Evaluating the safety, efficacy, and cost of various treatments was a large part of my training as a pharmacist. I have put my training to use in overcoming Hashimoto’s, and have found that a combination of the right medications (when indicated), the right lifestyle changes, and the right supplements, can have a tremendous impact on recovering from Hashimoto’s.
Using the right supplements to address underlying nutrient depletions is a great way to speed up the healing process. One such supplement that I consider crucial to thyroid health is readily available in the food supply, but can be deficient in those with autoimmune disorders.
That supplement is vitamin E.
In this article, you’ll learn more about:
- Why nutrient depletions are so prevalent in people with Hashimoto’s
- The role of antioxidants in the body
- The many uses of vitamin E
- How vitamin E impacts the thyroid
- How vitamin E and selenium work together for thyroid health
- How to supplement with vitamin E
Hashimoto’s and Nutrient Depletions
Most people who are diagnosed with Hashimoto’s will present with low levels of vitamin E, as well as low levels of selenium, vitamin A, the B vitamins, potassium, iodine, glutathione, zinc, and ferritin (the iron storage protein). Many of these nutrients are essential for proper thyroid function, in addition to optimal immune system, gut, liver and adrenal function.
Why do people with Hashimoto’s have so many nutrient depletions?
There are a number of reasons why so many of us with thyroid disorders suffer from nutrient depletions. For most, it’s due to a combination of a few common problems with our food supply, diets, and imbalances in important microorganisms and substances, that make us inefficient at extracting nutrients from the foods we eat:
- Conventional farming methods and food processing are robbing our food supply of good nutrients. In conventional farming methods, the same vegetables are grown on the same soil the year after, depleting the soil of nutrients. Vegetables are also harvested before they are ripe and have had a chance to pull all of the nutrients from the soil they were planted in. These conventionally grown vegetables are far less nutritious than organic varieties.
- A deficiency in digestive enzymes will prevent the proper extraction of nutrients from foods.
- Altered gut flora, or dysbiosis, will also prevent the extraction of nutrients from food.
- Some of the most common medications prescribed to people with Hashimoto’s are notorious for depleting the body of nutrients. These include acid blockers, antibiotics, and synthetic estrogens and progesterones (such as the birth control pill).
- Many of the diets that people with hypothyroidism follow to help relieve their symptoms can actually be a root cause for nutrient depletions, as some essential vitamins may be eliminated from their diets.
- Likewise, vegan, vegetarian and low-fat diets can put us at risk for deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B9, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, chromium, copper, iodine, iron, magnesium, manganese, zinc and omega-3s.
Additionally, hypothyroidism in itself can lead to poor extraction of minerals and vitamins from our food sources. Thyroid hormones determine our metabolism throughout the entire body, including the digestive tract. A lack of sufficient thyroid hormones makes nutrient extraction more difficult and less efficient, and can ultimately lead to nutrient deficiencies.
For more information about factors that can affect nutrient extractions, check out my article.
What is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin that is naturally occurring in many foods, including vegetable oils, cereal grains, animal fats, meat, poultry, eggs, fruits, and vegetables. Wheat germ oil is a particularly rich source of vitamin E (though I definitely don’t recommend it for people with Hashimoto’s).
Orally, vitamin E has been studied for the use in a large variety of conditions, such as:
- Cardiovascular disease
- Diabetes
- Liver disease
- Kidney disease
- Cancer
- Offsetting the adverse effects of chemotherapy
- Slowing the onset of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias
- Parkinson’s disease
- Night cramps
- Restless leg syndrome (RLS)
- Epilepsy
- Improving physical endurance and energy
- Allergies
- Asthma
- Respiratory infections
- Protecting against the negative effects of air pollution
- Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration
- Inflammatory skin disorders
- Aging skin
- Sunburns
- Cystic fibrosis
- Oral leukoplakia
- Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
- Depression
- Menopausal syndrome
- Benign breast disease
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility
- Impotence
- Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- H. pylori infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
Topically, vitamin E is used for treating dermatitis (eczema), sunburns, scarring, aging skin, lice, and stretch marks. It can also help protect against skin ulceration caused by the use of chemotherapy drugs.
The uses for vitamin E are vast, and its importance to human health has been well established. While a deficiency is rare for most populations, it is most common in people with malabsorption disorders. Since malabsorption due to intestinal permeability (a factor that must be present in order for an autoimmune condition to occur) is so common in people with Hashimoto’s, supplementing with vitamin E can be a crucial step to restoring your health and feeling better!
Selenium, Iodine, Vitamin E and Thyroid Health
Antioxidants, including vitamin E, vitamin C, beta carotene (vitamin A precursor), and the minerals selenium and manganese, act as free radical scavengers. These free radical scavengers protect our bodies from the damage caused by reactive oxygen species, which are created by oxidation reactions and can damage our cells.
For example, iodine from foods and supplements is processed by the thyroid gland so that the body can properly use it. During this process, hydrogen peroxide, a free radical, is released. In cases where the body has adequate levels of selenium and it is used properly, the selenium neutralizes the hydrogen peroxide. However, in cases of iodine excess, excess hydrogen peroxide that is produced can cause oxidative damage to the thyroid gland. A lack of antioxidants may result in thyroid damage from hydrogen peroxide every time iodine is processed by the thyroid.
Vitamin E, selenium, and iodine all work together, and it is essential to have these antioxidants in the right amounts.
Selenium plays a crucial role in thyroid function by acting as a catalyst to convert the inactive T4 to the biologically active T3, and protecting thyroid cells from oxidative damage. Studies suggest that supplemental selenium could alleviate the toxic effect of excessive iodine intake on the thyroid.
Selenium is a trace mineral incorporated into proteins to make antioxidants like glutathione peroxidase. Known as a selenoprotein, this type of protein prevents damage from hydrogen peroxide (generated from the conversion of iodide to iodine), by breaking down the hydrogen peroxide into water particles. This allows for the removal of the cells affected by oxidative damage, leads to the preservation of tissue integrity, and prevents the convergence of white blood cells.
In the presence of excessive iodine, however, a relative selenium deficiency occurs. Since glutathione peroxidase is made of selenium, the enzyme activity will be compromised when selenium is depleted. (Selenium supplements can restore selenium levels and alleviate damage to thyroid tissue that results from iodine excess.)
Interestingly, excessive oxidative stress has been suggested to be one of the underlying mechanisms in the development of thyroid cytotoxicity (the destruction of thyroid cells). Fortunately, the damage can be reversed with not only selenium supplementation, but vitamin E supplementation as well. In fact, one study on rats showed that supplementing with vitamin E itself could reverse the effects of iodine-induced thyroid cytotoxicity.
Further Studies of Vitamin E, Thyroid and Heart Health
Thyroid hormones are associated with the oxidative and antioxidative status of the body, and one study that investigated the oxidant and antioxidant effects on rats found that hypothyroidism is accompanied by increased oxidative stress, but vitamin E supplementation exerts beneficial effects on this situation.
Another recent study that was conducted to explore the underlying mechanism and treatment of myocardial injury (injury to the heart) caused by hypothyroidism, evaluated oxidative stress in serum and myocardial tissue of hypothyroid rats. The researchers examined the effects of levothyroxine (T4) replacement therapy and vitamin E supplementation on oxidative stress-induced injury and cell death of myocardial tissue. The exciting results of this study showed that levothyroxine replacement therapy and vitamin E supplementation appeared to improve myocardial health in hypothyroid rats, which appears to be related to improved thyroid function and reduced oxidative stress.
How to Supplement with Vitamin E
The Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA) for foods was established to guide the public on how much of each nutrient is needed to prevent overt disease. These numbers, however, were determined decades ago, without the benefit of current research, and without an adequate understanding of how nutrition affects our physiology. These guidelines have somehow become our “ideals” for nutrient intake, yet the RDA for most antioxidants is too low to see the benefits.
For example, vitamin C becomes an antioxidant at doses above 600 mg, while the RDA is only 60 mg — one tenth of that. While 60 mg will prevent scurvy, it will not prevent free radical damage. The same can be said about vitamin E and selenium.
Vitamin E is an antioxidant at a dose of 268 mg (RDA is 15 mg), and selenium should be taken at a dose of 200-400 mcg (RDA is 70 mcg) to get the full benefits, for those with Hashimoto’s.
To get adequate amounts of vitamin E, taking a supplement may be helpful.
Please note: If you happen to have an older bottle of vitamin E around the house, you may notice that the strength is expressed in IU’s, or International Units — this is the old naming convention. Recently, vitamin E strength was changed to be expressed in milligrams (mg), due to new Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations and their attempt to help consumers make better informed decisions. Vitamin E content now must be determined based on the source of vitamin E, and reported based on how many milligrams of alpha-tocopherol are present, rather than in IU’s.
Should You Test Your Vitamin E Levels?
Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, and in theory, it can build up in the body. However, there are no reliable tests that provide accurate results of vitamin E levels. As such, I recommend sticking to a daily dosage of 268 mg to make sure you are receiving the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E, if you have Hashimoto’s.
If you have surgery, please note that vitamin E is one of the supplements you will need to stop prior to surgery, as it may prolong bleeding time. Easy bruising or bleeding is a sign that you may be taking too much.
Which Vitamin E Supplement is Right For Me?
Vitamin E and selenium work in synergy and are more effective when taken together, so I recommend taking them together on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption.
The problem with so many of the vitamin E supplements on the market, however, is that they contain soy lecithin. Soy can be very problematic for people with Hashimoto’s who are often intolerant to soy, the same way that they are to gluten and dairy. Soy can also inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. Furthermore, it is considered a goitrogenic food that will block the uptake of iodine into the thyroid and reduce thyroid output (by blocking TPO enzyme activity).
Because I know how important vitamin E intake is for people with Hashimoto’s, I wanted to find a supplement that is free of soy and any other additives that could have adverse effects on the thyroid. NOW Sun-E 400 offers a soy-free, natural vitamin E, which is derived from Identity Preserved (IP) non-GMO sunflower seed oil. It contains 400 IU vitamin E (as D-Alpha Tocopherol).
There are so many supplements out there, and navigating all the information regarding which ones may be beneficial to you and your situation can be overwhelming at times. I hope this information gives you further insight on your journey toward feeling better. Vitamin E can be a crucial piece of the puzzle as you put together a nutrition and supplement strategy to address your own nutrient deficiencies.
My latest book, Hashimoto’s Protocol, goes further in depth with strategies for getting to the root cause of your thyroid disorder and addressing nutrient deficiencies, so you can start feeling better.
I wish you well on your journey to health!
P.S. Be sure to sign up for my weekly newsletter to get a free book chapter, recipes, a Thyroid Diet Starter Guide and notifications about upcoming events and my latest research.
References
- Vitamin E. Therapeutic Research Center. https://naturalmedicines-therapeuticresearch-com.mwu.idm.oclc.org/databases/food,-herbs-supplements/professional.aspx?productid=954. Accessed March 26, 2018.
- Sarandöl E, Taş S, Dirican M, Serdar Z. Oxidative stress and serum paraoxonase activity in experimental hypothyroidism: effect of vitamin E supplementation. Cell Biochemistry and Function. 2005 Jan-Feb;23(1):1-8.
- Xu J, Liu XL, Yang XF, Guo HL, Zhao LN, Sun XF. Supplemental selenium alleviates the toxic effects of excessive iodine on thyroid. Biol Trace Elem Res. Jun 2011;141(1–3):110–118.
- Yu J, Shan Z, Chong W, Mao J, Geng Y, Zhang C et al. Vitamin E ameliorates iodine-induced cytotoxicity in thyroid. Journal of Endocrinology. 2011 Jun;209(3):299-306. doi: 10.1530/JOE-11-0030.
- Ye J, Zhong X, Du Y, Cai C, Pan T. Role of levothyroxine and vitamin E supplementation in the treatment of oxidative stress-induced injury and apoptosis of myocardial cells in hypothyroid rats. Journal of Endocrinological Investigation. 2017 Jul;40(7):713-719. doi: 10.1007/s40618-017-0624-z.
- Guo Y, Wan SY, Zhong X, Zhong MK, Pan TR. Levothyroxine replacement therapy with vitamin E supplementation prevents the oxidative stress and apoptosis in hippocampus of hypothyroid rats. Neuro Endocrinol Lett. 2014;35(8):684-90.
- Dhanya CR, Gayathri NS, Mithra K, Nair KV, Kurup PA. Vitamin E prevents deleterious effects of di (2-ethyl hexyl) phthalate, a plasticizer used in PVC blood storage bags. Indian J Exp Biol. 2004 Sep;42(9):871-5.
- Deshpande UR, Joseph LJ, Patwardhan UN, Samuel AM. Effect of antioxidants (vitamin C, E and turmeric extract) on methimazole induced hypothyroidism in rats. Indian J Exp Biol. 2002 Jun;40(6):735-8.
- Brzezińska-Slebodzińska E. Fever induced oxidative stress: the effect on thyroid status and the 5′-monodeiodinase activity, protective role of selenium and vitamin E. J Physiol Pharmacol. 2001 Jun;52(2):275-84.
- Singer E. Effects of vitamin E deficiency on the thyroid gland of the rat. J Physiol. 1936 Aug 19; 87(3): 287–290.2.
- Ciji A, Sahu NP, Pal AK, Akhtar MS. Nitrite-induced alterations in sex steroids and thyroid hormones of Labeo rohita juveniles: effects of dietary vitamin E and L-tryptophan. Fish Physiol Biochem. 2013 Oct;39(5):1297-307. doi: 10.1007/s10695-013-9784-8.
- Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin E. Ods.od.nih.gov. https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/. Published 2019. Accessed February 19, 2019.
- Handelman G, Epstein W, Peerson J, Spiegelman D, Machlin L, Dratz E. Human adipose α-tocopherol and γ-tocopherol kinetics during and after 1 y of α-tocopherol supplementation. Am J Clin Nutr. 1994;59(5):1025-1032. doi:10.1093/ajcn/59.5.1025
- Unit Conversions. Dietarysupplementdatabase.usda.nih.gov. https://dietarysupplementdatabase.usda.nih.gov/Conversions.php. Published 2019. Accessed February 26, 2019.
Your site is interesting. Although I am researching more on why my friend has super high level of ferritin in his recent bloodtests. Thus do i conclude that he doesnt have hashimoto or hypothyroidism? Since based upon my readings of your stories, mostly these conditions you have encountered are mostly for those who have low ferritin level and low nutrient level. Thanks
Joey – thank you for following this page and my research. Here are the tests your friend will need for diagnosis. Most endocrinologists don’t run them all so they will have to request them.
¨ TSH
¨ TPO Antibodies
¨ Thyroglobulin Antibodies
¨ Free T4
¨ Free T3
¨ Reverse T3 (optional)
¨ Thyroid Ultrasound (optional)
Here is a research article which might help further:
TOP 10 THYROID TESTS FOR DIAGNOSIS
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/top-6-thyroid-tests/
Hello Dr. Wentz, I have been following your website for a year now. I started taking NDT about 5 years ago. And it made a vast difference between Synthroid and NDT. I had immediate results of feeling better after taking NDT. I take a thyroid supplement which has Selenium 100 mcg and Iodine 200 mcg. There is no vitamin E in the bottle. It may be the missing piece to absorb my Selenium and iodine. I appreciate the information. I will continue to follow your website.
Hi!
Thank you for all the great information. You have been my go to for years. I was diagnosed with Hashimotos 8 years ago. 4 years ago I had my thyroid removed due to cancer. I still follow the hashinotos no gluten or soy diet (have recently tried cutting dairy as well). My lifelong depression & anxiety &OCD have gotten worse lately despite (reluctantly) going back on antidepressants. Since I’m in my 40’s I am wonder if hormones are making it worse. I’m trying to address it naturally with seed rotation diet. My question for you is, I’ve been thinking of adding maca but just read it has a lot of iodine in it, which I’ve avoided since being diagnosed. Do you think it is better to skip maca bc of this? If so, do you have any other natural ideas for hormone balancing. I’m not working currently and can’t afford to see a naturopath, and am not sure when I’d be able to afford it since insurance doesn’t cover it.
Thank you SO much for all the information you share.
Best,
Maegan
Maegan – thank you for reaching out and sharing your journey. I am so sorry you are struggling with all of this. <3 Maca is an adaptogen and can help to stabilize the adrenals. I have found it is generally high in iodine, except for the yellow version, which is not. It's best to consult with your practitioner if you feel you have concerns about the amount of maca to consume, or if you should/should not consume it.
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/
Thank you so much for getting back to me! I have another, even more important question. I know that it is an individual decision and no one can make it for me but I trust your opinion and expertise. I do not get vaccines unless absolutely necessary for fear of stimulating the immune system to attack. I got offered a job at a preschool a year ago and they wanted me to get the t-dap and mmr. Because the t-dap is not live I did it, to no harmful affect. (My endo rests some antibodies.) Because I was sure I had the MMR as a child (my mom knows) I got the blood test. It showed that while I may have had it I was not still immune. (I have the tests but can’t tell myself. I think that’s what the dr said.) My ending write me note so it was fine. I left that job and just got offered a new one st a great preschool but they will only hire me if I have the MMR. I know it is a controversial subject and you can’t tell me what to do. But in your opinion, how risky is it to get the vaccine?
I’m so torn on what to do. I’d love your opinion.
Thank you SO much for all your help and all you do.
Best,
Maegan
Maegan – thank you for reaching out. Unfortunately I cannot give you any straightforward guidance about vaccinations and we each have to make our own informed decision about this. As a pharmacist, I certainly think that vaccines can save lives. I can also tell you that there’s no drug on the market that doesn’t have any side effects. It’s quite plausible that a vaccine, which introduces a foreign invader and an infection, even though it’s a deactivated infection, could set off the immune system in the person with the right genetic predispositions and perhaps some other things going on within their body that can trigger autoimmune disease through a mechanism known as molecular mimicry. Molecular mimicry, when the immune system thinks a part of the body is a foreign invader it was exposed to, is one of the leading autoimmune theories. Unfortunately this is not something I can prove, as there’s not a lot of scientific information connecting vaccines to autoimmunity that we can take to our doctor, and quite frankly I try not to get involved in the vaccine debate as it’s not my area of expertise and I am just stating opinions and theories instead of things I know to be facts. Ultimately, it’s up to you and your doctor you trust that would have to decide if a vaccine is the right thing for you.
Here is an article you may find helpful. IT”S TRUE YOU CAN PREVENT HASHIMOTO’S https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/its-true-you-can-prevent-hashimotos/
Sadly, the vaccine safety research is suppressed. Here is one article connecting the flu shot and autoimmunity: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22235050
There’s only one study on the vaccine Gardasil that found elevated levels of Hashimoto’s, although the researchers did not find this statistically significant http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/757661
P.S.
I forgot to mention that while I don’t have a thyroid for my immune system to attack anymore I did find out two years ago that my right eye has proptosis, which- as you probably know-is a autoimmune eye disorder that usually happens in Grave’s and only a small percentage of Hashimotos. So I’m still very concerned about my antibodies.
Another wonderful article! I absolutely adore how detailed your articles are and the recommendation of doses that you give. Can you get too much vitamin E? I am already taking quite a few supplements and right now only 50 IU of vitamin E, I was thinking of adding your vitamin E to my regimen but wasn’t sure how I know if I’m deficient and how I know if I’m taking too much over time?
Tanya – thank you for reaching out. Vitamin E is a fat soluble vitamin, and in theory, it can build up in the body. However, there are no reliable tests that provide accurate results of vitamin E levels. As such, I recommend sticking to a daily dosage of 268 mg to make sure you are receiving the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E, if you have Hashimoto’s. <3 Feel free to email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com if you have any other concerns.
With your recommendation, I use vitamin E for months and didn’t realize that the brand I use contains soy. I live in Canada and do not have access to your products. Is vitamine E from Pure Encapsulation safe? Or do you have an other brand recommendation? Thank you, your work is very precious for me.
Louise – thank you for your support! <3 Pure Encapsulations is another high-quality pharmaceutical grade brand that has extremely tight quality
control and manufacturing guidelines. Here is the link:
https://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/company/my_recommendations.asp
Dear Izabella, thank you for guiding me through Hashimoto’s. I am also a clinician and find that your information resonates with the way I think about healthcare. I have a question because I live in Australia I am unable to get most of your recommendation supplements, therefore I do my best exploring and choosing wisely from Vitacost (which does manage to deliver to Australia). I was able to source Thyroid support complex by Pure Encapsulation however it has proved to be a devastating influence on my mood, creating irritability and tearfulness that can only be described as uncontrollable. I think my body prefers less than more mg’s, so where should I look next. Without it, I’m back to sleeping 10 plus hours a day. With much appreciation, Rosalind Preston
Rosalind – thank you so much for sharing your journey with me and I appreciate your support! As a pharmacist I am not a big fan of combination products, and prefer to start supplements one at a time, as there is a potential of reacting to some of the ingredients. 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 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. Here are some article links which might help:
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos/
USING ENZYMES TO OVERCOME HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/using-enzymes-to-overcome-hashimotos/
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
I would like to try your Vitamin E supplement for hashimoto’s, but am a little nervous the dose 470 mg of mixed tocopherols. Is this safe amount?
– thank you for reaching out. <3 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 this with your personal doctor. 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 ?
Do you have a thyroid blend that includes the compenents mentioned as required in this article?
Theresa – thank you for following this page. As a pharmacist I am not a big fan of combination products, and prefer to start supplements one at a time, as there is a potential of reacting to some of the ingredients. 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 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. Here are some resources which might help:
WHICH SUPPLEMENTS ACTUALLY HELP HASHIMOTO’S
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/which-supplements-actually-help-hashimotos/
ROOTCOLOGY SOY FREE VITAMIN E
https://rootcology.com/collections/supplements/products/vitamin-e-soy-free
PURE ENCAPSULATIONS SELENIUM
https://www.purerxo.com/thyroidpharmacist/rxo/products/product_details.asp?ProductsID=177
I was diagnosed with Hashimoto’s (and an MTHFR mutation – which I realize also contributes to certain nutrient absorption issues) several years ago. I was extremely fortunate to live within driving distance to one of only two Michigan-based Functional Medicine practitioners. I followed her challenging protocol and was able to reverse the disease in less than two and a half years. That was back in 2014. Gratefully, I am still “free” of Hashimoto’s. However, two years ago we moved from Michigan to Florida. Unfortunately, for me, it was an unwanted, stressful move (husband was tired of the cold). Approximately one year later after being unable to locate a Functional Medicine practitioner in this area, I found a doctor who practiced holistic medicine. He started me back on 65 mg of WP Thyroid after blood test results showed the need. I’m pretty sad about ALL of it and want to be able to return to my non-medication days. So, although I’m a “work in progress”, I’m working hard to manage my stress – along with continuing to eat right (more of an 80/20 rule these days), exercise and include other lifestyle changes. My question to you, Dr. Wentz – Is the information you provide ONLY for those WITH Hashimoto’s, or is it also helpful for those of us (with a struggling thyroid) working to keep Hashimoto’s at bay? Thank you for all the wonderful information you provide!
Pam – thank you so much for reaching out and sharing your journey. <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. 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. Here are the links to my books:
Hashimoto’s Root Cause
http://amzn.to/2DoeC80
Hashimoto’s Protocol
http://amzn.to/2B5J1mq
Sending you a LOVE NOTE! I am at mid-journey of Hashimoto’s. I thank you for your website and the wealth of information that I have been able to apply to my
daily practice of wellness.
I have built notebooks of your food plans and all other info. Also, I have managed
to lower my hypertension – realized when my blood sugar drops and how to prevent it
using FOOD at the right time – my anxiety/depression is lessening and the overall
happiness with my progress is MOTIVATIONAL!
Andrea – thank you so much for sharing your journey! I am so happy to hear this! These personal accounts are very special and important to me. May I have your permission to use these words in my publications or newsletters? These stories will go a long way in helping others who are going through a similar journey to yours. Thank you for your consideration! <3
I was diagnosed with multinodular goiter with hypothyroidism 40 years ago .I have been on synthroid 100mcg. – 50mcg or lastly natures thyroid 65mcg. For the second time I suddenly became Hyper Dr, reduced dose to half less than year I was hypo switched to Natures 65mcg, was on for 5 years. Recently I became hyper a new internest I began seeing stopped all Natures . Its been 2 months I have had 2 blood test T4 steadily dropping TSH slowly rising results are in Low normal range. Recently I have started with lots of hypo symptoms 15lb weight gain severv tiredness constipaton ect. I fear I should not be off meds.
Mary – thank you for reaching out. I am so sorry you to hear you are struggling with this. <3 It is never advisable to stop taking your medications, or alter your dosages, without the advice of your practitioner. T4 thyroid hormone medications have a half-life of about 1 week. This means that when a person stops taking them, the amount of the hormone activity in their body, from the medication, will decrease by about 1/2 each week. For T3 medications, this half-life is only about 1 day. Generally, within three weeks (or a few days for T3), most of the hormone will be out of the body. This could result in increased symptoms, an increase in the autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and extra stress on your body and the thyroid.
Thyroid hormones affect every organ, tissue and cell in the body. Appropriate medication management will allow you to recover from the effects of hypothyroidism, giving you the energy, vitality and support to continue working on optimizing your health. Please do not change your medications without speaking to your doctor first.
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/
In your vitamin e article you state that a dosage of 268 mg is needed but your brand is 470 . Is this based on 2 tablets , should a person start with 268 and work towards 470 ? Love your articals .
Debbie – thank you for reaching out. The 268 mg is referring to alpha-tocopherol specifically. Since Rootcology has a mix of other forms of vitamin E, it’s not a 1:1 conversion. I recommend that you follow the 1 softgel dose on the package that is recommended to get the benefits. <3 If you have any other questions or concerns please feel free to email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help you.
I love your website doctor Izabella!! 🙂
I am interested in purchasing your vitamin E product because is soy free, but I have a slightly intolerance to coconut. I see your product has mct oil do you think this oil may give me the same reaction as if I eat a regular coconut ? or because of the process the coconut oil goes through, the allergen that could potentially be an issue for me may be removed? I hope I can take your product. Is truly the best I’ve found!!
Anilu – thank you so much for your interest in my Rootcology products. <3 Please understand, I am not able to advise on whether the Vitamin E supplement would be appropriate for you and your specific health needs without a comprehensive health assessment. I recommend that you discuss this with your personal doctor.
I totally understand Doctor Izabella. Thank You for your response 🙂
Have a great day!
Anilu – thank you for understanding! <3
Good information.Since Vit E is fat soluble isn’t taking it with food indicated. Also is Vit E better taken in the evening. This information comes from various health sites. Would like some clarification. Thank you for the recommendation on various brands. It is difficult navigating all the products on line. Much appreciated.
Sue – thank you so much for reaching out! <3 Because Vitamin E and selenium work in synergy and are more effective when taken together, I recommend taking them together on an empty stomach to ensure proper absorption. Please remember it is always best to discuss the addition of supplements with your practitioner whose care you are under. If you have any other questions or concerns about the supplements please feel free to email my team at info@thyroidpharmacist.com and they will be happy to help.
Why don’t you recommend wheat germ oil for hashimotos?
Nick – thank you for reaching out. ❤️ Wheat germ is not gluten free. Going gluten free is always the first step that I recommend. Through my research, I’ve found that a good percentage feel better off gluten. About 20% will actually go into remission by doing so. Some researchers have found that three to six months on a gluten-free diet can eliminate organ-specific antibodies.
IS GLUTEN THE ROOT CAUSE OF YOUR THYROID CONDITION?
https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/gluten-root-cause-thyroid-condition/
Any tips for using Vit E topically? I have a lot of GI upset with oral doses.
Dianna – thank you for reaching out. I don’t currently have information to share on topical vitamin E and the thyroid but, I will dig into that and share my findings in a future blog post!
Hi Isabella, the vitamin E for Now foods is in rice bran oil. Seeded oils aren’t that great for inflammation either, i think we are in a rock and hard place looking for a vitamin e that doesnt have soy or seeded oils (sunflower derived). Its driving me nuts looking for a decent one that states exactly what is in the bottle!
Kiri – thank you for reaching out and sharing. I’m so sorry, I understand how hard it is to find a soy free version. I do hope one of the recommendations in the article above are helpful. Always feel free to contact the supplement company if you have concerns with ingredients. ❤️
Do you know if tocotrienol form of Vit E is safe for thyroid? Read Annatto-E increased weight of thyroid & kidney) in animal study?