17 User Reviews
Coconut Oil
(UK)
06/21/2023
I am no expert, just a bod searching for answers and experimenting. But the fact that you experience breakthrough bleeding and have concluded it only happens when consuming CO would point to the idea that the CO is affecting your hormones...proof of the pudding, literally! Your body trying to work things out and rebalance? If it were me I'd continue with the CO and allow my body to do its thing. It's very wise! Good luck
(Eastern NC)
10/01/2023
Hi Sue, it's definitely doing something with my hormones, haha. I just use small amounts in cooking now instead of putting it in my coffee (which was kinda cool because it really whitened my teeth! )
Coconut Oil
Which oil should I use to cook ( mainly curries) with and how much coconut oil should one need to take to see the results?
Does virgin coconut oil lose its power if you heat it up to saute vegies on medium flame ?? Pls help me!!!! . Want to feel good and energetic. I also take apple cider vinegar everyday.
Coconut Oil
(Fairfield, Iowa)
10/22/2012
Hello, Were you able to get off your Levothyroxine Medication? I have neonatal/congenital hypothyroidism and was wondering if I could use Coconut Oil as an alternative to the generic brand of levothyroxine that I take.
This is my story: I was born and was a very sick child, going to the doctor all the time. They discovered half of my thyroid gland was growing into a cyst so half of the gland was removed during surgery. I started taking Synthroid and immediately my health improved and my development accelerated and I was able to grow up into a normal human being with perfect health.
I just really want to know if there are any alternatives to this generic brand of Synthroid that I take.
Coconut Oil
I will try to make this short and sweet : ) I have been treating Adrenal Fatigue since 2009 and was doing quite well untill about July of 2010 when I crashed. The symptoms were different than when I crashed with AF. I have never been able to find a doctor who would even listen but I finally found one last month. Upon initial consult she foud a nodule on my thyroid and that combined with my symptoms she suspected hypthyroidism. I am going tomorrow for for the results of my saliva panel but I have not been able to afford my other bloodwork yet.
I did start taking the organic coconut oil about a week ago. I was also taking a TBS of ACV in 16oz of water every morning. I thought I was feeling a bit better and then this weeknd I started having heart flutters in the middle of my chest and flutters below my adam's apple. The fatigue was so bad I was housebound. Climbing the stairs would make ny heart flutter as well. Then, today I had this bizarre feeling across the front of my neck that felt shock-like and lasted only a few seconds but it scared me. As of a year or so ago my cholesterol was great and I have no heart issues. Also, I read about using 2% iodine tincture to check iodine levels and I did the test before I went to bed and by morning the spot was gone. I also did it 2 more times and the spot would always disappear in about 12 hours. Any thoughts? Just for the record, I woke up today feeling pretty good and was so thankful it was a "good" day but then that feeling just set me off and brought on some anxiety...
Thanks for reading!
~C
(Waco, Tx Usa)
02/24/2011
Hi to Frog51. I have an aortic regurgation so I have gone to the emergency lots of times for the heart problems. My sister had the same problem and when we put our heads together, not easy to do when you live 500 miles away, (lol) we found that we were always given some potassium and sent home.
My heart is very reactive to potassiium levels that are anywhere near low for some reason. I get angina easily when that happens.
Heart rhythms are greatly affected by a lack of magnesium as well. Both of these minerals are critical to heart function and you might want to get your potassiium level checked really soon if you continue to have problems. When in doubt, head out to the emergency room! Don't take chances. Our medical system is great for really dramatic emergencies. If you suspect a heart attack or stroke, GO! Then be sure that you get a copy of the blood tests they do when you're discharged.
My last emergency room visit was for an esophageal spasm, it was helped by nitroglycerin but wouldn't go away. I naturally thought I had a heart problem even tho' my heart rate and blood pressure were normal. ? The pain was excruciating! After all those tests they told me they thought it was an esophageal spasm and sent me home. The followup visit to my cardiologist was the answer to the mystery for me. He was irate that the emergency room hadn't given me potassium as my potassium was slightly under normal. Basically, I had a muscle spasm from low potassium. Again, go to the emergency room when you're in doubt. But, I know you wouldn't be on this site if you weren't interested in taking care of your body. It amazes me at how many people never give a thought to their health until it's too late.
We who read and contribute to sites like this are in the minority. I am just so very thankful the people who run this site.
(Calera, Alabama)
02/24/2011
When trying to kill yeast, which is what you were doing with the ACV and the coconut oil... You were killing it and it doesn't like it so you were have some side effects of the die off, most likely. Or you may have had a high carb meal that weekend when your heart started to act up. If you are taking ACV and coconut oil, it's best to give up sugar and white bread, and breads all together for awhile because that is what yeast feed on. Hope this helps. Nana
Thanks Granny and Nana for your responses : ) I wanted to post an update since I went to the doctor on Wednesday ( 02/24). Once I told the doctor what my symptoms were she drew blood to test my thyroid ( T3, T4, freeT3, freeT4, and antibodies) she *thinks* I have Hashimoto's and a possible iodine deficiency. I am praying she is wrong about the Hashimoto's but I will have my results by Tuesday. I have continued with 1 TBS of organic, unrefined, virgin CO in my morning green tea. For the past 2 days I have actaully woken up WITHOUT feeling exhausted and have felt good througout the day. I do get pretty tired by 9pm or so but I am feeling better, no doubt. I have also been rubbing the CO on my face and neck at night before I go to bed. I stopped the ACV for now. I know there is some controversey about using 2% iodine tincture on the skin to determine iodine deficiency. But I have been using this for the past week and I will contiue until it stops disappearing. I am determined to get well and I would like to use natural methods if possible. I have also eliminated Gluten as of last week. Not that bad to do except for the cost. Any positive feedback, suggestions will be much appreciated.
The good news from my doctor was that my saliva hormone panel came back and it looks like I have made huge progress with my adrenal fatigue so I am happy about that! My DHEA was great as well as other hormones ( I do supplement with natural progesterone). I am just sharing that to let others know that there is hope!
Thanks for reading~
~C.
(Monroe, Ct)
02/15/2012
Hi fog513' you said the Dr. found a nodule. Did he send you for a needle biospy? I had the same problems for approx. 16 years, back and forth to the doctors and nothing. Finally I asked for a ultrasound, nodules were found, biospy done and it was thyroid cancer. I don't mean to scare you but I want you to check. Thanks for reading and if you can let me know. I am sure it will be fine. D
(Chicago, Illinois)
05/18/2016
Thank You, Nana! Now I know why I've been feeling "off" after taking ACV with the extra virgin coconut oil...it's the bread!!
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
If you are feeling exhausted.... Coconut Oil & Iodine is AMAZING! I am 39 and mom of two. I have been feeling mildly flu-like for months not to mention beyond lethargic (having to literally lay down before leaving the house with kids). I went to a naturalpath who did some kinseology tests and said it was my thyroid. He gave me some liquid iodine derived from dulse(seaweed). I then started taking coconut oil topically and internally.
I started slow so I wouldn't get sick. Only a tsp a day in warm water with a tad bit of honey. I am now up to a tablespoon.
In ONE WEEK, and I am not exagerating, I feel 85 to 90% better. My brain fog is gone. Even when i am not able to get a lot of sleep I don't feel that heavy tired anymore!!!!
Don't let any doctor tell you that you can't cure hypothyroid. Most just don't know how!
As far as the iodine I took 4 drops in water the first 4 days and then 6-8 drops after that.
I haven't lost any weight yet.
I'm slender but have gained about 8 extra pounds I NEVER had before! I hope now that my body is feeling better that will change soon too!
Hope that helps someone out there!!
Andie
(Nash, Tn, Usa)
06/15/2010
what is the dosage and brand that is best for Iodine for hypothyroidism? Thank u so much and God bless~
(Dallas, Texas)
12/18/2010
I use Iodoral, which is liquid iodine. Iodine hasn't changed my hypothyroid problem, but I am still impressed by what I read about it and coconut oil.
(Redondo Beach, Ca, Usa)
06/11/2011
I used Bernard Js Liquid Dulse. Good luck. : )
To Better but not Cured: fatigue can be a sign of many things. Are you by chance taking any pharmaceutical drugs? Statin drugs for high cholesterol depletes the CO"Q10 in your body and can cause fatigue. Have your dr test your coq10 levels. I take 200mg early in the morning and 200 at noon. I should be able to decrease it soon. I am never tired anymore. Ubiquinone is the preferred choice for COQ10. I suggest not using Costco's. Try any of the better brands.
(Lubbock)
10/10/2015
★★★★★
Staying on strict diet and coconut oil helped tremendously. However, maca root helped the most because it is a powerful hormone balancer. My eyes became moist immediately and my energy returned as well as a ceasing of "attacks". Now on a steady diet of salads with raw apple cider, bananas, and pomegranate. Then on to more powerful fruits like citrus. Refer to Dr. Morse on YouTube for more details.
Fruits are way less taxing on digestion and are healing. But in order to have fruit without the attack, where I thought I was gonna die :/, I had to use coconut oil and maca root to balance the hormones. Adrenals, thyroid, parathyroid, and pancreas are all related in a chain and hormone balance is essential. Fruits and herbs are healing. I pray this helps someone cause it has been a blessing for me. God bless.
(Pa.)
12/21/2015
Tyson, your comment helped me so much looking for what direction to go in besides the herbs and clean diet. Thanks.
Coconut Oil
★★★★☆
(Chapel Hill, Tn Usa)
01/22/2010
I took 4 days off of my thyroid medication and started to have great energy...no nap needed. When I started taking my medication, 2 days later, I was extremely exhausted, even worse today. I will be getting my blood tested on Monday because I cannot deal with being this tired. I will update as soon as I know the results. And by the way, I am not sure how everyone is measuring their coconut oil, but I am measuring with an actual measuring Tbsp, not a spoon and calling it tablespoon. If I were to measure by using a regular spoon, I would probably be closer to 2 Tbsp.
(Chapel Hill, Tn)
01/31/2010
Update: I am actually in the "normal" range right now according to my blood work. My husband made a comment that ever since i switched from Armour to Levo, he has seen a huge decrease in my energy. I didn't even link the 2! Darn FDA!
I have been doing a ton of research this weekend and will be starting supplements and changing eating habits. I have been reading about bromine in the foods we eat, primarily breads, pastas, pizza dough, etc. This is exactly what I eat all the time. Bromine (or was it Bromide, I don't remember exactly) interferes with iodine. So in addition to eliminating these foods and sugar (oy, going to be hard) I am going to get a kelp supplement (iodine), Vitamin A, Omega-3. I have already been using Vitamin C and B-complex.
I am current day 6 off my levo and actually feeling a great deal of energy. I read somewhere that having these hormone replacements dumbs down your real hormone, thyroid...into atrophy. Does anyone have any information/research on this? I haven't been on thyroid meds quite 5 years yet and even then have been on levo, then armour for 2.5 years, and back on to levo. i wish i could have my armour back though...but maybe not if it is going to make my thyroid atrophy.
Also, does anyone know how to start the "healing" process for your adrenals? Since I am more prone to the thyroid issue due to genetics, I think I really pressed my luck stressing in college a few years ago. But I really do believe my cells can heal.
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
02/08/2010
Hi Jhopkins
I have been hypothyroid for nearly 15 years now and have been on Eltroxin. In May 2009, I read about coconut oil and started with 1 tbsp (proper measuring tbsp) and increased it to 3 tbsps a day. I too had diarrea in the beginning and noticed that I get it if I had the EVCO too close to my meals. I then started giving a gap of 20-30 minutes before or after food and that problem was solved.
I checked my thyroid in Oct 2009 and my medication was reduced fom 100 mcg to 75 mcg as the the thyroid had gotten better. I checked my thyroid again after 6 weeks but there was no further improvement and my dosage remained at 75 mcg. I skipped the EVCO when I went away for a week during Christmas vacation.
From the past 3 weeks I have been feeling heavier and have put on a big of weight, though I have not changed my eating habits. This makes me wonder if my thyroid has gone bad and if I need to go back on 100 mcg of Eltroxin. I have stopped the EVCO for the last couple of days but might just have 1-2 tbsp a day as that does give me the energy.
I wonder if all what is said about EVCO curing hypothyroid is actually a myth as, although it helped me in the beginning to reduce the medication, it didn't help any further even when I continued to take 3 tbsp every day.
I would be doing the blood test again tomorrow for my hypothyroid and might have to go backt o 100 mcg.
What has been your experience with EVCO?
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
02/09/2010
Hi DJ
Can you please elaborate on Kelp. What is it and how and how often do you take it. Do you not take any medication for thyroid?
(Seattle, WA)
04/04/2014
The whole idea of being " within range" idea is old idea that no longer applies. Since most doctors got smart Many people are having the effects of hypothyroidism without being " within range". You can be on the verge of hypothyroidism and having full blown symptoms that can hospitalize you . I got smart and went to a Naturopathic doctor. I take 1 tsp organic virgin coconut oil harvested from fresh coconuts and lugols iodine and as is well!
(Kansas)
06/25/2016
Hi Sasha
Could you tell me how much of the Lugol's you take and what % it is? I want to get off of levo. My hair is falling out, weight gain, and I could sleep forever. Did you go to a naturopath after being on meds?
(Cabarlah, Qld.)
06/26/2016
(County Dublin)
09/14/2016
Hypothyroidism is not a disease, it's a deficiency in the body. I have it and I certainly wouldn't call it that.
(New York)
11/21/2016
I realize this post is old but I was just wondering, what where your results with coconut oil? I am using CO for my hypothyroidism but now I am weary about continued use. I don't want to get worse. Thanks
(Midwest)
08/31/2017
This site is the latest in my search for more info related to iodine, hypothyroidism (Hashimoto's for me), and autoimmune disorders. Wow, can I relate to so many of these posts. My mom had pre-cancerous thyroid nodules and thyroidectomy; I was a very small for date baby that failed to thrive the first 6 weeks, until on a trip was given a needed 'boost' by a heat wave in Missouri. I did not gain any weight as an infant until that trip when I could use my food to grow rather than try to keep warm apparently. I was diagnosed hypothyroid in my 20s, could not tolerate Armour porcine thyroid, so was put on Synthroid. Struggled with weight soon as prescribed birth control pills to try to help with ovarian cysts. Painful and extremely heavy periods that interfered with my life from the age of 13 on. Now an entire constellation of autoimmune disorders and new diagnosis of Type 2 diabetes. I've known for years that conventional medicine was not 'doing it' for me but have had to educate myself on how to best deal with this (probably genetically messed up) body. Maternal grandmother with pernicious anemia. Mom with persistent serious levels of anemia, fibroids, etc. In hindsight, I'm sure my mother had autoimmune disorders including psoriatic arthritis (as I, my daughter, and two grandchildren now also do). And yes, we all live or did live in the Midwest. I have begun Lugols' solution, dropped all sugar and grains for now--I cannot even eat fruit for the most part without my blood sugar raising too high. ACV 2 x a day. Fatigue is ruling my life and has been for decades; I'm looking forward to improving with my 'home-grown' treatments and greatly appreciate the first-hand accounts of others.
Modern medicine has saved my life several times in surgical emergencies but it sure has not addressed or helped my chronic sh..stuff. The one exception to that was a wonderful rheumatologist who gladly encouraged alternative medicine also; I live too far from her now to treat with her, but her own daughter is a naturopath (among other degrees). I have spent most of my adult life in health care so it's not like I didn't know my way around the system; it just did not work for my boatload of chronic issues and I didn't start feeling better until I began applying non-conventional therapies.
(Washington, DC)
10/16/2024
Coconut Oil
★★★★☆
How long does it take for a 2nd round of reduction in prescription after continuing to take the EVCO? I have not gone for another thyroid test since mid November 2009.
Will EVCO be able to cure my hypothyroid (of 14 years) completely so that I would not need to take any medication?
Thanks for responses.
(Edmonton, Alberta, Canada)
09/26/2010
How were you taking the CO? I find if I put it in tea, I can't drink it. It's too oily. Have any suggestions? Thanks
(IN)
06/15/2023
Open mouth insert a tablespoon of Coconut Oil...simple and yummy!
(Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France)
09/27/2010
I have the same problem, VCO in the tea is too oily for too. I often just use more in the dishes I cook or else drink it in a little drink I make with hot water, molasses, a bit of cider vinegar or lemon juice, cayenne pepper and turmeric. Or else maybe you could try to put a bit in your mouth and then wash it away with the hot tea. Some people here say that it is quite nice in the coffee but I don't drink coffee at all or else I would stop sleeping.
(Cincinnati, Oh)
09/27/2010
You might try using coconut oil as a spread on a sandwich or toast instead of butter. I like it in a sandwich with peanut butter. You can also add a tablespoon of CO to hot cereal, such as oatmeal. It gives a good flavor to some fried foods, such as croutons, french toast, etc.
(Princeton, New Jersey)
09/27/2010
Organic coconut oil tastes delicious - it has a rich, buttery flavour. Why don't you try a spoonful over cereal? Or even rice or pasta? My mother, who grew up in Kerala, India, uses it to cook and so do I. I have a tsp of OVCO first thing in the morning with turmeric, cayenne pepper and some honey. I also add lecithin granules and drink a warm glass of water. It has taken the place of my morning chai!
(Saskatoon, Sk)
04/12/2012
I put it in my smoothies twice a day.
(Shakopee, Mn)
05/23/2014
Hi to Francisca; regarding the oily taste from your CO, have you tried using an immersion blender to mix it into your tea? I have done that and it tastes fabulous, like a creamy latte or chia. Bon appetite'
Tootsie
Coconut Oil
★★★★☆
Upon diagnosis of hypothyroism, doctor proscribed Synthroid. Research (here) indicated cold pressed extra virgin coconut oil as a treatment. I began taking EVCO regularly, melted on toast with jam, liquefied into granola with yogurt, etc., dosage 2-3 tablespoons daily. Improvement was marked, within a month I had renewed energy, restored digestive function and began losing weight. I did experience what I can only describe as minor heart palpitations around this time, but was unconcerned as they felt like bursts of energy.
After 10 months I am still sensitive to cold. Raynaud's like symptoms are minimal in comparison to a year ago and improve quickly if I take care to keep warm. I continue to use EVCO as a regular part of my diet. There are some nice side effects to EVCO: my athlete's foot is completely gone, as is a brown mole on my arm.
Coconut Oil
Also I was thinking of starting back on ACV (for my food allergies) once my hypothyroid is under control. I plan to take it only on weekends, this time for sure at least 4 hours after I have taken my thyroid medication. I also intend to continue 1 tbsp coconut oil for my hypothyroid. I will be sipping ACV throughout the day, so is it ok to take coconut oil while on ACV? Is there any particular time I should take coconut oil while on ACV during the weekends? I don't want to get my body into any kind of trouble by consuming both at wrong times.
I also read that coconut oil acts as antihistamine. Could that help me with my food allergies so I wont need to take ACV? All this when I am already allergic to coconut, but I have to do what I have to do to deal with my hypothyroid.
(Tucson, Az)
05/11/2009
if you are still feeling brain foggy and not all your hypo symptoms have resolved on your current meds, try getting your practitioner to prescribe 2% of your thyroid meds (synthroid, etc.) as cytomel, or as armour natural. for a 100mcg synthetic thyroid dose, you would need to add 1 grain of armour, or 2 mcg of cytomel in a slow release formulation from a compounding pharmacy. i think you will find the brain fog clearing up and you will feel so much better. it's good for your libido too, which will allow you to concentrate on other areas of your relationship. good luck, and stay with this, as the complications from letting it go are just too profound, and not many doctors take this condition all that seriously.
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
05/11/2009
Thanks for your suggestion, Susan.
The medication you mention, 2% Cytomel or 1 grain of Armour - are they available in regular pharmacies? I am in the Cayman Islands and not sure if we have compounding pharmacy here.
EC: Your message was not published in full, per your request. Sorry, no email address was posted on EC, so unable to forward to Susan.
Coconut Oil
★★★★☆
If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.
(Chicago, IL)
02/13/2009
To Cathy from Villa Park. I think you should definitely increase the coconut oil but also look into iodine - as in iodoral. Take a look at this site: http://www.lewrockwell.com/miller/miller20.html Best of luck.
(Bombay, India)
03/27/2009
Regarding comments above, i would be wary of Iodoral. Iodoral is Lugol's in tablet form! Lugols is a mixture of Elemental Iodine (Toxic internally) and Potassium Iodide (safe form internally). For best results go for "Saturated Solution of Potassium Iodide" (SSKI), you just need 5 drops in water twice daily for 2-3 weeks. On Coconut Oil, make sure your Coconut oil is "Coldpressed" if it doesnt say it, then its not going to work for you medically!!! Most Hypothyroid is not Iodine deficiency, the reason why Coconut oil and Iodine assist thyroid function is they are both antifungal/bacterial, this is why Lugols Iodine works well for bladder infections amoung other infections!!! Fungals and other bacteria cause poor circulation and immune function in the throat area decreasing the glands function resulting in hypothroid or autoimmune hypothyroid. My understanding that SSKI in small dosages stimulate thyroid while mega doses reduce "thyroid storm". Poor hygein in the form of unclean diet combined with mercury from teeth amalgums etc cause hypothyroid and Chronic Fatigue. Acupressure on hand/foot thyroid & Adrenals reflex points (which work with the thyroid)can also help wonders! If you feel your body is lacking Iodine then supplement with green algae's & Kelp supplements and unrefined sea salt which is rich in natures Iodine.
(Sudbury, Ontario, Canada)
04/07/2009
Hi Cathy,
I also have hypothyroidism (which I believe came on after the birth of my second child. - postpartum hypothyroidism) Anyway, after a few years of being on synthroid I just felt terrible. Like you I felt the "brain fog", I experienced depression, loss of hair, fatigue, cold hands and feet, etc... I had no "zest" for life for lack of a better term so I went to see a naturapath. She said that I have to start taking desiccated thyroid (Armour in the states). After about 3 appointments with my endocrinologist I finally convinced him to put me on it. (He did not want to have anything to do with it) I felt a HUGE difference in the way I felt (also with my libido). However, due to the ignorance of my doctor with this medication I stupidly agreed to go back on synthroid. Becasue he didn't know how to control my t4 t3 levels with natural thyroid he was basically saying he couldn't continue with it. Now that I've been on the synthetic medication I have never slept so much in my life, no sex drive, no "zest" for life, depression worsened (already on meds for depression for about 6 years now).
The BEST thing you can do for yourself is get on Armour. It is so hard to get doctors in Canada to prescribe this medication because no one is willing to learn about it. It has been used to treat thyroid issues since the 1800's. My doctor (like so many others out there) says "It's not reliable. The amount of T3 and T4 in it are not regular even amounts". Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah. Believe it or not, they have improved on this drug since the 1800's. It seems to be much more available in the states. I've been trying to order it over the internet. It's a shame naturapaths can't write rx's. I may have to travel 5 hours to Toronto, Ontario to see a doctor that will prescribe desiccated thyroid for me.
Please try this medication. If you don't see any changes after a reasonable amount of time (3 months) you can always go back on the synthetic hormone. If you decide to try it - please email me and let me know how you did! Thanks for listening,
Barb
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
05/06/2009
Hi Cathy
I am so glad I stumbled upon your post. I am a regular visitor at EC since last 5 months. I have hypothyroid, but somehow I didn't get to check on that page on the website until now. As suggested on this website, I was taking ACV for my kidney stone and food allergies and it worked great on both. But I stopped taking ACV 3 weeks ago as I was noticing other symptoms, which I didn't know what to call, until I read your post...now I know what to call them...brain fog. I have bypothyroid for the last 14 years and have been on Eltroxin (100mcg for most of the time) but never had this symptom of brain fog in the last 14 years. My thryoid was totally regulated with Eltroxin (though my skin has become dry and my hair falls) that I had almost forgotten about this condition and so I didn't check if taking ACV would have any side effect on my hypothyroid. I guess it did and my thyroid seems to have gone bad due to which I have the brain fog and just like you I have had problems in the office in the last 3 weeks, which I have never had in 23 years of my career. My doctor has done blood tests for thyroid yesterday and the results are expected by Monday. I don't mind increasing the dosage of Eltroxin if that could rid me of the brain fog and change me back to the person I have always been.
As regards the Extra Virgin Coconut Oil, did you increase the quantity? Did it help or did it cause any heart palcipitation like others have complained of? If it did, did you reduced your medicine? Did it feel better then?
I am a bit scared to use the coconut oil without asking the doctor because I started the ACV without consulting my doctor and while it helped me with what I took it for, it seems to have had a side effect on my thyroid.
I would appreciate if you could respond re your coconut oil intake. Thanks.
(Surrey, BC Canada)
05/07/2009
I am also hypothyroid and am taking Synthyroid. I was going to take ACV because it seems useful for so many things. Then read the information about Synthyroid; you cannot take iron or antacids within four hours of taking Synthyriod, they will affect the absorbtion of the medication. I think maybe ACV is like an antacid and affect the absorbtion of your medication. I now will have ACV but always at least four hours after my Synthyroid.
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
05/07/2009
Hi Marlene
Thank you so much for sharing the inforamation. That may be it. I used to take ACV within 2 hours of taking Eltroxin, so maybe Eltroxin didn't have enough time to get absorbed. I too take iron tablets which I take around 7 hours after taking Eltroxin.
I take my Eltroxin in the morning, about half or one hour before my breakfast. Are you aware if that is when thyroid medicines should be taken?
Sangeetha
(Surrey, BC, Canada)
05/07/2009
Sangeetha, My medication says to take on an empty stomache 1 hour before meals or 3 hours after meals. I get up early and take it at least 1 hour before breakfast. It also says to take with lots of water. I take Iron, which I then take at lunch time. I also take coconut oil, molasses and kelp as they are supose to help the thyriod. I have also just started to take nutritional yeast. I keep telling my doctor that I am going to get off the Synthyroid!
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
05/08/2009
Hi Marlene
Thanks for responding.
my thyroid results will not be out at least until Monday (or may be later). Meanwhile, I am considering taking EVCO, but I don't want to take too much or take at the wrong time and have heart palpitations r any other problem.
Could I ask you how much EVCO you take and when? Is it ok to take it with breakfast (which will only be around an hour after taking my Eltroxin)? You mention you take Synthyroid so I guess you wouln't be consuming a lot of ECVO either. I want to get rid of this brain fog that has developed since the last 4 weeks and am willing to try the natural remedy to get rid of it. Once my brain fog is cleared and hopefully my thyroid medication dosage altered, I wouldn't mind coming off it.
I would also consult with my doctor re prolonged use of 3 tbsp of EVCO daily and to reduce my thryoid medication if need be, in which case I guess I will have to get blood tests done every 2 weeks in the beginning.
Does anyone else have anything to add on the usage of EVCO with while on Eltroxin.
Thanks.
(Surrey, BC, Canada)
05/10/2009
Hi Sangeetha,
I take coconut oil in the morning with my tea at breakfast. I take approximately 1 tablespoon, it's hard to be exact because the coconut oil is solid most of the year as it isn't warm enough here, so I likely take a bit over the 1 tablespoon. I was taking more but it started to bother my stomache. It might have helped to spread the coconut oil through the day (maybe a tablespoon at breakfast, lunch and dinner) but I don't like the taste or texture, so would try to get it over with.
Also it seems by reading other post, that you should work your way up a tablespoon at a time.
I have not had any side effects except the upset stomache.
I think the last time I had my blood tested, I was taking the ACV in the morning, to close to the Synthyroid, affecting the absorbtion and the doctor uped my medication. I was not to happy.
I have noticed my temperature has gone up in the last month or so. I hope this means things are getting better.
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
05/10/2009
Hi Marlene
Thanks for responding. Yesterday I took the 2nd tbsp before dinner and had a upset stomach till the morning. I wil try 1 tsp now before dinner.
I live in a hot place so the EVCO I bought was completely melted when I took it out of the shelf the 2rd day to drink. It looks beautifully clear and for me it tastes delicious.
ACV close to Eltroxin seems to have done the same to my hypothyroid. I would have the results out tomorrow and will probably be on increased dosage of Eltroxin. Are you still on increase dosage of Synthyroid? I mean even after you started EVCO?
I have had hypothyroid for 14 years but never felt this bad. I hope to be back to my normal self soon.
Deidre, ACV is wonderful, but may be you should post a warning for people with thyroid (and may be other conditions) to give a gap of at least 4 hours between taking thyroid medication and ACV, because otherwise ACV seems to interfere with the absorption of thyroid medicine and the results are not what we would like to see. This might also be true for iron supplements.
Regards
Sangeetha
EC: Thanks for the great suggestion! I copied part of your post and put it on the apple cider vinegar page under Warnings and Caveats.
(Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands)
06/03/2009
I found out the cause of my brain fog. No, it wasn't my hypothyroid, nor my anemia. And ACV seems to have been totally innocent. IT WAS CANOLA OIL.
I have been very sensitive to not-so-good quality of oil from my childhood. As we couldn't find the regular vegetable oil I use at the supermarket around beginning of April, I bought Canola oil. As the container was leaking, I transferred it to the vegetable oil container I had at home which was empty and forgot all about canola oil. Shortly after I had started using it, I had trouble with my memory and concentration, but I had forgotten all about my sensitivity to oils and about canola oil as it was coming out from the vegetable oil container. Just 5 days ago I remembered my sensitivity and researched about canola oil on the internet and found others who have had similar problems. It was also mentioned that it effects the central nervous system and could cause blindness in the long run. I stopped using it right away and started feeling better the next day itself.
I am glad I am sensitive to not-so-good oils as I feel the effects immediately. My family members who are not sensitive, would have seen worse effects after a few years if we continued to use it.
While I was reading about oils, I also found that the vegetable oil (the container of which has pictures of vegetables on the front) is actually a soy bean oil. I never read the ingredients as the name says vegetable oil and it has has pictures of vegetables. I found that soy bean oil is not at all good for thyroid and generally.
I have been using olive oil for normal cooking and vegetable oil for deep frying (sometimes) since. But since the vegetable oil isn't good and olive oil is not suitable for deep frying - it leaves the question...which is the best oil to use?
I would appreciate input from others as to which oil to use - which will not be hard on thyroid and which will also not cause brain fog or any other health issues.
Sangeetha
(Brisbane, Australia)
06/03/2009
Sangeetha --You can try Grapeseed Oil for cooking, it is very good. Also, there are light olive oils available that are more conducive to cooking (frying) than the thicker EVOO, which has a lower burning temp. Hope this helps.
Madhur
(Bangalore, India)
06/04/2009
Mustard oil and Coconut oil for deep frying or otherwise. Both are very good oils. Sesame oil is also an excellent oil for consumption--dont know if you can deep fry with sesame oil. Search on the net for health benefits of these oils, and you will get good info. Mustard oil should always be heated for consumption, as is traditionally used in North India.
(Cali, Colombia)
06/05/2009
Bringing back the sex drive for women
To Cathy from Villa Park, Illinois:
Please, test your blood:
DHEA-S: 150-200 for women
Testosterone: 45-85 for women
Best luck.
Hi Cathy,
For a sluggish thyroid, you need kelp or another source of iodine, and you also need a good stress tab (B complex with added vitamins C & E) meal times and bedtime. Yes, the container says once a day, but take l tab 4 times a day.
If the vitamin E in the stress tab doesn't add up to at least 800mgm. per day, also get some vitamin E which is recommended for fibrocystic breasts, a total of l200 mgm. daily won't cause any problems and has a lot to do with the sexual functions of the body.
(Skokie, Il, USA)
11/22/2009
If you get the "brain fog" with the apple cider vinegar you could have a yeast sensitivity. All fermented foods---cheese, vinegar, mushrooms, wine, etc----have some yeast and this has been known to cause "brain fog." Get rid of the yeast and see if there is improvement.
(Tarboro, North Carolina)
07/30/2011
Hey, vinegar kills yeast though. I have also heard that canola oil is toxic and that yeast and soy prevent vitamin absorption which can lead to hypothyroid. I have had thyroid problems since having my second child. With no insurance I have only seen one doctor about it and she has refused to treat me since my tsh wasn't high enough. The whole thing is stupid. I have all the symptoms. It could be that only one tc level is affected and so it doesn't show up on the test. Anyway I have a question. Is it ok to use regular coconut oil until I can find some evco. I live in a rural area and it may take me a while to find some. Thanks for everyone's input it is greatly appreciated.
(Cincinnati, Oh)
09/09/2011
To Julie from Tarboro--
Coconut oil is beneficial as long as it is NOT hydrogenated. Obviously extra virgin organic would be preferable, but get what you can. I've found you can find EVCO in the natural foods section at commercial grocery stores, such as Kroger.
(29 Palms, California Usa)
10/21/2011
In answer to the question of canola oil being toxic, No It Is NOT! The false rumor began when someone foolishly associated Canola oil with being toxic because it is used in pesticides. The fact is it is used for its oily properties in pesticides so they stick to the plants being sprayed and therefore the pesticide stays where it belongs. The oil is in no way toxic. This is like saying you can get lead poisoning from the grips of a pistol because it is made to have lead bullets fired from it. Bad Conclusion, from lazy analytics.
(Calgary, Alberta, Canada)
10/21/2011
Hi Spectre - Unfortunately, at least 80% of canola oil (originally called rapeseed oil - yum! ) is genetically modified. The way I see it, there are so many excellent oils on the market (coconut, olive, grapeseed, sesame, etc. ), you don't have to use a frankenfood like canola oil.
There is an interesting history behind canola oil which was published in Nexus Magazine by Sally Fallon and Mary G. Enig.
Rapeseed has been used as a source of oil since ancient times because it is easily extracted from the seed. Interestingly, the seeds were first cooked before the oil is extracted. In China and India, rapeseed oil was provided by thousands of peddlers operating small stone presses that press out the oil at low temperatures. What the merchant then sells to the housewife is absolutely fresh.
Modern oil processing is a different thing entirely. The oil is removed by a combination of high temperature mechanical pressing and solvent extraction. Traces of the solvent (usually hexane) remain in the oil, even after considerable refining. Like all modern vegetable oils, canola oil goes through the process of caustic refining, bleaching and degumming -- all of which involve high temperatures or chemicals of questionable safety.
And because canola oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which easily become rancid and foul-smelling when subjected to oxygen and high temperatures, it must be deodorized. The standard deodorization process removes a large portion of the omega-3 fatty acids by turning them into trans fatty acids.
I wouldn't chance my health on ingesting something like canola oil - a heavily subsidized, genetically modified oil. Just saying... Bess
(Melbourne, Australia)
10/21/2011
Sprectre, I can't understand why you would come to a website like Earth Clinic saying Canola Oil is safe to eat. There is much evidence saying it (and other unsaturated fats) is toxic to the body. It is a GM crop... And is not stable over long periods or when heated. Vegetable oil will go rancid quickly. Also Cancola Oil depletes the body of Vitamin E at a dangerous rate. Vegetable oils are notoriously bad for the arteries. You may as well eat plastic because that is what a lot of vegetable oils or margarine turn into in your body.
People should eat natural saturated FATS found in nature like butter and coconut oil - coconut oil being more stable for cooking at temperature. Olive oil is also good but you have to be careful of how it is processed (and that nothing else has been added). Unlike what we have been told saturated fats are very healthy for us.
If you choose to consume canola oil do so at your own peril but don't spread untruths saying Canola oil is safe to consume. No vegetable oil (except olive oil) is that safe to consume...
People should do their own research anyway don't take my word for it or yours. The Weston Price website has some great info on fats and oils.
Truth: The fatty acids found in artery clogs are mostly unsaturated (74%) of which 41% are polyunsaturated. (Lancet 1994 344:1195)
(York, Uk)
10/22/2011
Spot on. 'Nuff said.
(Portland, Or)
01/12/2012
Regarding your inquiry about bringing back the sex drive, try the recommended dose of a good quality of flax oil. Make sure it is refrigerated and doesn't smell rancid. Start with a small bottle to see if it works for you. You should be able to find it at good health food store.
(Midwest Usa)
10/01/2016
Flaxseed is a goitergen. It decreases my thyroid function.
(Michigan)
02/17/2017
I know this is many years past the original post but I am just now getting diagnosed with thyroid and just now doing research.
I was diagnosed with low iron anemia but pressed for more test because I was exhausted, had heart palpitations, brainfog, gas, bloating, acid reflux, poor digestion, dry skin, hair loss, itchy skin, cold, depression fybrocystic breasts etc...
I was tested using Cyrexlabs array 3 and 4 found out I was allergic to wheat, coffee, teft, tapioca, buckwheat, rye, and many other alternatives for gluten free diets:( I had the 24 hour iodine load test and I came back at 65% where you should be at 90% or more. My doctor had me take my temp for seven days in the morning. That came back as average of 97.3 so that was low. I also was low on vitamin D3.
So after all my testing I stopped eating grains which helped with all symptoms but the things that helped the most was vitamin D3 at 5,000 IU a day taken with multi vitamin and mineral need calcium and vitamin k with D3. I also started taking Idorol and naturethroid. My iron consuption is 85 mg elemental iron 2x a day using a product called hemaplex. I take that with orange juice. Every single thing has improved.
The only problem I have now is hormonal imbalnces but I am hoping my supplement will help that. Iodine improved my fybrosytic breast and I felt pain near my left armpit after a few weeks of being on it then the pain went away and the tenderness I had before starting Iodoral was gone. So in short get your Iron (complete CBC W/diff), D3 and iodine tested!
Never take iron without first being tested. hope this helps someone! I am going to try the coconut oil today:)
(Nv)
06/27/2017
Have you tried Maca. It helps balance hormones and increases libido.
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
(Bangalore, India)
08/06/2008
I am also suffering from hypothyroidism from 8 years. I saw your site yesterday and started taking 3tbsps of coconut oil from today. Now, how do I reduce my eltroxin? What do I do next? Please guide me whoever has taken coconut oil already and stopped/reduced synthroid. How will the cholesterol levels be? Will it be normal? Thankyou so much in advance.
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
Coconut Oil
★★★★★
(Freeport, U.s.)
10/19/2010
Coconut Oil
★★★★★