At the beginning of last October after my last annual blood test, I tried Anatabloc, a new over-the counter anti-inflamatory nutriceutical for secondary hypothroidism. I was my last hope before going to a doctor and it worked better than I hoped. Anyway, I saw on the web some speculation that it would also be effective for BPH and even though my PSA level was only 1.30, it has been slowly rising for the last 7 years. I got another blood test at the beginning of February that focused on thyroid associated hormones and a PSA test. My TSH level went from 0.3 to 2.8 and my PSA level went from 1.30 to 0.60. I'm a happy camper. One other thing that I noticed is that the rheumatoid arthritis in my hands no longer hurts.
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Ceci (Dubai, United Arab Emirates) on 02/26/2012
Hello there, I have been taking euthyrox 50mg for 10.5 months with regular visits to my doctor my initial thyrod level was 9.6 but after regularly taking the medication 50mg everyday and 75mg once a week I have managed to drop my thyrod level to 2.9, my last blood test was 1 month ago.... I have noticed since the medication gaining weight slowly and my dr said you have probebly change you eating habits (which in fact I didnt) now after 10.5 months I'm already 5.5Kg extra on what I was when I started the medication my dr as well as the little reasearch that I've done all confirmed that this medication will actually make me loose weight this never happened I keep gaining and gaining now I'm following a certain diet trying to eat less bread and carbs and sweets although this never been the case in my life I always ate what I wanted..... can someone please advice if me gaining weight is a side affect of euthyrox 50....
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Melanie (Farmington, Maine) on 01/15/2012
Several months ago I purchased organic coconut oil, not for hypothyroidism, which I now believe I have, because my hair is falling out rapidly, and also read here that 'brain fog' and low body temp are also symptoms of it, which I also have. In reading about it on here, it looks like I need to go look for 'cold pressed' CO. The jar says 'expeller pressed'. It was very expensive at $9.51 for a 14 oz. jar. What is the difference in the way it is pressed? Will 'expeller pressed' work? I hunted in this small town for a long time looking for any CO and finally found this at the health food store.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Timh (Louisville, Usa) on 12/17/2011 2048 posts
Erika, my hypothyroid was off the charts a yr ago, and small nodule, but is now normal. My regimen wasn't completely like yours but some similarities. I had severe side effects to the Levothyroxine with only 2 doses. I used magnet therapy daily on each gland for almost 1yr. I finally broke down and decided the Kelp thing wasn't enough and the povidone iodine may not be suitable, and began liquid potassium iodine. A few weeks of daily LPI I experienced a sudden symptoms of radiation sickness. I took some pectin fiber and sodium bicarbonate to deal with the radiation (I assume). Normal now. Oh, I also took raw thyroid glandular daily for several months.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Erika (USA) on 12/16/2011
Wondering if anyone can help. I've been recently (2 wks ago) diagnosed as hypothyroid. My OB wanted to put me on Synthroid, but due to reading on this site (about fog brain and libido), I chose Armour Thyroid over that. She wasn't pleased to deal with it (as it is a pig's thyroid-OMGoodness! ;)), and said she didn't know how to prescribe it, but did it anyway and only prescribed 1/4 grain/day. I am considered borderline, but really for a younger woman of childbearing years (40), they'd actually like to see my numbers even lower.
I immediately started research here for natural healing and added coconut oil to my daily intake of food (about 1and 1/2 or 2 Tbsp/day). Also, 4 days ago, I found a kelp supplement w/ added folic acid and started that, 1/day. At the same time, I found Ashwaganda and a B-stress formula and started taking those 2x's a day. I've been unable to find the Guggul and the Bauhinia as of yet.
I also had started ACV (about 2Tbsp. + water +honey around 2x's a day) about a week before this diagnosis, as I had just found this website and read that it would help my asthma. Unbelievably, my asthma practically disappeared w/i 2 days. Weirdest thing I've ever seen! I have used my Xopenex inhaler 3times w/i the last 3 weeks, but only on the nights when I had neglected to take my ACV that day. Before that, I had been using it 3 to 4 times A DAY!, 2 puffs each time, and it was getting worse by the day! Oh, and I have OPed with Coconut Oil about 4 or 5 times during this time too (only once before my asthma went away though, so I attribute it's disappearance to the ACV, not the OP).
My husband made the comment to me yesterday that I seem to have gotten worse since being diagnosed. (I only started the Armour 2 mornings ago). I agree that I seem to be even more exhausted than normal and the only thing I can think of is that maybe I'm detoxing because of the OPing and the ACV, and the coconut oil in general? I would not be surprised in the least if I have a system wide Candida issue. I think I read somewhere about "die-off"? Can you explain this to me and tell me what I would need to do to help it along? It's Christmas of course, so it is not real probable for me to get off sugar until January. Even then, I will struggle tremendously. I am truly addicted to chocolate and crave a sweet (hot chocolate, cookies, cheesecake, hot fudge sundae, etc...) before going to bed at night. :(
Are there other things I could be doing for hypothyroidism that I am not currently doing? I find it difficult to get enough time on here to read everything as I have 3 children and am SO exhausted! Do I need to take more coconut oil than I am? More Kelp? More B? More herbs? Oh, and what is the difference between cold pressed and expeller pressed? Mine is from Radiant Life and is expeller pressed. Also, do I really have to take 2 days off the ACV every wk. to get it to work best? I'm concerned about my asthma coming back. I hate being dependent on the inhaler.
I know that I have more questions, but due to the fog brain, I can't remember them all. My memory is shot. I walk around all day knowing I'm supposed to be doing something, but can't remember what. Please help!
Hypothyroidism and Anemia
Posted by Dud (From The Woods Of, Wv, Usa) on 11/27/2011
Olivia;
Take a food source of iron: black strap molasses, spinach, or.......... choose another one.
Mineral forms of iron are:
1] not absorbable for biological functions
2] highly poison-us
A few years ago, the #1 cause of child-hood deaths was iron supplements. This was when all the AMA doctors were pushing iron supplemnts for anything that was wrong with a female. The children were eating their mothers iron supplemennts and dying. Iron supplemnts were the #1 killer of children in the United States.
They were so poisonous, and the body-mind knew it, that all the women were naturally [un-consciously] stimulated to eat more food to dilute the poison they took. [thus saving their life]. As a result, the main side effect noticed by the women was weight gain, getting fatter.
