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Black Seed May Treat Hypothyroidism (Hashimoto’s Disease), Clinical Trial Reveals
By Sayer Ji
Contributing writer for Wake Up World
A recent clinical trial indicates that Hashimoto’s disease, the most common form of hypothyrodism, may be improved by adding only two grams of powdered black seed to your daily diet.
A powerful new randomized clinical trial reveals that the ancient healing food known as nigella sativa (aka “black seed”), once known as the “remedy for everything but death”, may provide an ideal treatment for the autoimmune thyroid condition known as Hashimoto’s disease, which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Written by
LynneG
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Some of the results in regards to weight loss etc do not seem significant enough and was a small group so would want to see a repeat with larger numbers. However, the changes to TSH and antibodies and VEGF certainly seem to be more significant.
Also possibly will help other issues such as diabetes and PCOS.
Funny thing is I've got tonnes of the stuff in my cupboard as my degus love this stuff but never thought of eating it myself even though I buy human versions from supermarket - not sure what I would put it in lol. Maybe I should try
For those interested - Abstract below:
Abstract
Background
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. The use of Nigella sativa, a potent herbal medicine, continues to increase worldwide as an alternative treatment of several chronic diseases including hyperlipidemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on thyroid function, serum Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) – 1, Nesfatin-1 and anthropometric features in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Methods
Forty patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, aged between 22 and 50 years old, participated in the trial and were randomly allocated into two groups of intervention and control receiving powdered Nigella sativa or placebo daily for 8 weeks. Changes in anthropometric variables, dietary intakes, thyroid status, serum VEGF and Nesfatin-1 concentrations after 8 weeks were measured.
Results
Treatment with Nigella sativa significantly reduced body weight and body mass index (BMI). Serum concentrations of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and anti-thyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) antibodies decreased while serum T3 concentrations increased in Nigella sativa-treated group after 8 weeks. There was a significant reduction in serum VEGF concentrations in intervention group. None of these changes had been observed in placebo treated group. In stepwise multiple regression model, changes in waist to hip ratio (WHR) and thyroid hormones were significant predictors of changes in serum VEGF and Nesgfatin-1 values in Nigella sativa treated group (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
Our data showed a potent beneficial effect of powdered Nigella sativa in improving thyroid status and anthropometric variables in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, Nigella sativa significantly reduced serum VEGF concentrations in these patients. Considering observed health- promoting effect of this medicinal plant in ameliorating the disease severity, it can be regarded as a useful therapeutic approach in management of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Ocean's Alive (Activation products) have black seed oil in their range but very expensive. They claim to have a revolutionary way to press the seed gently so as not to damage the seed and not cause oxidation. No health benefit from consuming an oxidised oil.
So I've heard Dr. Bergman say be careful of the "seed" oils. And the study specifically mentions powdered Blackseed. And thinking about flaxseed - i've read studies and listened to different alternative medicine opinions to the effect that there was more benefit to ground flaxseed than to flaxseed oil.
So I had a question about the oil of the Blackseed myself. I actually have the Blackseed oil on hand and had heard about it from locals here the US. But I did discontinue taking it because of the presence of the broad spectrum of the Omega fats, 3,6,9. Again I've heard warnings from Dr. Bergman himself that we can get into cardiac trouble (because most of us get too many of the omega six and nine from other sources) and that we should stick strictly to the omega-3 oil's. Did I get that right? I don't want to split hairs - or cause any confusion, but I did want to point out that the study used black seed powder in a capsulated form. Again if it's like the flaxseed, studies have shown that the ground flaxseed is superior to the oil. I'd love to hear from anyone who has read anything about this question.
I'm going to go back to his "autoimmune" video because I can't remember everything he said about blackseed oil. I know he cautions about the method of extraction when they need to use solvents so if it isn't "pressed", don't use it. It sounds as if yours is just ground cumin seed. Normally people get plenty of Omega 6 through meat and dairy so if you limit or avoid those, it may not be a problem.
The other guru doctor I followed said many people can't utilize flaxseed oil for some reason so I didn't have faith in using it. Chia might be a better alternative?
Hi dtate2016. You seem to be a person after my own heart. And I absoluely love Dr John Bergman. If I want cheering up, I listen to his lectures I love his witty style LOL comments.
I have missed his commenting on black seed/ oil.
I have learned about omega 6/3/9 balance from the likes of Chris Kresser and Chris Masterjohn, there aren't many functional docs/clinicians that don't mention.
The way I see it is that we need to be aware of omega 3 omega 6 balance. That possibly there is not a great need for omega 3 or the body would have ensured the provision of (as with all other necessary nutrients) So the answer is not to stuff self with loads of omega 3's (as in cod liver oil because it is still an unstable polyunsaturated fatty acid) But rather cut back on Omega 6 consumption so you balance omega 3, omega 6 around 1:1. As often omega 3 /6 diet today is more 1:20 we seriously need to cut back on omega 6.
As omega 6 is prevalent in grains, nuts and seeds, we need t limit their consumption. Grains tend to have less nutrient value and bind to many nutrients eaten making them unavailable. So if considering an omega 3/6 ratio then the best option is forgo grains and eat nuts and seeds which are more nutrient dense but don;t overly do it.
So if black seed doesn;t have the best ratio, just be aware and limit oter sources of Omega 6 if necessary. Why do this? No reason unless there is a profound benefit. If reduction in Thyroid antibodies and support of te thyroid function is a result of eating then that is a good enough reason. I have just these last few months started adding flax seed, with some hesitation but thought that I would look at the resulting effect on my health if any.
Lottie my dog has just been diagnosed with bone cancer. And so I have been researching many natural supplements that are positively shown/ listed in research studies to destroy cancer cells or revert them back to normal cells. Flax seed has such a reputation and so grind the seeds daily to add to er meal. Along with many other supplements. This to me is more important than the omega 6/3 ratio and I can adjust her diet accordingly to take account of this.
For instance chicken meat has the highest omega 6 content. So if you want to eat black seed to help your thyroid then don't worry just cut back on eating chicken and any grain fed meat, and you will soon re establish your balance of omegas even if eating black seed as a supplement or food. Or cut back on oter nuts and seeds that may not have such a positive effect on thyroid health.
That's the way I logically work it out.
I would be interested to hear what your thoughts are?
Because that is what I have just reasoned out in my head.
Sounds logical. I know Dr. Bergman would like to see us all eat less meat, or none at all. Even mainstream medicine has been telling us to eat less meat, and especially red meat for a very long time. I did not know that chicken had more Omega 6.
But more than anything, we are hearing more and more about the "seed" oils - and again that it is better to add ground flax seed to your diet than flax seed oil. That it's the whole food working altogether that brings the most benefits. And again, the study did use ground black seed, as opposed to black seed oil. We are finding out how powerful these whole foods really are.
It's next to impossible to find anything but grain fed beef and chicken here in this part of the world. We can find that farmer who will sell you 1/2 a beef or pork (half of the whole animal), yes, next to impossible. So, less oil for me.
I'm going to try and find a good source of whole black seed, and grind my own.
Thanks for the well thought out logic. This sight has proven to be an overflowing source of great "healthcare" information. I feel much better as a result of following what others have done - including eliminating high blood pressure medicine successfully.
That's great re your BP med dtate 2016 I live in Sheffield and go to a farmers market that's on once per month. So couldn't manage without a freezer. You can order lots of grass fed meat from online butcher sites. There is a farmer in Penistone who rears water Buffalo (which is just like beef) The thing about farmers markets is you can speak to the farmer and just choose normal sized portions just as at any butchers. The Water Buffalo farmer told me that they started to rear as was fed up of beef cattle/dairy cows getting sick and having to use so many antibiotics and the Water Buffalo are hardy and can be outside grazing most of the year and for a treat she gave them the odd turnip, no grains, no antibiotics growth hormones etc. That's the sort of farmer I wish to buy from.
Chicken is the worst meat for omega 6 - wonder why we were always recommended as a healthy meat - couldn't have been to encourage the newly indusrialised farming of chicken starting in the 1970's. Chicken and other birds that are fed grain. Its the grain that ramps up the omega 6. Similarly in beef, farmed fish. Farmers that graze their cattle often also tend to fatten them on grain 6 weeks before slaughter. And even in such a short few weeks the fat of the meat is altered and no loner has the healthy profile of a total grass fed animal.
Forget salmon or prawns being a healthy food if farmed. Wild only, so that's basically the cold water small prawns/shrimp size.
Tesco have started labelling their lamb grass fed on the front of the packaging. If doesn't say grass fed then you can take it therefore that even lamb doesn't see grass
British farmers are now campaigning/lobbying I should call it (we get more like the US every day, in the worse possible way!) to be allowed to spray Glyphosate (the UN named probable carcinogen herbicide and known disrupter of human functional pathways) Spray on their crops (so they can kill all wildlife, they are like us and their pathways are compromised = early death. So the rich agricultural farmers can rake in the huge profits. The EU had banned the use of but now the ban extension is drawing to a close. British agricultural farmers can't wait to get rid of the ban so they can pollute all the crops and water table from run off.
As if we haven't got enough to contend with farmers using antibiotics to fatten up their animals - yep you read correctly. All this hype about antibiotic resistance. Billions of tons more antibiotics are used by farmers than peoples health issues. Even fruit and veg is sprayed with antibiotics before being packaged to stop the fruit/veg from spoiling and extend supermarket shelf life.
So we need to buy organic.
Milk in Tesco: I emailed following watching a TV doc a few yrs ago. Their answer to me was,' to guarantee that milk bought in Tesco has been produced from a dairy herd that has grazed outside - you need to purchase Tesco Organic milk.'
No doubt that applies to all other supermarkets. Well how many customers of supermarkets know this when looking at the lovely photos of cows in fields. Again the dairy industry has in part/probably the greater part considering this info, been taken over by industrial indoor farming.
The studies carried out and determining red meat is unhealthy for us, uses non grass fed meat to determine health markers when they announce their results. Well of course it would prove unhealthy. They are feeding unhealthy meat to participants of the studies and don't even know the difference. Similarly farmed fish and farmed seafood and chicken would produce the same unhealthy blood markers for health.
Would you grind the seed freshly like you would flaxseed in a coffee grinder or nutribullet?
I am gluten free so make almond flour breadcakes and grind flax seed to add to the mixture. I wonder if you could add black seed or if baking would alter the effects.
Or if so I thought add to a smoothie. Is it tiny like poppy seeds so you don't need to grind as grinding may alter molecules?
Yes, I'm interested in the answer to that too lol. I know with many seeds, like linseed for example, if you just eat them whole, they can just come out the other end undigested but these are soo tiny.
Can't go by my pets use of them either as they grind everything down to dust lol
Pets? do you give to dog? I grind flax seeds for Lottie - she has just been diagnosed with bone cancer - why were you giving/benefits? I am now giving Lottie CBD oil, grinding flax seed, dandelion root tincture, and Essiac tea, turmeric - all cancer defeating. So why wondered about black seed?
By the way, did you read further down in the article where it says:
"Levothyroxine sodium is the treatment of choice for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis; however its chronic use is related with cardiac dysfunction, left ventricular hypertrophy [18, 19] and rapid bone loss [20]."
The references are:
18. Monzani F, Di Bello V, Caraccio N, Bertini A, Giorgi D, Giusti C, et al. Effect of levothyroxine on cardiac function and structure in subclinical hypothyroidism: a double blind, placebo-controlled study. J Endocrinol Metab. 2001;86(3):1110–5.
19. Dai DZ, Hu HJ, Yang DM, Hao XM, Zhang GQ, Zhou PA, et al. Chronic levothyroxin treatment is associated with ion channel abnormalities in cardiac and neuronal cells. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol. 1999;26(10):819–21.
20. Panebianco P, Rosso D, Destro G, Scarpinato RA, Tropea S, Rizzo A, et al. Use of disphosphonates in the treatment of osteoporosis in thyroidectomized patients on levothyroxin replacement therapy. Arch Gerontol Geriatr. 1997;25(2):219–25.
I thought it was 'low' TSH i.e. below the ref range that was blamed for heart/bone problems, not Levo?
I believe that is true about Levothyroxine. So why is it the treatment of choice???? Primarily because your heart needs T3 and lots of it. When so many women do not convert the Levo into T3, the shortfall can be seen on ECGs. I suggest you have one and see for yourself. There is a lag in the r wave and an enlarged left ventricle. Do they dare check out all the women taking Levo for those?
Yes, I saw that and was going to say something but thought maybe it was just the way it was presented????? Was going to read them later. I suppose no meds are ever going to be quite as good in your body for maintaining the right levels so will be putting pressure on things somewhere down the line maybe?
Interesting article - I have just ground all my nigella seeds and had 1/2 tsp in water... thank you. But also thanks for the introduction to the really interesting site the article is on (wake up-world.com) This Hashimotos business has opened my eyes to the toxins we face daily in food, the products we use and the environment we go about our lives in. The more I learn the more I think 'how the hell can we expect our bodies to function with all this crap in us?'. Getting away from the toxic foods has made the most profound improvement to my condition so far, and I am implementing the next phase of reducing toxic products and this website offers lots of functional medicine / natural remedy insites.
Great, pleased info helps What a world we live in Everyone just making money out of us. Big Pharma/ Big Agriculture - all lobby govt policy.
I have not looked at the rest of the site yet - I will do - thanks. Just trying to heal my dog at the moment who has just been diagnosed with bone cancer
Not sure what the site digs into therfore. But just incase you don't know - steer clear of Glysophate (Roundup - herbicide /weed killer) you cannot be well if exposed to that and everyone sprays on their gardens/paths - the councils use on everything, pavements, grass verges , parks, bowling greens/ football pitches and so seeps/washed into the water table. The manufacturer has been held to account in a European Tribunal in Paris this year for 'Crimes Against Humanity' mainly because of Glysophate (is a probable carcinogen and has been banned in Europe from being sprayed on food crops) but that doesn't stop councils spraying everywhere because it is not food. Doesn't stop your skin absorbing tho when you sit on the grass in the park or pick up a ball, or play golf and keep picking up the ball - we are just the biggest living experiment ever. See you tube Stephanie Seneff video re glyphosate and what it does to our functional pathways.
Also Chlorine - halogen as Iodine. Thyroid receptore need Iodine T3 T4 3 or 4 parts Iodine. Chlorine, bromine, fluorine (fluoride in some bottled water/ toothpaste) attach to the iodine receptors and compromise or stop thyroid function. You absorb more chlorine in the steam of a shower by inhaling than you do by drinking water with chlorine in. So get a shower filter that filters out chlorine if you don't have one to help your thyroid.
Thanks for info re seeds. Can you get organic ones?
Sussex Wholefoods sell them, I use Healthy Supplies on a regular basis for my gluten-free bread-making supplies so can recommend them (other sites may be available! )
Sorry Helvella, I did try to post a detailed explanation twice. But just kept coming up that I was not allowed to post. After all that effort I was fed up. So I signed out but then felt others might want to see so I signed back in again and just tried to post link without any info and typically as they say, it posted. I presume with hindsight that I had been denied posting because of a blip in signing in. I was signed in but logging off and then on again seemed to reset and allow posting. Excuses, excuses I know, but so true!
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Results of the 2017 Spring survey of hypothyroid patients – 12,146 individuals responded 
