Healing Hypothyroidism Naturally

Is it Possible to Heal Hypothyroidism Naturally? A Patient’s Story

Healing Hypothyroidism Naturally | Naturopathic Dr

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that is located in front of your neck. When you have hypothyroidism, it becomes difficult for the gland to produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone for the body. 

This underproduction of thyroid hormone can impact the body’s ability to perform optimally in many ways.

I had a patient named Sarah who came to me three years ago feeling extremely fatigued, and lethargic. She was very young, 22 years old to be exact, and already had a diagnosis of Hypothyroidism, a thyroid disease, but I order blood tests to better understand the degree of dysfunction.

Her Hypothyroidism symptoms included things like:

  • Brain Fog
  • Inability to get out of bed
  • Oversleeping 
  • Weight gain
  • Hair Loss
  • Depression 
  • Missed periods

Although she had been taking 75mcg of Levothyroxine for 2 years, the medication was not serving her well. She kept going back to her doctor saying that the symptoms were not going away. The doctor continued to increase the dose of thyroid medication and even suggested that she might need to see a therapist.

Nevertheless, the problem was not solved, and when all else failed, she came to me in search of a different result, and together we worked on a plan. This plan included diet changes and herbal supplements to get her back in the game. 

The Diet Plan 

It is essential to recognize that 20% of thyroid function depends on healthy gut bacteria which needs to be able to convert T4 to T3 in the body.

If you are eating a poor diet, your digestive tract takes a severe hit, and overproduction of harmful bacteria crowd out the good bacteria. When this process occurs, your active thyroid hormone is being smoldered out, and autoimmune disorders may begin to develop within the body. 

Sprouted Grains

I told Sarah to cut gluten out of her diet unless she ate sprouted live grains. What makes sprouted grains so different is that they provide the body with enzymes that have been broken down; thus, the nutrients can be immediately absorbed in the body during the process of digestion. 

My patient was happy to be able to include some grains in her diet, and not have to cut out gluten entirely. I also spoke to her about cutting out processed junk food and creating a balanced diet. 

A Balanced Diet

Healing Hypothyroidism Naturally | Naturopathic Dr

She included fruits like apples, bananas, and peaches which are currently in season in the Washington DC area- YUM. Sarah also included veggie juice in her diet once a week, as well as a healthy amount of mixed greens on her sandwiches and tofu tacos. 

Gut health was another huge factor, and so Sarah made sure to include things like Kimchi, and Kombucha into her diet to aid digestion. 

The goal was to maintain healthy gut flora in Sarah’s body. We found that a vegetarian and sprouted grain diet worked best with her digestive system. And they key here is that everyone responds differently to specific diets. 

Aside from dietary changes, I also wanted to prescribe some supplements to Sarah so that she could wean off her Levothyroxine and start healing her thyroid. 

Healing the Thyroid with Supplements

There were five supplements that Sarah used daily to combat her hypothyroidism symptoms and grasp the root of her health issue. 

Thytrophin PMG

As Sarah was getting off her Levothyroxine, she introduced Thytrophin PMG, a bovine thyroid glandular supplement. She took one pill with every meal for 6 months. This all-natural supplement helps to strengthen the thyroid and enhance proper metabolic function.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar was also an essential supplement in Sarah’s healing process. She began taking it daily to combat any harmful bacteria in her gut. 

Iodine

Iodine is an essential element that is required for the proper production of thyroid hormones. There are actually tiny cells that capture iodine in your thyroid gland. When captured, those cells begin to oxidize the iodine and turn it into T3 and T4. 

This process allows thyroid hormones to spread throughout the body and regulate all the critical organs like your heart and your brain- just to name a couple. 

According to the World Health Organization, 2 billion people, including young children, are iodine deficient. It is vital to get tested and make sure you are getting the right amount of trace minerals for your body. 

apple vinegar

Ashwagandha 

Recently, a case study was conducted over a period of 8-weeks. The case study followed 50 adults with hypothyroidism and found that by taking 600 mg of ashwagandha daily, their thyroid levels significantly improved. 

This herb is so great because it stimulates the endocrine system, reduces cortisol levels, and boosts your thyroid hormone levels. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids 

Omega-3 fatty acids are fantastic. Fatty acids are a vital component to all cells and help increase your metabolic system. Since your thyroid impart controls your metabolism, it is essential to feed your cells with healthy supplements that aid its function.

The Outcome

Healing your thyroid takes time, and it is important to understand that your body is very unique. Also, you can not expect to attain instant results because your body has to process all the new changes that you are making. 

It is difficult to make massive dietary changes, but it is worth it in the end when you regain your vitality. 

Sarah is now 25 years old. When she came to me, she was 5 ft 2 in tall and 150 lbs. Throughout our treatment, Sarah lost 40 pounds. Her energy levels changed and now she actively participates in a full-time job, yoga, meditation, and all kinds of other hobbies. 

Woman meditating in park

I am amazed to say that her continued diet and lifestyle changes have her back on track and living a healthy life, her hair no longer falls out, her periods have regulated as well as her mood. 

The methods that I used with Sarah are by no means the same method with which I approach every patient. Healing your thyroid takes time, and there is no one cure for all, your body is unique and should be treated as such. 

If you have hypothyroidism and are looking for an alternative route to treat your symptoms, talk with a naturopathic doctor today

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About The Author:

Dr. Karen Threlkel, Naturopathic Physician, Washington DC

Dr. Karen Threlkel, Naturopathic Physician, Washington DC

Dr. Threlkel received her degree of Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine from The National College for Naturopathic Medicine (now called The National University of Natural Medicine) in Portland, Oregon. She also holds a Bachelor Degree in Kinesiology from The University of Maryland. She is licensed in Naturopathic Medicine by the Government of the District of Columbia Department of Health. Dr. Threlkel is a member of the American Association of Naturopathic Physicians, past president & current member of the Washington DC Association of Naturopathic Physicians.

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