Hypothyroidism, which is caused by too little thyroid hormone, can come from an immune system disorder, a congenital birth defect, radiation treatments for hyperthyroidism or surgery. Alternative health care professionals use vitamin C, vitamin E, and the vitamin B complex along with other nutrients to treat hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of this disease include fatigue, memory loss, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin and hair, high cholesterol, digestive problems and infections. Consult a doctor before using vitamins to treat hypothyroidism.
Leading Cause and Alternative Treatment of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is quite often an autoimmune disorder. The body attacks its normal, healthy thyroid gland, causing it to enlarge, function improperly or deteriorate. Radiation treatments or over medication for hyperthyroidism could result in hypothyroidism. Poor diet, fluoride in the water, over indulgence of unsaturated fats, frequent high impact exercising, pesticide residues on foods, x-rays, alcohol and drugs can also affect thyroid function.Vitamin therapy involves supplementing those vitamins that are lacking or needed in larger amounts. Certified Nurse Consultant, Phyllis Balch, recommends antioxidants such as vitamins C and E to help protect the body from harmful atoms.
Antioxidants and Hypothyroidism
Vitamin C attacks free radicals, which cause cellular damage; lowers bad cholesterol; and produces stress hormones. Take 500mg, four times a day. Excessive doses could affect thyroid hormone production. Cigarettes, alcohol, analgesics, antidepressants, blood thinning medicines, steroids and birth control pills can cause a vitamin C deficiency. Vitamin E eliminates free radicals in the bloodstream. Vitamin C and E taken together strengthen the immune system. Take 200 IU a day or 400 IU of vitamin E every other day. Use the d-alpha-tocopherol form, a natural form that is the most potent and easy to digest. Those who have diabetes, rheumatic heart disease or are taking blood thinning medication should not exceed 200 IU in a day. Those who have high blood pressure should start with 100 IU daily, then gradually increase it to the preferred dosage amount. Chemical iron supplements destroy vitamin E; take them at different periods of the day.
Vitamin A with Beta-Carotene
Balch recommends vitamin A with mixed carotenoids plus natural beta-carotene or carotenoid complex to treat dry skin and hair and support proper immune system functioning. Take 15,000 IU daily; if pregnant, take no more than 10,000 IU daily. Beta-carotene converts into vitamin A in the liver, a digestive process that may not be possible for some who have hypothyroidism. Large vitamin A dosages, for more than 100,000 IU, is extremely toxic, especially to the liver. It can also cause stomach pain, hair loss, water on the brain, cracks and scales on the lips, and cessation of menstruation. Laxatives, antibiotics and cholesterol-lowering drugs complicate absorption of vitamin A.
Vitamin B Complex
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends vitamin B complex to reduce hypothyroid symptoms and improve thyroid function. Nurse Balch prescribes 100mg of vitamin B1, B3, B5 and B6, three times a day, plus an extra 50mg of B2, twice a day to increase oxygen intake, energy and improve digestion. Take 1,000 to 2,000mcg of B12, three times a day on an empty stomach. The amounts of each B vitamin in a complex form will not be the same as separate dosages and, therefore, may not be as effective. Large, prolonged vitamin B doses can be toxic. Alcohol, caffeine, antibiotics, birth control pills and antidepressants deplete the B vitamins in the body.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Balch, CNC, Phyllis; 2010
- "Hypothyroidism"; National Library of Medicine; April, 2010
- "Hypothyroidism"; University of Maryland Medical Center; March 2010
