I have been having coconut milk everyday with my cereal for a year or 2 (swapped from soya as read soya wasn’t good for thyroid). However I have just discovered that coconut milk can increase cholesterol. And mine has increased somewhat 🙈
I don’t know what other milk to try that doesn’t affect thyroid/meds and doesn’t increase cholesterol 💁
Cholesterol levels have little to do with diet - coconut milk or anything else. Cholesterol is made in the liver, and the liver tries to keep levels steady, so the more you consume, the less it makes, and vice versa.
However, being hypo can cause high levels of cholesterol because the body needs good levels of T3 to process cholesterol correctly. And, if T3 is low, the cholesterol tends to build up in the blood, even though the liver is not over-producing.
That said, high cholesterol is not the problem doctors make it out to be. It doesn't cause heart attacks or strokes, it is not the enemy. Most of your body is make of cholesterol: the brain, cell walls, sex hormones... What's more, it's been found that high levels of cholesterol make for a longer life.
It's low levels of cholesterol that are dangerous and cause heart attacks because without it, the body cannot regenerate and repair. So, if you enjoy your coconut milk, continue with it and forget all about cholesterol. It's really no big deal. 
so you don’t think that the coconut milk (no sugars) that I have been having daily for 2/3 years pretty much ok my cereal would increase the cholesterol?
Would it affect the Levothyroxine even though I always wait an hour before having it with weetabix, bran flakes, raisins and mixed ground flaxseed, pumpkin seeds etc on top?
I don't think so, no. And, even if it did, I don't see that as a problem - it wouldn't be by very much.
If you leave an hour before eating, it's not going to affect the gut absorption of your levo, either. The levo should be out of the stomach by then.
these were my recent results but one week later my TSH had come down to 3.08 and t4 21.3.
OK, so you're a poor converter. And, if your FT4 went down, your FT3 probably did too - and it wasn't very high to start with - 59.19% through the range. You probably need it higher than that. Your FT4, on the other hand, was at 117.00%. The gap between the two percentages shouldn't be so wide.
How do I reduce the gap? Or help with conversion? When I have lowered my thyroxine previously it has helped some symptoms but caused others and had to put it back up but then increased t4 again. Do you think anxiety can affect it? My anxiety and cortisol levels are high and I am trying hard to address it. Do you think if I can get some control over that, these thyroid levels will even out?
what are the ideal levels the TSH, t3 and t4 should be?
There aren't any levels they should be. Optimal is not a number, it's how you feel. But, a lot of hypos would feel bad with those FT3 numbers.
cholesterol- still in range but have increased since last checked last year
Because your FT3 is too low. But, as I said before, it's not a problem.
these were my results in May…
I have managed to increase the t3 since then, but is it still far too low? What should it be?
It should be at a level that makes you well. I don't know how well you are. I didn't say it was far too low, I said it was probably too low, and that most hypos need it higher than that. Only you can know if it's the right level for you.
I feel better than I did and have less symptoms. But I don’t feel great and think anxiety is probably causing most of it. I think I feel a little better since the t3 has increased slightly. There is some improvement there in the last few months so that can only be good. I still need to get a better balance though somehow.
I am trying to do some exercise (not too strenuous) but more than walking (Zumba and yoga) and take magnesium , omega 3 and probiotic drink too all since these results.
But I don’t feel great and think anxiety is probably causing most of it.
More likely that low-ish T3 is causing the anxiety. Anxiety is not a disease, it's a symptom.
I still need to get a better balance though somehow.
Balance of what?
Zumba sounds a little energetic for someone not optimised.
Have you had your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin tested? How about zinc and copper?
my t3 has improved somewhat since earlier in the year so that’s something isn’t it. I think that mostly due to my diet and eating more fruit and veg and less sugary things etc. I also took iron tablets for a couple of months so maybe that helped too. I took vit d as well but my vit d levels haven’t really increased.
I really need to get a control of my anxiety as I know that is going to mess my body up in endless ways. And exercise people keep telling me is important. I do a lot of walking and been to yoga a few times and going to try Zumba on Monday as I used to enjoy that a few years ago. Maybe that’s too much?
I haven’t had zinc or copper tested.
Only the below…
Ferritin was low a few months back but it is 105 now.
I felt the least anxious ima long time yesterday and I actually slept much better last night for the first time ina long time. So I know anxiety is causing me a lot of issues. And my cortisol is no doubt waking me up at night. I really do need to address that and then hope that my body and thyroid will fall back into balance 🤞🏻
I think the improvement in your FT3 is more likely to be due to the iron than cutting out sugar. Fruit and veg may have improved your folate but your B12 is still low-ish and you can only get that from animal products.
But, your FT3 is obviously still too low because anxiety is a hypo symptom.
Zinc and copper are very important to the way your body uses the hormone you're giving it, and need to be kept balanced. But, hypos are usually low in one and therefore high in the other. So, you need to know which one is low and supplement it. So, best to get them both tested.
But, diet is not the most important and no matter how many tweaks you make or supplements you take, you're still going to be a poor converter. You FT4 is too high and your FT3 too low. And, the only solution really is to obtain some T3 and reduce your dose of levo.
Excuse me for butting in but I’d absolutely LOVE to have your cholesterol levels., they look pretty low to me, I can’t imagine how low you want to go. So, I definitely wouldn’t change from coconut milk if you enjoy it.
Yes I thought those cholesterol levels were pretty good too to be honest !
I also have raised cholesterol. No dairy, pretty healthy diet and I can't shift my cholesterol level. I tend to have almond milk, but that's just personal preference. What I really need is to raise my T3 levels... but that's a work in progress!
I have managed to increase my t3 levels over the last 2/3 months with my diet (I think). I am still working on my anxiety levels as this is no doubt no helping my thyroid and levels. But I have done something right over the last few months as the t3 has increased.
Still not sure why the t4 is still slightly high though?
Well done with your T3. I must get my vits and mins tested, but currently trying to get my diet back on track after the summer.... holiday threw it off. Various digestive/inflammatory issues. Was it something specific in your diet you were missing, or was it just general diet improvement that helped you?
I think it is my better diet in general and adding seeds and eggs and more fruit and veg. I was taking iron supplements too due to low ferritin but not anymore.
I’m also a coconut milk person. Make my own yogurt with it too. My preference is full fat organic tinned without carboxymethylcellulose emulsifier. My cholesterol is low, I think GG explained above these are not necessarily linked.
Regenallotment I’m intrigued by your homemade coconut yogurt! Can you please share your recipe? Thanks 🙏
I took it from the book Supergut by Dr William Davis it is it David Williams.
You combine a probiotic bacteria of choice with a little potato starch and whisk in a can of warmed coconut milk.
I choose to use L. Reuteri from Bio Gaia in the form of the Gastrus tablets (5) which I crush when first making a batch.
I then use an insulated bucket for 24-36 hours and that gives me a tangy loosely yoghurt like liquid. I keep it in the fridge and use within a few days. I use an old Kilner jar with a spring lid.
Some add gelatine, some add different bacteria, so worth reading up. Imaaan was trying a YouTube recipe.
to make the next batch I just save a tablespoon from the last lot and go again. I find when making new batches it can take a few cycles before the yoghurt thickens and is more like a drinking yoghurt consistency.
🌱
Wonderful! Thanks very much. And I’ll look out for that book….I need all the tips I can get, as I get to grips with avoiding dairy (I’m hoping only cows milk - still at the trial and debilitating error stage 😬).
Just saw this and sorry for the late reply. Thnxs for tagging me and sharing how yours is done. I never tried the one I saw on YouTube . Chickened out since I'm dealing with a few gut issues
Sorry to hear you are still having gut issues, anything show up on the tests you had? it’s so up and down with this isn’t it. Hugs to you 🤗🤗🤗🤗
I never did a gut biome test or a sibo test. Too costly, unfortunately.
Huuuugggsss back
Ahhh I must be mixed up I thought you had some gastro investigations xx
For good conversion of Ft4 to Ft3 we need OPTIMAL vitamin levels
What are your most recent vitamin D, folate, B12 and ferritin results and ranges
What vitamin supplements are you currently taking
Presumably if you’re dairy free you have autoimmune thyroid disease (hashimoto’s)
Which brand of levothyroxine are you currently taking
Are you also on gluten free diet
If not get coeliac blood test BEFORE trailing gluten free
How much levothyroxine are you currently taking
Was test done early morning, ideally before 9am, only drinking water between waking and test and last dose levothyroxine 24 hours before test
these are my tested vitamin levels…
No ferritin result?
What vitamin supplements are you taking
How much levothyroxine are you taking
Was test done correctly
TSH is too high for someone on levothyroxine
ferritin 105 now after taking iron tablets from GP. Not taking them now though. See my other reply for answers to the above
Since the latest results I have started taking magnesium that includes zinc and vitamin d. Omega 3 fish oil. A biomel probiotic shot drink. And I did take a b complex for a couple of days but not sure if that was causing my hands to go tingly so haven’t taken it today
I don’t have hashimotos. I have primary hypothyroidism I believe.
I have very little dairy. Can’t have milk or yoghurt mostly.
I’m not on a gluten free diet.
I have over the last few months eaten healthier ie fruits daily, veg and generally healthier meals with less sugary food.
I have high testosterone levels too which I suspect maybe due to taking vitamin d supplement for a couple of months prior to results. I have also read that magnesium and zinc supplements can also increase testosterone so reduce that supplement down to 1 tablet instead of 2 too.
I always get accord brand as TEVA caused me all sort of issues last year.
I currently take 75mg, well ever so slightly less as I cut a tiny bit off it to try and find a balance with my symptoms.
I always get bloods done before 9am and don’t take my thyroxine from the morning the day before.
I suspect my high cortisol levels/anxiety are causing issues with my thyroid too. I am trying hard to get some control over it without medication as the meds I have tried have caused me further problems too.
you can have Hashimoto’s without antibodies
Have you ever had ultrasound scan of thyroid
20% of Hashimoto's patients never have raised antibodies
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
Paul Robson on atrophied thyroid - especially if no TPO antibodies
paulrobinsonthyroid.com/cou...
if your lactose/dairy intolerant you may do better on Vencamil…..previously called Aristo. This is lactose and mannitol free. Currently only available in 100mcg tablets
PCOS often a cause of High testosterone and high cortisol
Hashimoto’s and PCOS often linked
nhs.uk/conditions/polycysti...
I need to get another appointment with my go and take my latest results with me to discuss the testosterone levels, cortisol levels, and thyroid levels. I feel like they don’t want to help me get to the bottom of it and only say I should take anti depressants to help my anxiety before they will do anything more 😞
List of thyroid specialists and endocrinologists
healthunlocked.com/thyroidu...
I had an appointment with the dr on this list last October. I have contacted him earlier this year for an mother appointment but he agrees with the GPs, that I need to get my anxiety under control before he will look at the thyroid again 💁
what are my vitamin levels like? Good enough?
Not bad
What supplements are you taking
Vitamin D better near 100nmol
Folate nearer 20
currently taking magnesium including zinc and vitamin d. And omega 3. And a probiotic drink. All since the last blood test. I took a b complex for 2 days but I started with tingly, cold hands the last 2 days so I’ve stopped the b complex to see it goes. May not be anything to do with the b complex though 💁
Are you still taking propranolol?
No haven’t taken propranolol for a few months now. I did take venlafaxine (anti depressant) for 1 month. I came off that 2/3 weeks prior to the latest results but was having awful pressure in my head causing me anxiety and pain at the time. That could have had an effect on levels too I guess?
I’ll rephrase something SlowDragon’s already asked as, looking at your results, it’s an important question.
Did you take your levothyroxine on the day of the blood test? If so, how many hours before?
I always take it in the morning an hour before eating and I took the last dose 24 hours prior to the blood test (I aways do this)
OK—thanks for clarifying
It’s really interesting then that your TSH is quite high given your FT4 is over-range.
Your TSH is responding as though it wants you to take more levothyroxine (or for your thyroid to make more). But your FT4 is higher than I’d expect for someone who’s only taking 75mcg.
I think I’m with GreyGoose on the poor conversion thoughts.
I know. It doesn’t add up does it. The GPs don’t really understand it either. So they keep telling me to address my anxiety with anti depressants which I’ve tried and they have all made me and things worse and caused me more grief rather than helping 😞
Anxiety is common hypothyroid symptom
I had awful anxiety when I was over medicated 18months-2 years ago. It eased a little in between but it has been there the whole time and has been severe for months now. Hard to know if it due to not enough medication or too high t4 or something else 💁
Drs won’t look at anything else until I address the anxiety. But I feel like it’s the thyroid (or something else) causing the anxiety! 😐
I wake up with anxiety feeling sick but luckily it goes when I get up and get on with the day.
Stick with organic with no added calcium if you want to be extra careful. Rude Health Coconut works well with both breakfast and tea.
I've tried then all.I like oat milk but the amount of coconut or oat or soya in the milk is very low it's mainly water. I've now gone back to soya. It's too much to be worried about everything.ive been gluten free dairy free.Done keto .I'm 67 on Sunday and doing what I like within reason.
I use either Sproud (pea milk) or Oat milk (gf version) and coconut yoghurt.
goinginsane hi there I’m currently following the ZOE thing where foods are rated in terms of level of processing, quality of fat and gut benefits. I score as poor at processing fat but ok on carbs. For me semi skimmed milk, almond milk, oat milk and soya all score roughly equal - ok to have alone once in a while and fine everyday in tea or coffee and in a low gi cereal like homemade museli with barley flakes, nuts, seeds and berries. I just opt for low fat Greek yoghurt as it scores much higher. In terms of soya, I read a review of the research to date that suggests there might be an impact on absorbing T4 but the evidence to avoid it isn’t that strong or clearcut, especially for males . I eat tofu but generally not soy milk or soy yoghurt because of the level of processing. If I eat tofu it’s generally hours away from any meds.
The abstract says
“In total, 14 trials (thyroid function was not the primary health outcome in any trial) were identified in which the effects of soy foods or isoflavones on at least one measure of thyroid function was assessed in presumably healthy subjects; eight involved women only, four involved men, and two both men and women. With only one exception, either no effects or only very modest changes were noted in these trials. Thus, collectively the findings provide little evidence that in euthyroid, iodine-replete individuals, soy foods, or isoflavones adversely affect thyroid function. In contrast, some evidence suggests that soy foods, by inhibiting absorption, may increase the dose of thyroid hormone required by hypothyroid patients. However, hypothyroid adults need not avoid soy foods. In addition, there remains a theoretical concern based on in vitro and animal data that in individuals with compromised thyroid function and/or whose iodine intake is marginal soy foods may increase risk of developing clinical hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is important for soy food consumers to make sure their intake of iodine is adequate.”
Hope that hasn’t given you a headache over breakfast,
Goinginsane1,
To answer a question you've been asking in your thread with Greygoose, the way to incresse your freeT3 is to take T3/liothyronine alongside your Levo.
Unfortunately it is extremely difficult to get T3 prescribed. But you are a classic candidate in terms of your thyroid panel results. It is really clear you're not converting well. And you are quite lucky because your TSH is raised, to flag to doctors that you need some T3. This is a fairly unusual pattern, but it shows up occasionally on the forum. Doctors tend to put more store in TSH than the other numbers in the panel, so you may be able to use that raised TSH as part of an argument that you need T3 or perhaps need a referral to an endocrinologist who may be able to prescribe T3. Unfortunately this whole thing can be a long battle.
An alternative is to buy and dose your own T3, which many on the forum do.
In terms of anxiety, I agree with others who are saying this is a classic hypo symptom. I would say one of the most common symptoms of being hypothyroid. Your doctors are really just passing the buck by saying you need to control that before they will treat your thyroid properly.
Is it possible to take a fake it till you make it approach and hide your anxiety from doctors? Perhaps breezily say you've improved diet and exercise and it is fine now? Managing your doctor is part of getting good treatment, and sometimes you have to be mindful of what information you share or don't share with them. If that's difficult, another approach is to take an assertive friend or family member with you to do most of the talking, and pass off your outward signs of anxiety more as being tired and ill.
Other than that, the one thing I've found a huge help with anxiety is mindfulness. It is also good for cortisol levels and can improve sleep. If you haven't tried it before I recommend the book 'Mindfulness: Finding Peace in a Frantic World'. Another simple way to start is the Headspace app on your phone. When I last tried it a few years ago, the free trial (which was 10 days worth of guided meditations you could reuse over and over again) gave you enough to get started and progress well for a few months.
Thank you for this. I have been asking for a referral to an endocrinologist for the last 2 years since having my baby. I have not felt right ever since. And the amount of symptoms I have had are endless. I get one thing better and something else starts. It’s never ending. So sick of not feeling well.
GPs won’t refer me until I address the anxiety and prescribe anti depressants and they have all made me and things worse.
I’m not taking any other medication other than levo right now. I have started doing a few things since I stopped an anti depressants a month ago and since my recent blood results.
I am taking magnesium that includes vit d and zinc, omega 3, a biomel probiotic drink, back in work, trying to do more exercise, eating regularly to try and balance blood sugars and healthily. Never drank hot drinks before but now having spearmint tea in the day to see if I can lower the high testosterone levels I have and having chamomile tea before bed. All of this is new for me and I guess it will all take time and nothing will change over night.
I just know that yesterday anxiety wise I was pretty good and I slept much better last night so if I can try and keep that up I will be doing so much better. Sleeping is half the battle. I think high cortisol levels are affecting my sleep and waking up loads in the night.
I have thought about going back to the drs with my medichecks results but I feel like they don’t really help me and won’t refer me so I am trying to research things myself to try and address it myself.l but it’s so hard when I really don’t feel great (although I am a bit better than a few months ago), maybe due to diet changes I have made over the last few months and the increase in t3 compared to earlier in the year. So I’ve managed to help it a bit somehow.
One thing that struck me from what you've just said is perhaps you could accept the prescription for antidepressants, and then tell the doctor you are taking them.
Unfortunately a big thing with doctors is jumping through hoops. Often we need to agree to do a bunch of things we know aren't working in order to get access to the next thing on the list.
If they are insisting you try antidepressants and can't have a referral until that process has been exhausted, then you may have to just humour them and take that process as far as it goes. It's optional for you whether you actually take the antidepressants, or whether you just tell them you are taking them.
Generally, antidepressants for hypothyroid people is not recommended. I can't actually remember why at this moment 😅 But doctors are often careless with these things. I do have one hypo friend who still takes them and feels she is getting some benefit, so it can be an option if you get desperate. Personally I would want to try high in range freeT3 first, as that is likely the root cause of the anxiety.
This deception can feel quite sleazy to have to do. But I think it's important to remember it is the doctor who is setting up this weird ultimatum for you, AND they're the one who has all the power and none of the consequences in this situation. All we can do is try to make the best of it.
I’ve always been someone who either takes the meds or tells the doctor I’m not going to take them but I can see where you’re coming from with this approach.
The thing is would the doctor tell a man he was stressed and anxious etc - somehow I doubt it especially as goinginsane1 has a baby, that’s almost an instant red flag ‘New baby, must be stressed and anxious, I’ll give her antidepressants’
I always say there’s nothing quite as depressing as dealing with a doctor who doesn’t believe you and decides you’re depressed and/or over anxious but that isn’t remotely the same as being clinically depressed.
Yes, I think it is the stuff of nightmares to have to keep banging your head against a doctor who has no intention of helping you.
This particular circumstance, of feeling anxiety and maybe depression because of a physical illness, and then being offered antidepressants is particularly pernicious. My understanding is that antidepressants still have a chance of doing something in this case. As in, they may still numb the pain even if it has a solid, physical cause. So this is completely a sticking plaster solution. Some patients may take the antidepressants, go away, and find that taking them makes their situation bearable enough that they don't come back. For the doctor this is completely successful, because now you are out of their hair.
But it leaves the patient still sick!
I know it’s awful, who (and it looks like the OP is a young person so hers will be a longer life than mine) wants a life on anti depressants that is ‘bearable’ when with a bit more investigation they could be feeling great without antidepressants.
It’s not necessary to go that far when avoiding calcium.
The recommendations are about calcium supplements.
Consistency is the issue here.
Not sure what your reasons are for avoiding dairy but it’s important to ensure that you’re getting the nutrients you would normally find in dairy from other foods.
I use unsweetened coconut milk.
That’s what I have on my cereal every morning
I also used MCT powder in my coffee. It works out well.
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