Naturopathic Options for Hyperthyroidism
There are no published studies in medical literature regarding natural therapy for hyperthyroidism. There are plenty of theoretical approaches with anecdotal success which work for some but not for others.
I am not an endocrinologist and I do not specialise in the area of hormonal or glandular conditions, so any advice that I give my patients always takes into account and individuals conventional best options. I do not advocate avoidance of advice from a patient’s GP or specialist if conventional medication is recommended. It is only after discussing the matter with the patient’s doctor that I would ever condone a naturopathic approach alone. It is often the case that complementary medicine can be used alongside conventional treatment, be that drug medication, radio active iodine therapy or surgery.
I recommend that patients read - Hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease by Eric M. Osansky , D.C. Out of all the books out there it is the most likely to help find an answers. Following his approach requires dedication and commitment but I have seen some benefits for patients in my practice over the years.
This is an in-depth book so I summarise the salient features here and then strongly recommend that the patient sees me or another integrated physician who can help design an appropriate individualised therapy.
Hyperthyroidism and Grave’s disease isn't a simple isolated thyroid condition but can encompass auto immunity and inter-relation with many other hormones, gland and other organ dysfunction. Receptors in the body for thyroxine (T4) , tri-iodothyronine (T3) and TSH can be faulty with a normal thyroid gland.
Often patients have a compromised immune system. Bodily systems that can also be contributing to this condition are the adrenal glands, sex hormone control and/or the gut and digestive system.
The underlying causes of these malfunctions include
- Stress – It is important to develop better skills in handling stress.
- Problems with digestion such as ‘Leaky Gut’ and difficulty in absorbing nutrients is theoretically an issue.
- Pathogens - Borrelia (Lyme disease) may be associated as may be Hepatitis C, Yersinia, Enterocolitica, H Pylori and Epstein-Barr virus as well as parasitic infections.
- Genetics and ‘epi-genetics’ where environmental toxic compounds influence gene action.
Eric Osansky recommends several tests to try to narrow down therapeutic pathways rather than treating all the options. These include:
- Thyroid tests including auto-antibodies and TSI
- Leaky Gut Test
- Adrenal stress testing
- Glucose tolerance
- Hormonal measurements of DHEA, oestrogen and progesterone
- Immune system monitoring through sIgA
- Mineral testing inc iodine, iron , copper
- Vitamin D and Selenium test
- Allergy testing especially for gluten, Gliadin and ‘cross-over’ reactivity
- Heavy and toxic metal sensitivity
- Detoxification capability
A typical program from me based on Mr Osansky’s in-depth research might contain the following:
- Magnesium & multivitamin complex
- Anti yeast/parasite caprylic acid/ grapefruit seed complex
- Preferred multi probiotics
- Vitamin D
- High absorbency antioxidants
- Parent essential oils
- Co Q 10
- L-carnitine
- L- Glutathione open 2 caps under tongue on awaking,
- Resveratrol
- Aloe Vera
Although I prefer to use established drug regimens rather than herbs, medical herbalists can be consulted if a patient cannot tolerate drugs. Herbal options include ; Marshmallow Root; Slippery Elm; Motherwort;Lemon Balm; Bugleweed -good for Hyperthyroid symptoms but too high a dose could lead to hypothyroidism as it is an anti thyroid herb and it decreases the T4 levels. It might also affect the conversion of T4 to Eleuthero. Milk thistle can help with glutathione production; Turmeric; Resveratrol; Licorice Root and Aloe Vera.
I will recommend onward referral if my process doesn’t seem to be helping.
Diet can include eating foods that are known to reduce thyroxine production called goitrogens.
“One needs to remember that the nerves in the spine supply every organ and tissue in the body” so injuries such as whip-lash need to be assessed. The nervous system is, of course, very much influenced by our conscious and subconscious mind. Increased production of stress hormones like adrenaline or a lack of the calming parasympathetic hormones and endorphins are all likely to influence thyroid activity. Please consider reading this book by Michael Lam MD to understand the biochemistry of stress, sex hormones and the thyroid - http://www.amazon.co.uk/Ovarian-Adrenal-Thyroid-Axis-Imbalance-Medications-Recovery-ebook/dp/B008QQF9MY
And this site makes suggestions regarding hyperthyroid treatment http://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/
Dr Rajendra Sharma
