By SUZY COHEN
Question: I’ve had Hashimoto’s thyroiditis for six years and I’ve not been able to get full control of it. My antibodies are still very high and I’m always tired. Any fresh ideas? —
M.G., Ocala, Fla.
Answer: Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disorder where your body sees your thyroid gland as the enemy and launches an all-out attack. This creates inflammation and destruction of the thyroid gland. It causes an increase in “antithyroid peroxidase,” abbreviated as TPO. This should be measured by your doctor in routine lab tests. Some people have no symptoms while others suffer with disabling fatigue, depression, weight gain, dry skin and hair, muscle cramps, constipation and memory loss. Some people develop a goiter which looks like a hump just below your Adam’s apple.
Physicians prescribe medication in order to raise levels of thyroid hormone: Levoxyl, levothyroxine, Synthroid, Cytomel and Armour Thyroid. The medications don’t suppress the autoimmune attack in your body, but they do increase levels of thyroid hormone quickly. Here are a few natural options.
Selenium: This mineral can lower those TPO antibodies. Try “L- selenomethionine” 200 mcg every day (or 100 mcg twice daily) for 6 months.
Tyrosine: Your body uses tyrosine (and iodine) to make thyroid hormone. Take about 500mg one to four times daily. Excessive tyrosine can speed the heart.
Iodine: You can take iodine supplements such as “Iodoral” or you can use a seaweed that is very rich in trace minerals, especially iodine. It’s called “Bladderwrack,” which is short for Fucus vesiculosus. Use short-term.
Ashwagandha: Also known as Indian ginseng, this herb stimulates thyroid activity; it’s sold at health food stores. Make sure your brand is “standardized.”
Suzy Cohen is the author of “The 24- Hour Pharmacist.” For more information, visit www.tulsaworld.com/DearPharmacist.
Originally published by SUZY COHEN Dear Pharmacist.
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