If you have been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s, you are probably wondering which way to turn next. There are 6 simple supplements for Hashimoto’s that I would highly recommend, and take personally.
Disclaimer! I am not a Doctor! I am merely sharing what I love and what seems to be working for me. And also what I have learned from the research of Dr.’s. As always, when trying something new, check with your Dr. before you do so!
1. Zinc
I’m not sure why this is at the top of the list, but zinc is amazing! I believe it is what keeps me healthy, and from catching every flu bug that comes around each winter! It is mid-January and I have only had two days of sniffles and a minor sore throat, this winter! So thankful!
If you want to know more about the benefits of Zinc, check this out. Here is a link to the one I have used personally. I started with 15 mg. per day. Begin with a small dose and work your way up from there.
#2. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that’s found in many foods and is also available as a supplement. It’s a key component of selenoproteins, which are proteins and enzymes that help with DNA production, thyroid hormone metabolism, reproduction, and protection from infection and oxidative damage.
Some food sources of Selenium are as follows:
Brazil nuts: A Brazil nut contains 68–91 micrograms (mcg) of selenium, which is almost twice the daily recommended amount of 55 mcg. So be careful of consuming too many Brazil nuts. 1 or 2 a day is usually fine.
Organ meats: If you consume organ meats, they are also high in selenium. Obviously, there is no need to consume organ meat on a daily basis. But they do pack a punch of nutrients.
Seafood: 3 oz of cooked shrimp contains 42 mcg of selenium, which is 76% of the adult DV. 3 oz of cooked yellowfin tuna contains 92 mcg of selenium, which is 167% of the adult daily value (DV). 3 oz of cod contains 24 mcg of selenium .
Red meat: The amount of selenium in red meat depends on the cut of meat. For example, a 3-ounce serving of bottom round beef steak contains about 33 micrograms (mcg) of selenium.
Chicken: A 3 oz serving of white meat chicken contains about 22 micrograms of selenium. A whole chicken with both meat and skin contains 23.9 micrograms of selenium.
Eggs: Contain selenium and are also a wonderful source of protein, as well as other nutrients. Eggs contain calcium, iron, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium, and zinc.
But at times, we still need a bit of supplementation, and for that, a simple 100 mcg. supplement can suffice.
#3 Probiotics
This one should be non-negotiable. Probiotics have been shown to have beneficial effects on thyroid function¹. The evidence should be clear. Poor Gut health and Hashimoto’s have been proven to go hand in hand. I have been trying to focus more on my gut health, and less on my thyroid in the last few months. Probiotics is one of the steps in doing so.
Some food sources of probiotics
Kombucha: Start slowly with this one. We love kombucha and I make it on a weekly basis. Like make 3 gallons a week, kinda thing! Here’s how to make it! If you are new to it and want to start drinking it, I would begin with a half cup a day. One of these days I will share my weekly Kombucha routine…
Interesting side note, I usually quit making it in the winter. This year I continued. It is another thing that I contribute us being able to avoid the flus floating around. We have barely been sick this winter, and many of our close family and friends have. And no, we do not attempt to stay away from sickness. It seems to be unavoidable. Good gut health, helps you have a healthy immune system!
Sourkraut: This is not one of our family favorites, although I do enjoy a bit on tacos, etc. I make it on occasion.
Here are a few supplemental forms of probiotics:
#4 L-glutamine
On the same note, concerning gut health, l-glutamine is a supplement that I have added to my routine, just recently. It helps to seal and heal your gut. I don’t know that I will be taking this long term, but for now it seems to be helping. This is the one I am taking. Start with 500-800 mg per day.
#5 Natural B1+Allthiamine
This is something I have also added just recently, and I can tell a huge difference in my energy levels. I specifically, take Dr Berg’s B1 supplement.
#6 Magnesium glycinate
- Reduces inflammation Magnesium’s anti-inflammatory properties can help reduce C-reactive protein (CRP), an indicator of inflammation that’s often high in people with Hashimoto’s.
- Improves thyroid function Magnesium helps convert T4 into T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. This can help maintain metabolic rate, body temperature, and energy levels.
- Regulates TSH Magnesium helps regulate TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), which signals the thyroid to produce more hormones.
- Reduces stress Magnesium’s calming effects on the nervous system can help reduce stress, which can make autoimmune conditions worse.
High cortisol levels resulting from stress can majorly impact your thyroid function. Magnesium can help counteract that. This is the one I am currently taking.
So there you have it! 6 simple supplements for Hashimoto’s.
A few other things to look into regarding Hashimoto’s is your metabolic health. Reducing your stress any way you can. Getting as much sleep as possible,( I’m a busy mom, it’s hard!) Avoiding gluten, sugar, soy and coffee can help as well! But that is a topic for another day!
Best wishes on your journey to better health!
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