Anyone seen a naturopath for bordeline hypo

[kingyl]

Just wondering if it's worth a visit?

[RedApple Administrator]

Naturopaths may be useful for some people for some things, but they don't have any magic wands when it comes to hypothyroidism. Whether 'it's worth a visit' as you ask, depends on what you expect to get from it

[greygoose]

From what I've read, they don't seem to have very much understanding of thyroid, and will probably want to put you on iodine. That seems to be their go-to solution to thyroid problems.

[Helena877]

I went to see one but it was purely because I wanted to explore the pathway to being prescribed Natural Dessicated Thyroid.

These avenues may appear relatively cheap but they try and push A LOT of supplements on you in your "Individual Treatment Plan". Seriously I am not spending LARGE £100+ (£200+ for month 1) on herbal supplements every month alongside the 'standard recommended vitamins for thyroid.

There were at least three supplements and the view was that these are the key ones to get you off Levo or it's alternatives. Personally - if my life was really simple I might explore this (TSH is high but im technically subclinical for hypothyroidism) but it isn't and neither can it be for the foreseeable future so it's medication for me.

And the machine - that measures everything (and I mean everything- hormones etc). Sorry but I don't know enough about that to buy into it.

What are you hoping to achieve is a very good question. Remission?

I've only been to see one and had one appointment so I am by no means an expert on these matters but I would say that for it to be successful then you would need to follow their treatment plans.

For me this would have entailed a two week detox with several supplements (3/4 different ones purely to detox), X12 coffee enemas over a month, drinking bone broth on a regular basis and a diet overhaul. I do believe healing the gut plays a large part in getting yourself well so colonics, enemas and detox I'm all happy with.

Money and Faith are the biggies needed to explore Naturopaths.

[Learner1]

I have gotten excellent naturopathic treatment from naturopathic doctors for cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome, and hormonal issues, especially hypothyroid.I have been to conventional allopathic MDs who agreed I was sick, but couldn't figure out what to do with me.

The naturopathic doctors I've seen practice "functional medicine" and treat the body as a system of systems and look for root causes of what's wrong. They know how to do conventional lab work, use the latest scientific research and contribute tout, and can prescribe drugs as well as nutritional supplements.

They have degrees from Bastyr University and the National School of Naturopathic Medicine in the US and have as much training as an MD.

I would check into the credentials, training, and track record of any doctor you see.

And, I wouldn't be so quick to bash high quality nutritional supplements as a treatment. It's almost impossible to get enough nutrients from a 2,000 calorie diet and most people are deficient in something, compromising our body's ability to function and creating disease.

The MDs I used to see missed my Hashimotos and my daughter's. My naturopath does great lab work and tweaks as necessary.

[rustysmum]

Everyone is different. I have been borderline for 7 years now.I went to a recommended one off the list ( now retired) . Did his candida clearing, sugar free diet, took numerous supplements, homeopathic treatments. Was measured on the magic machine which said all the things that were wrong when I first went were now better but after a year felt just as bad, had spent over a thousand pounds with him and never got put on NDT which was what I was hoping. In fact he made a point about how he could put me right without needing it, but he didn't! He came highly recommended but it just did not work for me. If you have a spare large amount of cash you don't mind risking and are feeling truly awful then it may be worth a try on someone who has had good results but don't bank all your hopes on it. Sorry to sound so negative, I know how much we all want to be made well.

[Learner1]

The naturopaths I see don't use homeopathy or magic machines or muscle testing. Personally, I think that they border on quackery and run fast from practitioners who do those things.

They DO practice functional medicine and are big fans of lab work and biochemistry and have years of training in a systems approach to human biochemistry.

I'm sorry you were badly treated by a charlatan. But what you experienced is not representative of state of the art naturopathic treatment.

Really, I don't care what initials come after someone's name, just that they can help me. I've met NDs, MDs, DCs, DOs, and ARNPs that competently practice functional medicine, but the majority of those in those professions do not.

So, I'm very picky about who I see and who I recommend to my family and friends so any money they invest in treatment is wisely spent.

Good luck in finding competent help.

[ann_g_k]

I've just had a consultation with a naturopath, whose name crops up occasionally on the forum and who has over 40 years' experience of treating people with CFS/ME. His theory – like that of Dr Sarah Myhill – is that CFS has a number of causes, including mild hypothyroidism, B12 and folate deficiency, adrenal fatigue and mitochondrial dysfunction.

His book: 'Why am I so exhausted?' gives in-depth and comprehensive information about the causes and treatment available.

He asks people to complete a questionnaire to detail all symptoms; provide a family health history; and to complete a three-day food diary. From this and the initial consultation, he will identify possible reasons for the fatigue and order tests accordingly (he accepts up to date results from private tests already carried out and relevant NHS results).

His approach is akin to that of functional doctors such as Drs Myhill and Peatfield and from what I have read and heard from him, he is saying the same things that are expounded on the forum. Therefore, I have confidence in him and his expertise – he certainly doesn't sound like the kind of snake oil salesmen described by others who have responded to you.

In my case, he has identified B12 deficiency that is linked to the near folate deficiency. He also thinks I have suboptimal thyroid function and chronic stress due to traumatic events over a number of years and the stress of living with someone with Asperger's. He is suggesting (note: suggesting, not demanding) that I take nutri thyroid, thyroid complex, nutri adrenal, intrinsic B12/folate and GABA, which helps with stress.

The cost? Yes, consultations, treatment, travel, etc are costly, but if I get my life back and it enables me to work full time, with its obvious economic benefits and enables me to have energy for a meaningful life beyond work, then it's been a good investment. If it doesn't work, then over a lifetime, I've not spent a huge amount.

I hope this helps - do PM me for the name of the naturopath (although if you google the book title then you'll find out).

Ann