Routines and regimens beyond medication

[Healthiswealthtoday]

Dear Group,

I am still relatively new here and have been posting and trying to better understand the different aspects of living with hypothyroidism -- my girlfriend was recently diagnosed.

I've asked about the different brands of levo as well as whether to go private or stay NHS, but i've been reading about alternative approaches to managing hypothyroidism, and have heard a lot of you talk about vitamins, supplements and holistic approaches that can work alongside medication.

Very curious to know who uses alternative approaches like supplements and what their experience has been? What products and ingredients would be good to consider and how much would be a good budget per month to consider spending?

All feedback welcome, I know there is a lot of wisdom in the community and am here to learn!

[SeasideSusie Remembering]

Healthiswealthtoday

Very curious to know who uses alternative approaches like supplements and what their experience has been? What products and ingredients would be good to consider and how much would be a good budget per month to consider spending?

I wonder what you mean by supplements as an alternative approach? Are you thinking thyroid support supplements - if so forget them, they usually contain iodine which is a definite no-no for thyroid patients unless they are iodine deficient and it must be tested for and if deficient supplementation should be guided by an experienced practioner.

If you are thinking vitamin and mineral supplements then we always advise members to test the key nutrients:

Vit D

B12

Folate

Ferritin

If any low levels or deficiencies are shown then these can be supplemented as the correct dose. So if these haven't been tested then it's a good idea to do so now because thyroid hormone replacement requires optimal nutrient levels to work properly. When you have results then post them on the forum, include the reference range and units of measurement for B12 and Vit D and we can comment further.

Don't take any supplements before testing because with some if you already have a good level and take a supplement it can lead to toxicity.

[SlowDragon Administrator]

Being hypothyroid frequently causes low stomach acid, this leads to poor nutrient absorption and low vitamin levels

ALWAYS test before considering any supplements

It’s not an “alternative treatment”, we need GOOD vitamin levels when on levothyroxine

NHS only tests and treats vitamin deficiencies

GP should automatically test vitamin D, folate, ferritin and B12 at diagnosis of hypothyroidism

They should also test thyroid antibodies and for coeliac disease

Far too often only TSH is tested