Hypothyroid

[city]

Do any of you have this condition and what are the effects of the diet on your condition? I'm having mine checked but the doc will recommend synthroid (the meds my grandma and aunt are on). I wanted to check with you guys.

[Carlene]

Hi City, last October I feel into a four week depression that I could not pull myself out of. I finally went to a naturopath and had all sorts of blood work done. My thyroid test came back real low, but then so did my amino acids, and every other hormone in my body. I couldn't handle the drepression anymore so I agreed to start taking natural thyroid and amino acid supplements. It took another month for me to feel the affects (keep in mind I gained 12 pounds which was a bummer -- every fat person's dream to have it be their thyroid).

I don't know if the depression went away because of the thyroid or the amino acids. She had me on so many different supplements trying to figure out what was wrong with me. I spent well over fifteen hundred dollars in three months working with her. She was so into the fact that it was thyroid related. I was sure it was my liver. Finally after three months of strict vegan, my blood work came back worse that it had been on SAD and my liver enzymes were way high. That's when she thought maybe it was my liver.

The liver regulates hormone production as well as produces amino acids. I have put away the boat load of supplements she kept selling me, went raw, and have been doing liver cleanses. I feel better than I have in years.

I'm still taking the thyroid because of an inner fear of becoming depressed again, but when I go back in two months to have more blood work done I will reasses my thryoid level and if I need to continue taking the pills.

By the way natural thyroid is not vegan. It is made from actual cow or pig thyroid. Another reason to get off it. She would have the compounding pharmacy make up a synthetic one for me, but I am actually more against synthetic drugs than I am using the waste products of today's meat market.

Another thing I have been noticing is how hypothyroidism seems to be the disease of the year. That always bothers me. I wonder how can so many people be suffering from the same thing. Because doctors and naturopaths get on kicks with certain diseases, I think it's important for us to research as much as we can, be honest with what we are doing to our bodies and what other little things are happening that might point to a true underlying cause. Covering up symptoms is not the same as curing the cause.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi City,

Yes, I have Hypothyroidism and had Hashimoto Thyroiditis.

Before I knew anything about eating raw I was very ill with my disease, even though I was on Synthroid. I had Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, a horrible headache that I had for 3 years straight, and about 20 other symptoms. Once I switched over to a more natural thyroid med, Armour Thyroid, all my symptoms were gone in 10 days.

I then wondered why I had a thyroid disease and started to research and discovered eating raw. I am high raw now and have had my thyroid meds cut back. I know if I could get to 100% raw I will eventually get off my meds, as I know of a few others that have done this. Besides having my meds cut back, I lost weight and my Blood Pressure has come down.

So eating raw will help your hypothyroidism. If your symptoms aren't too bad (if you can still function in life) I would try the raw route. As you will see in my story below, I couldn't function plus I didn't know about eating raw then so I did do the med route and am now weaning off of them:

http://www.shazzie.com/raw/transformation/helen.shtml

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[pizda]

Thyroid at this point is my only health “issue.”
7-8 years ago (do not remember) I did thyroid test and TSH came slightly elevated. Of coarse Dr. Take-a-Pill immediately prescribed minimum Synthroid dose. Every year dose (color of the pill) was going up. Eventually my own thyroid practically stopped producing hormones. 3 years ago, I have stopped taking Synthroid and refused to take the “natural” version. I am lucky (knock on wood) since my only symptom is a “cold” neck. In fact, I am having my collar up, to warm up neck. ,-)))) Air conditioner is a killer. Thanks God I live in the very hot climate and enjoy hot weather most of the year. Two years ago, I have turned raw. My TSH was 44. Last week I had test and TSH is 22. Therefore, you can see improvement. I do not have depression or weight problems. I started to add in my salads coconut oil; since it is a thyroid stimulator and…it taste delicious. I did liver flushes (I doubt it had any effect). I did read somewhere that Maca is also a thyroid stimulator (?!).
I will not take any hormones, either kind. I am adamant that raw lifestyle is and will improve my general state of health and thyroid function.
If anybody there knows some other natural way to improve thyroid, please do not hesitate to speak up.
Thanks.

Helen! You are a remarkable lady.

[Mommax4]

I had thyroid cancer back in 1996. I have never had to take medicine until this previous year. Armour thyroid is a natural thyroid it is not synthetic, that is what I am taking. synthroid has done a lot of damage to several people I know and I will never take it. Armour is doing very well for me. I feel better when I am eating raw, and supposedly after I am raw awhile, my meds will need to be readjusted because of all the fiber. I would love to go to a nautropath, but I can not find one in my area. Best wishes!!

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Pizda,

Thank you :)

When I was diagnosed, my TSH was 49 and I had no symptoms. My doctor asked me how I was even functioning with a TSH that high. He put me on Synthroid and within a couple of years I was bedridden and very bad shape. He thought I had Lupus or MS, but the tests were all normal. It was all thyroid related and Synthroid (T4 only) didn't help my T3 levels, which was the cause of all my symptoms!!!!

Anyway, now I know it was my diet that caused all of the problems!!!! I'm so glad you figured this out and are on the right road to allowing your body to heal your thyroid. You're one smart, knowledgeable, person Pizda!!!!

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[solarliving]

A different perspective:

Throat Chakra


Also known as: Cornucopia Center, Visuddha

Body Mind Associations:

Location: Base of the throat

Color: Sky blue

Parts of the body: This chakra controls the throat and the neck, and the arms and the hands. It is associated with the brachial or cervical plexus.

Sense: Sense of Hearing

ENDOCRINE GLAND: THYROID GLAND

Consciousness: The aspects of expressing and receiving. Expressing can be in the form of communicating what one wants and what one feels, or it can be an artistic expression, as an artist painting, a dancer dancing, a musician playing music, using a form for expressing and bringing to the outside what was within. Expressing is related to receiving, as in "Ask, and ye shall receive."

This chakra is associated with listening to one's intuition, which guides one in an optimal flow, in which one sees one's goals manifest, and it seems that the Universe provides all their needs with no effort on their part at all. It's a state of Grace. Abundance, therefore, is associated with this chakra, as is the aspect of unconditional receiving necessary to accept the abundance of the Universe.

This is the first level of consciousness in which one perceives directly another level of Intelligence, and experiences one's interaction with this other Intelligence.

Metaphysically, this chakra is related to creativity, creating, manifesting in the physical world the fulfillment of one's goals.

Element: Ether, as the crossover between the physical world and the world of Spirit. On the physical level, it corresponds to deep space as the most subtle physical element. From the point of view of the Spiritual, it represents the matrix on which physical reality manifests.

Metaphorically, it represents a person's relationship with their space, the movie that is playing around them.

[city]

WOW!!! Thank you all for sharing your stories. This is very very helpful info.

Carlene, I know that the media seems to focus on the disease du jour often but hypothyroidism is underdiagnosed which is why there's some hoopla about it now. Personally, I'd prefer that my weight issues were due to me as I would have more control over them. It also runs in families and it runs rampant in mine. So far, my own levels are low but my doctor is a big believer in not messing with it until it REALLY needs to be messed with. She's a regular M.D. but she really hates any kind of medical intervention unless it's ABSOLUTELY necessary (why I love her). She won't prescribe meds until there are no other alternatives and I DESPISE medications of any kind - even suppliments bug me.

Anyway, I asked the question because I was wondering how much nutrition has an impact on thyroid. I understand that this is not a scientific way of gathering data but I find these stories to be very very informative and I appreciate all of your responses. Thanks.

[pizda]

I am taking natural kelp supplement from Whole Foods.

“…Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetable (cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis…”

“…Raw cabbage, according to some
Nutritionists should not be eaten on a daily
basis because of the presence of goitrogens,
substances that block the formation
of thyroid hormone. This in turn makes it
difficult for the liver to convert the plant
form of vitamin A into the animal form.
Fermented cabbage is a transformed vegetable
and does not have these limitations…”

That what I have read. True or not true, but I did cut down on raw cabbage.
Hello sauerkraut, kimchee and cortido ,-))))))))

City! I like your MD. Drop me PM which city this MD is practicing.

[city]

Pizda, Thanks for the info. I've been avoiding these foods for a while unless they are fermented or cooked.

My MD is in New York City.

[Sweet lips]

I had thyroid cancer when I was 25 years old and was put on synthroid and up until last years - 23 years later, when I was put on armour thyroid have I been successful with my care. Right away, I noticed a difference.

Yes, depression is on of the signs of hypothyroidism, as is dry hair and skin and thinning hair, weight gain, an enlarged heart and a host of so many other things.

I test awful and I too have been asked how do I make it. I am also diabetic, so compunded, there is enough going on in my body to make want to shut down.

Since being raw, and especially this last year, I have done so much better - I believe it is the armour thyroid, the raw vegan diet and my self work I have been doing. I stopped my antidepresants in March, after of course having ovarian cancer because I felt if I didn't take matters into my own hand - I would be a walking zombie and that my friends, does not set well with me being a darling diva.

I don't avoid any raw veggies, if I want cabbage, or nightshades I do eat them. For some reason, I am not affected that way. I also while all my female organs have been removed, I am not dead up into menopause, and I believe it is because of my lifestyle and my mind. I decided that I would not have hot flashes, or mood swings - i did that when I had all my parts, so why do it now.

I still have thinning hair, but taking hypertension med also cause those type of problem, so I just added biotin in mega doses.

I do suggest that you have adrenals checked as well, they go hand in hand and when one is out of whack, the other is too. It is how wonderfully and fearfully we are made.

[city]

sweetlips, OH MY GOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Just the fact that you are still alive (and looking as good as you do in your photo) is just a freakin' miracle. I thought I had some health issues (I was given 6 months to live at one point). From now on, if anything is bothering I'm going to remember you and forge ahead.

Good luck to you, may you find health and happiness!!!!!!!!

[Sweet lips]

Thank City,

But you know what I am really fine - this is just part of my wonderful journey in life. Be blessed and have those adrenals checked

[Arky]

I am shocked that nobody here has mentioned Soya products.

Soya is a potent thyroid inhibitor.

Many experts believe that those suffering from Hypothyroidism should immediately reduce (or eliminate) sources of soy in their diet.


J.

[Sweet lips]

Don't be shocked - since this a raw vegan board, and most soy products are cooked, it just hasn't come up in the conversation - yes it is an inhibitor to those with thyroid glands. Here are some of the threads on the board that discussed this in the past:

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1819&highlight=hypothyroid

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3926&highlight=hypothyroid

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=660&highlight=hypothyroid

http://www.rawfoodtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1891&highlight=hypothyroid

[pizda]

Interesting thread. I also have read somewhere that fermented soy milk is not so bad for thyroid. It does ferments nicely and quick. Nevertheless, I have been avoiding anyway. Did not knew about peanuts. Thanks. Does anybody felt positive effect of coconut oil? Raymond Pitt had several raving articles about great things of coconut oil.

[Sweet lips]

Today - Pizda - you get the prize today for reminding me of the coconut oil. When I use it, it is great and helps me so much!

[pizda]

I will email you my bank account transfer info and you can send my prize money there ,-))).
Just kidding. I had and still have some reservation in regard to coconut oil because it is a saturated fat. I did read articles that CO is a “good” saturated fat. Nevertheless, many years of the anti-saturated fat brainwashing is still in my head. I alternate with olive oil. CO is liquid in temperature above 75 f. If somebody wants to use as “butter” put in the refrigerator and CO will be white-yellowish color. I buy my CO in the local Indian grocery store. “Laxmi” brand. Only $4.99 per quart.

[Mommax4]

I will email you my bank account transfer info and you can send my prize money there ,-))).
Just kidding. I had and still have some reservation in regard to coconut oil because it is a saturated fat. I did read articles that CO is a “good” saturated fat. Nevertheless, many years of the anti-saturated fat brainwashing is still in my head. I alternate with olive oil. CO is liquid in temperature above 75 f. If somebody wants to use as “butter” put in the refrigerator and CO will be white-yellowish color. I buy my CO in the local Indian grocery store. “Laxmi” brand. Only $4.99 per quart.

I keep reading use coconut butter, and it confused me, so thanks for making me understand what it is. :)

[pizda]

Read this article:
http://www.coconutoil.com/ray_peat_coconutoil.htm

[stephanieanne]

I'm just starting raw (10 days) quit thyroid meds altogether. I kept gaining weight even on hypothyroid meds- 12 lbs this year. I'm hoping that my body will adjust. Thanks for the coconut oil information. I would love to hear from someone who has "come through" with news that their body now makes sense to them!

[RawYogini]

Carlene,
do you find that your liver flushes are helping your hypothyroidism? thanks, RY

[MoniDew]

I agree - kelp is nutrition for the thyroid gland! and my Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine agrees with the list of foods given as goitrogenic/thyroid suppressing. Try adding kelp and other seaweeds, and eliminating cabbage family foods (including fermented, sorry) peanuts and soybeans, and see if that helps. (if you are blood type O, you are prone to thyroid suppression anyway, and may also become anemic on vegan diet.


I am taking natural kelp supplement from Whole Foods.

“…Some foods, such as rapeseed (used to make canola oil) and Brassica vegetable (cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis…”

“…Raw cabbage, according to some
Nutritionists should not be eaten on a daily
basis because of the presence of goitrogens,
substances that block the formation
of thyroid hormone. This in turn makes it
difficult for the liver to convert the plant
form of vitamin A into the animal form.
Fermented cabbage is a transformed vegetable
and does not have these limitations…”

That what I have read. True or not true, but I did cut down on raw cabbage.
Hello sauerkraut, kimchee and cortido ,-))))))))

City! I like your MD. Drop me PM which city this MD is practicing.

[AutumnBreezColordLeavz]

Born with my thyroid non functioning/ defective non producing for life! I have always had to take meds. I was on a natural for years, but back when it was not watched as carefully, doc said , so I was put on a synthetic, but it did not help other symptoms, later in life another doc put me on Armour and told me that I should never go back that it could cause alot of damage. Well, there was a time in my life where I could not get it when overseas, and took a local brand of a synthetic, and I gained weight and became depressed, tired, and more. I am back on Armour now and will not have any doctor tell me to go on something else. Armour provides me with both T3 and T4 which is the only one that does provide both.

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Autumn Breeze Colored Leavz,

I can so relate to you about the Synthetic vs. Armour Thyroid.

When taking Synthroid I had severe Fibromyalgia, Chronic Fatigue, horrible headache (24/7 for 3 years straight) and about 20 other symptoms.

When taking Armour Thyroid - all symptoms gone in 10 days!!!!!

Yep - T3, T2, T1, T0 are WONDERFUL.

Now that I'm high raw, my thyroid meds have been cut back and one day I won't need them at all.

My story: http://www.shazzie.com/raw/transformation/helen.shtml

<>< Helen of Tennessee

[earthmama]

Hi all, thanks for the info on thyroid. I have been on Synthroid for about 8 yrs for goiter and Hashimotos(sp??). I already had CFS/Fibro for around 30+ yrs. Also a history of hypertension, had a heart attack at some point(before age 45),asthma, migraines, in short just a mess.LOL. I have been high raw(aiming for 100%, dratted bread.LOL) for about a month. So far, I have had to decrease my blood pressure meds, have lost about 13 lbs, and had a little decrease in pain. I'm excited to think that I might be able to get off all medications. Thank you for sharing your stories. Helen of Tenn. We are planning to move back to the Chatt. area as soon as possible. I am pleased to see that you have had such great results with raw foods. Hope someday I can follow in your footsteps. Blessings Earthmama

[Helen Of Tennessee]

Hi Earthmama,

Ohhhhh - the Chattanooga area is so BEAUTIFUL!!!!!

Since you're already on thyroid meds and are weaning off of them via the raw diet, why not try Armour Thyroid and be pain free and fatigue free while you continue your road down to all raw and medication free lifestyle? Armour Thyroid is more natural than the synthic, although it is from a pig's thyroid (meat), but it's a teeny weenie piece of meat. The pills are extremely small and the actual meat from the pig thyroid is very small with most of the pill being filler. Just something to look at. The T2 in the Armour Thyroid also helps with your metabolism, helping with weight loss.

Which ever you choose, just know that the raw diet is the way to go. You'll be pill free!!!! :D

[earthmama]

Thanks Helen, I will discuss it with my doc soon. Have to get all my labs checked in the next week. so will be talking to her. Chatt. is lovely, I'm looking forward to getting home. I do miss seasons, and mountains. thanks for the info. glad you are doing so well, hope to join you soon. Blessings Earthmama

[Mystical]

I was on synthroid too, and got off it by doing the Dr. Schulze cleanses, and then eating a vegan diet with more raw foods, and now, eating a raw vegan diet. I also make his supplement, Superfood, and I put extra dulse and kelp in it and have it once or twice a day. I'm perfectly fine now!

[earthmama]

Hi Mystical, thanks for the info. I have wondered if just added sea veggies would do the trick. May have to give it a try after I get my latest lab results. thanks again Earthmama