Mailbag! 6 Easy Tips for Calming Hyperthyroidism
By
Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Posted January 18, 2022
I live with hyperthyroidism and was wondering if there were any natural ways to help manage it.
–Sam from Paris, TX
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland becomes overactive and starts sending out too much thyroid hormone.
Most people who have hyperthyroidism have it because of an autoimmune disease called Graves’ disease. If you have it, the body creates an antibody (called thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulin) that attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to make too much hormone.
Some people get nodules or lumps in their thyroid, and these too can cause the thyroid to produce too much hormone.
There can be many sources of the autoimmune reaction in Graves’ disease, but I have mostly seen that it’s caused by leaky gut. In this condition, the gut-barrier is broken and allows large proteins to enter the body, setting off an autoimmune reaction.
Here’s a plan similar to what I give my patients.
Dr. Scott’s Hyperthyroid Protocol
- Avoid processed foods. This includes any food that comes in a package or that you can buy at a restaurant. Many of these foods are full of artificial sweeteners, colors, flavor enhancers and other junk. They’re also high in sugar and vegetable oils, both of which speed up inflammation throughout the body.
- Anti-inflammatories. Many herbs such as basil, rosemary, curcumin, oregano, and fish oil can be anti-inflammatory and help improve thyroid function.
- Bone broth. This nutritious – and delicious! – soup base can be found almost anywhere now. It helps support detoxification and can speed up the healing of leaky gut.
- Consider going dairy-free. People with thyroid problems may want to avoid casein, a protein found in dairy. It’s been linked to increased inflammation in the thyroid gland and digestive tract.
- There are many herbs that have been shown to help reduce thyroid hormones. I’ve read promising research on two in particular: bugleweed and frankincense. You can find them online or at your local health foods store.
- Amino acids. L-carnitine (an amino acid) has been used, with great results, to help reduce thyroid hormone.
P.S. Have a health concern that’s worrying you? Click here to submit your questions and get featured in the weekly mailbag!
Written By Dr. Scott Olson, ND
Nearly 25 years ago, failed mainstream medical treatments left Dr. Olson in constant pain – and his health in ruins. And that’s when he did something REVOLUTIONARY. He began his career in medicine – and dedicated his life to uncovering the true, underlying causes of disease.
Through his innovative medical practices in Tennessee and Colorado, Dr. Olson has helped cure countless seniors from across America of arthritis… heart disease… diabetes… and even cancer. All without risky prescription drugs or painful surgeries.
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