Herbal Medicine | Thyroid Problems | Ask an Expert

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Submitted on: 24-07-2012; Answers: 3; Tagged under: Herbal Medicine Thyroid Problems       ✘ Report abuse
Q what is the best vitamin supplement to help with under active thyroid, i do take thyroxin

A Low thyroid function can cause havoc on all areas of the body and as such needs to be dealt with by looking at all the body systems. Adrenal fatigue can be a cause as well as a number of other factors. Minerals are most beneficial especially Copper, Iodine, Zinc, Selenium and Vitamin C. Hair analysis can assess these and there are other more complex tests to look at the potential areas of dysfunction. Testing for autoimmune and heavy metal causes may be of benefit too.
Simple diet changes such as coconut oil ( stimulates thyroid function), watercress, soaked and dry roasted nuts such as almonds, brazil and walnuts are beneficial. Some use kelp for the iodine but whilst you are on medication, I would be cautious. Reducing exposure to flouride ( water, food and toothpaste) may assist thyroid function ( there is some evidence of interference in thyroid function and a link between that and heavy metals).
A low stress diet ( gluten and dairy free and low allergen) can also assist health.
Find yourself a practitioner that you can discuss all possible options and have a thorough health assessment. All the best :)
Donna
Answered by: Donna's Wellness Centre;
Answered on: 24-07-2012;
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A iron and zinc are also required for normal thyroid function and many New Zealanders are low in these. Liver and clams are the best sources of iron (liver is also a great source of all the B vitamins except thiamine) and oysters are the best source of zinc. Red meat and pumpkin seeds are also good zinc sources.
Answered by: West Auckland Massage & Natural Health;
Answered on: 24-07-2012;
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A Hi there. If you are taking thyroxine, then your thyroid will be having a holiday - the supplemental hormone will be over-riding your body's own control and production systems. However, you still have to convert thyroxine (T4) into the active form (T3), a process which, amongst other things, requires selenium. You can obtain your RDI from a small handful of brazil nuts each day.
If the reason for underactive thyroid was due to a deficiency in any of the thyroid hormone "building blocks" then correction of these deficiencies may create a possibility to wean off the medication at some stage in the future.
Guidance from a suitably qualified healthcare professional is advised.
You might like to investigate Thyroflex as well, as a way to assess and monitor effectiveness of treatments.
All the best.
Answered by: House of Health Ltd;
Answered on: 24-07-2012;
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