Hypothyroid Remedies

Olivia;

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

Mineral forms of iron are:

1] not absorbable for biological functions

2] highly poison-us

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

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

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

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

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

Yes, both my mother and myself have iron deficiency anemia and we both have hypothyroidism too. We are taking tyrosine, selenium, iodine and black strap molasses and it is helping.

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

You might try taking 1 tbspn of coconut oil 5-6 times a day. Try spreading it on toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon. Or cooking with it as long as you get the full amount for the day you should see some excellent progress. Also, the thyroid needs kelp because of the iodine content especially, but the iodine is best absorbed in a natural form such as kelp because it is bound with a balance of many other minerals. This will help heal and regulate your thyroid and keep it operating at its best for the rest of your life if you are consistent in taking it. Take about 2 tsp per day intially and after a week or two lower the amount to 1.5 tsp per day for another week or two and then lower it again to 1 tsp per day. Go by how you are feeling. Try taking it with a freshly squeezed lemon with a glass of water mixed with a few drops of stevia. Stevia is the only natural sweetener that I would recommend taking.

The combination of these recommendations will work if you give them a chance and are consistent.

Hi, I need help! I just got test results back that indicate hypothyroidism. I have my first Dr. appt on Friday morning with an endocrinologist. I need to know what questions I should ask. I don't want to just go in there and take everything she wants to prescribe to me. It's at Vanderbilt Medical, so I know they are good docs, but I'm all about not taking medicine and being natural, so I need to be armed with good information. Any help?!

Hi Trisha-bo-bisha (like the name game! ) - Have you checked out Mary Shomon's Web site (http://thyroid.about.com/)? She has a lot of information for those newly diagnosed (Basic Info/Thyroid 101), as well as those who have been struggling for years. It's a good place to start. Also, you may want to check out your local library - there have been quite a few good books written recently about hypothyroidism. Good luck!

To those people having problems with some of the treatments for hypothyroidism you should really seek the diagnosis from a Professional Traditional Chinese Medicine doctor only. These can give you the specifics for your condition. If you're taking something heating but you have dramatic heat in the body you can cause negative effects. Same as if you have high levels of raising Qi and your eyes are bulging you cannot take foods or herbs which raise the Qi further you want to use the opposite. You'll only find these details out from a good Chinese Doctor.

Thyroid problems are very much tied to the Kidneys and Spleen which drag down the Liver, Lungs and Heart eventually. You need to know your Qi issues overall and with individual organs along with hot/cold problems in organs so you can tackle this correctly and properly. If you want to aid your Kidneys and have a Yin deficiency there then you should take black Sesame seed cooked daily. The Chinese system and diet is the only way to properly address your problems. I've found Chrysanthemum flower excellent for my symptoms which involved a lack of Yang Qi at the Kidney and too much in the Lungs creating breathing problems and hell to be honest. This wonderful flower really helps the heat in the Lungs and excess heat in the Liver which will soon affect the eyes if not dealt with. Again Chinese medicine is the only way to go properly and safely.

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.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Michelle, things have moved on somewhat since I first posted. I lost a huge amount of weight overall, nearly fifty pounds and was very underweight, but that has improved and it is slowly going back up. I couldn't understand why I was the opposite of everyone else with hypothyroidism, but am now convinced that it was caused by issues I have had at home which I am now resolving.

I started on natural thyroid a year ago which helped a lot, and I have started doing the MIR Method recently too, if you haven't heard of it it is a technique that supports the body in healing itself. People have actually reported healing their thyroid. Whether this is possible I can't say but I have been feeling very different mentally since I started doing this.

Hi Paula...I think that you are taking too much lugol's iodine. Your dose is too high. The recommended dosage for low thyroid is 8 drops of 5% Lugol's Iodine per day(or 50mgs iodine/day). Taking this dose should easily alleviate or cure a low thyroid condition provided that you are taking all the advised minerals and supplements as well.

Taking 20 drops of 12% lugols is quite a high dose which I doubt that you need. That dose is equivalent to taking 120 mgs of iodine per day. Such a high dose should only be taken for cyst problems or something more serious. And since you have been taking iodine, at a high dose, for the last 11 months then it will probably help if you reduce your drop dosage to 2 drops a day which is equivalent to 9.3 mgs iodine(at 4.65 mgs per drop for 12% lugols iodine). This should be quite sufficient to properly replenish your iodine stores on a daily basis.

More details on supplementing lugol's iodine for you here:

The Guide to Supplementing Lugol's Iodine

LI Companion Nutrients

Hi Paula,

As to your question, if taking additional Lugol's makes you feel better, then I say, "Take more Lugol's! "

In the last 10 years I have had a lot of experience with hypothyroidism and Lugol's iodine. Further, of Lugol's, I have been taking 36 drops every morning, of the 15% (i.e. 5%Iodine & 10% Iodide) Lugol's solution.

In my experience, there is no need to be concerned about overdosing on Lugol's.

A) because the Iodine is water-soluble, therefore your body can and will easily get rid of any and all excess Iodine. And

B) because, generally speaking, recommended doses are too small. For example, of vitamin C, the recommended dose is 60 mg, when it should be at least 600 mg. And

C) because the excess Iodine will not shut down your thyroid. The Wolf-Chaikoff reaction is poorly understood, very-very transient, and has been debunked many times. In my own experience, regardless how aggressively I increase my Iodine intake, the excess Iodine never makes me hypothyroid. And

D) because the excess Iodine can and will improve your health. Of course, it is not a waste of money. For example, the excess Iodine will take the place of Bromine, if you expose yourself to more Iodine than Bromine. And, once you get enough Iodine to push the Bromine out, it will find its way out in various ways, depending how your body's chemistry is currently running.

Ali,

Although many people recommend the use of "painting" iodine onto the skin as a method of absorbing iodine into the body, it is a very poor way to go as 88% is lost to evaporation and only 12 % actually becomes available within the body. This may explain your lack of response to your use of iodine.

http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/updates/UNIOD-02/UNIOD_02.htm

Art

I forgot to mention that people think because the iodine color dissipates that the iodine has been absorbed, but the salt in the skin slowly oxidizes the iodine to form iodide which is colorless and is still on the skin. In any case, if you are buying iodine, it seems like a waste of money to get just 12% absorption.

Art

Hi Art,

Thanks for your response to my request for info on iodine painting. The link you supplied was most interesting. You made an excellent point. I will ask my Dr. to check my iodine level before I proceed with the painting. A big thanks to Earth Clinic for the update on the harm caused by fluoride in our water supply as well as from other sources which affects the thyroid.

On closing, would just like to add that I received some info from Erfa, the company that supplies our NDT here in Canada. Gluten was listed as one of the fillers, I was very disappointed as I had just spent the last month trying to eliminate gluten from my diet, hoping to get the weight issue under control .Still no word from erfa as to weather or not their natural thyroid has been checked for traces of ractopamine. I am beginning to think I will never get this hypo-thyroid thing under control. It is so disheartening.

Wishes for health and wellness to all. Ali

Hi Ali...One of the main reasons that you may not be getting anywhere with your suspect thyroid problem is that the main TSH/T4 checks that the doctors run on your thyroid can be wildly inaccurate. That's a well known fact. Also patented thyroid meds usally only contain T4 and no T3. Triiodothyronine(T3) is the important active thyroid hormone that usually causes all the thyroid problems. So why are the mainstream docs only testing the TSH and T4 levels and medicating with synthetic T4 hormones? In the 1970s, for reasons completely unknown, the docs were suddenly advised(by the drugs companies) to change from testing T3 to just testing TSH/T4. I'm still trying to work that one out...

The other point is that you will need to take more than just iodine to cure a suspect hypothyroid problem that the docs can't confirm. You could try supplementing the Iodine protocol as advised here and here. I would also strongly advise that you should see an iodine-literate doc to help you with this, as hypothyroid problems are not so simple and can be highly individual and complex -- many other adverse factors can also be play their part such as diet, liver, adrenals etc.See this website for more info on how to get your thyroid checked properly. This website also has advice on how to find an iodine-literate doc who might also be able to help you.

I still take my lugol's iodine every day -- 6 to 8 drops (usually between 37 mgs to 50 mgs) per day. I've been taking this Iodine Protocol for nearly 10 years with no adverse effects. I'm one of the lucky ones. My body is detoxed and clean and fed with love and tender care. Others, when they first start taking lugol's iodine, can't even take one drop without going into a hyper or highly agitated or anxious state. But that's not the fault of the iodine -- that reaction is caused by poor personal diet and lifestyle which is due to lack of proper nutrients and poisons in their diet that has persisted -- unchecked --for decades. Some articles and further clarification on this and other aspects of iodine for health shown here and here.

Ali,

One thing you can try is using a thermometer under your arm to check your temperature first thing upon awakening in the morning. It should be very close to 98 degrees. If it is lower than that, you may be iodine deficient. Not as accurate as what your doctor can probably find out, but it should give you a clue .

Art

Hi Art ( California ) Thanks for the suggestion that I try taking my temp. on waking as a way to check for low iodine.I will do immediately before I get up. I have a Dr. appt. in two weeks so will request a test than. In the mean time will check this out and hope for a 98.6 reading. As I recall, that is considered normal.

Will also ask about having adrenals checked. I noticed when I had my natural desiccated thyroid dose doubled a month ago, that my skin felt a little itchy and the last week I don't sleep as well and feel little edgy. It might be a little to much, so I take the full dose of 60mg and alternate to 30mg the next day.I may just be feeling edgy from cutting my tea intake . Never realized how much fluoride I was consuming in those six cups a day. Have cut back to two now. Our water supply does not have added fluoride, Thank goodness.

Thanks Art, it is so great knowing that people care enough to take time from their busy lives to give helpful advice to others who are searching for answers. I have learned so much from those who took the time to post on this site. Gratefully, Ali

Hi Bill, (San Fernando, Philippines) Thanks for the links you supplied, I will be ordering a saliva Cortisol test, I did not know it was available without a prescription. I was diagnosed with hypo-thyroid about a year ago after many tests. I have been taking natural desiccated thyroid since that time. Just had my dose upped a month ago after my attempt at iodine painting.

Where you hypo- thyroid before you started on the iodine protocol ? If so do you still take natural thyroid? Thanks again for the links, tons of great info. I read somewhere that thyroid meds should be taken after the blood has been collected for the test, Any thoughts on this? Wishing you good health. Ali

You might be interested in the Iodine Workshop group on Facebook.

Hi Bonbon...The alternative regimen you should always follow for lugols iodine supplementation crucially also includes taking the companion nutrients as well. This includes taking vitamins and minerals such as selenium, zinc, magnesium, niacin, B6, Vitamin C, etc on a daily basis with the LI.

This iodine regimen will not just benefit your thyroid. The iodine, vitamin C and niacin will all act to also help reduce your blood pressure issues too.

I'm 64 years old and I've been supplementing 8 drops of iodine with water for the last 8 years due to the severe lack of iodine in food today. I have no aches and pains, heart good, no digestive problems, have lots of energy, sleep well, BP 110/70 and feel about 35 y o.

Supplementing Lugol's Iodine in the correct daily amounts will also help to correct menstrual issues, stop cyst formation and it will help you to automatically lose weight if you are overweight. Iodine also seems to act as an all round hormone balancer and stabilizer for the body's other hormone systems.

References:

A Guide to Iodine Supplementation

More Info on Iodine Companion Nutrients

Recommended Proper Lab Work for Thyroid Issues

Hypothyroid and High Blood Pressure

Bonbon, You need an MD to test your thyroid levels, and probably need some synthetic thyroid hormone. Even though iodine is right for some of the people who have hypothyroidism, you must find out just what your problem is first, before starting to take iodine. I say this because your body may not need iodine at all...and you even might be hurting yourself, if your body doesn't need it, by taking it. Low body temperature can be an indicator of low thyroid function. After seeing a doctor, then ask him if iodine would help you or not.

Also, blood pressure issues are not necessarily from lack of iodine. More likely you need to add some synthetic thyroid hormone, which I find works best, after getting an MD to check your thyroid levels. I am hypothyroid, meanwhile my blood pressure is low....I believe these 2 facts are related.

Bonbon, First go to an endocrinologist, so you can find out why you have thyroid problems. It could be that taking iodine won't help you at all, depending on the reason why you have thyroid problems. Even worse, iodine could be something that is causing you health problems if your case isn't one where the problem is that "you're just lacking iodine". What you probably might need if you are just running a little low on thyroid, is to take a small amount of Levothyroxine or Synthroid. As we women age, sometimes our bodies produce less thyroid. Feeling cold is a symptom of low thyroid. If this is the case, then adding a little amount of Levothyroxine is perfect, because once you find the minimum amount that you need to add, then your body will add the exact amount you need to the meds, because your body can tell or sense how much it needs. My thyroid gland doesn't produce any thyroid hormone because my thyroid gland was ablated by radioactive iodine when I was 5, so when I take the Levothyroxine meds, then I'm stuck with whatever level is in my blood...my body can't sense and then add the exact, right amount like yours probably can....you see, maybe yours is just a little low, but mine doesn't make any at all.

Loren, I talked to a Pharmacist who is into natural healing when he did a talk on thyroid last week. He said Lugols was o.k. but too much iodine can actually shut the thyroid down and he preferred to see people take Kelp, Dulse or some other source of iodine from food sources. He told me 1 drop of Lugols a day. I happened to have taken two that day and I got really flushed. The Lugols is the only thing I can think of that would do that to me.

Thank you Janice/Sharik for all yr help. Will follow yr advice and see what would be the outcome. Thanks again Ec. You guys are the best!!!!!

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.

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.

Can you please let me know the name of the book Kaylin from Hampton, IL had mentioned in her post for hypothyroidsm? I have been hypothyroid for the last 14 years and after going through your website I am certain I can get free of it too. I have been taking 2 tbsp coconut oil and will start on 3 tbsp shortly. However, it is interesting to know that iodine could also cure hypothyroidism (for those who have iodine deficiency and I would like to know how to find that out).

Thanks.

Sangeetha

Dear Eileen:

It sounds like you had an experience like mine with the DHEA. I have a wonderful naturopath who has a relationship with a MD where we can obtain bloodwork. The reason I say this is that I have hypothyroidism and very low adrenal function. My naturopath put me on DHEA 25mg/day and I blew up like a pufferfish. I gained 10 lb in one month and it felt like my skin was stretching. We got new bloodwork only to discover I had elevated estrogen levels! I looked like a women on birthcontrol pills in the 50's. The DHEA caused this. unfortunaltely taking DHEA did not increase my DHEA levels in y body only my estrogen levels.

The iodine on the other hand is life itself. studies have shown that 10 drops of lugals solution is enough to prevent breast cancer. there is an e book out there called Iodine "secrets of the sea". It shows all the uses of Iodine that doctors pre 1946(a faulty bias study) used it for. It was even the agent that made bread fluffy. Now they use bromine,which is very harmful to us.

I wonder if it is the DHEA not the iodine that gave you side effects. Really the only side effects that could happen with too much iodine is hyperthyroid symptoms, them one could simply cut back.

For improving my thyroid the only thing that worked was T3 therapy. I take the iodine to relieve pain in my breast and to prevent breast cancer. It was certainly not enough to fix the hypothyroidism. As my temperature is comming up I can sleep again. Life is very rough for me when my thyroid is not functioning well. My naturopath is treating me for wilsons syndrome with the T3 and it is the only thing that has helped my thyroid. Trust me I have tried EVERYTHING else!

Hope this helps.

What is a patch test? i am using coconut oil for my hypo, and seeing great results, but i do wonder if what you are talking about would help as well.

Hi Julie!

The patch test is an easy way to see if you are deficient in iodine. Get a bottle of tincture of iodine. Paint a 2 inch square on an inconspicuous place on your body (arch of your foot, inside of your arm or thigh, stomach, etc) before you go to bed. If it's gone in the morning, you are iodine deficient. In someone who has enough iodine in their system it should disappear in about 24 hours.

Another thing I wanted to add is that my sugar cravings are gone. It's bizarre! Really, if I woke up and started speaking Sanskrit I would be less surprised! I've always struggled with my weight because I was always craving things, always thinking about food. A while back I was counting my calories trying to lose weight (again!). Once I started with the iodine, I stopped counting calories, because I just didn't need to. I could suddenly go without snacking between meals. I am losing weight with a reduction in my calories, but it's not a struggle or an effort as it has been in the past.

I saw this on another board about iodine and it's true for me as well- I am finally eating to live instead of living to eat.

Best of luck to you!

Hi,

Your post is very very interesting to me.

Of most interest was the feet thing....around the time I got pregnant (a few months after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism) they started getting all thick skinned and very dry and cracked and rough.

I moved from Ireland to Arizona around that same time, so I attributed the foot issues to the dry weather here and the almost-constant sandal-wearing... Now I'm rethinking my previous assumption...and just to think about the possibility that it can all go away makes me feel happy. So thank you for that!

And that's just the foot thing!

I've been doing a lot of research recently and bought some selenium and magnesium yesterday, along with some ginseng to see if that helps at all in the meantime with the lack of energy. That's my main problem; I now have a very active 2-and-a-half year old son, and just can't keep up with him, let alone keep our house clean and make dinner, etc.

I had read some time ago that almost no one is deficient in Iodine in this country these days because of the amount of salt we eat; now I'm going to do the patch test and see for myself.

I'm excited to try all this, but am wondering, how soon can I expect to see results? Haha, I'm impatient...

Thanks for your time and for your experience!

Sarah

This was true of America years ago, but now there is an almost epidemic issue with iodine deficiency due to poor soil conditions, etc.

http://www.vitamincfoundation.org/iodine.htm

http://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/selenium

http://www.abovetopsecret.com/forum/thread196741/pg1

http://www.tuberose.com/Iodine.html