At least 17 years ago, I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism, an autoimmune condition where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid. Hashimoto’s is the primary cause of all thyroid disorders. Unfortunately, conventional doctors would tell you that the main way to treat Hashimoto’s is through medication alone. It is definitely not easy, but it is completely possible to stop your body from attacking your thyroid naturally.
As I’ve mentioned earlier, Hashimoto’s disease is an autoimmune thyroid disease where your immune system begins attacking your thyroid as if it were a foreign invader. Treatment for Hashimoto’s entails supplementing thyroid hormone, and even removing your thyroid in some severe cases. However, neither of these treatments treat the root cause of the condition. Plus, they are unnatural and can be damaging to your body.
SIGNS OR SYMPTOMS THAT ARE COMMON WITH HASHIMOTO’S ARE:
- Weight gain
- Hair loss
- Depression
- Mood swings
- Cold hands and feet
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory loss
- Dry skin
- Brittle nails
- High cholesterol
- Muscle weakness
- Constipation
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Infertility or miscarriage
- Reduced exercise or activity tolerance
So is it possible to heal Hashimoto’s Disease? Yes, absolutely. Research shows that particular supplements and herbs can reduce thyroid antibodies, improve free T3 and free T4 levels (thyroid hormone) levels, and stabilize TSH. These are all good indicators that your thyroid health is improving.
Let’s talk about four of the most well-researched supplements for Hashimoto’s Disease.
- ZINC
Zinc is vital for proper thyroid hormone metabolism. Studies indicate that zinc deficiency can result in decreased thyroid hormone levels and resting metabolic rate (RMR).
Additionally, Zinc is necessary for a healthy immune response, so in the case of Hashimoto’s not only does zinc supplementation improve thyroid hormone levels but it also helps support the immune system. You can find it here
- VITAMIN D
Many articles published over 20 years ago proved that patients with hypothyroidism have low levels of vitamin D. Vitamin D plays a vital role in balancing the Th1 (cell-mediated) and Th2 (humoral) arms of the immune system. It does this by influencing T-regulatory (Th3) cells, which govern the expression and differentiation of Th1 and Th2 cells.
Additionally, Vitamin D helps your body’s inflammatory response by promoting the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Vitamin D helps decrease signs and symptoms of autoimmune thyroiditis by reducing inflammation.
A standard dose of 2000 units/day is appropriate for most adults. You can find it here
- SELENIUM
Did you know that the thyroid gland has the highest concentration of selenium compared to any organ in the body? If your body lacks selenium, production of T3 will be lower — causing TSH to rise and forcing the thyroid gland to produce more T4. “The enzyme that converts T4 (the inactive form of thyroid hormone) to T3 (the active form), is a selenium-dependent enzyme, so without enough selenium your thyroid hormones are stuck in their inactive state, causing Hashimoto’s symptoms.”
I recommend supplementing your diet with at least 200 mcg of selenium. You can find selenium here
- ASHWAGANDHA
Ashwagandha is a very effective adrenal adaptogen that helps regulate cortisol levels. It helps to improve energy, stamina, mood, sleep, immune function and increases T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels. Thus, it is very beneficial for a sluggish thyroid gland and sluggish metabolism.
The optimal dose is 6,000 mg a day usually divided into three doses (2,000 mg each). You can find organic ashwagandha here
TAKE MACA
Maca is a well-known adaptogen that supports our body’s stress response and adrenals. It’s known to help with energy levels, overall mood, brain fog, memory, metabolism, hot flashes. One study with perimenopausal women found that maca reduced symptoms such as insomnia, hot flashes, and depression by 74-87 percent!
Maca is loaded with nutrients including essential amino acids, vitamins and many crucial minerals for those with Hashimoto’s such as magnesium, zinc, potassium, etc. It also contains glucosinolates, which are believed to have anti-cancer benefits.