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.
Iodine
Posted by Lucy (Albany, Georgia, Usa) on 12/13/2009
★★★★★
I am so happy to have tried iodine/iodide for my hypothyroidism. I have had this problem since 1947 with little results with medications. Since I am older, the doctors will only go by what the test shows and I have been suffering. I remembered what my sister took after she had a goiter out 60/70 years ago and decided to try it. I looked on the computer and found some favorable information. I then called my Natural Doctor and he told me they had the product in capsule form and a suppurt product as well. I have been on the formula for about 3 months and my doctor is pleased. I take 12.5 mg daily. I also take 1,000 mcg of Vitamin B12. I also have medicine for diabetes. I am 86 years old and still do all my chores.
Maca
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 12/02/2009
Hi Lisa: Thanks for yr prompt response. I'll try the Maca, and let you know if it works. Also, I'll check out those
websites you mentioned. Thks again
Maca
Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA) on 12/02/2009
Hi Loren, I'm glad you find my posts of use. I think that Maca would be a wonderful choice for you as I have noticed that many of your posts have to do with thyroid, menopausal and adrenal issues. This is a superfood that addresses all of these. I would also encourage you to read up on others like raw cacao, goji berries, medicinal mushrooms- there are some amazing superfoods on this planet that are given to us by Mother Nature we need only do the research. I know I've said this before but you should listen to David Wolfe speak on youtube and other forums as he is quite brilliant in his research and knowledge- an absolute wealth of information and much of it doctors will not tell you or don't even know themselves or would poo-poo the info anyway. He has given me some amazing keys to my own healing such as the negative effects of calcium in the body and the damage it is doing to everyone. I can't believe how much is changing for myself. I love it! At any rate, don't become overwhelmed and maca would be a wonderful start. I wish you the best! Lisa
Maca
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 12/01/2009
Hi Lisa: I have to say I really do enjoy reading yr posts. Keep them coming!! I noticed you mentioned in
one of yr posts that Maca is really helpful to menopausal women especially. Do you think it can correct a hypothyroid condition with long term use? Ihave read many good reviews on this product and would love to try it. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid a few months ago and I am hoping Maca can help. Please advice. Thank you so much.
Iodine, Dhea
Posted by Aileen (Prestwick, Scotland) on 11/30/2009
adrenal/hypothyroidism: I also tried iodine and dhea both gave me bad side-effects.
Hypothyroidism and Heredity
Posted by Ellen (Sherwood Park, Alberta, Canada) on 11/26/2009
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.
Hypothyroidism and Heredity
Posted by Diego (Albuquerque, New Mexico) on 11/25/2009
After reading about various "cures" and improvements of thyroid-related conditions through the use of various supplements, I'm left wondering if everyone can achieve these results. My mother had most of her thyroid removed as a teenager and has been on a synthetic replacement ever since. My brother and I have hypothyroidism as well. Can hereditary thyroid issues require someone to be on hormone replacement for life? Am I predisposed to an under-active thyroid gland no matter what supplements I use? Is it a waste of time for me to look for alternative cures?
Cayenne
Posted by Aileen (Prestwick, Scotland) on 11/23/2009
HOW DOES PAT FROM COOS BAY TAKE THE CAYENNE, CAPSULES OR POWDER?
Iodine
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/26/2009
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!!!!!
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 10/25/2009
Loren, we are not allowed to mention name brands. I have taken several different brands. Just try to find a plain Kelp. There are quite a few out there. The one I'm taking has 150 mcg of Natural Iodine from Kelp. I usually take two a day. One after breakfast and one with either lunch or dinner. On the bottle, it just says Kelp. Another thing I have done is mix my pepper shaker with pepper and kelp powder. That way when I put pepper on my food, I'm getting some extra Kelp. I hope that helps.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Sharik (Arcata, California) on 10/25/2009
Kelp is seaweed. I always buy organic (expensive, true) but pure. You may have gotten hold of supplies from countries not always trustworthy in their manufacturing techniques. I buy the powdered form, use it in soups and stews, or if I need a real clean-out, I make my own capsules using 0 or 00 veggie capsules I buy from my herbal store or online. I also have a friend who has a resale license (wholesale) and occasionally I'll help her fill out a minimum order. I use a lot of herbs and spices for health and buying wholesale saves me a lot of money. Do you have an herb store or health food store in your area? They would be the best place to find the pure stuff.
Peace, Sharik
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/25/2009
To Janice from Mi: Thank you so much for yr response. I really do appreciate it. I do have one question though - what brand of Kelp do you use? I purchased one a few days ago but refrained from using it because it says on the bottle that there are some sonstituents in the kelp that contains carcinogens. Well when I checked the meaning of carcinogen I figured I better off not using it. Any feedback will be appreciated.
Iodine
Posted by Janice (Coloma, Mi) on 10/24/2009
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.
Iodine
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/24/2009
Hi EC: I am hoping someone can help me out here. I recently read several articles strongly cautioning anyone who is hypothyroid with elevated antibodies to stay away from iodine. I am very nervous now cause i fall in that category and i am currently on lugols (4drops) daily. Would anyone know if this is true or not ? Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Ec for always being there for us. God bless!!!!
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Sharik (Arcata, California) on 10/23/2009
To Loren from Queens:
I have never had that problem, but then I eat iodized salt as well as kelp, so I do get plenty of iodine. Since it's measured in mcg.s (micrograms) it doesn't take much. I drink ACV almost every day for pain (arthritis and Rheumatism) and haven't noticed any problem in 33 years of dealing with hypothyroidism but then we aren't cut out with cookie cutters, and not all people are the same. The person to ask is your pharmacist. I cultivate mine like a garden as he knows all sorts of marvelous stuff that my Dr. never heard of!
Having done a little research, I found this:
"Some foods block the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland when eaten raw in large amounts. These include Brussels spouts (raw?!?!), cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peaches, pears, spinach, and turnips. If you have an underactive thyroid, you should limit your consumption of these foods." 'Prescription for Nutritional Healing' by Phyllis a Balch, CNC
I did not know this! And I do love my salads and slaws (I grow my own organic stuff). Learn something every day.....
Peace, sharik
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/22/2009
Thanks a lot Bessie for your feedback. I really do appreciate it.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Katie (Edison, Nj) on 10/22/2009
From what I've read apple cider vinegar will boost whatever you take with it. Please do some research before you start taking iodine. As to how long to take it and how much. If you take it too long your thyroid counts will rocket. I should know mine went so high they stopped testing it. But I swear by apple cider and iodine. People are clueless when it comes to thyroid and how important iodine is to it. I had severe allergies, don't know if it was the ACV or iodine or combination of both but I am cured! My allergies are non-existant.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Bessie (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 10/22/2009
Hi Loren - I'm not Sharik but I did read the following about apple cider vinegar and iodine. On a Lugol's iodine bottle featured on the Web, they actually advise you to take one drop of Lugol's in a glass of water with 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar added to enhance the uptake of iodine. So it seems that taking apple cider vinegar when you have thyroid issues would be beneficial. Good luck!
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/21/2009
This message is for Sharik from California: Thank you very much for yr response. I will definitely let my doc know of this when I see her. I do have a question though - I had read somewhere on earth clinic that acv depletes the body of iodine. I was using it but when I read this, I stopped immediately. Have you ever heard of this? If so, any feedback would be appreciated. Thanks again for yr response.
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Sharik (Arcata, Ca) on 10/20/2009
Hi, Loren.
The thyroid is an integral part of your endocrine system which includes the pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroids, thymus, adrenal, pancreas, and ovaries. When one goes, they all act up. It takes a while for the synthetic hormone to work as you must find the level your body needs. Meanwhile, keep your DR. posted as to symptoms, for as you can see, this is not something to ignore. But don't be frightened about the hands. It's uncomfortable and unsightly, but it will pass as your body starts to use the synthetic hormone. I suggested the time-honored ACV in apple juice to balance the pH in your body until the pills kick in. This can take anywhere from two to six weeks. The reason I know all this: I have Hashimoto's disease (it runs in the family) so I've been through it all.
Good luck to you, but remember to keep your MD posted as to your progress.
Namaste, Shar
Hypothyroid Symptoms
Posted by Loren (Queens, Ny) on 10/19/2009
Hi everyone:
Does anyone know what causes the puffiness on face/hands etc in hypothyroid patients? Since my diagnosis recently, i have noticed that my hands especially are really puffy. Its really kinda scary. Thanks everyone for an early reply.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Bunny (Santa Ana, Ca) on 09/29/2009
Most weight loss experts these days don't recommend calorie counting because all calories are not created equal. A glass of vegetable juice might have more calories than a '0 calorie' diet drink, but the juice is full of vitamins, minerals and other great things, while the diet drink is junk in a bottle.
VCO is a good example of this. It's crammed with medium chain triglycerides (about 60%). MCTs aren't stored as fat. They are converted to ketones that your cells can burn instead of sugar. MCT's are being researched as a treatment for Alzheimer's for this reason.
For hypothyroidism iodine is the thing-along with removing things that inhibit thyroid function from your diet. Fluoride, chlorine and bromines are big culprits. Soy and raw cruciferous veges like broccoli and cauliflower can also cause problems. Check the iodine section here for instructions on how to do an iodine patch test and see if supplementing helps.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jab (San Antonio, Tx, USA) on 09/27/2009
hypothyroidism...
Question:
Been trying ACV [apple cider vinegar] and VCO [virgin coconut oil] for my hypothyroidism of 18 years. Am feeling some changes, but am concerned about taking the VCO 3 times a day. A tablespoon has 120 calories and sometimes I take it warmed in rice milk-a cup would have 9 calories. That's 210 calories. At the minimum 3-4 tablespoons a day I'd be taking 360-480 in in calories of VCO. With the rice milk even more. I'm 59 and that would take up at least a third of my daily calories to maintain my weight. Gonna make my range of food intake extremely limited, I'm afraid.
After the ACV and VCO reduce the need for meds, do you need to maintain the same dosage of ACV and VCO to stay hypothyroidism free?
B-5
Posted by Kathy (Dubois, Pa) on 09/22/2009
★★★★★
Well, I already made several posts on how I healed myself from hypothyroidism, which you can find if you go back through the older posts in this thread. As for the amount of B-5, at first I took 500mg 3 times per day. After I got to feeling better I cut back to 500mg twice per day, and now I take 500mg once per day. As far as the kind of salt, any kind of unrefined salt will do...either Celtic Sea Salt or that pink salt from Utah (sorry, its a brand name). I also think any kind of buffered Vitamin C (Calcium Ascorbate, Sodium Ascorbate, etc) will work. But don't forget, you have to work out your own dosages, which will be according to your own situation.
p.s. One really inexpensive way to get Sodium Ascorbate is to buy Ascorbic Acid Powder and mix it with Baking Soda (NOT baking powder). Put 1/2 teaspoonful of Ascorbic Acid Powder and 1/4 teaspoonful of Baking Soda in a cup. Add water and stir until it stops foaming. The Ascorbic Acid reacts with the Baking Soda to form Sodium Ascorbate, a buffered, highly absorbable form of Vitamin C.
Prescription Medications
Posted by Laura (Orlando, Fl) on 08/11/2009
Hi everyone: I was recently diagnosed as hypothyroid and was put on bioidentical plant based meds. After using for about ten days, i noticed that i was struggling to breathe. This went on for about 2 days on and off until i decided to stop the meds to see if this could be causing it. Well it has improved about 80% but its still there especially if i try to do housework etc. I later googled hypothyroid symptoms and did found that one of the symptoms is air hunger. Has anyone had a similar experience? I would be grateful for any feedback.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Margaret (Cloverdale, Ca) on 08/09/2009
For anyone having trouble finding Armour (as one person in Canada mentioned), there is another product that in my experience is equivalent: Nature-Throid. I was first prescribed that by a doctor in Vancouver, BC. In the US my doctor continued that prescription, but sometimes when the pharmacy had trouble getting it soon enough, we substituted Armour. I can't tell any difference. Both work for me.
I have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, with diagnosed thyroglobulin antibodies (but not peroxidase antibodies; not sure what the implications of the one without the other are).
I also have adrenal issues and find that taking Isocort makes all the difference in the world to my ability to think and have energy. Isocort is bovine adrenal gland that is supposed to be standardized to 2-1/2 mg. of cortisol per pill. It is non-prescription in the US, but I don't think it's available at all in Canada.
I am starting to experiment with EV coconut oil (2 Tablespoons/day) and Atomidine (the latter I've tried before by itself), where I try the Edgar Cayce approach of stimulating the thyroid via 1 drop of Atomidine in a glass of water on Day 1, increasing by 1 drop/day up to 5 drops on Day 5, then stop for 5 days, then repeat. I am wondering if such iodine stimulation is a bad idea or a good idea for autoimmune hypothyroidism, as stimulating the thyroid can, according to some theories, increase the autoimmune response against the thyroid. Can't say it's done anything so far, either way, now that I'm on Day 6 (nor when I've tried it in the past, except perhaps a tiny bit of improvement BEFORE I was on Armour/Nature-Throid, but I never continued long enough to be sure). The only thing that REALLY seems to matter is if I don't take my full 6 Isocort pills that I'm up to these days. (The Isocort bottle says you can take up to 8/day.)
I was hoping the EVCO would help the adrenals. I'll try another round or two of Atomidine starting Day 11 while continuing the EVCO throughout, and if I don't notice any changes from the Atomidine, I'll drop that and keep up the EVCO for another couple of weeks, and if THAT doesn't make obvious improvements, I'll work harder at alkalizing my body.
Vinegar alkalizes the body, but I'm reluctant to use it because I've heard from some sources it's not the best to use, especially if you have candidiasis issues, which I may have, though nowadays I think celiac disease is more of the problem.
So far no obvious changes one way or the other, but I have had the sense most of my life that my body likes the feel of coconut in my tummy, and it's not just the taste. I'll keep you posted...
Iodine
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 07/23/2009
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
Iodine
Posted by Kaylin (Hampton, IL) on 07/23/2009
★★★★★
Iodine is curing my hypothyroidism! I have been hypothyroid for 11 years, ever since I was 19. My doctor says I most likely have Hashimoto's autoimmune thyroiditis, although it's never been confirmed by a test. I have been taking 60 mg. of Armour Thyroid 2 1/2 times per day. My dose has increased with each of my 3 pregnancies but I never felt any better and I still had a long list of symptoms. About a year ago I completely eliminated sugar and grains from my diet and lost 37 pounds, which eliminated a lot of my symptoms but I still had fatigue, hair loss, irregular cycles, and a lot more symptoms.
Two and a half months ago I read "_______" by ___________. I was convinced that I was Iodine deficient so I asked my doctor if I could start supplementing. He gave me permission but told me to go slowly and follow the book. I took Iodoral, the pill form of Lugol's solution. I started with half a pill the first day and I started my period one hour later (my first since breastfeeding my daughter, about 14 months after her birth). It was like my body was just waiting for iodine! My cycles have been 29-33 days since then, much more regular than they have ever been in my life (I didn't even start until I was 15).
Last week I had an annual physical and my blood tested and my midwife called and told me that my TSH is low and my T3 is high, so I'm in a hypERthyroid state! Tonight at church about 4 people asked if I'd lost more weight. The scale says no, but my dad says my face looks a lot thinner. A puffy face (which I've had half my life) is a very common sign of hypothyroidism. My midwife told me to cut my Armour Thyroid dose in half and have another test in a month. I'll update with results. I finally have hope of getting off of medication!
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Joyce (Joelton, Tn.) on 06/20/2009 490 posts
Hi Melissa, Don't know what Ted's recommended vitamins for hypothyroidism is but one patient who was taking thyroid medication and remaining in the low normal range, suddenly soared out the far end of normal range about a month after she started taking a Stress Tablet 4 times a day. This is just a B complex with added Vitamins C & E.
Ted's Remedies
Posted by Melissa (San Franisco, California) on 06/20/2009
Hi, A few years ago, I read an article that Ted wrote about taking vitamins to help hypothyroidism. After two months of taking the recommended dose, my doctor had reduced my thyroid meds by half. I would love to start taking the vitamins/suppliments again but can not find the article. Can you help me out?
Thank you!
Melissa
Remove Old Dental Fillings
Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, CA) on 05/20/2009
★★★★★
I had a hypothyroid condition for over 10 years caused by Hashimoto's Disease where my body produced antibodies to attack my thyroid. I was told this auto-immune disease was completely incurable.
I had terrible toxicity symptoms from extreme fatigue, dizzy spells, memory loss, and multiple food intolerances. Anything that had pesticides, especially herbs, caused near anaphlyactic responses.
I was taking 125 mcg synthroid for 10 years. I never felt right.
I found when I took kelp, my thyroid increased but sometimes it went too high.
I did a lot of research on mercury fillings and decided to have a bio dentist remove them safely. I felt worse as they removed several at each visit. On my last visit, something remarkable happened. The next morning after my last amalgam was removed my basal body temperature returned to normal for the first time in my life.
I ended up in the ER because my thyroid became over active from the medication. The doctor looked at me like I was crazy when I told him it was because of my fillings. My tests confirmed that my thyroid was working on its own and I no longer needed medication. I have been free of hypothyroidism for 5 years now!
Please research the effects of mercury on your hormones. My endocronologist now makes all of her patients remove their amalagams. She has found great evidence that women in menopause can not balance their hormones until their old fillings have been replaced with more bio compatible fillings. No more silver!!!
It's also important to use chlorella or a product like ___ ___ ____ to remove remaining mercury immediately following your dentist visit after amalgam removal.
Good Luck!
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/19/2009
Does ACV act like an antacid to reduce the stomach acid and make our bodies more alkaline? If so, could ACV reduce absorption of Vitamin B12 as mentioned below for antacids:
"The use of antacids will also lower your stomach acid secretion and decrease your ability to absorb vitamin B12.
Stomach acid (hydrochloric acid) is a crucial ingredient in your body's ability to absorb B12. If you're taking a medication specifically designed to reduce the amount of stomach acid you produce, your body's ability to use vitamin B12 from the food you eat or the supplements you take will be significantly compromised."
As Vitamin B12 is very important for our complete well-being, I would appreciate response to this query.
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Sloveall (Nashville, TN) on 05/19/2009
Should you take Lugol's Iodine AND your Synthroid medication for hypothyroidism?
I was told that a 15% solution of Lugol's Iodine, 6 drops a day, three times a day for about three months, would cure hypothyroidism. Has anyone else heard about this? And is it safe to take your doctor prescribed thyroid meds while taking Lugol's Iodine? I've been taking .l25 for about 24 years.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Tim (La, CA) on 05/19/2009
Hi, I am no expert, but cocnut oil is very healthy and can be used with any food etc. But if you are conserned don't take them at the same time. Coconut oil is just like any other oil like Olive oil etc, but healthier, so it can be used with evrything and also you may want to consider taking a few tabel spoons of it every day with salads, on bread or alone, also you can use it for cooking.
Coconut Oil, Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 05/18/2009
I am considering re-starting ACV for my food allergies and would also like to start 1 tbsp EVCO for my hypothyroid. Is it ok to take both these side by side or could/would there be any side effects?
Thanks for responding.
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Sloveall (Nashville, TN) on 05/16/2009
Thanks for your concern. I think I'm OK on the osteo thing - my last bone scan showed me at, I think this is right, 117. They told me that was way over the normal number, which I think is around 100, for good strong bones - so no bone loss yet. The chiropractor doctor told me that I would get rid of the hump with 6 drops of Lugol's (15%) 3 times a day. And something is making me really dizzy, so I was hoping to find out more info from others who might have taken Lugol's along with their synthroid medication. Thanks so much for you help!!!
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by T (Maryland, USA) on 05/16/2009
Although I have thyroid disease, I can't speak on the iodine as I am still researching many things. But I wanted to remark on the dowager's hump - this means osteoporosis and that should be attended to ASAP. Have you had a bone scan? It would be a good idea to find out just what level this is at.
A lot of people think that popping some calcium tablets will be the fix, but this is not true. Building and maintaining bone is far more complex than that, and calcium alone will not do it. On the dietary front, chia seeds are a "super food" that are easy to incorporate into the diet (eat plain, sprinkle on salads or cereals, add to soups, baked goods, etc.). Among other beneficial things, like omega-3's and 6's, chia seeds contain a good amount of calcium plus an often-overlooked trace mineral which is important for bone health - boron. They are also a good source of phosphorus and manganese. You also would want to ensure adequate intake of vitamins D3 and K - I take these together in a tiny sublingual "dot". Another factor will be magnesium. I take a calcium magnesium citrate liquid; again it's very easy to take. These should of course be in addition to a good diet and multivitamin. Do some research on these vitamins and minerals, and bone health in general, and see what you think.
Just found these links to start you off, which from a quick skim seem to have good info:
http://www.project-aware.org/Health/Osteo/osteo-bonehealth.shtml
http://www.project-aware.org/Health/Osteo/osteo-bonehealth2.shtml
Good luck, and please keep us updated!
Lugol's Iodine
Posted by Sloveall (Nashville, TN) on 05/15/2009
Should you take Lugol's Iodine if you are taking Synthroid?
A chiropractor noticed I was getting a "dowager's hump" and said it was because of my hypothyroidism. I have been taking .125 synthroid for 24 years. He suggested I take Lugol's Iodine. I have been taking it but it has been making me dizzy and weak, or something is making me dizzy and weak. Anyone have any experience with Lugol's Iodine and thyroid medication?
