Wednesday, April 25, 2007

Hypothyroid Help

My daughter and I have both been diagnosed with hypothyroid, indicating a low-functioning thyroid gland. For a short time we took prescription Synthroid, a synthetic thyroid hormone which replaces some of the hormone which would be produced by a normal thyroid gland. A similar hormone is also available as a prescription generic drug.

Synthetic thyroid has its own problems, however. In particular, some doctors believe that the thyroid gland may continue to lose function because of the influence of the synthetic. Further, for some people, the dosage of synthetic must be frequently monitored and adjusted to maintain balance.

After consulting a naturopathic doctor, we have both been using an over-the-counter natural supplement rather than the synthetic hormone. The supplement contains bovine thyroid tissue along with minerals that are known to support normal human thyroid function. We also eat two to four fresh, raw Brazil nuts each day, as a natural source of selenium.

Because raw broccoli/cabbage family foods may depress thyroid function, we eat those vegetables steamed. We avoid soy beans, soy oil,and peanuts.
We are taking a multiple vitamin, additional vitamin D, and calcium.
Several times a week we walk or run.

Within the last month, we both got normal thyroid test results at our medical clinic.

There are many thyroid-support supplements on the market. We use Spectra 303-T from NF Formulas Inc, and take one tablet per day. It is available at www.drugnatural.com and is reasonably priced. We each take one tablet each morning. Supplement facts:

Iodine 225 mcg 150% DV (DV=daily value)
Zinc 10 mg 67% DV
Copper 500 mcg 25% DV
L-Tyrosine 100 mg
Thyroid tissue, bovine 100 mg

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our Naturopath has suggested Spectra 303 for my daughter as well. Do you mind if we ask: How long did it take you on this supplement to get normal thyroid function?

Sunshine said...

I'm sure it would be measured in months, not days. I believe it is a process. Please note all the other things we did besides the Spectra. I think a couple thousand units of D3 could be a help, too.
We still have our Brazil nuts every day (organic when possible)
I make no guarantees.. Work with a naturopathic doctor (ND) if at all possible.
Very best wishes to you.

natural thyroid said...

I had been on natural thyroid for 10 years. Natural thyroid hormones are able to treat hypothyroidism.