Dr. Gold How Can I Treat My Thyroid Naturally?

 

*Please note that the contents of this post does not constitute personal medical advice. Please consult with your physician for any personal medical advice. Dr. Gold is accepting new patients. You can schedule an appointment at www.dgoli.com.

My patient Christina has 2 young kids and has been diagnosed with hypothyroidism for 5 years. She would like to find out what natural things she can do to support her thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormone. While conventional treatment often involves thyroid hormone replacement therapy, some natural treatments have been suggested to complement conventional therapy. It's important to note that these natural treatments should be discussed with a healthcare provider and should not replace conventional medical treatment. Here are some evidence-based natural treatments for hypothyroidism:

 *Please choose high quality supplements. Click here to learn how.

1. **Iodine Supplementation**: Iodine is a crucial mineral for thyroid hormone production. However, in areas where iodine deficiency is not prevalent, excessive iodine intake can worsen hypothyroidism or induce thyroid dysfunction in susceptible individuals. Thus, iodine supplementation should only be considered in cases of confirmed iodine deficiency. [1]

 

2. **Selenium Supplementation**: Selenium is another important mineral involved in thyroid hormone metabolism and function. Some studies suggest that selenium supplementation may help improve thyroid function in individuals with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, excessive selenium intake can also have adverse effects, so it's essential to consult with a healthcare provider before supplementation. [2]

 

3. **Vitamin D Supplementation**: Low levels of vitamin D have been associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Some research suggests that optimizing vitamin D levels may help improve thyroid function and reduce inflammation. However, further studies are needed to establish the precise role of vitamin D supplementation in managing hypothyroidism. [3]

 

4. **Probiotics**: Gut health has been linked to autoimmune conditions, including autoimmune thyroid diseases. Some studies suggest that probiotic supplementation may help modulate the immune system and reduce inflammation, potentially benefiting individuals with hypothyroidism, especially those with autoimmune thyroid conditions. [4]

 

5. **Lifestyle Modifications**: Lifestyle factors such as stress management, regular exercise, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can support overall thyroid health. Limit goitrogens (i.e. broccoli, soy, peanuts), which may worsen thyroid function. Stress reduction techniques like mindfulness, meditation, and yoga may help regulate the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis and improve thyroid function.

References:

1. Leung AM, Braverman LE. Consequences of excess iodine. Nat Rev Endocrinol. 2014;10(3):136-142.

2. Duntas LH. Selenium and the thyroid: a close-knit connection. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2010;95(12):5180-5188.

3. Muscogiuri G, Tirabassi G, Bizzaro G, et al. Vitamin D and thyroid disease: to D or not to D? Eur J Clin Nutr. 2015;69(3):291-296.

4. Duntas LH. The gut-thyroid axis in Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Eur Thyroid J. 2017;6(4):187-193.