Before you start supplementing, I advise you to first check whether there is a micro-organism (virus/bacteria) on your thyroid gland and/or one of the other hormone glands!
Emotional blockages, especially in the throat chakra, can also cause disturbances in the functioning of the thyroid gland. If this is not the case, first start supplementing vitamins and minerals specifically needed for the thyroid gland function instead of peel gland products or medication.
Most of the time Hashimoto and Grave disease’s are caused by these 2 aspects.
Below is a fantastic, detailed article by Juglen Swan.
Juglen researches critically and combines modern science with ancient knowledge. He does not adhere to any food faith, but combines many visions.
Thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer, are common. For example, up to 7% of the U.S. population has hypothyroidism, a condition in which your thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones (1). Depending on the type of condition, thyroid disease is usually treated with medications such as thyroid hormone replacement, surgical procedures, and other procedures, such as radiation therapy for thyroid cancer. In addition to conventional treatments for thyroid disorders, research shows that dietary interventions, including supplements, can help treat certain thyroid conditions. However, certain supplements can do more harm than good when it comes to thyroid health. In this article, you’ll learn how supplements can help certain people with thyroid-related health conditions.
Supplements for thyroid health
On the shelves of your favorite health food store, you’ll probably also find all kinds of supplements, including some for thyroid health. Because thyroid disease is common, many supplement manufacturers have started making supplements designed to “support thyroid health.” While some of these products are harmless, certain thyroid supplements can lead to negative side effects and even harm your thyroid. Before we get into the question of why thyroid-specific supplements aren’t the best choice for everyone, it’s important to explain what nutrients the thyroid gland needs for optimal functioning. Here are some of the most important nutrients for a healthy thyroid:
- Selenium:Selenium, a mineral necessary for thyroid hormone production, helps protect the thyroid gland from damage caused by oxidative stress. The thyroid gland contains large amounts of selenium, and a deficiency can lead to thyroid abnormalities (2).
- Iodine:Iodine is essential for thyroid function. At present, iodine’s only known role is to support the production of thyroid hormones. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are thyroid hormones that contain iodine. Iodine deficiency causes thyroid disorders (3,4).
- Zinc:The mineral zinc is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. An optimal concentration of zinc is needed for healthy levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (5).
- Iron: The thyroid gland needs iron to convert T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Iron deficiency is associated with thyroid disorders (6).
Other nutrients, including B vitamins and vitamins A and E, are also needed for optimal thyroid function. A deficiency in one or more nutrients can negatively affect thyroid health and increase the risk of thyroid disease (7, 8, 9, 10). For most people, eating a nutrient-rich diet rich in whole foods is enough to maintain optimal thyroid function. However, for certain populations, it may be necessary to supplement their diet with vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to maintain overall health, including thyroid health. These populations include people on restrictive diets, those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, and those with thyroid disease or other health conditions.
Should you take thyroid-specific supplements?
There is no doubt that a nutritious diet with optimal amounts of nutrients is important for maintaining a healthy thyroid gland and that nutrient deficiency can lead to thyroid problems. Still, for people who don’t have thyroid problems and eat a balanced, nutrient-dense diet, it’s usually not necessary to take thyroid-specific supplements. In fact, certain supplements marketed to people who want to promote a healthy thyroid can be dangerous to take. For example, many thyroid supplements contain high amounts of iodine and may contain thyroid hormones. Taking these supplements can lead to dangerous side effects and cause thyroid problems in people with healthy thyroid function (11). One study that analyzed 10 thyroid supplements found that the majority contained detectable amounts of T3 and T4. Some of the products tested contain more T3 and T4 than healthcare providers usually prescribe to people with hypothyroidism (11). Taking these supplements may lead to increased thyroid hormone levels in the blood and cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can lead to dangerous complications (12, 13, 14). Additionally, excessive iodine intake from supplements may cause hypothyroidism in sensitive individuals (12, 13, 14). Thyroid supplements may also be unsafe for people with thyroid conditions. This is because people with thyroid problems have specific needs, and taking supplements marketed to improve thyroid health can negatively affect thyroid function, worsening their health and symptoms. Therefore, people with and without thyroid disease should avoid taking these commercial supplements. Rather, consult with an expert therapist or doctor to create a healthy and safe plan based on your specific needs and health status.
Bottom Line: It’s a smart idea to stay away from dietary supplements marketed to improve thyroid health. These products can cause health problems in people with and without thyroid disease.
Supplement for Hashimoto’s disease
Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid function) in the United States. It is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, causing fibrosis or scarring of the thyroid tissue (15). Hashimoto’s disease is associated with several symptoms, including weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, anemia, constipation, cold intolerance, joint pain, dry skin, mood swings, difficulty concentrating and more (15). In addition to medication, dietary and lifestyle modifications can help to reduce thyroid damage and improve symptoms and overall quality of life in people with Hashimoto. Additionally, people with Hashimoto’s disease are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients, which can worsen Hashimoto’s symptoms. Studies show that the following supplements may be beneficial for people with Hashimoto’s disease:
- Studies have shown that supplementing with 200 mcg of selenium per day may help reduce thyroid antibodies and improve mood in people with Hashimoto’s (16, 17).
- Myo-Inositol. Inositol is a type of sugar that plays an important role in thyroid function. Some evidence suggests that daily treatment with 600 mg of Myo-Inositol and 83 mcg of selenium may help improve thyroid function in people with Hashimoto’s (18, 19).
- Zinc is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone, and a deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism. Alone or in combination with selenium, 30 mg of zinc per day may help improve thyroid function in people with Hashimoto’s disease (20, 21).
- Vitamin B12. Vitamin B12 deficiency is common in people with Hashimoto’s disease. Taking a B12 or B-complex supplement may help prevent and treat deficiency and keep B12 levels optimal (22, 23).
- A magnesium deficiency can increase the risk of developing Hashimoto’s disease and is associated with elevated thyroid antibody levels. Correcting a magnesium deficiency may improve Hashimoto’s symptoms (24, 25).
- Many women with Hashimoto’s disease have low iron levels or iron deficiency anemia. Anemia negatively affects thyroid function. An iron supplement may be needed to restore optimal iron levels (26).
- Vitamin D. People with Hashimoto’s disease are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D than the general population, and vitamin D deficiency may have a negative effect on thyroid function (22, 27).
- Curcumin may help protect your thyroid gland from oxidative damage. What’s more, taking curcumin alongside other anti-inflammatory compounds may help reduce the size of thyroid nodules, which are common in Hashimoto’s disease (28, 29).
- Vitamin C. Research suggests that taking a vitamin C supplement may help reduce thyroid antibodies in people with Hashimoto’s disease (30).
Other supplements may also help people with Hashimoto. However, most of the research on supplements that may support the treatment of hashimoto has been done on the supplements mentioned above.
Bottom Line: Research suggests that certain supplements, including selenium, zinc, iron and vitamins D and B12, may benefit people with Hashimoto’s disease.
Supplements for Graves’ disease
Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid function) in the United States. Like Hashimoto’s disease, it is considered an autoimmune disease. In Graves’ disease, the immune system attacks your thyroid gland, causing it to produce excessive thyroid hormones. Graves’ disease can also lead to thyromegaly or an enlarged thyroid gland (31). Symptoms associated with Graves’ disease include weight loss, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, diarrhea, eye pain and irritation, fatigue, weakness, menstrual irregularities, insomnia and nervousness (32). Current treatment for Graves’ disease includes surgery, medication, and radioactive iodine therapy (RAI) (32). As with Hashimoto’s disease, some studies show that dietary modifications may help improve symptoms and quality of life in people with Graves’ disease (33). The following supplements may help people with Graves’ disease:
- A selenium deficiency can increase the risk of Graves’ disease. One review found that selenium supplements in daily dosages of 100–300 mcg led to improved thyroid function after 6 months in people with Graves’ disease, but this effect disappeared after 9 months (34).
- Vitamin D. Research shows that people with Graves’ disease are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D than the general population. Correcting a deficiency by taking a supplement may improve thyroid function (35, 36, 37).
- L-carnitine. Research has shown that hyperthyroidism depletes carnitine stores in your body, which plays a crucial role in energy production. Taking L-carnitine may reduce symptoms and improve quality of life in people with hyperthyroidism (38, 39).
- Vitamin B12. People with Graves’ disease are at greater risk of vitamin B12 deficiency. Taking a high-quality B12 or B-complex supplement may help keep B12 levels healthy (40, 41, 42).
Other supplements may also be able to help people with Graves’ disease. Work with an expert healthcare provider to develop a supplement regimen that’s right for you.
Bottom Line: According to research, vitamin D, selenium, L-carnitine and vitamin B12 may help people with Graves’ disease.
Thyroid Cancer Supplements
Thyroid cancer is considered a rare cancer, accounting for only 1-4% of all cancers in the United States. Tumors that arise from follicular cells in the thyroid gland make up to 95% of all thyroid cancers (43). Treatment for thyroid cancer includes surgical resection (removal of tissue or part of the organ), radiation therapy, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) suppression, radioactive iodine (RAI) treatment, total thyroidectomy (removal of the thyroid gland), and palliative care for untreatable thyroid cancer. In addition to traditional treatment, diet, supplements, and lifestyle modifications can improve treatment outcomes and increase the quality of life for people with thyroid cancer. Some animal and test-tube studies suggest that omega-3 fats, curcumin, L-carnitine, quercetin, melatonin, resveratrol, selenium, inositol, zinc and vitamins C, E, A and D may benefit people with thyroid cancer (44, 45, 46). Additionally, low iodine intake is associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and research suggests that correcting an iodine deficiency may help protect against the development of more aggressive forms of thyroid cancer (47). While many of these nutrients, including vitamin D and selenium, are known to have anticancer effects, there is currently a lack of human studies examining the effects of these dietary supplements in people with thyroid cancer (47, 48). Therefore, more studies are needed before these supplements can be routinely recommended for people with thyroid cancer (47, 49). The best way to determine the best supplements for your specific needs is to consult your doctor. Often, your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who specializes in oncology nutrition will recommend supplements, depending on your diet, general health, and the treatments you’re currently undergoing for thyroid cancer.
Bottom Line: While research suggests that people with thyroid cancer may benefit from some supplements, research in humans is lacking. To ensure your safety, it’s best to consult with a qualified healthcare professional/naturopath before taking any supplements. They can help you choose supplements based on your specific needs and health status.
Precautions for Thyroid Supplements
As mentioned above, it’s best to avoid thyroid-specific supplement blends unless they’re specifically recommended by your healthcare provider. Taking these supplements may harm your thyroid gland and actually lead to thyroid disease (11, 12, 13, 14). Still, there are many vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements that have been shown to improve thyroid function, reduce disease symptoms, and improve overall quality of life in people with thyroid disease. People with Hashimoto’s disease, Graves’ disease, thyroid cancer, or any other condition that affects the thyroid gland are best advised to work with a qualified healthcare provider who specializes in thyroid disorders. This is especially important if you’re currently taking medication. Many supplements, especially herbal products, can interact with many prescription medications and can lead to dangerous side effects. Finally, it is important to always buy supplements from reputable brands that independently test their products for quality and purity using organizations such as USP and NSF International.
To remember
Research shows that some vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients may be beneficial for people with certain thyroid conditions. However, it’s important to develop a supplementation schedule based on your specific needs and health concerns. If you want to treat thyroid disease with supplements, it’s important to work with a qualified healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness.
