About 15 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. However, as many as 60% of people with thyroid disorders are unaware that they exist.
Hypothyroidism symptoms can include weight gain, memory loss and high blood pressure. Many doctors believe that hypothyroidism can be permanent.
Prime Health Denver has worked with patients to find a permanent solution to hypothyroidism. We create a customized treatment plan for each patient who seeks our assistance. It is designed to be non-disruptive to the body’s natural processes as well as to meet your specific needs.
Natural Thyroid Treatment: Our Approach
Doctors often begin treatment for hypothyroidism by checking for low thyroid stimulating hormone levels. The pituitary hormone produces TSH. However, our experience with patients has shown that this doesn’t provide a complete picture of your thyroid.
Hashimoto’s disease is the first thing that we check for when a patient presents with hypothyroidism symptoms. Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune condition that causes 90% of hypothyroidism cases, is the main cause.
There are many causes of Hashimoto’s, but we can perform blood tests, urine tests and/or elimination diets to determine your specific diagnosis. We have learned that treating the root cause of Hashimoto’s is how you can cure hypothyroidism permanently. This also means that each patient receives a customized treatment plan.
We look at six risk factors when trying to identify the cause of Hashimoto’s disease:
- Hormone imbalance – If your hormone levels are out of balance (not just thyroid hormone levels), it can cause an underactive thyroid.
- Food sensitivity — Food allergies can lead to hormone imbalances or hypothyroidism. Gluten allergy has been associated with an increased risk of developing autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s. Other food sensitivities might be less apparent but just as important.
- Leaky Gut — If your intestines are chronically irritated then the tight junctions may allow toxins to escape from your gut and into your bloodstream. Hypothyroidism can be both a cause or a symptom. It’s closely linked to the five root causes. Join our online Prime Gut Health Course to heal your gut with the guidance of a PrimeHealth expert.
- Infections — Lyme disease, Lyme disease and viral infections can lead to an underactive thyroid.
- Hypothyroidism and other issues may be caused by nutrient deficiencies This condition can be treated with simple dietary changes. Hypothyroidism can be caused by a nutrient deficiency, which is most commonly iodine.
- Toxin Exposure — Thyroid problems can be caused by harmful toxins. Heavy metal exposure and mold toxins are to be avoided. Hypothyroidism can be caused by daily workplace exposure to toxic chemicals.
Thyroid cancer, hormone replacement therapy, birth control pills, overtreatment of hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer are all possible causes.
Three Natural Remedies to Hypothyroidism
We start by performing diagnostic tests and assessments to determine the root cause of hypothyroidism.
We can almost always reverse thyroid problems by addressing the root causes of Hashimoto’s disease, which accounts for 90% of hypothyroidism cases.
We recommend that most people with hypothyroidism make simple changes to their lifestyle. Although the diet and supplements can be restrictive and costly, these natural remedies are not invasive and do not have the same side effects as thyroid medication.
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1. Hypothyroidism Diet
Patients with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an immune system condition that causes most cases of hypothyroidism, should be started on an autoimmune Paleo diet. Also known as AIP diet. The Whole30 diet is very similar to AIP.
This restrictive diet is typically recommended for between one and six months, depending on the patient’s individual allergies and sensitivities.
Thyroid health and general health are directly related to diet. We pair every patient with a coach to help them develop dietary guidelines that will be used in thyroid treatment.
Foods To Avoid:
- Dairy
- Grains
- Nuts and seeds
- Dried fruits
- All nightshade vegetables :
- Tomatoes
- Eggplants
- Potatoes
- Peppers
- Vegetable oils such as canola oil
- Because of the possible allergen lectin, beans/legumes should be avoided
- Chocolate
- Sugar
- Other sweeteners
- Stevia
- Sucralose
- Aspartame
- Sugar alcohols (erythritol xylitol mannitol and sorbitol).
- Coffee
- Alcohol
- Processed foods
Foods to eat:
- Proteins:
- Beef
- Pork
- Poultry
- Eggs
- Seafood, especially fatty fish rich in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Non-dairy fermented food:
- Apple cider vinegar
- Kombucha
- Non-nightshade vegetables
- Cruciferous vegetables like kale or brussels sprouts are good as long as there is no iodine deficiency.
- Herbs such as garlic and ginger
- Gelatin and bone broth
- Green tea
- Arrowroot starch
- A small amount of honey, maple syrup and fruits is all that’s needed.
2. The Best Natural Supplements to Hypothyroidism
Supplements can be used to treat hypothyroidism and the underlying causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
If your Hashimoto’s is due to leaky gut, then a supplement that supports gut health can help.
Before you start a new diet supplement to treat hypothyroidism, always consult your doctor. Based on the root cause, each supplement is suitable for specific cases.
These are the 7 top natural supplements for hypothyroidism.
Iodine
iodine, which is found mainly in seafoods, is a mineral nutrient our bodies require to make thyroid hormones. Iodine is not made naturally by our bodies.
Iodine deficiency, also known as a thyroid disorder, is the leading cause of Goiters. You can quickly replenish your iodine levels by making dietary changes and taking iodine supplementation.
Scientific research has shown that iodine is essential in the treatment and prevention of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Excessive iodine supplementation can be harmful and increase thyroid antibodies. It is best to not exceed the recommended daily intake 150 mg per day.
Probiotics
Probiotics are good bacteria. Antibiotics can destroy the good and harmful bacteria in your gut, leading to leaky stomach. Probiotics are important for restoring gut health and replenishing good bacteria.
Recent research has shown that probiotics can reverse leaky intestinal conditions by supporting tight junction proteins, which act as a barrier between the gut and bloodstream.
Selenium
Selenium can be found in meats, eggs, and fish. Supplements can also contain it.
A 2010 meta analysis showed that the addition of selenium to Hashimoto’s treatment for thyroiditis improved the biomarkers of thyroid condition.
Selenium was also found to improve mood and general well being.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D was first discovered in 1913. It is found naturally in very few foods. Vitamin D is most effectively made by sunlight exposure. Vitamin D can also be purchased as a dietary supplement.
A 2018 study found that vitamin D is crucial for thyroid function and vice versa. Vitamin D deficiency could lead to hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s syndrome.
Vitamin D, which is technically a hormone that’s produced and secreted in the kidneys, is the only vitamin that has this distinction.
You can purchase third-party certified, medical grade Vitamin D by visiting our online shop. The PrimeD+K contains highly bio-available vitamin A and Vitamin K. This ensures that calcium is deposited in bones instead of accumulating in the arteries. It also promotes the absorption dietary calcium.
Chasteberry
Chasteberry can be used to treat hormonal imbalances in female hormones. This includes PMS symptoms, menopause symptoms and sometimes infertility.
Although it has some side effects, such as dry mouth, chasteberry can be tolerated to balance female hormones. This could, in turn treat Hashimoto’s.
Glutathione
Glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant found in our bodies, is the most common. Low levels of glutathione may be caused by poor diet, stress, and exposure to environmental toxins.
Oxidative stress (free radicals that damage your cells) may increase severity of hypothyroidism. This oxidative stress can be combated by antioxidants like glutathione.
Curcumin
Curcumin, a bioactive ingredient found in turmeric — a popular spice. It has many health benefits, including prevention of autoimmune diseases .
Curcumin, like glutathione is an antioxidant. Curcumin may also be anti-inflammatory, and could help fight Hashimoto’s disease.
3. Stress and Hypothyroidism
Stress can lead to a disruption in normal thyroid function. Stress reduction can help you achieve a better balance of hormones and reverse hypothyroidism.
Meditation is a simple way to reduce stress and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Quality sleep is just as important for stress management as it is for stress prevention.
To get better sleep, try cutting out blue light exposure an hour before bedtime. Most electronic devices emit blue light, including your phone and TV. Enter code “PRIMEHEALTH” to receive a 10% discount on our favorite blue light blocking glasses from Ra Optics.
You should not only sleep but also relax. Relaxing with yoga or a hobby is a common way to relieve stress.
It can lower stress levels by being outside, particularly in predominantly green areas.
Peptide Therapy
Peptide therapy is a new and exciting area in medicine. You can use peptide therapy to address certain health issues in your body.
Peptides are similar to proteins but have a shorter molecular chain.
Recently, peptides have gained popularity as a treatment of hypothyroidism. Some peptides can be used to treat Lyme disease, inflammation, and autoimmune dysfunction , all of which are root causes for hypothyroidism.
The best thing? The best part? Peptide therapy isn’t associated with side effects such as non-specific immune suppression.
Hypothyroidism medication
Hypothyroidism is treated with medication only when it is absolutely necessary and after treating root causes.
Standard thyroid medications are not only associated with side effects but can also lead to lifelong drug therapy to treat a condition that could be reversed.
A doctor may prescribe drugs such as levothyroxine, a synthetic form of Thyroxine(T4), which is converted to triiodothyronine in the body for replacement of thyroid hormones.
If administered correctly, medication can be beneficial for some patients. A functional approach to medication means that you don’t need to use Synthroid.
We may recommend that patients use a combination of T4/T3 or a dessicated medication to treat thyroid disease.
These synthetics provide thyroid hormones to your body in a natural way that is consistent with what your body is designed to produce. Although it may sound alarming, compound synthetics have the lowest risk of autoimmune reactions.
In Summary
- Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland. Hypothyroidism can cause all kinds of undesirable symptoms such as chronic fatigue, memory loss and a higher risk of developing heart disease.
- Many people suffering from Hashimoto’s can be permanently treated for hypothyroidism. This condition is responsible for 90% of hypothyroidism cases.
- We will examine the root causes and symptoms of Hashimoto’s Disease in order to reverse hypothyroidism.
- Hormone imbalance
- Sensitivity to food
- Leaky gut
- Infections
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Toxins
- There are many natural ways to treat hypothyroidism.
- Eliminate all food allergens. Slowly add them back one at a time, to determine if you have an allergic reaction that is triggering thyroid issues.
- Your thyroid can be helped by supplements like probiotics and curcumin.
- Reduce daily stress.
- Get enough sleep.
