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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Andie (Redondo Beach, Ca, Usa) on 06/09/2010
★★★★★
Hypothyroid and 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
Coconut Oil
Posted by Gail (North Bend, WA) on 04/13/2008
★★★★★
VIRGIN COCONUT OIL FOR HYPOTHYROID AND ADRENAL EXHAUSTION SYMPTOMS. I have been experiencing hypothyroid symtoms as well as adrenal exhaustion symptoms for 6 months. My Medical Doctor did blood and urine tests as well as an MRI because I was experiencing headaches, low body temperature, extreme fatigue, earaches, muscle and joint pain. All tests came back normal. Liver function normal, thyroid normal, B12 normal, iron normal. Naturopath did allergy testing, autoimmune and thyroid tests. Thyroid TSH, T3 and T4 all were in optimal ranges. No allergies to foods. Negative to autoimmune test. I began on my own taking nutritional support for my Adrenals. I purchased a book and took all the recommended supplements for Severe Adrenal Fatigue. My morning temperatures were consistently in the lower 97 degree F. I ate well, eliminating junk food and sugary foods. My morning temperature dropped into the 96 degree F range. In desperation, I began taking Virgin Coconut oil, starting with 2 teaspoons on day 1, then 3 teaspoons on day 2. 3 Tablespoons on day 3. After 4 days of VCO 3 tablespoons a day I was able to do light exercise. Before that I was barely able to make it through a day. My legs felt like lead. I worked 4 days a week at a sitdown job and would be in bed for 3 days. After 9 days of 3 tablespoons of Virgin Coconut Oil a day I had nerve zapping in my right leg and right shoulder at night. Since that time I have had no nerve zaps and the pain in my left shoulder due to Adrenal Fatigue is 98% better. I have been able to exercise vigorously. If I reduce to 1 tablespoons a day my body aches. At 3 tablespoons a day I have energy and have no body aches. My morning temperatures have gone up a degree, 97-98 F. I've been taking Virgin Coconut Oil for a month and a half.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Jhopkins (Chapel Hill, Tn Usa) on 01/18/2010
★★★★☆
I have been hypothyroid since 2003. I had been dealing with it through Synthroid and the like, and also used Armour for a while. I felt the best with Armour. But I still have to fight fatigue every single day, not to mention struggle with weight loss and all the other symptoms hypothroid holds. I had been at a constant dose, up until now. I started EV coconut oil back in October (2009, it is now Jan 2010). I started with ~1/2 Tbsp. Had a lot of diarhea and nausea. But boy did i actually clean out. I did back off a little. I now have 1Tbsp in my coffee in the morning...sometimes a little more. I am not having the diarhea/nausea as much. My goal is to get to 3 Tbsp, but that seems like it will be far off. Anyways, I had my blood checked about a month ago, 2.5 months after starting CO. I am very HYPERthroid now. I have moved down a dose and will get my blood checked again in about 6 weeks. I am still a little leary that CO is working so well, but I will find out March. I am very hopeful to cure my disease and start to have energy again. I am 32 and otherwise very healthy.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dorie (Ft Lauderdale, Florida) on 04/08/2008
★★★★★
Coconut Oil for Hypothyroid patients: I heard that virgin coconut oil was a good supplement for people suffering with hypothyroidism. I went to a natural food market and bought a jar of it. That was 2 months ago and I have gone back to buy more several times. I am taking 3 tablespoons in the morning. It has not helped with my weight although I know a few people who used it and lost weight immediately. It has stopped my hair loss (it use to fall out by the handful) and in fact not only is my hair thicker but my eyebrows are growing back. I no longer have cold hands and feet either. It doesn't cure thyroid problems but it certainly is a great supplement to help with the effects of the disease.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sangeetha (Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands) on 01/05/2010
★★★★☆
I have been taking 3 tbsp of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since around May 2009. After 5 months of taking that, my body wasn't feeling too right and so I got my thyroid checked and was happy that my thyroid prescription was reduced from 100 mcg to 75 mcg Eltroxin. Six weeks after that test and contination of around 3 tbsp a day of EVCO, I got my thyroid tested again, but it had not become any better and I continue to take 75 mcg of Eltroxin and around 3 tbsp of EVCO.
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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Rischa (seattle, WA) on 08/26/2007
★★★★★
I began taking coconut oil about June 1st this summer, primarily for my long term hypothyroidism. Now not yet 3 months later I am completely off my synthroid and cytomel. I was on more than 300 mcg for about 7 years. It has changed my life. I feel so much better than I did on the thyroid meds. I am not cold, I am sleeping better. It made a herpes outbreak completely dissappear in 4 hours when applied topically. my periods which have been abnormal all my life are normalizing,(I am 45) and I am finding that I am eating smaller meals and more satisfied and not hungry. I swear I can hear the click in my head that says I have had enough to eat! Ive lost 10 lbs. I attribute it all to 4tbsp VCO a day(2w bfst/1w lunch/1w dinner) and also trace minerals, and fish oil. none or very little bread and refined carbs. I did have a day of scary high blood pressure symptoms, after which I reduced my meds by 1/3rd, and the symptoms went away. A wwk or so later when I began feeling the same things again, I reduced my meds again and again until I quit all together. the last step is to get my blood levels tested by my doc, just to confirm I am doing as great as I feel, tho I am starting to think it is not necessary, except to gloat to my dr
Coconut Oil
Posted by Noni (Midwest ) on 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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Andrea (las vegas, nevada) on 07/14/2007
★★★★★
I have been battling hypothyroidism for 8 yrs now, i gained 82 lbs over the yrs,diet after diet failed umtil i started on coconut oil and let me tell you that in 2 months of taking coconut oil combined with a low carb diet, i have lost 35 lbs feel great energetic again, on my way of losing all the weight i plan to lose an aditional 40 lbs by december since i"ve taking the coconut oil softgels i have not had any side effect coconut oil is the miracle oil but again combined with a low carb diet.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Noah (Southampton, Ny, USA) on 12/23/2009
★★★★☆
Coconut Oil / Hypothyroid
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
Posted by Rischa (seattle, wa) on 06/23/2007
★★★★★
coconut oil. I started taking it because I read it could help regulate my thyroid. Even tho medicated for my hypothyroid, I continue to have symptoms. I began coconut oil and found I had to reduce my levothyroxine by 1/3 2 weeks after starting taking about 3 tbsp daily. I am hoping it will continue to get better!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Nana (Calera, Alabama) on 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
Coconut Oil
Posted by Cathy (Villa Park, Illinois USA) on 02/13/2009
★★★★☆
I have been using Extra Virgin Coconut Oil since April of 2008. One tablespoon per day. I have Hypothyroidism and was having a lot of problems with brain fog. I was having difficulty doing my job and sometimes would forget where I was going when driving home for a few seconds. I am a creative person but was totally unable to express my ideas in artwork or my writing. I could not organize my thoughts. I could not make decisions or remember what I was supposed to do. This on top of all the other symptoms of hypothyroidism. 2 weeks after I started taking it the brain fog totally went away. I am very dependent on the coconut oil now as I do not want to go back to not knowing what I was doing. As for my other symptoms such as totally lost my sex drive which is destroying my relationship and sleeping too much and low energy etc. it has not changed any of that. My thyroid has gotten worse and I have had to double my thyroid medication (Thyroxine). I am working with a Naturalpathic doctor which was a very wise thing to do. She told me to keep taking 1 Tbsp of coconut oil per day. I just wonder if I should take more than that since I have heard of other people have been able to go off the thyroid meds when taking 2 Tbsp per day. She is also treating me for Adrenal Fatigue and cervical dysplaisia and fibrocystic breasts. I guess I'm a mess right now and just want to be well again. I am a big fan of the coconut oil because it is the one remedy that has made the most difference for me. Also I want to add that the doc specified I should use the solid coconut oil instead of the capsules which I started out on because she said that way you can tell if it has gone rancid. But I still use the capsules for backcountry trips and road trips for convenience.
If anyone knows a way to bring back the sex drive I would be grateful.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Deepa (Melbourne) on 01/28/2014
Hi everyone.. My dilema is to whether to ingest 3 tablespoon of organic virgin coconut oil or best to cook with it or do I need to do both to help my hypothyroid condition which has really slows my metabolism down and cause weight gain.. Pls earth clinic help me
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
Posted by Granny Laura (Waco, Tx Usa) on 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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Dianne (Cincinnati, Oh) on 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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Tina (Princeton, New Jersey) on 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!
Coconut Oil
Posted by Janea (Grand Prairie, TX) on 06/07/2007
★☆☆☆☆WARNING!
I have hypothyroidism. I started taking EVCO. For a week, I was fine. No real improvements noticed. But the second week, I started having heart palpitations. I can only point this to the EVCO. I will go off of it and see it the palpitations stop.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Carolyn (Lorain, OH) on 02/25/2007
★★★★★
I have been taking virgin coconut oil for eight months now because I read it will help regulate my thyroid.I am hyper-thyroid and have been on medication for the past four years.Last month I stopped my meds.because I was told my thyroid is in remission now.I believe the oil is what helped me.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Moringa (Bristol, Uk) on 08/09/2012
Attention to Ted: I am hypothyroid & am on levothyroxine. However, when I research on VCO a week ago, I started on VCO daily (one teaspoon) with NO levothyroxine. I feel more energetic, able to function normal & so far have not encountered any side effects. As I have only been on this new remedy for 7days, do u have any advice for me? I sincerely want to get off levothyroxine as I would like to try for my first baby next year.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 02/23/2011 13 posts
Hi All~
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
Coconut Oil
Posted by Frog513 (Swansboro, Nc, Us) on 02/26/2011 13 posts
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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Debby (Monroe, Ct) on 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
Coconut Oil
Posted by Sbcluvntn (Nash, Tn, Usa) on 06/15/2010
what is the dosage and brand that is best for Iodine for hypothyroidism? Thank u so much and God bless~
Coconut Oil
Posted by Nancy (Dallas, Texas) on 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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Ladyliza (Los Angeles, Ca) on 08/28/2011 32 posts
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.
Coconut Oil
Posted by Carol (Saskatoon, Sk) on 04/12/2012
I put it in my smoothies twice a day.
