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.
Kelp
Posted by John (South Africa) on 05/19/2014
I began taking kelp as a source of iodine, I noticed an immediate improvement in my weight loss but I began to suffer with sinus issues and had very low energy. After a few days a thick white coating with an odd taste appeared on my tongue. I think it might have been a case of mercury contamination in kelp "feeding" yeast overgrowth. I've not suffered with any type of yeast overgrowth before and having gone off the kelp, my symptoms have alleviated.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Danny (Florida) on 03/20/2015
I took too much iodine and I believe it made me hyperthyroid as well. I stopped taking it over 2 weeks ago. Symptoms have improved, but are still there. So, exercise, magnesium chloride and magnesium glycinate helped remedy your hyperthyroid symptoms? Is there anything else that you've tried too? Thanks!
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Laura (Arizona) on 08/22/2013
Hi! I'm hoping you can help me. I am a woman in my mid-50's. I have autoimmune thyroid disease. I am also in menopause. I have lost almost all of the outer half of my eyebrows. I have an area about 2 inches by 2 inches on the front top of my hairline where my scalp meets my forehead that is almost bald. It's so embarrassing to me. The hair on the sides of my head is thinning considerably and you can see my scalp. The thinning of hair is getting worse, the older I get. In the past when I get my thyroid medication regulated, it still does not effect my hair growth at all. I use to have beautiful hair when I was younger. Can you recommend some sort of herbal remedy that is not full of heavy metals that could help me? My sister says that taking about 5,000 mcg of biotin daily could help me. Someone told me possibly the herbs nettle or saw palmetto and horsetail could help me. For a while I took an over the counter remedy for hairloss with fo-ti in it that I got from a pharmacy, but I worried about taking something with fo-ti in it long term. Could you please help me by suggesting some herbs that are safe that I could take to help me grow my hair back? Any help you can give me is so greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee, Usa) on 08/22/2013
Dear Laura, So sorry about the hair loss. That is really distressing. Nettles is extremely safe. I would highly recommend it. My son used it for his asthma and not only did it help, it healed him over time. Fresh nettles were used by people at one time as a "spring tonic. " I have also read about Biotin helping. You could safely drink a quart of nettle tea a day. I would get good quality loose nettle leaf and steep 1/4 cup in 1 quart of boiling water (but don't boil it, just pour the boiling water over the leaves and let them simmer for 20 minutes. ) Then strain and sweeten with honey and drink this daily. Or you could take a lot of nettle capsules, but I think the tea would be better.
I also have hypothyroid. When I was first diagnosed, I went on Synthroid, a very low dose. It made my hair fall out like I have never seen. I went off it and have been doing natural things and took Iodoral. My hair did grow back, though it isn't as thick as it used to be when I was younger. (I am 46. ) It took a while but I did get it to the point that my bloodwork said I was no longer hypothyroid. Some say that Iodoral isn't appropriate for those whose hypo. Is autoimmune. (However, I do think mine is as I have other autoimmune issues, like ITP.)
Rosemary is also good for hair growth. You could put the essential oil into your conditioner if you use it. Also, find a shampoo that doesn't have SLS in it as SLS causes hair loss among other things.
I once read some testimonies about juicing fresh cucumber to make hair grow better, but never had enough extra in my garden to try it. :)
Hope you find some good solutions! Let us know what helps you!
~Mama to Many~
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Laura (Arizona) on 08/23/2013
@Mama to Many -- the nettle tea sounds like a great idea! The nettle from the tea would probably get into my system better than a capsule. Thank you so much for the idea. I'm also going to give the rosemary and cucumber a try also. Thank you so much for taking the time to respond to my request for help.
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Laura (Arizona) on 08/23/2013
To Kt, thank you for your advice. I will try the molasses and milk. I've often heard it's better to get the vitamens you need from food sources, rather than pills, if you can. So, this sounds like a great idea. Thanks for your suggestion. I'll definitely give it a try.
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Cb (Netherlands) on 08/23/2013
Hi, You can try MSM, Iodine or Kelp. I had hair loss also and it returned with these products. My hair loss was stress-related check that out also... There are a lot of things you can do about it, expensive and inexpensive if you search. I found a website of Dr. Berg you can see little video's about different types of people, and the things they should do to loose weight. I am an Adrenal type, he also refers to 'Thyroid type', 'Liver Type' and 'Ovary type'. I ordered his book and his description was very accurate! He recommends different diets and products to address all sorts of hormonal imbalances... Success!
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by Toourlady89 (Ca, Usa) on 08/23/2013
I have been reading up on Hair Loss, there is a relationship between Hair Loss and Low Iron. Ask for your Ferritin levels to be checked and maintain a level around 100 to get hair back. Hypothyroids has been found to be low In Vit D, B12 and Iron so include those in your lab check...
Diatomaceous Earth came up on one of my searches, its powdered shells from the bottom of the ocean. Pls google.. But testimonials of people taking it includes growing their hair back.. It sounds safe enough to take, but do your homework first.
Thyroid Related Hair Loss
Posted by KT (Usa) on 08/24/2013
Please make sure you get "Blackstrap" molasses.
Thyroid Gland Removal Remedies
Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 06/04/2013
Kelli, there is a natural thyroid medicine, I forget the name now, but read up on it, it seems to work much better than Synthroid. Also read up on Iodine.
Thyroid Gland Removal Remedies
Posted by Wishing You Well (USA) on 06/04/2013
As I understand it, Synthroid depletes iodine. Also, bromine, flouride, and chlorine deplete iodine. Iodine helps with cognitive functioning, energy, breast health, etc. You can read all about it in Lynne Farrow's new book: The Iodine Crisis: What You Don't Know About Iodine Can Wreck Your Life.
Thyroid Gland Removal Remedies
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 06/04/2013
Kelli, Synthroid only contains T4 and your body must convert some of it to T3. Sometimes the body can't do this effectively. The natural thyroid hormones, like Armour, contain both T4 and T3, and are much better for the body. Your body does not have to convert anything, either. Read "Stop the Thyroid Madness" to learn how thyroid problems can be best diagnosed and managed, and join this well versed group to ask any questions,
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/NaturalThyroidHormones/
You can feel a lot better. Best wishes!
Thyroid Gland Removal Remedies
Posted by Eileen (Sumter, Sc) on 06/05/2013
Ask your doctor to try Thyrolar or Armour thyroid. Good luck.
Thyroid Gland Removal Remedies
Posted by Jill (Orlando, Fl) on 03/12/2014
I suggest seeing a naturalopothist in your area. They can get you on a diet & supplement routine that will help. Good luck... Jill in Fl
Supplements
Posted by Lauren (Queens, Ny) on 05/26/2013
Hey Ec... Happy Memorial day to everyone.... Quick question guys... Anyone heard of these products for hypothyroid? T-100, GTA Forte, Spectra 303T and Thyrostim. I was reading a book recently that listed these supplements and since I am trying without success to get off meds, I was thrilled to find something that I have never tried or even heard of. Please anyone who has tried these, I would love to hear your comments. Thanks guys...
Supplements
Posted by Anonymous (USA) on 05/29/2013
You might want to read: The Iodine Crises: What You Don't Know About Iodine Can Wreck Your Life by Lynne Farrow. You can read parts of the book at Amazon.com
Fluoride And The Thyroid
Posted by Wayseeker (Motown, Ca) on 04/30/2013
Distilled water removes flouride from the body, and decalcifies the pineal gland, when one drinks around a gallon/a day, two glasses at a time. Amazing stuff!
Fluoride And The Thyroid
Posted by Joy (Battleground, Wash) on 05/01/2013
There's an interesting website called toxic metals stored in the body and how to displace them naturally.... and a watercure website to aid in your search for thyroid health..... Also, Mary Shomon wrote a book of reviews of all things that help thyroid health.
General Feedback
Posted by Lou (Tyler, Tx) on 03/28/2013
The magazine For Women First (April 8 2013) includes an article called "Escape the yeast-thyroid fat trap!" and is VERY informative. It discusses how yeast is the cause of a sluggish thyroid (which I suspected) and how to overcome it with seaweed foods available at Amazon. It says seaweed lowers fat absorption by 75%!!! This is great news!
General Feedback
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 03/29/2013
Thank you Lou from Tyler, TX for the info about "Escape the yeast-thyroid fat trap" - I don't have access to the magazine but when I did an Internet search, a PDF version showed up. Very interesting! I'm going to the health food store today to check out seaweed products. Cheers, Bess
General Feedback
Posted by Miss E (London, U.k) on 12/05/2012
Dear Ted, I have been reading many of your replies on thyroid and would like your advice please. I have been taking iodoral for a few months (3) as I am hypothyroid and it has improved my symptoms. I was due to have Breast Augmentation in a weeks time but it has been cancelled by my consultant becase they said that my TSH level was 16 and it would not be good to have breast augmentation as it may decrease wound healing. I am really disapointed, they want my TSh level to get more normal before I can have my opp.
I have now come off Iodoral as I know even though I feel great and my symptoms have greatly improved, it is the Iodine that initially increases the TSH level.
How long will it take for my TSH level to drop and get back to normal now that I have stopped taking iodine? So that I can have my opp?
What can I do to make my TSH get normal more quickly without taking Levothyroxine?
Do you think having breast augmentation would be a problem if I am hypothyroid or my TSH is high?
I can't postpone my opp for too long and wonder what is the chances of the TSH getting normal within a month of stopping iodine?
I would appreciate your reply as I am going to meet with my consultant to discuss this issue and see if he will allow me to have the breast augmentation.
Kind regards, Miss E
General Feedback
Posted by Barbara (Dublin, Ireland) on 11/02/2012
Hi, Can anyone help me to understand what is going on with my thyroid, the consultant said everything is fine, however I have so many horrible symptoms. My recent TSH reading was 2.17. T4 Reading was 13.5. Then T3 Is 4.5 Would anyone be able to help interpret these readings. Feeling very anxious and so unwell also have a 2mm nodule can this affect my voice which has started to weaken lately, then becomes quite tender.
General Feedback
Posted by Susan (Edison, Nj) on 11/02/2012
There are several good thyroid websites, if you join the forums and post your results, somebody will interpret them for you. My numbers never matched my symptoms.. The "doctors and specialists" didn't know what to do with me.
Nodules
Posted by Tbird (Louisville, Ky) on 12/16/2011
Has anyone had experience with hyper- functioning thyroid nodules. Possibly Plummer's disease. I am at the point of either surgery or radiation. I would really appreciate any successful stories of healing such naturally. Thank you in advance.
Nodules
Posted by Tina (Houston, Us) on 12/17/2011
Pranic healing is an alternative healing that is very effective on glandular issues. Please google it and find a reputable healer to do this for you. Within a few sessions you will see results.
General Feedback
Posted by Thyroids (Ab, Canada ) on 11/21/2011
Hello I have been on eltroxin for 17 years for my thyroids and have been on iron medication from the doctor for 12 years. I had my blood analyzed at a heath food store and her advice was to get off my iron pills that I was on from the docs because she said that it is not being absorbed into my blood, so now I am on easy iron from the heath food store for 3 years. So would it be a good or bad idea that I start to take acv? If it's ok, then what should my intake be for the day and the dosage and which way would better benefit my condition? Thanks
Iodine
Posted by Scorpioempress (Ridgecrest, Ca, Usa) on 10/17/2011
I am a long time Earth Clinic reader. I started taking Lugol's because my thyroid meds weren't really working, because I was suffering from Candida, and a few other reasons. I have been able to stop my thyroid meds--yay--, but I have noticed that with 2 drops of 2% lugols that I still have thyroid pain.
I need clear dosing instructions. I thought that 2 drops was the maximum, but am reading that you can take as many as 30???? I am tired, cannot produce enough breast milk, and have thyroid pain, to name a few low thyroid symtoms. 2 drops is better than nothing, so can I take more?
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 10/17/2011
Hi Scorpioempress, I also have read that taking two drops will replenish our supplies but it takes at least a year at this dose plus it was the 5% not the 2% one. Which would mean that you are taking under half the dose. Usually whenever Lugol's iodine is referred to without a percentage it is the 5% one. I don't believe there is one size fits all dose as we come in different sizes and also some of us have been deficient for longer etc. Increasing the dose slowly is what we are doing, we are now at 4 drops (2%) twice a day. As we are seeing some benefits now we will stay at this dose for the time being. You could add a second dose making it 2 drops (2%) twice a day for a week or two then if you still have no detox reactions add another drop.
To increase your milk supply try fenugreek it is amazing. You can buy the seeds and soak them overnight or just buy the capsules which is much easier and works. All the best.
Iodine
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/17/2011
Iodine
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/17/2011
Maria, since I have started on iodine, I have been having the most amazing dreams... They seem to be very long and very detailed. Are you finding the same thing?
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 10/18/2011
No Debbie I haven't but my hubby has started to have some dreams and can remember them, he has never had dreams as an adult. Interesting that Australian soils are deficient in iodine and selenium.
Iodine
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/18/2011
Hi Maria, yes it is interesting re the soils. I read that Gippsland is particularly deficient in them so you are on the right track!
Yes the dreams are amazing, colourful and the storylines amazing. Interesting your husband is also experiencing it. I also found by adding the brazil nuts every day (around 2 nuts) the dreams really started.. I should write them down. Vitamin C before bed does make you dream more as well, but nothing as in depth as I am having now. They seem to go on forever.
Have you had any detox symptoms? I had a few days of headaches and waking up with a metallic taste in my mouth, so I needed to back off a bit and have the salt treatment. But happy because it means it is working.
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 10/21/2011
Hi Debbie, No there have been no detox symptoms partly because we did start slowly with only one drop a day of 2% but also I have now been treating my liver with an ayurvedic product and herbs for two years. I also take magnesium, selenium, vit c & vit d (sunshine exposure).
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 11/29/2011
Hi Debbie, Well I finally have had some dreams. Hardly remember anything from them though.
Have not been well and have had hardly any iodine then started back again on the 4 drops 2% twice a day and the next day went to 3 x a day (= 12 drops) and got the symptoms of a cold, headache and legs starting to swell. Stayed off the iodine (and gave my liver some support) till they went, which was about 4 days for the legs. I guess I have now had some detox reactions. Next time I will start low again after a break.
How is your son going with his speech? I don't know if anyone has suggested signing to you but thought I would mention it.
Iodine
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 12/02/2011
Hi Debbie, Further to my post to you earlier in the week (re iodine & my dream update) my husband reminded me that his cold feet returned and now that we are back on the iodine his feet are normal again.
General Feedback
Posted by Laura (Orlando, Fl) on 10/06/2011
Thank you Maria and Elly for your response. I really do appreciate it. To answer your questions Elly - Yes I have considered using almond butter as a replacement and also, the peanut in question is not organic. One thing I know for sure now is that I am going to say no to peanuts/ peanut butter in the future.
General Feedback
Posted by Laura (Orlando, Fl) on 10/05/2011
Hi Everyone, I have noticed that whenever I eat too much peanut butter, all my hypothyroid symptoms seems to reappear. Can anyone tell me if peanut butter affects the thyroid in a negative way and therefore should I stay away from it? Thank you everyone for your prompt response.
General Feedback
Posted by Maria (Gippsland, Australia) on 10/06/2011
Hi Laura, Peanuts are on some lists as a goitrogen food, although it is said that if these foods are cooked they loose it. Peanut butter is usually hydrogenated so it is not good unless it is the non-hydrogenated version. If your symptoms are getting worse when you eat it then I would not have it as a regular food and have it as a treat food. I do not know what is used to kill or prevent molds from forming on the peanuts but maybe (and I stress maybe) the chemical/s that are used are displacing your iodine. So it would be worth looking at supplementing with some iodine if you are not already. All the best.
General Feedback
Posted by Elly (Topeka, Kansas) on 10/06/2011
Hi Laura, I remember reading about this before that peanut butter contains goitrogens which can slow the thyroid down. Cooking goitrogen foods like soy and cruciferous vegetables (e. G. Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc) is said to remove most of the goitrogen effects. Are you eating raw peanut butter or peanut butter made from roasted peanuts? Roasted nuts should have very little goitrogens. Of course, some people can be more sensitive than others. Is it organic peanut butter? Non-organic has a lot of pesticides that can affect people too. Have you considered almond butter?
Weaning Off Meds
Posted by Lauren (Queens, Ny) on 09/21/2011
This message is for Bill from San Fernando or anyone else with an answer. Why is it that everytime I try to wean myself off my thyroid meds I would do well for about ten days then its downhill from there? Usually I would attempt to do this when I do my labs and all my levels are where it should be but its always the same. I rarely eat junk food, watch my diet, take a multi vitamin, vit c, selenium, iodine religiously, but yet I can't seem to get off these meds. I have read so many success stories of people who have done this and am asking myself why can't I? If you can give me any input on this I would so be grateful. Also, is it normal for hypothyroid patients to feel breathless sometimes even when their labs are perfect? Thank you in advance for a prompt response and also for all your awesome posts. I always look forward to reading them!
Weaning Off Meds
Posted by KT (Usa) on 08/24/2013
WOW Lauren, I just read your post and see that no one answered. I would suggest that if you are eating right you do not need to take a multi-vitamin. Some of those "inactive" ingredients are toxic to some. In addition, if you are eating right you could be consuming adequate vitamins that could become toxic with the addition of the fat-soluble ones. You may not even need them but you won't know until you are off of them. Deficiencies won't show up immediately and it may take a little time for any toxic effects, if that is what happened to you, to get out of your system.
I would suggest not going off the thyroid meds just yet. Maybe the multi-vitamin and the medication aren't compatible.
I truly hope by now someone has given you advice that helped.
Weaning Off Meds
Posted by Phl (San Luis Obispo, CA) on 02/07/2015
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
The person who's done probably the most extensive research on thyroid disease and natural approaches for recovery is by Dr. Datis Kharrazian. He warns that taking iodine or eating iodine-rich food when you have certain thyroid problems can be like throwing gas on a fire. In his book, he explains scientific reasons iodine helps with some situations, but is very harmful in others. He's a thyroid expert, and doctors take his courses, so you can probably find an informed practitioner through his website. His book also explains why the thyroid epidemic is rampant these days.
General Feedback
Posted by Mermaid13 (Asheville, North Carolina) on 08/01/2011
Just received a call today from my doctor. She stated that she needed to increase my levothyroxin medication from 200 mcg to 300 mcg. I was wondering if this is normal as I usually was only increased by 25 mcg increments? Also, what should I expect and what can I do to help myself?
General Feedback
Posted by Cheryl (Blaine, Mn) on 08/01/2011
Levothyroxin is not a good drug. It is also not usual to increase a dose that much that quickly. I would certainly want to know why the doctor is suggesting that large of an increase. levothyroxin has a lot of problem with the time release not working well. Meaning that you get surges of the medication rather than a slow dose throughout the day. A lot of generic drugs have problems with the time release element of the medication. I would ask to be placed on synthroid, the trademark med, if your insurance carries it and you can afford it. The doctor can write out a prescription to state that you cannot take generic if your insurance requires that. Good luck.
General Feedback
Posted by Susan (Midway Ky) on 12/13/2015
I recently started having thyroid problems couldn't take synthetic hormones. I had to start armour thyroid and now my left gland is swollen and hurts.
Cholesterol
Posted by Kathie (Houston, Select State/province) on 05/28/2011
It is my understanding that high cholesteral can only be a cause of poor funtioning thyroid gland or the liver (granted there are a few that have a hereditary gene that can cause high cholesterol). So, if you have high cholesterol, get your thyroid checked (you want your TSH under 3) and get your liver enzymes checked as well (though a poor functioning liver does not always show up on tests). Treat these conditions and your cholesterol will improve. I urge to treat them with things mentioned here on the site and not take drugs.
My case, my Dr. put me on Synthroid for my thyroid ( my TSH was a whopping 104! ). I did not get into the natural approach until years later and when I tried to switch over to natural thyroid I experianced extreem panic attacks, heart palpitations and major vertigo. If you have a thyroid issue, look into natural approaches, it is very difficult if not impossible to switch from synthetic thyroid to natural thyroid if you have been on it for a long time..
Cholesterol
Posted by Bry (London, Uk) on 03/21/2012
To GNOSIS of Shelton CT, tell me more about brain foginess please, thank you.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Lorna (Rotorua, New Zealand) on 05/14/2011
Dear TedI am just wondering if the ACV therapy would help with my hypthyroidism and thyroid eye disease? I was diagnosed with being hypthyroid in 2009, and having the eye disease in 2010. Have had the eye problem now for 13 months, and there is protrusion of the eyes. I am always on the lookout for anything that can help me. Have just come off prednisone after 8 months and symptons are returning. My doctor says I have high antibodies which are attacking my own eye tissue, and that it will eventually resolve itself within 2 years. I hope that to be the case too! Adding to all my problems I'm also perimenopausal. I would appreciate your response. Thankyou!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Marlane (Geelong, Victoria, Australia) on 05/15/2011
Hi Lorna,
You didnt say whether you had Hyper or Hypothyroidism. The research I have done on thyroidism points to high levels of copper and low levels of zinc for hypo (hashimotos disease) and low copper and high zinc for hyper (Graves disease). I was diagnosed with Graves disease at Rotorua hospital. Hypers must avoid anything related to the brassica family, cabbage, brussels sprouts etc. And up their level of copper rich food. Hypo's, the opposite. I have found that ACV has no effect on my thyroid whatsoever. Try iThyroid.com for more info,
cheers Marlane E
Nodules
Posted by Meadowsweet (Halifax, England, Uk) on 04/20/2011
Does anyone know a natural cure for thyroid nodules with mild hyperT, please? I've found how someone found relief using ACV/baking soda, co-enzyme, selenium and L-lysine, which I plan to try, but that remedy was for hyperT caused by Graves Disease, I think. My problem is thyroid nodules which seem to be making thyroxine on their own. I'm waiting to see a specialist but the possible problem seems to be Plummer's Disease (i. E. Toxic multinodular goitre). I'm not on any medication. Thanks.
Meadowsweet.
Nodules
Posted by Umran (Halifax, UK) on 09/27/2018
How you doing now, my friend. Anxious to know. I live in Halifax and I have been suffering with thyroid. Hard to sleep at night.
