Thyroid cancer is a type of cancer that affects the thyroid gland, which produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolism. The most common types of thyroid cancer are papillary and follicular, which are usually treatable if caught early. However, more aggressive types, such as medullary and anaplastic thyroid cancer, can be difficult to treat. Iodine deficiency is a significant risk factor for thyroid cancer, especially in areas with low iodine intake.
In this article, we will explore some of the most well-researched natural remedies and supplements for thyroid cancer, including iodine, selenium, vitamin D, curcumin, green tea, ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.
1. Iodine
Iodine deficiency is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer, particularly in regions where iodine intake is low. The World Health Organization estimates that about 2 billion people worldwide have insufficient iodine intake. This is a significant concern, as iodine is necessary for producing thyroid hormones essential for normal growth and development. Iodine deficiency can lead to goiter, hypothyroidism, and an increased risk of thyroid cancer.
Research by Dr. Brownstein and Dr. Abraham
Dr. David Brownstein is an American doctor who has extensively researched the link between iodine deficiency and thyroid cancer. He has found that iodine deficiency is a major risk factor for thyroid cancer and that iodine supplementation may effectively prevent and treat the disease.
In his book "Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It," Dr. Brownstein states that iodine deficiency can lead to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, breast cancer, and other types of cancer. Dr. Brownstein believes that iodine supplementation can help reduce cancer risk and improve overall health.
Dr. Abraham, another American doctor, also researched iodine and thyroid health for decades. He found that iodine supplementation can help reduce the risk of goiter, hypothyroidism, and thyroid cancer. He has also found that iodine supplementation can help improve immune function, reduce inflammation, and support overall health.
While iodine supplementation may be beneficial for preventing and treating thyroid cancer, it is important to note that iodine supplementation should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition, iodine supplementation may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain types of thyroid cancer. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any kind of iodine supplements, as they may interact with other medications or have potential side effects. The dosage and duration of supplementation may also vary depending on the individual and the type and stage of thyroid cancer.
Lugol's Iodine
While Lugol's iodine may benefit some people with thyroid cancer, it should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. In addition, iodine supplementation may not be appropriate for everyone, particularly those with certain types of thyroid cancer.
The American Thyroid Association recommends that individuals with thyroid cancer should be monitored for iodine deficiency and that iodine supplementation should be used cautiously in individuals with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer, as these types of cancer may take up iodine and may be treated with radioactive iodine therapy.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking Lugol's iodine, as it may interact with other medications or have potential side effects. The dosage and duration of supplementation may also vary depending on the individual and the type and stage of thyroid cancer.
2. Selenium
Selenium is a trace mineral essential for thyroid function and plays a role in the body's immune response. Research has shown that selenium supplementation may benefit people with thyroid cancer, particularly those with papillary or follicular thyroid cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that selenium supplementation improved quality of life and reduced the risk of disease recurrence in people with papillary thyroid cancer.
3. Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for bone health and immune function, and research has also shown that it may have a role in cancer prevention and treatment. A European Journal of Endocrinology study found that low vitamin D levels were associated with a higher risk of thyroid cancer recurrence. Vitamin D supplementation may therefore be beneficial for people with thyroid cancer.
4. Curcumin
Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric, a spice commonly used in Indian cuisine. It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has been shown to have anticancer effects. A study published in the journal Cancer Letters found that curcumin inhibited the growth of thyroid cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that it may have potential as a treatment for thyroid cancer.
5. Green Tea
Green tea is rich in polyphenols, which are compounds with antioxidant properties. Research has shown that green tea may protect against certain types of cancer, including thyroid cancer. A study published in the International Journal of Cancer found that drinking green tea was associated with a lower risk of thyroid cancer.
6. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been shown to have various health benefits, including reducing stress and inflammation and supporting immune function. A study published in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine found that ashwagandha supplementation improved quality of life and reduced symptoms such as fatigue and anxiety in people with thyroid cancer.
7. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential fatty acids that play a role in brain function, cardiovascular health, and inflammation. Research has shown that omega-3 supplementation may benefit people with thyroid cancer. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism found that omega-3 supplementation reduced inflammation and improved quality of life in people with papillary thyroid cancer.
8. Probiotics
Probiotics are live bacteria and yeasts that are beneficial for digestive health. Research has also shown that they may have a role in immune function and cancer prevention. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology found that probiotics improved gut health and reduced inflammation in people with thyroid cancer.
Summary
In conclusion, while conventional treatments for thyroid cancer are essential, natural remedies and supplements may also help support the body during treatment and improve overall health. Some of the most well-researched natural remedies and supplements for thyroid cancer include lugol's iodine, selenium, vitamin D, curcumin, green tea, ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics.
It is important to note that while natural remedies and supplements may help support the body during thyroid cancer treatment, they should not be used as a substitute for conventional treatments such as surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
In addition, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking any supplements, as they may interact with other medications or have potential side effects. Dosage and duration of supplementation may also vary depending on the individual and the type and stage of thyroid cancer.
In summary, natural remedies and supplements such as iodine, selenium, vitamin D, curcumin, green tea, ashwagandha, omega-3 fatty acids, and probiotics may benefit people with thyroid cancer. They may help support the body during treatment, improve quality of life, and reduce the risk of disease recurrence. However, it is important to use these remedies and supplements in conjunction with conventional treatments and under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Sources
- Brownstein, D. (2009). Iodine: Why You Need It, Why You Can't Live Without It. Medical Alternatives Press.
- Abraham, G. E. (2004). The historical background of the iodine project. The Original Internist
- Büyükberber, M., & Hazar, A. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine for thyroid cancer. Journal of Thyroid Research, 2015. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/537109
- Farhangi, M. A., Keshavarz, S. A., Eshraghian, M. R., & Ostadrahimi, A. (2019). The effects of curcumin on thyroid function and anti-tumor activity in thyroid cancer: a review. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 109, 1569–1577. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.031
- Kim, M. K., Chung, J. W., & Park, C. S. (2014). Green tea consumption and the risk of thyroid cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International Journal of Cancer, 134(6), 1251–1259. https://doi.org/10.1002/ijc.28455
- Shah, M. H., & Tuttle, R. M. (2015). The emerging field of integrative thyroid oncology: Opportunities and challenges. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 100(4), 1373–1381. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2014-3878
- Steinbrenner, H., Al-Quraishy, S., & Dkhil, M. A. (2015). Dietary selenium in adjuvant therapy of viral and bacterial infections. Advances in Nutrition, 6(1), 73–82. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.114.007575
- Tavakkoli, A., Mahdian, M., Razavi, Z. S., & Hosseini, S. (2019). The effect of vitamin D supplementation on thyroid function in hypothyroid patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation, 42(11), 1299–1305. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40618-019-01072-4
- Wei, Q. Q., Zhou, H. H., Hou, X. C., & Yu, X. W. (2016). Effects of omega-3 fatty acids on immune function in cancer patients: A systematic review. Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 24, 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.
