Save My Thyroid: Healing Tips for Hyperthyroidism and Hashimoto's

Black cumin, also known as Nigella sativa or black seed, is a medicinal plant shown to be beneficial for those with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Unlike some other treatment options, black cumin doesn’t seem to affect thyroid hormone directly; instead, the benefits are derived from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Today, I’m sharing what the research shows about the benefits...

“Optimize what you can control, and don’t worry about the rest.” There’s a lot of misinformation out there about thyroid conditions and different treatment options. From the basics of how thyroid hormone is produced to the more advanced insights about the thyroid-gut connection, it’s crucial to ensure that your source of information is reliable, experienced, and evidence-backed. Today’s guest, Dr....

Radioactive iodine and radiofrequency ablation are two thyroid treatment options that are sometimes confused but are actually quite different. Where radioactive iodine involves the destruction of the cells of the thyroid gland, radiofrequency ablation involves shrinking thyroid nodules and, in some cases, can save the thyroid. Today, I’m sharing how each of these procedures works, why I never reco...

The parathyroid glands may be small, but their impact on our health is monumental. These four tiny glands regulate blood calcium levels via parathyroid hormone (PTH), vital for the optimal functioning of our brain, muscles, nerves, and many bodily processes. Primary hyperparathyroidism is more common than most people realize and is often misdiagnosed. This occurs when the parathyroid glands secret...

Our skin is a window into our internal health. More than just a superficial concern, recent research has shown that eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is better classified as an autoimmune condition rather than an allergic reaction. The three pillars that are thought to contribute to its pathogenesis are skin barrier damage, immune response disorders, and skin microbiome imbalances. More tha...

“Getting your mental game corrected is just as important as any medication.” - Dr. Christine Smith Our thoughts, emotions, and energy can significantly influence our body's response to injuries. Unfortunately, it’s easy to neglect our biochemical and mental injuries while focusing on the often more apparent physical injury. The thyroid, especially, is a very sensitive organ, and when we exper...

Bile is a fluid produced by the liver and stored and concentrated in the gallbladder. It plays a crucial role in digestion, specifically in helping to break down fats into fatty acids and in the excretion of waste products. Today, I’m talking about why people take bile salts, the potential effect on thyroid conditions, and whether those with hyperthyroidism should avoid taking them. In this episod...

"Most chronic health conditions will have a heavy metal or a chemical as an underlying root cause." - Dr. Wendy Myers Environmental toxins, especially heavy metals, are a pervasive issue affecting everyone. These toxins interfere with critical bodily functions, from enzyme activity to amino acid absorption and the energy production necessary for iodine uptake. The result? A domino effect...

Most people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have elevated thyroid antibodies. While a few people will have negative thyroid antibodies, certain factors - such as a suppressed immune system - can lead to false negative results. Today, I’m sharing what we expect when testing thyroid antibodies, how to tell if someone has thyroid autoimmunity and diagnostic criteria for Graves’ disea...

“Your body has an innate ability to heal.” - Dr. Tabatha Barber For many people living a typical Western lifestyle, high levels of stress have become a chronic issue. But while your mind might feel like you’re handling that overactive life, your physiology can’t. Your body responds with a chemical reaction whenever you’re in a stressful, sympathetic state. We must take responsibility for our daily...

What can be used naturally to reduce a hyperthyroidism goiter? How can I know if I have Graves’ disease or subclinical hyperthyroidism? Will eye puffiness and protrusion associated with Graves’ disease ever go away? Today, I’m back with another Q&A episode, answering multiple questions submitted by the Save My Thyroid community. While I can’t get to everyone’s questions every time, I love crea...

As women’s hormone levels change during perimenopause and then post-menopause, it’s normal to experience various symptoms of the changes. What many don’t realize, however, is the amplifying impact chronic stress, unhealthy diets, and environmental toxins have on these symptoms. That’s where personalized lifestyle medicine can make a significant impact. It’s empowering to recognize that we might be...

When hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism negatively impacts thyroid function, there’s often a knock-on effect on kidney function. This effect can often be seen in the three primary kidney markers in a comprehensive metabolic panel: blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and eGFR. Today, I’m sharing how thyroid disorders impact the kidney, what to look out for with the three markers, and why digging deeper...

“Most things are reversible if you're willing to put in some effort.” - Dr. Florence Comite When we invest in our health, it pays off in spades. By diving deep into your family history and genetics and committing to the foundations of good health, like exercise, sleep, and stress management, you can preserve your health and reduce the impact of aging on the body. There is no one-size-fits-all...

Can hyperthyroidism be cured? Is killing your thyroid better than suffering the side effects of PTU? Which testing should you focus on when dealing with Graves’ disease? Does perimenopause affect the thyroid? Today, I’m back with another Q&A episode, answering multiple questions submitted by the Save My Thyroid community. While I can’t get to everyone’s questions every time, I love creating th...

“It's crucial to learn about your body and what works well for you.” - Megan Roosevelt Sometimes, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to eat perfectly, as if that is the thing that will solve our health issues. The truth is that while our diet is significant, it’s only one piece of the holistic health picture. From personal care products to the water we drink and the mental and emotional st...

Many people take elderberry supplements for immune support, especially in the winter. It’s used traditionally throughout Europe, and it’s common in health food stores and even grocery stores within the United States. While we most commonly see it used this way, different parts of the elderberry plant have been used to treat various ailments, from wounds and insect bites to sore throats, toothaches...

“A fasting lifestyle is a part of a healthy lifestyle.” - Dr. David Jockers Most people can benefit from some level of intermittent fasting in their lives. There are seasons where it might not serve you to fast for long windows, but, like exercise, intermittent fasting should be a cornerstone of a healthy lifestyle. This lifestyle focuses not on weight loss or restricting calories but on time-rest...

Many people with hyperthyroidism take anti-thyroid medication, and many with Hashimoto’s take thyroid hormone replacement. Despite that, it’s not uncommon for people to be cautious about both of these routes. Even though I chose the alternative route when I dealt with Graves’ disease, there is a time and place for thyroid medication, and for some people, it is truly necessary. Today, I’m talking a...

“Your hormones are like a symphony. They all have to work together.” - Dr. Jennifer Roelands It’s very common for women in perimenopause to feel like something is off or not feel like themselves. Then, when they reach out to friends, family member, or even their doctors, they're dismissed and told it’s just a part of getting older, and there’s nothing to be done since they’re not in menopause...

With several health-promoting factors, dark chocolate has numerous health benefits and is considered a functional food due to its anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties. Despite that, dark chocolate is excluded from an autoimmune paleo (AIP) diet, and there are a few reasons people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions should be cautious about eating it. Today, I’m...

“We can eradicate osteoporosis if younger people were taking the steps to take care of their bones.” - Margie Bissinger Osteoporosis is a life-changing condition that can be debilitating. In the United States, 50% of women and one out of four men will have a fracture due to osteoporosis in their lifetime. On top of that, once you have a hip fracture, almost 25% of people will die within a year bec...

Having a healthy gut is essential to a healthy immune system. Over recent years, growing evidence has been linking genetically modified organisms (GMOs) with various diseases and body systems, including the gut microbiome. In a recent episode, Dr. Jeffrey Smith and I chatted about GMOs and glyphosate and their possible connection to thyroid autoimmunity. Today, I’m sharing a clip from that episode...

“Your detox is only as good as your drainage.” - Kelly Kennedy The body is designed to deal with environmental attacks from things like bacteria, mold, and viruses. The problem is that all the exposures from modern-day life damage these systems and prevent them from working efficiently. To deal with this, many practitioners emphasize detoxifying the liver. Unfortunately, the detox techniques will...

Many people associate low thyroid hormone levels with low energy levels. When I dealt with Graves’ Disease over ten years ago, I didn’t experience fatigue. If anything, my energy levels were maybe a little bit high. On the surface, it seems logical that if someone has hyperthyroidism, they have an increased metabolism and more energy. Still, in truth, a lot of people with hyperthyroidism have low...