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.
View More Free Articles
FDA Finally Admits “BANNED” Soda Ingredient is Unsafe
I’m not a soda fan for MANY reasons. I wrote an entire book on the dangers of sugar, for example. And research links soda drinking to fatty liver disease, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, and Alzheimer’s. And the diet stuff is no better. Fake-sugar-filled diet sodas cause “metabolic confusion,” and artificial sweeteners are...
Discover WHY We Accidentally Overeat (and How to Stop)
Picture this… You finish eating a nice meal feeling just fine. But then, 20 minutes later, you’re groaning and clutching your belly because you feel uncomfortably stuffed. If this sounds familiar, you’re in good company. Most of us have had this happen. Science reveals why accidental overeating occurs… and what we can do to avoid...
Find Exercise Exhausting and Painful? Try THIS Natural Fix
If you’ve heard it once, you’ve heard it a thousand times: “You need to exercise.” And sure, you know how vital it is to healthy aging. But let’s be honest, sometimes it feels nearly impossible to get moving—especially when you know you’ll be sore for DAYS after. However, hold on to your seat because I’ve...
Mailbag: Unsteady on Your Feet? Now What?
“I’ve been having trouble with my balance lately and have fallen a couple of times. Could this be related to osteoporosis or another underlying cause?” – John Hi John, It’s always concerning when someone experiences balance issues or falls. While osteoporosis can contribute to an increased risk of falling, several other underlying causes should also...
Is There Really a Hidden Benefit to BROCCOLI?
Just when we thought broccoli’s resume couldn’t get any more impressive, new research proves us wrong. The phytonutrients in this tasty veggie can lower inflammation… balance blood sugar… and even boost your memory. And you likely already know of broccoli’s legendary prowess in preventing cancer. Now, a new study reveals that sulforaphane, the potent compound...
Belly Trick BOOSTS Brain Function
Boy do I love a cheap and easy solution. And if you can’t resist a good bargain either, keep reading. Because I have a brain-boosting one to share that fits the bill. If you’re like most folks, you intend to stay as sharp as a tack well into your golden years. So, you’re always on...
The Hidden Heart Danger LURKING in Your Gut?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Living with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is no walk in the park. The cramping, the urgency, the endless trips to the bathroom—it’s a daily struggle that can leave you exhausted and frustrated. And here’s the kicker: sometimes, IBD’s vague symptoms can lead to misdiagnosis or even NO diagnosis at all....
Has the Key to Unlocking Better MS Treatments Been Found?
Dear Living Well Daily Reader, Imagine waking up one morning and feeling a strange tingling in your fingers. You brush it off, thinking it’s just a pinched nerve. But then, your vision starts to blur, and your balance is thrown off. Suddenly, you’re faced with a terrifying reality: you have multiple sclerosis (MS). For the...
6 Secret Ways to Spot HIDDEN Processed Foods
“Avoid eating processed foods,”—If I’ve said it once, I’ve said it a thousand times. The reason why is simple. These Frankenfoods are designed to satisfy your taste buds. But they leave your body full of foreign chemicals that can cause harm and in need of more nutrients. But a patient asked me the other day,...
8 Red Flags There’s a Heart Attack in YOUR Future
Humor me and count to 40. Done? According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), someone in the United States just had a heart attack. That adds up to around 805,000 people a year. Many of those were a “silent” heart attack, with the victim having no clue it even happened—and they go...