Sometimes we can get stuck on our healing journey.
We may be on a seemingly great diet, taking the right supplements, and doing everything in our power to feel better, but we still feel like we’re making no progress. But, many times, we’re only one small change away from seeing a huge difference.
In my case, I was well on my way to feeling better with Hashimoto’s after changing my diet and incorporating key supplements. But I hit a wall. I continued to struggle with low energy levels, adrenal fatigue, and low blood pressure.
At a loss, I decided to take a test for nutrient deficiencies and found out that I was depleted of thiamine. A few days after starting a thiamine supplement, my energy levels began to bounce back, and I felt great!
Could thiamine be the missing link to your thyroid fatigue?
Read on to learn:
- What thiamine is
- The thyroid fatigue and thiamine connection
- How thiamine deficiency occurs
- Testing for thiamine deficiency
- How to supplement with thiamine
What is Thiamine?
Thiamine is one of the B vitamins, known as B1. Its main responsibility is to change carbohydrates into energy. Thiamine also helps with the digestion of proteins and fats, as it is necessary for proper release of hydrochloric acid in our stomachs (which is required for proper protein digestion). Given that most people with Hashimoto’s have low stomach acid or do not release any stomach acid at all, it’s important to have optimal levels of thiamine.
The recommended daily allowance for thiamine is 1.1 mg for women over 19 years of age. However, this amount may not meet the needs of those with autoimmune thyroid disease.
This is because most dietary sources of B1 (fortified grains, beef liver, pork, dried milk, eggs, legumes, peas, nuts, and seeds) are omitted on grain-free healing diets, which are often recommended for those with autoimmune thyroid disease. Basically, with the exception of liver and pork, most of the foods that contain thiamine (as listed above) are restricted on the Paleo diet, and all of them are restricted on the Autoimmune Paleo diet!
Furthermore, many people with Hashimoto’s often experience digestive problems that make absorbing nutrients difficult.
On top of all this, the B vitamins become depleted in stressful situations that often precede the development of autoimmunity, as well as in times when we are pushing ourselves, and our adrenals, to work harder.
Thus, having low levels of thiamine is common in those with Hashimoto’s… and can be one of the root causes of thyroid symptoms, including fatigue!
Research on Thiamine and Thyroid Fatigue
I often scour PubMed, the largest database of scientific publications, for the latest research on Hashimoto’s, and was excited to find an article about thiamine and thyroid fatigue. I had already had positive results with thiamine myself, but it’s always exciting for me to see nutrient deficiencies in Hashimoto’s getting more attention in the medical literature.
Italian clinicians Dr. Antonio Costantini and nurse Maria Immacolata Pala, have hypothesized that the chronic fatigue that accompanies inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, may be a result of a mild thiamine deficiency. They had already found that thiamine helped relieve fatigue in people with ulcerative colitis (an autoimmune condition that affects the gut), and decided to try using thiamine in three women with Hashimoto’s who were on thyroid medications but continued to experience fatigue.
Two of the women were given an oral dose of thiamine (600 mg) per day, while the third was given an injection of 100 mg, every four days.
All of the women were given a survey to rate their fatigue before starting the thiamine, and again, the same questionnaire, 20 days into the treatment. During the second survey, all three reported that they experienced a relief in their fatigue — and two had a complete remission of their fatigue!
The woman who had the injection felt that her fatigue was lifted within 6 hours of receiving it, while the women who took the oral dose of thiamine felt relief within 3-5 days.
Interestingly, none of the women had thiamine deficiency on standard lab tests that are used to measure thiamine status.
How Common is Thiamine Deficiency?
In pharmacy school, we were taught that thiamine is a rare nutrient deficiency, usually found in alcoholics. Other well-known causes of thiamine deficiency may include Crohn’s disease, malabsorption (likely to be an issue for most people with Hashimoto’s and autoimmunity), anorexia, and kidney dialysis.
Certain medications, including Digoxin (used for heart conditions), diuretics — especially furosemide (also known as Lasix), as well as the seizure medication phenytoin (Dilantin), can also deplete the body of thiamine. I recently came across the link between a frequently used antimicrobial, metronidazole (Flagyl), that can cause a significant depletion of thiamine.
Thiamine deficiency has been deemed as a rare deficiency in the developed world, but this is due to the fortification of cereals and bread. If you’re on a grain-free diet, you are very likely going to be deficient in thiamine. Additionally, the thiamine added to food products is usually a water soluble form that is less bioavailable than other fat soluble forms (such as benfotiamine).
Furthermore, certain food products, such as black tea, coffee, raw fish, and shellfish, contain thiaminases, which are enzymes that destroy thiamine. Consuming large quantities of these foods, and eating them alongside other thiamine-containing foods, can inhibit our ability to absorb adequate levels of thiamine.
Types of Thiamine Deficiency
Severe thiamine deficiency is known as beriberi and is associated with swelling, tingling, a burning sensation in the hands and feet, confusion, trouble breathing, and uncontrolled eye movements.
Severe thiamine deficiency can cause Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a brain disease that can present as confusion, memory problems, and nerve damage.
But most people with Hashimoto’s never have thiamine deficiency that is this severe.
Symptoms of milder forms of thiamine deficiency include:
- Fatigue
- Irritability
- Depression
- Abdominal discomfort
- Low blood pressure
- Adrenal issues
- Trouble digesting carbohydrates
Long-term thiamine deficiency can lead to various symptoms, including mental fog, difficulty breathing, and heart damage. It can also lead to a build-up of pyruvic acid (a byproduct of glucose metabolism), in those who eat high-carbohydrate diets. Those on low-carbohydrate diets are at a smaller risk of the build-up of pyruvic acid and may not have any symptoms — except for fatigue.
Do any of these symptoms sound familiar? If so, you may want to check your B1 levels!
Testing for Thiamine Deficiency
The standard way to check your B1 levels is by taking a blood test. You can request one from your doctor. If you are in the United States, you can also self-order the Ulta Labs – Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) test.
Unfortunately, standard lab tests for thiamine deficiency will not show if someone is mildly deficient — they only screen for severe deficiencies.
If you’ve been struggling with fatigue, low stomach acid, carbohydrate intolerance, low blood pressure, and symptoms related to your adrenals, you may have a thiamine deficiency and may benefit from extra B1 intake. (Generally, most people are able to supplement with thiamine without prior testing.)
Supplementing with Thiamine
To boost your B1 levels, you can try increasing your consumption of beef liver, eggs, pork, nuts and seeds (if tolerated) to increase your thiamine levels.
However, while I love the theory that we should get all of our nutrients from foods, that’s not always possible — especially for people with Hashimoto’s who have multiple food sensitivities and digestive difficulties, or who are following a healing diet that omits many thiamine-rich foods.
Furthermore, as I mentioned earlier, thiamine, and other B vitamins, become depleted when we are experiencing stress — so even if we are eating a diet that is full of nutrients, it’s not always possible to get everything that we need from food, especially if we are also experiencing symptoms of adrenal fatigue. Don’t get me wrong, I do think that we should get what we need, when we can, from food. However, sometimes we need an extra boost, and thiamine may be one of those boosting nutrients that can really benefit us.
For this reason, I generally recommend incorporating a high quality supplement. The supplement I have taken for thyroid fatigue and recommend, is the highly absorbable BenfoMax by Pure Encapsulations. I recommend 600 mg per day for most people as a starting point.
As I mentioned earlier, research studies have shown that a daily 600 mg dose of thiamine, for as little as three to five days, can produce benefits such as more energy, better brain function, stabilized blood pressure, and improved blood-sugar tolerance.
Plus, 36 percent of my readers whom I surveyed in 2015, said that thiamine helped them feel better… so a daily thiamine supplement may just be the key to recovering your old self!
Please note: Some people may need to increase their dosage of thiamine from 600 mg per day. One particular study published in the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine in 2013, comes to mind. It looked at the effect of thiamine on patients with Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and found that effective dosages ranged from 600 mg to 1,500 per day, depending on the body size of the individuals.
While 600 mg is a good daily starting dosage, you may need to increase your dosage if your weight is above 60 kg (132 lb). The researchers in this particular study defined the dosage for each patient by first administering 600 mg/day. Every two days, there was a consultation with the patient to assess the therapy. In cases where fatigue had not subsided, an increase of an additional 300 mg/day of thiamine was prescribed in addition to the 600 mg/day.
The researchers monitored each patient’s heart rate after the supplement was increased to help determine the correct dose. Researchers found that If the thiamine doses administered were excessive for the patient’s needs, the patient would experience tachycardia (an increased heart rate, where the heart would beat more than 100 beats per minute), and they would then reduce the dosage.
One patient in the study who was treated with 1,200 mg/day of thiamine, showed a mild tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) that completely regressed by reducing the dose to 900 mg/day.
Here is a guide for finding your correct dosage, based on the researchers’ finding in the study above:
For female patients:
Patients weighing < 60 kg → Take 10 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 60–65 kg → Take 14 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 65–70 kg → Take 17 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 70–75 kg → Take 20 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 75–80 kg → Take 23 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
For male patients, the doses need to be increased by one third compared to females:
Patients weighing < 60 kg → Take 14 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 60–65 kg → Take 18 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 65–70 kg → Take 23 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 70–75 kg → Take 30 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
Patients weighing 75–80 kg → Take 35 mg of B1 per kg of your weight, per day
***Please note that the table above is in kilograms, as it’s taken from the published article. To determine your weight in kilograms, you can use the following conversion: 1 kilogram = 2.2 pounds.
I encourage you to work with a practitioner to determine the proper dosage for your needs.
Precautions
People often write about various supplements and medications causing cancer… Thiamine, in the recommended doses, is one particular supplement that is extremely safe for most people, but not for those with advanced cancers.
This is because cancers may steal the body’s reserves of thiamine and use it to proliferate themselves, as thiamine is necessary for cell replication. In the case of someone who has thiamine deficiency and cancer, I would advise working with an integrative cancer specialist, because the dose response of thiamine has an interesting pattern in those with advanced tumors. Giving enough thiamine to just correct the thiamine deficiency can help the tumor grow (the thiamine goes to the tumor instead of us), while mega doses of thiamine inhibit tumor growth.
My Experience with Thiamine
As I mentioned earlier, after feeling great with my dietary changes and supplements on my road to Hashimoto’s remission, I hit a wall. I should mention that I was working hard at that time at my day job, as a medication safety pharmacist. I spent every evening, weekend, and day off researching and writing the Hashimoto’s patient guide (that eventually became Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause), starting a blog, and answering people’s questions.
I had already been eating a Paleo diet, and my digestion was 90 percent better, but I continued to struggle with my adrenals, energy levels, and blood pressure. Sometimes my blood pressure would be as low as 90/60 mmHg! My doctor would wonder how I was even walking!
I decided to bite the bullet and ordered a really expensive advanced functional medicine nutrient analysis test for myself, that used a unique technology to pick up nutrient deficiencies that traditional tests miss. (This was the Spectracell test that I discuss in my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause).
I had already done a lot of research on the nutrient depletions that were causing some of my symptoms, including glutamine, zinc, and the B vitamins, so many of the results were not surprising — except for one: I was deficient in thiamine!
I took 3 capsules per day (600 mg) for one month, and then reduced my dose to one capsule per day (200 mg) as I continued to work on my digestion, absorption, and eating more liver.
A few days after starting thiamine, my energy began to bounce back, my blood pressure normalized, and I was able to reduce my dose of Betaine with Pepsin, which I had been taking to help me digest proteins.
2021 Update: Over the years, I have continued taking thiamine on and off, with varied doses throughout pregnancy and postpartum, and continue taking it to this day. I have found that I needed more of it, with gaining weight in pregnancy and the postpartum period. I’ve also been astonished by the body of research on the various conditions responsive to thiamine, including POTS, poor appetite, failure to thrive, and numerous other “untreatable” conditions.
Furthermore, I’ve learned about the subtle differences and benefits of various forms of thiamine, including benfotiamine (which I recommend), the more commonly used thiamine, and synthetic versions that can cross the blood brain barrier and have nootropic and neurological benefits.
My hope is that thiamine can be just as helpful for my readers.
The Takeaway
Often, people with Hashimoto’s will be started on thyroid hormones but will continue to feel tired. Fatigue is a common symptom of an underactive thyroid, but it’s also a symptom of many other associated conditions, including adrenal fatigue, food sensitivities, and various nutrient deficiencies.
As we peel back the layers of autoimmunity, some of us will be able to reverse our condition just by getting off gluten or eating a clean diet (like the Paleo diet or the Autoimmune Paleo diet). Others will continue to struggle. This, of course, is where bio-individuality, functional medicine, and nutrition come into play.
If you’ve optimized your thyroid medications, eliminated food sensitivities, and improved your gut health, but are still struggling with fatigue, I encourage you to try a thiamine supplement and see if it can help you like it’s helped so many people with Hashimoto’s.
Who knows… it could be the missing puzzle piece you’ve been looking for!
For more information on overcoming fatigue, download my free eBook below!
As always, I wish you the very best on your health journey!
Have you tried thiamine? I’d love to hear how it worked for you!
P.S. For continued updates and interaction, please become a part of our Facebook community and sign up for our newsletter to get a free book chapter, recipes, and Thyroid Diet Starter Guide! Be sure to also follow me on Instagram. I love interacting with our readers!
References
- Ehrlich S. Vitamin B1 (Thiamine). University of Maryland Medical Center. 2015. Available at: http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/vitamin-b1-thiamine. Accessed September 12, 2017.
- Thiamin: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia. Nlmnihgov. 2017. Available at: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/002401.htm. Accessed July 25, 2017.
- Costantini A, Pala M. Thiamine and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Report of Three Cases. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine. 2014;20(3):208-211. doi:10.1089/acm.2012.0612.
- Levin LG e. [Effect of thiamine deficiency in hydrochloric acid secretion in the stomach]. – PubMed – NCBI. Ncbinlmnihgov. 1978. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/716330. Accessed July 25, 2017.
- Comín-Anduix B, Boren J, Martinez S et al. The effect of thiamine supplementation on tumour proliferation. European Journal of Biochemistry. 2001;268(15):4177-4182. doi:10.1046/j.1432-1327.2001.02329.x.
- Volvert M, Seyen S, Piette M, Evrard B, Gangolf M, Plumier J, et al. Benfotiamine, a synthetic S-acyl thiamine derivative, has different mechanisms of action and a different pharmacological profile than lipid-soluble thiamine disulfide derivatives. BMC Pharmacology. 2008;8(1), p.10.
- Wiley KD, Gupta M. Vitamin B1 Thiamine Deficiency (Beriberi). StatPearls [Internet]. Published January 2, 2019. Accessed December 11, 2019.
- Costantini A, Pala MI. Thiamine and fatigue in inflammatory bowel diseases: an open-label pilot study. J Altern Complement Med. 2013 Aug;19(8):704-8. doi: 10.1089/acm.2011.0840. Epub 2013 Feb 4.
- Iwadate D, Sato K, Kanzaki M, Watanabe C, Eguchi T, et al. Yoshikazu UesakaThiamine deficiency in metronidazole-induced encephalopathy: A metabolic correlation? DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jns.2017.06.042.
Note: Originally published in February 2015, this article has been revised and updated for accuracy and thoroughness.
Tammy- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
I have severe fibromyalgia, degenerative disc. Broke my back 3 times compression fractures. Extremely fatigued all the time and so bring on depression and anxiety. Could this be part of my problems?
Joy – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. <3 While I only work with patients with Hashimoto’s, oftentimes patients will have additional autoimmune conditions. Most autoimmune conditions have common root causes, and a lot of times the things that are recommended for one autoimmune condition will help with others. Conditions that I have found to respond really well to the Hashimoto’s protocols have been rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, eczema, asthma, Graves’, premature ovarian failure, psoriasis, Alopecia Areata, and Sjogrens. I have also seen the protocols help with Fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, PCOS, as well as Type 2 diabetes, Crohn’s, and Ulcerative colitis. A great place to start is with diet/nutrition: The diet I recommend for people with autoimmune conditions is the traditional Paleo diet which eliminates grains, dairy, soy, and processed foods and focuses on nutrient-dense foods like meats, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and eggs. It has helped a lot of people feel much better, and some have even been able to eliminate thyroid antibodies by following this diet.
Unfortunately, not everyone gets better on the Paleo diet. In some cases, we need to dig deeper. People may have additional sensitivities that contribute to the immune system dysfunction. People with Hashimoto’s are especially sensitive to a multitude of foods, especially gluten, dairy, soy, and eggs.
That’s where the Autoimmune Paleo (AIP) diet comes into play. This diet goes beyond Paleo and removes an additional couple of foods such as nuts, seeds, and eggs. AIP is the starting point - if you don’t remove the inflammatory foods, you can’t know if your other interventions are working or not. An elimination diet is the gold standard for determining the foods one is sensitive to.
Here are a few articles related to diet that hopefully help you get started:
IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/importance-gut-health/
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
FOOD PHARMACOLOGY FOR HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-pharmacology-hashimotos/
Wendy- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Hello Dr. Wenz,
Thank you for your innovative research and findings. Can you please tel me if it’s necessary to use benfotiamine to relieve Hashi related fatigue, or can those on a very tight budget use thiamine instead? If the later option is possible, would you mind suggesting a general dose?
Thank you very sincerely, Angie
Angie – thank you for reaching out. I am not able to advise on whether this supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss the use of this supplement with your personal doctor or pharmacist. You might also want to check the references at the bottom of the article for more information as well. <3
Polly- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Linda- Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Jessica- I think it is great you are empowering yourself to take your health back!
Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Seeing your mention of Iron reminded me – I just started a Chelated Iron (a liquid) so I can put the drops under my tongue because I am celiac (gluten intolerant) followed by leaky gut and candida so malabsorption is a concern for me. Just taking it for several weeks (3 drops twice a day) has brought richness into my pale skin and is rebuilding my Red Blood cells/anemia – my principle intent. Start with just a couple drops the first week….
Leon – thank you for following this page. To restore your iron levels, you can eat cooked liver twice per week or eat beef a few times per week. Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, so taking a vitamin C tablet or vitamin C rich food such as broccoli along with an iron-rich food is the best way to increase iron and ferritin levels. Creating an acidic environment by taking a Betaine and Pepsin supplement with meals can be helpful as well.
Most iron supplements are in the non-heme form and thus may not be absorbed as well. Additionally, many people find that they get terrible stomachaches from the supplements, and they find them extremely constipating! If choosing to take iron supplements, do so with much caution as they are one of the leading causes of overdose for children and adults. An iron overdose can be deadly, so make sure you keep the iron out of reach of children. Be sure you speak to your physician or pharmacist about a dose appropriate for you.
Kirk- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Merritt- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Sam- I can’t make any direct medical recommendations to any single person for legal reason. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Sarah- I can’t make any direct medical recommendations to any single person for legal reasons. Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
JJ- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Mischa- I’ve negotiated better pricing with Direct labs for the Facebook group Hashimoto’s 411. You will get them here cheaper than going through most other places. If you would like to order your own labs, you can use the link below.
DIRECT LABS AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://www.directlabs.com/thyroidrx/OrderTests/tabid/29159/language/en-US/Default.aspx
Also, much of the information required to get your health back is covered in my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause. You might be interested in checking it out.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Kevin- Hashimoto’s affects predominantly women at a rate of seven women for every one man with Hashimoto’s. Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Diann- You may find this article helpful! 🙂
LOW DOSE NALTREXONE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/low-dose-naltrexone-and-hashimotos
Tammy- Hashimoto’s affects predominantly women at a rate of seven women for every one man with Hashimoto’s. Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
I know this is way late, but I agree – both my oldest brother and I (female) have Hashi’s. Whatever the gene is, we’ve both got it, and probably the same initial triggers as well. (Middle brother remains unscathed.)
Emay – thank you for following this page and for sharing.
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year
Vanita- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Would be so great if you could make them available to share on Pinterest, please. Thank you : )
Ana- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Samira- That is great! I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Ethnic Food- Thank you so much for your support! Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Jillian- Thank you so much for your support. I’m looking forward to hearing your progress on this page. Make sure to take the book slow, take notes, highlight, and establish a baseline when making changes. 🙂
Diann- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Fionnuala- The recommended daily allowance for thiamine is only 1.1mg for women >19 years of age, and may not meet the needs of those who are on a grain free diet and have malabsorption issues.
Food sources of Thiamine include fortified grains, beef liver and pork, dried milk, eggs, legumes and peas, nuts and seeds. Basically, with the exception of liver and pork, most of the foods that contain thiamin are restricted on the Paleo diet, and all of them are restricted on the autoimmune Paleo diet!
def gonna do this for a month and see what happens! Thanks
for doing all the leg work and finding the info that could make all the difference!
Annie- You are so very welcome! You may be interested in checking out the Root Cause Recipe Portal. It is full of autoimmune paleo and paleo recipes. You’re able to organize weekly shopping lists, meal planning, etc. Hope you check it out.
http://rootcauserecipes.com/
Ty- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Francine- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Wendy- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Kerrie- I decided to bite the bullet, and ordered a really expensive advanced functional medicine nutrient analysis test for myself, that uses a unique technology to pick up nutrient deficiencies that traditional tests miss (the Spectracell test that I discuss in my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause) I had already done a lot of research on the nutrients that were causing some of my symptoms, including glutamine, zinc and the B vitamins so many of the results were not surprising, except for one: I was deficient in Thiamine!
Going tomorrow for vitamin supplements, to see if this can help……will keep you posted!!
Helen- I look forward to hearing your progress on this page! Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Raquel- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Coby- I have a whole chapter dedicated to the adrenals in my book, Hashimoto’s: The Root Cause and it is the longest chapter in the whole book, as matter of fact. I discuss testing, interpreting tests, what to do in each stage as far as supplements go and explain the who physiology behind the adrenals. Here’s the link in case you’re interested. 🙂
AMAZON
Hashimoto’s Root Cause Book
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol Book
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
THANK YOU!
Nicki!
Interested in your knowledge & help. I was
Diagnosed 4 months ago following check up
For other problems. I’m on 50g Levothyroxine & I’m no different to what I was. Tiredness is overwhelming, would be great for some knowledge & help!!!! Very frustrated!!! Jackie
Jackie- Did you know that reactive foods trigger an inflammatory response in the GI tract, leading to malabsorption of nutrients (gluten sensitivity in particular has been implicated in causing a Selenium deficiency, a well known risk factor for Hashimoto’s), and can also produce intestinal permeability whenever they are eaten?
Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
HCI for over a year. Still no relief.
Kay- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Terri- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
IS IT POSSIBLE TO RECOVER THYROID FUNCTION IN HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/is-it-possible-to-recover-thyroid-function-in-hashimotos
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Cathie- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
bernadette- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Thanks.
Christina- Graves and Hashimoto’s are both autoimmune conditions that affect the thyroid. They are thought to be closely related. Sometimes one turns into the other. The difference is the site of the antibody attack. In Hashimoto’s, the antibodies are found to thyroglobulin (in 80%) and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme (in 95% of people)-Hashimoto’s results in hypothyroidism and is usually treated with Synthroid and replacement hormone.
The same antibodies may be present in a smaller percentage of people who have Graves, but the main antibody is to the TSH Receptor (TSHR-Ab). Usually people with Graves have hyperthyroidism and they are treated conventionally with thyroid suppressing drugs (methimazole) or radioactive iodine to destroy the thyroid. At that point, the thyroid will no longer produce hormones on its own and these people end up on Synthroid as well.
Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research in journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
I thought I’d report back since you asked me to keep you posted! I am not even sure what test to do to confirm this or to resolve the burnt tongue and soles issue. Any thoughts?
Annie- I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
time2006, turning it to Hypothyroidism! I am so fatigued
and struggling with inflammation and hair falling out,
inflammation in my shoulder blades and spine and into
my neck and very fatigued to where I can’t focus and
memory fog is through the roof, it’s depressing that no
one understands what I’m going through! I very been
trying the AIP diet and I’m loosing weight more that I
should be due to and over growth bacterial in my intestinals! Can’t take a antibiotics due to being allergic
to them! It’s really making me weak and wish I lived
closer to you so could help me through such a difficult time getting my Hypothyroidism under control! Would you also know why I’m having difficulty with heat sensitivity to hot water why either doing dishes or taking a shower, my nervous system is really sensitive and my hair is still falling out and very brittle, have a real bad body oder that is very embracing and not sure what shampoo or conditioner and body soap or deodorant is non allergenic! My doctor put me on antidepressants and a pill to help me sleep but their causing havoc! I just had my thyroid labs done last week, T3 Free is 3.6 units pg/ml Ref Range [2.3 -r-2] T4 Free 0.8 ng/dL [0.8 – 1.8] TSH # 1.190 mIU/L [o.550-4.780] and my doctor says it’s normal! I’m currently taking good Armour Thyroid 60mg and I’m getting good so weak, my husband doesn’t believe most of what I’m telling him is really what’s going good on, I feel like I’m a lone with this! I am begging for some one who knows what I’m talking about and can help me, that sad thing is we already took out alone to get help and when my thyroid meds changed from taking good Level thyroxine to Armour thyroid my synthetic hormone bottomed out and the natural ones had a rough time adjusting and that’s when the gs started going haywire! I wish I could talk to you again, I am so desperate for my health to get back on track!
Marilyn- You may be interested in my 12 week online program called Hacking Hashimoto’s that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read.
HACKING HASHIMOTOS
http://hackinghashimotos.com/
Love your book… Learned a lot.
Evelina- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. On page 328. Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Roxann- You may like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Glenda- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
MTHFR
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/mthfr-hashimotos-and-nutrients
Regina- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
HASHIMOTOS AND THYROID CANCER
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-and-thyroid-cancer
Robyn- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME!!
Nicki- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Donna- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Tracy- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Karen- Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically, is ‘dead’, or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to re-balance the immune system to prevent this (sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well). The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Kim- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
I have had some improvement with incontenence with magnesium, calcium, supplements. I also take co q 10, and omega 3. I have tried a supplement called neueopathy tx, which is Vit B 1,6,12, and lipuric acid. I cannot tell any real improvement.
One daughter, 43 yo RN, has hashimoto’s, and hx of intractable migraines. She has the severe pain issues, extreme fatigue, never sleeps well. Treatment is unsuccessful. My 37 yo daughter has a physics and chemistry background. She was in synthoid for ten years and lost her excess weight, got her energy, and did very well. Then, her lab work improved so her synrtroid was stopped. She has severe pain, excess weight gain, chronic staph infections, cellulitis, severe pain in her hands and feet then deffinite swelling. She is being referred to a rheumatologist, but cannot get appointment for four months. I think this goes back to her thyroid. But the doctor has not tested for the specifuc hashi test that is senr off and others come back normal. She has cellulitis in her inner thigh 8″ by 12″ right now. I am concerned for her overall health. No one will research her underlying problem. They only look superficially and treat with a bandaid tx. Can you please advise on common illness or nutrient defficiency. I look forward to your reply.
Sandra- These are the recommended labs from my book, page 32.
RECOMMENDED THYROID FUNCTION TESTS
TSH
TPO Antibodies
Thyroglobulin Antibodies
Free T4
Free T3
Reverse T3 (Optional)
Have you read my book, Hashimoto’s The Root Cause? Here’s the link in case you’re interested.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20

HOW TO GET ACCURATE LAB TESTING WHEN TAKING MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-get-accurate-lab-tests-when-taking-thyroid-medications
Sandra- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Kirk- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Dawn- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Dan- I also give a second opinion in the article! 🙂
Anita- You may like to check out the doctors that other patients recommend on this list:
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Sandra- I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Andreia- I’m very hesitant in recommending iodine in Hashimoto’s. Although iodine serves as fuel for our thyroid and is very important in iodine deficiency hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s is a different mechanism. It’s like pouring gas into an engine that’s on fire… that’s essentially what’s happening in Hashi’s, thyroid inflammation, and adding iodine to the mix before putting out the fire and fixing the engine may result in further damage to the thyroid. In those with a predisposition to autoimmunity, this has been documented time and time again, animal and human studies. I have spent 4 years researching this and have seen too many people suffering the consequences of adding iodine too soon. My approach is, let’s fix the engine first (usually a gut issue), and then add the fuel once we know that the engine is no longer on fire. Hope that you will check out my book. I have a whole chapter on the iodine controversy that references numerous studies as well as the work of Abraham and Brownstein.
AMAZON
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Deanna- Thank you so much for sharing! You may find this article interesting as well! 🙂
LYME AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/lyme-and-hashimotos
Heather- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Toni- Do you have Hashimoto’s or a thyroid condition?
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
Sherri- When it comes to weight gain these are a couple of things to think about.
1) What was your recent TSH, Free T3 and Free T4? Sometimes when those numbers are on the outskirts of normal, your metabolic rate may still be impaired making it more difficult for you to burn calories. Most people report feeling well with a TSH between 0.5-2.
2) What type of medication are you on? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combinations (Armour, Nature-Throid, compounded medications) versus T4 medications (Synthroid, Levoxyl, Tirosint) alone. T4 is a precursor to T3, but some individuals do not convert T4 to T3 properly, and the T3 component is the metabolically active one.
3) What type of diet are you eating? Some report more weight loss with T4/T3 combination vs T4 alone. Some do not convert T4 properly.The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) full of sugar and simple carbohydrates is perfectly designed to cause us to gain weight year after year. Even yogurts that are marketed as “healthy” contain the equivalent of 16 teaspoons of sugar. Divorcing the S.A.D. is often a step that many of us must take to not just lose weight, but to also feel better. Some diets that have been helpful include the Body Ecology Diet, the Paleo Diet, the Virgin Diet, Autoimmune Paleo Diet, GAPS diet, SCD diet, Weston A. Price Diet, or the Mediterranean Diet. You may need to modify these diets to your own individuality.
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
HOW TO LOSE WEIGHT WITH HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/how-to-lose-weight-with-hashimotos
Dan- There are quite a few options for thyroid medications. In my experience, what works for one person may not work for another. If your doctor will not prescribe the medication you are looking for, ask your local pharmacist for doctors in your area who prescribe the medication you are looking to try. Have you read these articles?
WHICH THYROID MEDICATION IS BEST?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-thyroid-medication-is-best/
TOP 11 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THYROID MEDICATIONS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-11-things-you-need-to-know-about-thyroid-medications/
Lauren- You may find this article helpful! 🙂
NUTRIENT DEPLETIONS: ZINC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/nutrient-depletions-in-hashimotos-v-zinc
Sherri- Most people will see a dramatic reduction in gut symptoms, brain symptoms, skin breakouts and pain by eliminating the foods they are sensitive to. Some will also see a significant reduction in thyroid antibodies! An additional subset of people, will actually be able to get their Hashimoto’s into complete remission just by getting off the foods they react to, normalizing their thyroid antibodies, and some even normalizing their thyroid function! Here are a couple of articles you may find helpful.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
AUTOIMMUNE PALEO DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/autoimmune-paleo-diet
Wendy- Depression is a common symptom of Hashimoto’s and a consequence of chronic illness. I recommend you read this article as well:
ROOT CAUSES OF DEPRESSION AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/root-causes-of-depression-and-hashimotos/
Robin- You may find this article interesting! 🙂
ARE YOUR ADRENALS SABOTAGING YOUR HEALTH?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/are-your-adrenals-sabotaging-your-health
Heather- Thyroid tissue can regenerate, but the rate at which it does is not always predictable. Thus, some are able to stop the autoimmune attack on their thyroid and regain normal thyroid function. Others can reduce the dose of medications, and others will need to stay on the medications indefinitely. I’m currently working on some protocols to help with tissue regeneration.
Reversing Hashimoto’s means different things to different people. For some, it means a reduction in symptoms and for others it means a reduction in your antibodies. I had both. Here a few articles that might be helpful for you 🙂
REVERSING AUTOIMMUNITY? AND THE PERFECT STORM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/reversing-autoimmunity-and-the-perfect-storm/
HASHIMOTO’S SELF CARE, GETTING AND STAYING IN REMISSION
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hashimotos-self-care
Sandy- Here are two articles you may find interesting! 🙂
LOW DOSE NALTREXONE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/low-dose-naltrexone-and-hashimotos
NUTRIENT DEPLETIONS: ZINC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/nutrient-depletions-in-hashimotos-v-zinc
Sandy – thank you for following this page. Here is an article you might find helpful. NUTRIENT DEPLETIONS: ZINC
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/nutrient-depletions-in-hashimotos-v-zinc
Trudy- I am sorry to hear that. Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Katie- Not everyone will need every single supplement! In fact, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet, this is why I always list food sources for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s in the book and on the blog. However, some may require/prefer supplements and the supplements on the website are a resource for those that do. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement as instructed in the book and blog. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0615825796?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creativeASIN=0615825796&linkCode=xm2&tag=thyroipharma-20
Hashimoto’s Protocol
https://smile.amazon.com/Hashimotos-Protocol-Reversing-Thyroid-Symptoms/dp/006257129X/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1482698453&sr=8-1&keywords=Hashimoto%27s+Protocol
Hi Dr. Wentz,
LOVING the Thyroid Secret series, I’ve learned so much and you and your team are angels for writing and producing such an amazing source of information never heard before. You mentioned Tiamine for addressing fatigue but clarification question please: I have no thyroid due to RAI Graves — so would Tiamine still help me with fatigue or no? Also can it be taken at night and not influence sleep quality? Thanks so much and best, Terri
Terri – thank you for following this page and for the compliment.
Fatigue was the most debilitating symptom I experienced with Hashimoto’s. It actually started 8 years before I was finally diagnosed in 2009 after I got Mono (Epstein-Barr Virus) in college. I needed to sleep for 12 hours each night to be able to function, and by “function” I mean after hitting the snooze button on my alarm clock for two hours (ask my poor husband), I would drag myself out of bed and then had to drink 4-6 cups of caffeine everyday to keep myself awake. I often had Red Bull and Pepsi for breakfast, and was the epitome of “wired but tired.” I hope my articles help you get started 🙂
OVERCOMING THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-10-tips-for-overcoming-hashimotos-fatigue
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Thanks so much for responding Dr. Wentz! However my question was asking if the Thiamine supplementation would help me as I have no thyroid — treated 22 years ago with RAI for Graves. In your book do you address how people with no thyroids can feel better and more energetic, as many of us have no thyroids anymore and are seeking help too … Thanks so much, Terri
Terri – I can’t make any direct medical recommendations to any single person for legal reasons. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Hi Isabella,
Can we take thiamine at supper time or does it affect sleep? I started taking the dosage you recommend (600 mg). I take 2 tablets of 100 mg in the morning, 2 at lunch and 2 at supper time. I am so full of energy that it takes me a while to fall asleep. Could it be related to the thiamine? I feel as if I drank too much coffee in the afternoon. However, once I finally fall asleep, I sleep very well. Should I take my last tablets earlier in the afternoon or is it not related at all to the thiamine?
Thank you very much for all your research!! I’m putting my health back on track because of you…
Cindy
Cindy – thank you for following this page and for the kind words. 🙂 I cannot tell you specifically what you can and cannot do over the internet as I could be held liable for what would happen to you. Perhaps try taking it earlier in the day.
This a issue that i’m trying to understand for a long time.I think I’ve thiamine deficiency because of all simptoms already mentioned and also calves muscle aches., poor memory, ecc.)
I’ve done blood test and my thiamine was higher than normal and then I done a hair test and the result was that I have thiamine deficit.
I start to take thiamine (not benfothiamine) and I start to feel better (higher energy, less depressed, ecc.) but I read that candida toxin acetylhaldeide (as alcool) inibithts thiamine and I try also probiotics, caprilic acid and detox .
Then I got shingles (i.ve been under stress and poor sleep) but I read also that to much thiamine in blood can reactivate zoster herpes.
I stop to take thiamine and i.m feeling again so tired.
I wonder :
1) if is true that high levels of thiamine can cause shingles and if so if Dr, Constantini pacients are at risk? Strange!
2) if acetylhaldeide from candida inibiths thiamine as it is a kind of alcool is this the cause for thiamine deficience in so many people and can be the reason why my lab test level is high (thiamine isn’t metabolize?) and instead on the hair analises it comes out that It’s low?
Thank you so much if you can enlighth me about this issues.
Ana – thank you for following this page and for sharing. I’m sorry to hear that you’ve been struggling! 🙁
Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions. I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s a whole medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
WHAT TYPE OF DOCTOR SHOULD YOU SEE IF YOU HAVE HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/what-type-of-doctor-should-you-see-if-you-have-hashimotos
10 THINGS I WISH MY ENDOCRINOLOGIST WOULD HAVE TOLD ME
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/10-things-i-wish-my-endocrinologist-would-have-told-me
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Dear Dr. Wentz: In your article you mention that high levels of Thiamine (B1) are not harmful because they are water soluble, but then you go on to recommend taking Benfotiamine, which is a fat-soluble form of B1. Should we not be concerned about taking too much of this form of vitamin B1? I learned about Benfotiamine from this article in Life Extension ( http://www.lifeextension.com/Magazine/2008/4/Protecting-Against-Glycation-High-Blood-Sugar-With-Benfotiamine/Page-01 ) which claims that therapeutic doses have been used up to 1000 mg/day without adverse effects, but it’s not clear for how long such high doses were administered. Given that it’s fat-soluble, how long do you believe it would be safe to use a dose as high as 600 mg/day? And, if one finds some relief from the fatigue, would you recommend backing off to a lower maintenance dose? In the study you cited, the patients who took the 600 mg oral dose experienced benefits in 3-5 days, though it sounds like the study continued for 20 days. What happened after that? Did they continue to take such high levels to maintain the benefit? Was their “remission” contingent on continuing some maintenance dosage? I’d appreciate any further light you could shed on this. Thank you!
Tania – thank you for following this page. 🙂
You should start with the directions on the bottle and adjust your dosage from there. I cannot tell you specifically what you can and cannot do over the internet as I could be held liable for what would happen to you.
Dr. Wentz,
Thank you for this article. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos just over a year ago. At the same time, I was told my thiamine level was low. The endocrinologist I was seeing said there was no connection. I had my doubts. I’ve been taking a high quality multivitamin and additional lipothiamine, but my thiamine is still low. I know now that this could be due in part to the antibiotics I received in the last 3 months, as well as an appendectomy I had in January. My TPO increased during the year, too. I’m increasing my lipothiamine & magnesium to see if it helps. Also, I’m seeing a IFMCP RDN to help me with supplements & she’s been far more helpful than my PCP. I look forward to reading more on your website!
L. Perry, RDN
L Perry – thank you for following this page.
Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help 🙂
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year
Hi!
I would like to order youre supplements, do you send to Norway?, I cant find the country on your supplementsordersite. In case you dont ship to Norway, where else can I buy it? Other brands?
Maria
Maria – thank you for following this page and for your interest in Rootcology. Please, contact info@rootcology.com, and my team will be happy to answer your questions. 🙂
Ahhhhh, did you say “working on eating more liver” ?????
🙁
Tashia – thank you for following this page. 😉
Here are a few articles related to diet that hopefully help you get started.
FOOD SENSITIVITIES AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/food-sensitivities-and-hashimotos
TAILORING YOUR THYROID DIET
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/tailoring-your-thyroid-diet-to-your-needs
BEST DIET FOR HASHIMOTO’S AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/best-diet-for-hashimotos-hypothyroidism
Hello Dr. Wentz,
Thank you so much for this information! I’ve just started taking Benfomax, per your article here and the suggestions and information in your Thyroid Secret docuseries. My hopes are that the Benfomax will combat my continual Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis symptom’s that I experience daily, despite taking a dual T3 & T4 hormone replacement therapy. I also take Vitamin D3 daily, and Selenium. My hopes is that the Benfomax will bring me more vitality.
I took Thiamine daily for a month after watching the Thyroid Secret, and could start to feel an improvement in my overall well-being. Once I ran out I could feel the fatigue start to crawl back in. I decided to go for the Benfomax this time around instead of the Thiamine, as it seems that you are recommending it as an alternative due to it’s absorption and it’s amazing results. My question though is: Do I need to be taking Benfomax and Thiamine together or just one or the other?
Many Thanks,
Mer
Mer – thank you for following this page. I’m hesitant to say what you should do … based on liability. If something were to happen to you, I could lose my license
The problem when combining all these is that you may be over supplementing.
I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms.
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://www.functionalmedicine.org/practitioner_search.aspx?id=117
Where can we get Benfomax? I can’t find it on Pure Encapsulations or amazon.
Therese – thank you for following this page.
When it is in stock, you can purchase BenfoMax via the following site:
https://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1886
Hey Doctor Wentz,
Thank you sooo much for all the wonderful information. I LOVE Your website 🙂
It is fantastic to find someone who is soo passionate about helping so many people. Thank YOU!!!
I just have a question. The BenfoMax you talked about on your article is Thiamine. Is B1 thiamine? I’m just a bit confused. I found a product on Amazon labeled B1from Douglas Laboratories that contains NO yeast, wheat, gluten, soy protein, milk/dairy, corn, sodium, sugar, starch, artificial coloring, preservatives or flavoring. Is B1 thiamine? I noticed this product is not expensive. Does the Benfomax has more of quality ingredients?
Thank You very much for your assistance!
Have a blessed day!
Ana
Lucia- As a pharmacist, I have access to numerous high-quality brands. After much research and deliberation, I have personally decided on Pure Encapsulations brand for my own health needs. This is also the brand I recommend for family members and friends.
Pure Encapsulations is a pharmaceutical grade brand that has extremely tight quality control and manufacturing guidelines. Each product undergoes rigorous testing by a third-party laboratory to verify label claims, potency and purity. All the products sold by Pure Encapsulations are free of gluten, dairy, and additives that may impair absorption. The supplement I have taken for thyroid fatigue and recommended is the highly absorbable BenfoMax (which can be purchased here), and I took 3 capsules per day for one month and then reduced my dose to one per day as I continued to work on my digestion, absorption and eating more liver. Thiamine( Thiamine is one of the B vitamins, known as B1) is a water-soluble vitamin, so it does not build up in the body. Here is the link below! 🙂 https://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=1886
Thank You doc Izabella for the detailed explanation. I so appreciate you always take the time to answer any of our questions. You’re a Great doctor!
Have a wonderful day! 🙂
Lucia – You are very welcome! I’m looking forward to seeing your progress here. <3
Hello,
I am currently taking benfomax. Can I take 3 pills at once OR those it has to be 1 three times? I have been taking 3 in the morning at once or 1 and then 2 at lunch. I get scared if I take it too late it will keep me up. I am having trouble staying asleep since I started taking benfonax but I also started taking 2 optiferin-c. Which one you think it’s keeping me up at night? I can fall asleep easily but I will make up multiple times during the night. Thank you!
Glory – thank you for sharing your journey! You should start with the directions on the bottle and adjust your dosage from there. I took 3 capsules per day for one month and then reduced my dose to one per day as I continued to work on my digestion, absorption, and eating more liver. Thiamine is a water-soluble vitamin, so it does not build up in the body. You can find more information here:
THIAMINE AND THYROID FATIGUE
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/thiamine-and-thyroid-fatigue
Hi Izabella!
I read as much of your stuff as possible! I’m in the bulletproof health coaching program. Got into it from nutritional reasearch, functional medicine side due to getting diagnosed with acid reflux (jr. High) insomnia (high school) college super hypersensitive to most foods, hashimotos (after couldn’t get pregnant with second baby) , hypothyroidism, candida, Sibo, chronic fatigue……now I’m 31 & we have a 6 & 2 yr old and I NEED ENERGY!!!! We moved to Boulder this last month & my passion is to help others in their health journey! But my own self is so complicated! I’ve pushed away my symptoms so long until I completely broke. Ive worked with a functional medicine doctor for the last 6 months and taking 18 different supplements….I’m really not sure if what I’m taking is working or if I’m taking to much? My Sibo & candida are definitely not gone. I eat completely clean besides a little turmeric infused honey from the farmers market. I’m super tired all the time and not as joyful…..I’m always a happy person so it’s really bugging me! Do you see any patients? Bc I’d love to come in and see you! Or pay for a consulting fee? Via phone, zoom video chat, or meet at your office or at a park? Lol I’m sure you understand, I just want to figure this out! ? Thanks for reading! Hope you have a great day!
Courtney – Thank you for following this page. I do provide a limited number of consultations, however, my consultative schedule is all full at the moment. I have a 12 week online program called Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program that covers all of the strategies that I go through with my one-on-one clients, in a self-paced format, so that participants have access to all of the things I’ve learned about Hashimoto’s without having to schedule costly consults with me or another practitioner. In addition, any person that goes through the program will get access to a Quick search Q&A Database of 1000+ questions asked by past program participants, Root Cause Assessment based on 100’s of my clients’ root causes and triggers, 2-week Meal Plans, recipes, and shopping lists to get you started on the following diets: Paleo, Autoimmune Paleo, SIBO, Candida. Also, Discounts on lab tests, high-quality supplements, and consultations and much more to support you in your journey! There are a few requirements that you should pay attention to, such as my book is a required read. Hashimoto’s Self-Management Program http://hackinghashimotos.com/ I also have a team of consultants who I’ve personally trained on the protocols outlined in my books and program. Generally, the team will give priority for consultations to those who have read the book and completed the program. You can find out more about my team and consulting services here. https://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/pages/meet-the-thyroid-pharmacist-team
Dr. Wentz. My main issue is I sleep but I never feel well rested. I see that you took 3 BenfoMax for a month. And then you went down to taking 1. My question is do you still take the BenfoMax or was it just for a time?
I read this article but I didn’t get to the end of it, for the kind/brand you bought, so I already ordered Thiamine, I think it’s 500. I hope that will do! Something has to work right!?! I’ve made so many changes, and I hope this works for me as well. Sleep is kind of important!
Breann – thank you for following this page. Depending on what is happening in my life at the moment and depending on testing, I change my supplements as needed. As a Pharmacist I am very picky about what brands I recommend to my family, clients and friends. Pure Encapsulations is a pharmaceutical grade brand that has extremely tight quality control and manufacturing guidelines. Each product undergoes rigorous testing by a third party laboratory to verify label claims, potency and purity. All the products sold by Pure Encapsulations are free of gluten, dairy, and additives that may impair absorption. These supplements are normally only available through healthcare professionals, however the company has agreed to allow me to set up a store on my website for the supplements I have found helpful for Hashimoto’s.
Link to the store
http://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/company/my_recommendations.asp
Injection worked better since gluten/GMO may have hurt the intestines of the other women. Benfotiamine (fat soluble Vit B1) goes into the brain and stops obsessing. Blood tests for most things doesn’t work…Celiac/Lyme/Vit B12/Mg/Vit A/Fe/hormones/thyroid TSH etc… Hair tests/ Genova tests/Zyto scans/electrodermal testing helps me. Genova has vitamin testing. Trial and error…best way to see if it helps. Each supplement was like a miracle to me since I was very low in nutrients due to undiagnosed Celiac. Gluten may hurt most people, but most don’t realize it. Gluten may hurt intestines and a person may not feel the hurt, but less nutrients are absorbing which shows up in health issues since cells are not made right to work right without nutrients absorbing well.
I am thinking of trying BenfoMax, but just found out that I have 1 variant of the MTHFR gene and was told to stay with the mentholated B vitamins. Is BenfoMax ok with this gene or is there a mentholated version available?
Reene – Thank you for following this page. Please, understand that due to liability issues, I am unable to answer specific medical questions, but I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying causes and prevention of serious chronic disease rather than disease symptoms
FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE APPROACH TO THE THYROID
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/functional-medicine-approach-to-the-thyroid
CLINICIAN DATABASE
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/clinician-database.html
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
Hi,
Having typed War & Peace twice and losing it ?? I will condense and ask…
1) Do thyroid antibodies always equate to Hashimoto’s? ( Latest TPO 259 ANTI-gt 4000 with lovely nodules).
2) how does one know if one has too much iodine or not enough iodine? I was using salt with iodine as I normally have low pb. I don’t use much but still..
3) In view of the above would taking selenium be okay if one doesn’t know?
4) This is a far reach, but have you heard of women encountering Hashi when the hit meno??
Many thanks! ?
Manon – thank you for following this page. Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category, and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism. Progesterone deficiency can surge into Th-1 dominance. This explains why the peak onset of Hashimoto’s occurs during menopause, when the body’s progesterone drops, or after pregnancy, when a rapid drop in progesterone occurs after the delivery. Hormonal imbalances also help to explain why women are affected by autoimmune conditions more often than men. I wanted to pass along these articles that I wrote. I hope they help :
ESTROGEN DOMINANCE AS A HASHIMOTOS TRIGGER
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/estrogen-dominance-as-a-hashimotos-trigger
HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/hormone-replacement-therapy/
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
OVERCOMING HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/overcoming-hashimotos-in-the-new-year/
IODINE AND HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/iodine-hashimotos/
Dr. Wentz
Thank you for your article.
I am allergic to ascorbic acid so unfortunately I cannot take Benfomax. Any other thiamine supplement that you would recommend?
Thank you
Al
Al – thank you for your support! For questions pertaining to the supplements please contact my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you.:)
Hi Izabella
I am a Hashimoto’s patient and started on Benfothiamine two days ago. I only started with 300mg/day. I felt very jittery yesterday for hours after taking the pill – same thing happened today. It feels as if I had gone hyperthyroid all of a sudden.
Does Thiamine in some way alter intracellular thyroid hormone uptake? Or does it need sufficient adrenal function in order to be processed by the body?
Thanks in advance!
Stefan
Stefan – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey here. I wish I could give you more direct advice but, each person will react differently. I would advise you to ask your trusted clinician who’s care you are under. I am not able to respond directly to these types of questions here. I also don’t recommend starting multiple supplements all at once. I recommend starting one at a time, and then adding another a week or so later once it has been confirmed that the first supplement is not causing any harm.
I do have a full supplements chapter in my book. Have you checked it out? Not everyone should be taking every supplement and the book will help uncover your root cause. This will help you figure out your supplementation.
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
I have SIBO issues as well as Sulfate sensitivity. I realized taking benfotiamine gives me anxiety as it contains Sulfate. Any idea what to for people who have Thiamine deficiency but cannot take the B1 supplements due to high sulfur in benfotiamine?
Racerbiker – thank you for reaching out. I am sorry to hear you are having this reaction. Unfortunately, I am not able to advise on what supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. Please discuss the use of supplements with your personal doctor or pharmacist. <3
I just found out I am pregnant. I started supplementing selenium, but was experiencing fatigue and low blood pressure before I conceived. Is supplementing with Thiamine safe during pregnancy? Is BenfoMax the only brand you recommend or is there another brand that is more affordable you have used?
Jamie – thank you for reaching out. Congratulations! I am not able to advise on whether this supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend you discuss the use of these supplements during your pregnancy with your personal doctor.
Hi, thank you for all your research and being willing to share your vast knowledge with us. I have benefitted immensely!!! A question about the Thiamin supplement – the label says that the B1 is fat soluble, so will that build up in a person’s system like Vitamin D? Thank you so much!
Hi,
I’ve been recovering from taking 2 weeks of clindamycin for a tooth infection and have been experiencing several side affects such as fatigue and weakness around the heart. I also took a dose of Flagil as well. I’ve been taking Magnesium with Thiamine and slowly increasing the dose every week. I’m up to 300 mg of thiamine a day now and seem to be feeling better, but still have fatigue days. I was tested by my GP for thiamine and came in at the very bottom of the average scale. He said it was normal, but I have my doubts. Can you tell me what kind of doctor can I go to that will test accurately for what is causing my fatigue? You’ve mentioned many possibilities in this article, but I’m at a loss at how to test for them. My GP just looks at me like I’m crazy for even asking.
Matthew – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. I understand how frustrating this can be! I highly recommend that you work with a functional medicine clinician to be a part of your own health care team. It’s an entire medical specialty dedicated to finding and treating underlying root causes and prevent serious chronic disease rather than treating individual disease symptoms. I believe that everyone needs to find a practitioner that will let him/her be a part of the healthcare team. You want someone that can guide you, that will also listen to you and your concerns. You want someone that’s open to thinking outside of the box and who understands that you may not fit in with the standard of care. It’s a good idea to ask some standard questions when contacting a new doctor for the first time. Something else to consider is you can work with a functional doctor remotely, via Skype. You could also contact your local pharmacist or compounding pharmacy, who may be able to point you to a local doctor who has a natural functional approach. But I encourage you to keep looking for the right one for you! Here are some resources you might find helpful.
CLINICIAN DATABASE
https://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/pages/clinician-database
FIND A FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE CLINICIAN
https://ifm.org/find-a-practitioner/
http://www.thyroidpharmacistconsulting.com/recommended-compounding-pharmacies.html
Thank you Dr Wentz for all your tireless work!
What is the recommended dose of B1? Did you take 600mg for the first month and then 200mg for maintenance?
My 80 year old mom does not have her thyroid functioning any more. I believe that it is all shrivelled up. I do not remember if she was given radioactive iodine or not. Would it matter? She does have (had) Hashimoto’s. Can any of your books be still of use to my mom? Which one?
I should mention that mom speaks only Polish (so she cannot read your articles) and being 80 she might not want to go all crazy on a complicated thyroid protocol LOL. How can I help her? I believe that both of your books are translated into Polish
Thank you.
Alina – thank you for reaching out and sharing your mom’s story with me. Yes, I took 3 capsules per day of Pure Encapsulations Benfomax for one month and then reduced my dose to one per day as I continued to work on my digestion, absorption, and eating more liver. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Even when the thyroid is taken out surgically or treated with radioactive iodine the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. Many people will have their thyroids removed, and will develop new autoimmune disorders such as Lupus, Rheumatoid arthritis, etc. The immune system just finds a different target. We need to rebalance the immune system to prevent this. Sometimes the autoimmunity can be reversed as well! The gut determines your immune system. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and my book focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey for overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition. As for which book it really depends on you. The Root Cause is a bit more science intensive while the Protocol is a bit more “here are the steps”. Did you know? I am a Polish-American and after I started researching ways to help my own condition, my mom encouraged me to share my research in a book, so that she could translate it for family members in Poland with Hashimoto’s. I would not have been able to write the book without my mom’s support and encouragement! You can check out my books in Polish, here:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause:
https://amzn.to/2O1q8fY
Hashimoto’s Protocol:
https://amzn.to/2IzpS1C
Zapraszam też na Polską stronę Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zapalenietarczycyhashimoto
Hello, should I take 600mg of thiamine in one dose, or split it across the day?
Thanks
Vanessa – thank you for reaching out. For questions about the supplements please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you. <3
I have come to this article way too late and intend beginning B1 asap. But my question: can it be taken within an hour of the synthetic hormones or should it be taken at the same time as the selenium and calcium at the opposite end of the day? Thank you, Isabella!
Kerrie – thank you for reaching out. Thyroid medication absorption can be impacted by many things, including food, other medications, and supplements. Thyroid medication should be taken on an empty stomach, one to two hours before eating, taking other medications, supplements or coffee to ensure appropriate absorption. Antacids such as Tums, iron, magnesium, and calcium supplements can impair the absorption of thyroid medications. Thus, you need to have at least 4 hours of time in between your thyroid medications and these agents. Please be sure to read the directions provided with the medication. I hope you find this free ebook helpful. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/meds-ebook/ If you have more specific questions on how and when to take particular supplements under normal circumstances, please do reach out to my team by email, at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be more than happy to help ?
Hi Izabella,
I recently saw you on the Broken Brain series and am very interested in reading your material. I do have a question first though. I had my entire thyroid removed due to cancer cells. Could I still benefit from reading your material or can you provide me with a resource for those who no longer have Hashimoto’s due to not having a thyroid? Thank you very much!
Ivy – thank you for following! I am so happy to have you here! <3 My protocols are designed to help those with thyroid autoimmune disease heal by focusing on gut health, nutrient deficiencies, and root cause discovery and treatment. Most thyroid conditions result from the immune system attacking the thyroid because the immune system is out of balance. Hashimoto’s is a complicated condition with many layers that need to be unraveled. While conventional medicine only looks at each body system as a separate category and is only concerned with the thyroid’s ability to produce thyroid hormone, Hashimoto’s is more than just hypothyroidism, it's an autoimmune disease that needs to be managed. Whether you have all, part or no thyroid, the autoimmunity still persists in most cases. We need to re-balance the immune system which begins in the gut. With the exception of discussing proper thyroid medication dosing, the majority of my website and book's focuses on balancing the immune system. The info I present is based on my own research and journey overcoming my autoimmune thyroid condition.
Here are some articles I think you might find helpful:
IMPORTANCE OF GUT HEALTH
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/importance-gut-health/
WHERE DO I START WITH HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/where-do-i-start-with-hashimotos/
I have a question about taking Thiamine supplements. Let me start by giving you some background info. I have long suspected my wife of having a thyroid disorder but she is very stubborn about requesting to have the right test done. I have been tested for thyroid antibodies and the test came back positive so I do have Hashimoto’s and I take NP Thyroid everyday for it. Even with the medication I still suffer from chronic fatigue as does my wife. I don’t suffer from high blood pressure but she does. Your article mentions that supplementing with Thiamine can help normalize low blood pressure which neither of us have. My question is if there is any concerns with trying Thiamine if you have a history of high blood pressure (My wife does)?
Luis – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey as well as your wife’s. I hope you understand, I am not able to advise on whether this supplement would be appropriate for you or your wife and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you both discuss this with your personal doctor. <3
Hello Dr. Wentz,
Do you know if BenfoMax contains sulfur? The labeling does not indicate that it does however, I saw an article that mentioned it should be avoided if you have a sulfur sensitivity.
Thanks,
Michael
Michael – thank you for reaching out. For questions about the supplements please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you! <3
I can’t buy this product in Austria. Is there an alternative that you can recommend to me?
Gaby – thank you so much for reaching out! <3 Please email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you.
Hello,
I’m intrigued by these findings about thiamine, but I am nervous about taking B vitamin supplements, because they are frequently made using saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s/brewer’s yeast), which I am allergic to. This is also possibly a problem for people with Crohn’s disease, as there is a strong link between this disease and igA or igG ASCA positivity. Are there any thiamine supplements that do no contain yeast? Thanks for your help!
Krista – thank you for reaching out. <3 Here is an article where I discuss IgA and IgG that you might find helpful:
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/gluten-root-cause-thyroid-condition/ As for a yeast free Thiamine, I believe that most nutrients should come from the diet. This is why I always list food sources in the book and on the blog, for most of the nutrients, vitamins, minerals. and probiotics that are depleted in Hashimoto’s. However, some may require or prefer supplements. I recommend getting tested for deficiencies to determine your need for a supplement.
Can you share what the healthy range of B1 is? I know you cannot give certain kinds of health advice, but I am wanting support at understanding B1 test results.
EA – thank you for reaching out. <3 Different labs provide different reference ranges. I recommend that you discuss your lab results with your practitioner. <3
Dr Wentz, thank you for the thyroid articles…very helpful and I will now be purchasing your book! I have a question regarding the thiamine. I noticed that the supplement you suggested is actually benfotiamine and not thiamine hcl. Benfotiamine is a synthetic precursor to thiamine, is it not? What is your thought on benfotiamine vs thiamine hcl? If you were to take thiamine hcl would you still use the same 600 mg/day dose?
Sandy, – you are very welcome! 💕 I’m so glad you are finding my research helpful. I use and recommend the Benfotiamine as it is more bioavailable then the water soluble forms. I would recommend discussing the additon of the thiamine HCL and the correct dosage for you with your practitioner.