2019 update: This post was written years ago when I was new to learning about thyroid health. As I have improved my health, I take far fewer Hashimoto’s supplements, and you can find updated info on my Resources Page.
As I continue to think of myself as my own guinea pig/human science and nutrition project, I will share with you what I try on myself. I will let you know what has and what has not worked for me. This by no means suggests that you should follow what I do for yourself. The takeaway from my blog posts should just be further education on possible pathways to healing. Explore the topics on your own, and figure out if it might be something that would work for you. Check with your doctor, endocrinologist, and/or your own dietitian. More importantly, find a good doctor or healthcare professional that is knowledgeable about the thyroid gland.
Final word of caution before I continue this post: I myself have been tricked by the internet and by what other thyroid gurus have to say. DO NOT believe what you read. I recommend getting your advice from books written by doctors. See my resources page for ideas.
With that being said, here are a few of my current favorite supplements:
- Michael’s Vitamin D3 5000 IU with Vitamin K2: You need vitamin k to balance out large amounts of vitamin D supplementation. I love this brand because it is one of the only ones that combines the two. I recommend checking your vitamin D levels before supplementation. Those with autoimmune conditions often run low on vitamin D, so check your levels!
- Green tea extract: To reduce inflammation, add extra antioxidants
- NAC (n-acetyl cysteine): Precursor to glutathione which is a strong antioxidant and used in many body processes. Did you know? Larger amounts of vitamin C may also help to increase glutathione (and this is why I also supplement with vitamin C).
- L-Glutathione Cream: Taking pills of glutathione is useless because it is not absorbed. Some say applying the cream on the bottom of your foot is the best method of absorption (or just take the NAC pills). I typically do one or the other (not both).
- Thytrophin PMG: This is a bovine thyroid extract that has been purified. This supplement acts as a decoy, and instead of your body destroying your thyroid, it will hopefully attack the supplement. This may give your thyroid a break and then you can work on regenerating thyroid tissue through decreasing inflammation–or at least we hope this can happen! NOTE: I do not believe in this supplement for those who have non-autoimmune hypothyroidism.
- Chelated Magnesium Glycinate: The most absorbable form of magnesium. Works well since we tend to run low in magnesium.
- Methyl-folate: The most absorbable form of folate. Great for women. The one I link to also contains B12.
- Feosol Bifera Complete Iron: This iron supplement has very low side effects (I haven’t noticed any side effects). It is also highly absborbable. Many with Hashimoto’s have low iron. Have your iron levels (ferritin) checked before supplementing. I will write another post on the topic of iron so you will understand more.
- Fish oil: Make sure you get a brand with high levels of EPA and DHA (the active, useful fatty acids). The cheapest and still decent quality one I have found is Nature Made ULTRA 1400 mg (or Costco has a wonderful brand as well).
- Zinc Monomethionine: Zinc (and selenium) are the 2 number one supplements often recommended for Hashimoto’s because we tend to be lacking AND it helps convert T4 to T3. This form of zinc is fairly well absorbed. I highly recommend this brand of zinc from Source Naturals since it is the right dose, and has a very small amount of copper added so that you balance out your minerals correctly.
- Selenium (selenomethionine): Just as I said with zinc, this is also crucial for thyroid health in those with Hashimoto’s. I am currently trying to use Brazil nuts as my source for selenium, but I may switch over to supplementation.
- Vitamin C: I take this with my iron to increase iron absorption, but I also use vitamin C to improve the immune system and decrease inflammation. One again, it is all about decreasing inflammation!
- Digestive Enzymes: Often needed for Hashimoto’s because most of us has some sort of issue with not being able to properly digest our foods. Sometimes we have a lack of stomach acid or a lack of digestive enzymes. Most experts swear by this brand: Wobenzym, but I can’t justify the price. So, here are two more affordable options (but they do not contain the same ingredients): NOW Foods Super Enzymes or Source Naturals Rejuvenzyme (plant based). If you purchase the Wobenzym, at least you can purchase in bulk for a greater discount.
I know that is a lot of info! But, I have more to expand on each supplement, so I will write about them all in their own future posts!
