Restorative Medicine and Prevention in Hypothyroidism
Botanicals
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) – stimulates both thyroid and hepatic antioxidant activity.
- Kelp – Seaweed therapy at 5g per day seems to help relive many of the symptoms of iodine remineralization and strengthens the thyroid gland.
Selected Clinical Studies and Literature Review
For a study of thyroid dysfunction and the use of seaweed therapy, see Ryan Drum, “Thyroid Function and Dysfunction,” in Selected Clinical Studies and Literature Reviews.
Diet and Supplements
- As in any autoimmune disease, natural therapies that focus on immune system regulation are indicated.
- Hair mineral analysis evaluating nutritional levels can be of great value. Low levels of selenium, zinc, and iron contribute to thyroid hormone production problems. Decreasing the antigen load by testing for and avoiding dietary antigens is indicated. Gluten sensitivity, for example, has now been associated with most autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s disease.
- Hypothyroid patients are deficient in heat and energy and should eat warming foods. A diet high goitrogens (substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake, which can then lead to an enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter) should be avoided.
- Ensuring healthy digestion and absorption, including an intact and functional; digestive tract lining, is critical. Supplements such as hydrochloric acid, bitter herbs, and digestive enzymes with meals, support healthy digestion.
- Tyrosine – this amino acid attaches to iodine atoms to form active thyroid hormones. Low plasma tyrosine levels have been associated with hypothyroidism, low blood pressure, low body temperature, and restless leg syndrome.
- Iodine – anywhere between 150mcg to 50 mg daily can be prescribed and hypothyroid symptoms decrease quickly with the use of this element.
- Selenium – this trace mineral has been shown to have strong effects on peripheral thyroid function, and has also been shown to decrease thyroid peroxidase levels in Hashimotos disease.
- Triiodothyronine (Sustained ReleaseT3) – this thyroid hormone has gained popularity in restorative medicine in the treatment of fatigue, with a protocol (WT3) pioneered by Dr. Denis Wilson.
- DHEA – DHEA, a major adrenal hormone, benefits a variety of autoimmune diseases in dosages of 100-200mg/day. However, many clinicians prefer physiological doses, such as 10-50 mg/day in men and 5-15 mg/day in women. Lab work should be done to confirm physiological ranges with DHEA supplementation.
Exercise
- The single most important lifestyle factor one can do improving thyroid function is exercise. Aerobic exercise stimulates the peripheral production of T3 by inducing 5’-deiodinase, an enzyme outside the thyroid gland that converts T4 into the more active T3.
- Aerobic exercise of a minimum of three times a week should therefore be prescribed.
Full Spectrum Light
- Light stimulates T4 production through its action on the pineal gland and a reduction in melatonin production.
Stress Reduction
- Thyroid malfunction is epidemic in this century, possibly due to pesticides and chemicals found in our environment. Chronic emotional stress can be a causative factor as well.
- Thus stress management techniques – meditation, yoga, exercise, to name a few – and the consumption of chemical free whole foods should be encouraged.
Detoxification
- The traditional use of detoxification has a place in the treatment of autoimmune disease.
- Therapies that support the liver to process endogenous an exogenous toxins have demonstrated benefits in managing autoimmune disease including thyroiditis.
Selected Clinical Studies and Literature Review
For a full discussion of thyroid hormone metabolism and naturopathic treatments of thyroid disorders, see Gregory S. Kelly, “Peripheral Metabolism of Thyroid Hormones: A Review,” in Selected Clinical Studies and Literature Reviews.
