topic Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements? in Wellness

Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Witchy Woman — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 14:11:59 GMT

I currently take medication for low thyroid, but would like to try a natural supplement. Although I take several products from Andrew Lessman's line, I didn't see any that were specifically for thyroid function.

As with anything, there are a million different products. Do any of them really work? Hard to tell. I've learned that kelp and iodine are key -- neither of which are in my diet.

If anyone has any recommendations, I would appreciate it.

Thanks.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

NickNack — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:04:05 GMT

I've never heard of a natural supplement. I read a book about hypothyroidism a while back--don't remember the name of it or the author--and I don't believe she mentioned supplements. I take levoxyl. My doctor told me that if I ever stopped taking it my thyroid would be way out of whack very quickly.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

jackthebear — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:11:51 GMT

I think you should talk to your Doctor first.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

cosmic1 — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:16:20 GMT

I take synthroid but I still have some symptoms of hypothyroid (ie. Low body temp, tiredness, etc). My doctor told me to take some supplements called Thyroid Support. I got some from Amazon made by 1 Body (he didn't recommend a specfic brand). Within a couple hours a after taking one, my body temp rose from 96 to 98 and I stopped feeling so tired. Chech with your doctor first.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

HonnyBrown — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 15:57:14 GMT

Ask your pharmacist for a recommendation! They are an undervalued resource.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Ms X — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:26:52 GMT

Please don't take anything powerful enough to alter your thyroid function without talking to your doctor first. Will the supplement interact with the medicines you are taking? Will it multiply or diminish the thyroid medicine's effect?

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

terrier3 — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:27:49 GMT

Go back to your MD.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

adelle38 — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 16:57:52 GMT

I agree with those who say don't do anything without talking to your doctor. Your thyroid affects every function of your body. Don't play around with it.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

rac71 — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:03:56 GMT

The only "natural" thyroid supplement is pig-extracted thyroid. It is available by prescription only, as are all thyroid hormones. Natural hormone is prescribed only to patients who either cannot tolerate synthetic T4, or who's bodies cannot convert the synthetic T4 into T3 and TSH. It is a nasty, messy medication that must be taken frequently and stored in the refridgerator. Have a frank conversation with your internist or endocrinologist. Iodine, found in iodized salt, is the only medically known support for thyroid health. That's why salt is iodized. Too much can harm the thyroid as it absorbs iodine like a sponge. Radioactive isotopes are carried through iodine for thyroid scans and irradiation procedures. Again, speak with your doctor. This is a gland you do not want to mess with. Also, look for a copy of "The Thyroid Solution." It is the most ethically/medically informative laypersons resource. I read it when diagnosed with Graves (thyrotoxicosis/hyperthyroidism) in the 90s.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Abrowneyegirl — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:26:42 GMT

Your concerns are valid, you would be best served by a MD who is board certified by the ABIHM (American Board of Integrative Holistic Medicine)

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Hooty — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:32:25 GMT

On 1/24/2015 jackthebear said:
I think you should talk to your Doctor first.

AMEN to this ......... your thyroid is nothing to fool around with, it regulates your entire body!!!

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Sweetbay magnolia — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:37:44 GMT

Modern medicine knows best, in this case. Of course, directing your lifestyle towards supporting the all important thyroid function would never be seen as ill advised, but as a person who has been diagnosed with the disease (hypo) for thirty years, I claim some knowledge of how bad you will feel if the levels are not treated properly.

I chose to go off meds for a period of time and it really took a toll on my body, and state of mind.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

chrystaltree — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 17:41:09 GMT

Talk to your endocrinologist, obviously you know nothing about thyroid conditions. If you did, you'd be more serious about your condition and tinkering with medications. Herbs and supplements are CHEMICALS and they can work against your thyroid meds.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Witchy Woman — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:05:41 GMT

On 1/24/2015 chrystaltree said: Talk to your endocrinologist, obviously you know nothing about thyroid conditions. If you did, you'd be more serious about your condition and tinkering with medications. Herbs and supplements are CHEMICALS and they can work against your thyroid meds.

Gee, thanks for that slap in the face. Really, I needed that.

FYI, I am seeing a doctor and have blood work done twice a year. As I said, I am taking medication prescribed by said doctor and, before I started taking anything I WOULD discuss it with her.

I was simply looking for a discussion of what others might be doing, but, apparently, that desire alone is enough in annoy and inflame people.

You know, there's a way of saying things that seem completely snotty and insulting and you managed to hit both notes.

Thanks to all, but NEVERMIND.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

LilacTree — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:14:17 GMT

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in my early 50s, at the same time I started menopause. It took a while for my doc to realize he should test for thyroid issues when I complained of extreme exhaustion, PVCs, weight gain, etc. When he finally tested my thyroid my TSH was way out of balance and he immediately prescribed Levoxyl and apologized profusely, so I don't know how long I had it. Unfortunately, the Levoxyl did not work for me, and I had to go on Synthroid, which I have been taking for 25 years. I have had one or two adjustments in the strength since then, but overall, I take it religiously every morning.

I had a normal life again after that until I came down with rheumatoid arthritis at age 66, the same year I retired. Now I have several autoimmune diseases, the RA, Sjogren's, as well as severe osteoporosis, both naturally (my mother, sister had it) and from meds like prednisone which I still have to take 6 mg a day. I now have eleven compressed vertebrae in my back, kyphoplasty surgery to correct two of them which did nothing, and another compression a few months back. This has left me physically disabled to the point that I can do no housework, can no longer drive, cannot bend over, lift anything, or reach up. I need help with everything. When I go out, which is usually to the doctor or dentist, or a family visit, I have times that I can use just a walker, and other times when I have to be pushed in a wheelchair.

I believe hypothyroidism, most likely untreated for some time, started all of these issues in my body . . . one at a time, my health deteriorated over the years, most of which is due to autoimmune diseases.

My point is do not mess with hypothyroidism. Make sure you are on the right med, at the right dosage, and never, ever miss taking it. It is a lifelong condition and you can live a normal life as long as you are careful to never underestimate the seriousness of this disease.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

CalminHeart — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:20:21 GMT

Watch out for OTC thyroid treatments. Most are scams.

You can supplement your thyroid medication with a B complex vitamin. That's an energy related supplement.

A deficiency in Vitamin D will impact your thyroid. Be sure your calcium has D.

Do you really want to go off your thyroid medication? I have been taking mine for 15 years and wouldn't dream of stopping. I do supplement. But the medication has a big impact on my life....I'm pretty normal with it. I am not going to risk stopping.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

CalminHeart — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:22:14 GMT

On 1/24/2015 Ford1224 said:

My point is do not mess with hypothyroidism. Make sure you are on the right med, at the right dosage, and never, ever miss taking it. It is a lifelong condition and you can live a normal life as long as you are careful to never underestimate the seriousness of this disease.

I agree! I've been dealing with it for 15 years and wouldn't dream of messing with my doctor's direction/medication.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Jtdmum — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:23:25 GMT

Have you thought about exercise? I have a friend who has low thyroid who swears by TTAPPing. You can google Theresa Tapp and go from there.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

Snowpuppy — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:23:33 GMT

I've learned that any attempt at discussing a holistic approach to any medical issue isn't welcome here.

I did see my doctor for my thyroid. At first I tried synthroid. I felt better at first but then I felt horrible. I had breathing issues similar to asthma. He switched me to Armor and my symptoms became worse. I could hardly breathe. I called my compounding pharmacist and he confirmed that yes, either medication can cause breathing issues.

My doctor told me he is out of ideas.

I'm trying a low dose sea kelp at the moment. It contains 100% RDA of iodine. From what I read it will either be beneficial or I will feel worse. I haven't given it a full 30 days yet which I plan to. It's inexpensive and I got it at the health food store in a veggie cap.

If you have a herbalist or naturopath close to you, start there. If you're having trouble finding one try your local health food store.

Don't give up in seeking a holistic approach to healing your body.

Re: Any recommendations for hypothyroid supplements?

CalminHeart — Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:25:52 GMT

On 1/24/2015 Snowpuppy said:
I've learned that any attempt at discussing a holistic approach to any medical issue isn't welcome here.

Sheesh. I think what we're saying is that ignoring a doctor's advice and just going off on your own to treat this very serious disease is not the smartest thing a person can do. As Ford said, it needs to be taken very seriously and the vast majority of people with it need medication