I need supplement advise for Hashimoto's

[pandomim]

Hi,
I've been diagnosed with Hashimoto's about 6 months ago. I've been having serious symptoms even though my TSH, FT3 and FT4 levels are relatively normal. I'm taking 100 mg of levothyroxine sodium tablets . I think the reason might be that I'm not taking any supplements except 100 mcg of selenium with dinner. That's what I want to ask you about. Can you recommend me which supplements I should take everyday, and what brands? I'm asking for brands because I've read that Hashimoto's patients are allergic to many things and inflammation makes things worse. My TPO was 63 when I was diagnosed, now its 93. My antityroglobulin count was above 2000, still is. I can't function. I can't do anything, I can't concentrate, I sleep about 18 hours a day, I have eye allergies and a swollen sinus which causes blurred vision and headache. I have jaw ache and ear ache, muscle spasms. Almost all the symptoms of Hashimoto's. I've read that I should be using a lot of supplements but I'm confused what is safe to use without developing allergies to it. I don't even have the energy to do research anymore.  I have changed my diet as well, but there are no improvements on my condition yet. So please write me the vitamins and brands you are using and you got benefits from. I'm outside USA but I have a relative who's coming soon, who can bring me those. Thanks for your help.

[Red_Star]

I don't live in the US but i have ordered from Life Extension.  So far I've only purchased NAC but i'm looking at a few other products.  I've just read green coffee bean extract is on special. Another order! :)

[Barb135]

I don't take the same brand of each vitamin/mineral.  I look for ones in my health food store that seem to be the best ingredients and dosage for me; one thing I make sure of is that none of them contain soy......  Solaray, Source Naturals, Twin Labs, Schiff, Nordic Naturals (for Omega 3) and Mercola are some to look into.

[pandomim]

Thanks for the answers. According to my blood tests I am low on B12 too, and doctor suggested I get shots twice a week at thebegining, then once a month. My ferritin level is on the borderline, according to family doctor fine but I doubt it. (B12 was also fine according to him). So, I think I should try taking selenium,magnesium, omega 3, zinc, probiotic for gut and vitamin D. However, vitamins are too expensive here and I have a relative coming from USA in 2 weeks, who can bring me the supplements. My problem is that I can't decide which ones are good quality, without any allergens (or mercury as in omega 3s) that would do harm instead of doing good. So please can you write me the brand names of the supplements you are taking so I can look at them. I can order them from amazon or e-mail him so that he can buy from a health store. Thanks,

[Barb135]

I agree with goolarra..... vitamin/mineral supplements are very individual and you should get tested, for the things she suggested, before you start taking supplements.

Might also be noted that taking supplements doesn't change your  Hashimoto's status, though if you are deficient in these vitamins/minerals, they may help alleviate symptoms.

I take vitamin B12 shots, because I have Pernicious Anemia and have to supplement.  I take selenium, zinc, magnesium and vitamin D because I was found to be deficient, calcium because I have osteopenia.  I also take a probiotic and enzyme to help with absorption/digestion of foods/nutrients; not everyone needs the same things.

Many people also do not change their diet.  I've altered  mine, slightly, because of recently diagnosed insulin resistance.  As with the vitamins/minerals, that does nothing to change my Hashimoto's status.

[goolarra]

Please post your actual TSH, FT3 and FT4 results with reference ranges.  If you still have all those symptoms, it sounds like, while your labs may be "in range", they are far from optimal for YOU.  

As far as supplements are concerned, it's very individual.  I take no supplements for Hashi's.  From what I read here, some people must spend their days swallowing pills, and I'm not sure they achieve a lot doing so.

Rather than take supplement that may not help, may actually make things worse or may cause other things to get out of balance, it's best to be tested and respond to any proven deficiencies.  

Deficiencies of vitamins D and B-12 can cause symptoms similar to Hashi's, so you should request they be tested.  You're already taking selenium.  Magnesium and iron/ferritin levels are important for the proper metabolism of thyroid hormones.

How long have you been taking 100 mcg of levo?