Alternative remedies and hypothyroidism

[samigirltoo]

Hi all,

I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism and am considering seeking complementary alternative therapy in conjunction with the Levothyroxine that I've been prescribed.  Has anyone sought any alternative therapy such as acupuncture, ayurveda, etc, and if so, what were your experiences?

Thanks in advance!

S.

[hava]

Try to post on the alternative therapies forum.

[Barb135]

I've never tried acupuncture and I'm not gluten free, but I find that some vitamins and minerals can make it easier to control symptoms; for instance, selenium is said help the conversion of FT4 to T3, magnesium can help with the muscle/joint aches/pains and it's also calming so taken at bedtime may help you sleep.  Some say magnesium also helps with constipation issues.  

Vitamin B12 can help with tingling numbness of the hands/feet, and can also help relieve fatigue.

Many with hypothyroidism are also deficient in vitamin D, as well.

There are some herbs that reportedly can help support the thyroid.

Of course, none of these things will remove the need for prescribed thyroid med.

[redheadaussie]

Like many of us who have had good intentions in healing naturally, it just doesn't work that way. Taking time out to eat well, drink healthy water/juices/teas etc are all great to help improve the bodies ability to cope, but you can't 'sure' hypothyroidism by doing natural therapies.
  
I am a real Greenie, used to be a vegetarian, ( I still don't eat red meat) hug trees and refuse to drink or eat from plastic products. BUT! With time none of these helped my hypothyroidism, they just help my body deal with it better.  I do yoga, I eat a bland diet (some days I would kill for a burger! LOL!) I am gluten intolerant, I drink only filtered water, and I love doing meditation and having acupuncture. I saw a great naturopath a few years back who helped me change my diet and understood my stressors.  

These things help but aren't the be all and end all. My body will still do what it wants regardless of how I treat it kindly and nicely. I find that LISTENING to my body far more important than obtaining advice from here there and everywhere. I HEAR my body mid cycle craving salty foods, so I eat salty foods. I hear my body saying when I am hypo to not eat that extra whatever. Nature provided us with the right equipment, and we just need to tune in enough to deal with it.

I do love acupuncture very much, and Super sally has reminded me I think I am long overdue for some! Man that stuff is good as a relaxant! I always fall asleep on the table!

[Super_sally888]

Hi,

if you are hypothyroid alternative therapies cannot 'heal' it.  but they can help your body adjust and reduce the load on your thyroid.

I do accupuncture, which helps my overall energy balance and well being.

Dietary supplements to help thyroid can, I beleive help, if the hypo is mild.  THere are specific thyroid support supplements, which may be worth a try.  My sisters all use one which they totally swear by.

I also personally find that a low carb approach, combined with gluten free is the way to go.   I do have some trouble sticking with it though and keep falling off the wagon.  Another new year's resolution.

Exercise (regular aerobic and ideally some weight training) will help your overall metabolism and well-being.

All these are same guidelines for general well-being, but they become much more important in the face of hypo.