If you have hypothyroidism, your doctor likely prescribed you a daily hormone replacement tablet, such as levothyroxine or liotrix. These medications help your body regulate thyroid hormones, but they can cause weight gain or loss, changes in appetite, heat sensitivity, and other unpleasant side effects.
You may think you’ll have to take prescription thyroid medication for the rest of your life. Often, though, you can reduce or eliminate your need for prescription drugs through one of several natural thyroid medication options and in consultation with your doctor.
Nascent Iodine
If you’ve been avoiding iodine because you worry it might make your hypothyroidism worse, you could be missing out on a wide range of health benefits. Taking too much iodine can be harmful, but if you’re low in iodine, an essential nutrient, you may struggle with weight regulation, weakness, and thinning hair.
How is nascent iodine different from regular iodine? Nascent iodine has an electromagnetic charge, so the body can absorb it more easily than regular iodine. Plus, you can take a smaller amount to get the same effects. Unlike other types of iodine, nascent iodine doesn’t cause congestion in the thyroid gland. If you take more than you need, your body will safely eliminate it.
Other benefits of nascent iodine include:
- Higher energy levels: Without enough iodine, you may feel sluggish and tired even when you get a full night’s sleep. Nascent iodine can help your body use food as an energy source instead of storing it as fat, which means you’ll have more energy to get through the day.
- Robust hair growth: People with low iodine and hypothyroidism often notice their hair thinning, falling out, or not looking as healthy as it once did. If you’re losing more hair than usual, nascent iodine may be able to help. Iodine stimulates the hair follicles, improving hair growth, strength, and luster.
- Better metabolism regulation: Weight gain is one of hypothyroidism’s most distressing symptoms. Many sufferers feel discouraged when they gain weight and can’t seem to lose it even on a strict and healthy diet. Nascent iodine helps your body better regulate the hormones responsible for weight gain and may boost your metabolic rate.
MAGNASCENT is the only U.S. company that produces nascent iodine under a patented process. That’s why MAGNASCENT Nascent Iodine is a safe and effective product that you know you can trust.
Thyroid Glandulars
Thyroid glandular supplements are made from the thyroids of animals, primarily cows and pigs. These supplements contain the same proteins, enzymes, and hormones as human thyroids. It’s not known exactly how thyroid glandular supplements work, but it’s thought that they can heal the thyroid gland and reduce the high levels of inflammation commonly seen in people with hypothyroidism.
Selenium
The thyroid gland normally contains a high amount of selenium, so if you have hypothyroidism, your levels could be low. You can increase your selenium levels through supplements or selenium-rich food, such as seafood and organ meats.
Probiotics
Leaky gut syndrome can inflame the thyroid gland and may be a factor in hypothyroidism and other metabolic disorders. If you suspect you have leaky gut syndrome, try taking a supplement that contains a large number of live probiotics, such as Lactobacillus rhamnosus and Lactobacillus crispatus.
Fermented foods are naturally high in probiotics. Options include:
- Kimchi
- Yogurt
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Aged cheeses
Vitamin B Supplements
Many hypothyroidism sufferers are low in Vitamin B12, which the body needs to regulate thyroid levels. A lack of Vitamin B12 also contributes to:
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Constipation
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
- Pale skin
- Memory problems
A simple blood test can confirm whether you’re low in Vitamin B12. If you are, your doctor may recommend a Vitamin B supplement. Foods high in Vitamin B include eggs, milk, legumes, and whole grains.
Adaptogenic Herbs
Adaptogenic herbs promote healing by helping the body deal with physical illness and stress. These herbs work by regulating the stress balance in the adrenal, pituitary, and hypothalamic glands. Since stress is closely tied to inflammation, people with hypothyroidism can benefit by supplementing their diet with adaptogenic herbs. Herbal natural thyroid medications include:
- Ashwagandha
- Rhodiola rosea
- Siberian ginseng
- Schisandra
Essential Oils
While essential oils can’t serve as a replacement for thyroid medication on their own, they can be helpful when used alongside other natural hypothyroidism treatments. Certain essential oils may reduce hypothyroidism inflammation, improve cell repair, and boost your body’s resilience to stress. Essential oils to consider include:
- Frankincense
- Myrrh
- Peppermint
- Lemongrass
- Spearmint
- Cedarwood
- Rose geranium
A Healthy Diet
If you’re looking for a natural option for treating hypothyroidism, eating a healthy diet rich in iodine, zinc, and selenium is a must. Good options for a hypothyroidism diet include:
- Meats such as chicken, beef, turkey, and ham
- Sardines, saltwater fish, and tuna
- Seaweed
- Brazil nuts
- Eggs
- Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy products
- Oatmeal
Certain foods can make hypothyroidism worse or interfere with your thyroid medication. In general, avoid foods that are very high in fiber and fat. It’s also wise to limit soy-based products, such as sprouts, edamame, tofu, and soy milk. Soy contains estrogen, and too much estrogen can block the effect of thyroid medication.
Why Consider Natural Alternatives to Thyroid Medication?
Thyroid medications do their job effectively, but many hypothyroid patients would prefer not to be on prescription medication for the rest of their lives. Hypothyroidism sufferers and their doctors sometimes have trouble finding the right dose for them, too. This can lead to frustration as they deal with constantly changing side effects, such as:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Weight loss or gain
- Palpitations
- Sensitivity to heat and hot flashes
- Nervousness
- Irritability
- Mood swings
- Increased sweating
Additionally, not everyone can take prescription thyroid medication safely. If you have high blood pressure, have had a heart attack, or suffer from other heart-related problems, your doctor may want to explore other treatment options.
Fortunately, hypothyroidism patients have many natural thyroid medication options to choose from, such as nascent iodine. MAGNASCENT Nascent Iodine is an excellent choice for people who can’t take thyroid medication or want to reduce their dependence on prescription drugs. It’s safe, effective, and highly bioavailable to give your body just the amount of iodine it needs.
