Basic First Steps
The information provided is not intended to be a substitute for medical advice from a licensed physician or other qualified healthcare professional.
Diet
- Follow a either a Mediterranean-type diet with adequate protein and good fat or an anti-autoimmune diet.Mediterranean diet
Mediterranean Diet 101: A Meal Plan and Beginner’s Guide
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/mediterranean-diet-meal-planAutoimmune diet
AIP (Autoimmune Protocol) Diet: A Beginner’s Guide
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/aip-diet-autoimmune-protocol-diet#list-of-foods-to-eat-avoid - Brassica family foods: avoid eating these foods raw. Consider steaming, boiling or baking.
- Gluten: avoid or reduce
- Soy foods: reduce or avoid
Substances
- avoid household products containing chemicals
- limit use of plastics for food serving and storage
Nutrients to supplement daily
- Probiotics – supports healthy intestinal microbiome
- Multivitamin/mineral or B-complex – broad-spectrum nutrient support
- Vitamin C – antioxidant, supports glutathione producton
- Vitamin D – anti-inflammatory properties
- Selenium – antioxidant and anti-autoimmune action by supporting glutathione producton
- Omega-3 fatty acids – anti-inflammatory
Further steps
- Ensure consumption of iron-containing foods.
- Look at addressing stress.
- Decrease consumption of food with pesticides.
Good guides for avoiding or reducing the most contaminated foods:
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/dirty-dozen.php
https://www.ewg.org/foodnews/clean-fifteen.php - Consider supporting chemical and heavy metal detoxification with the help of a qualified practitioner.
Additional nutrients to consider supplementing
(see each nutrient for food sources and dosing information)
- Vitamin A – supports normal thyroid system function
- Iodine – required to make T4
- Iron – supports thyroid hormone synthesis
(supplement only if confirmed low on a blood test) - Zinc – required to make thyroid hormones
If you are taking medications
- Ask your doctor if they may be contributing to your hypothyroid symptoms, and what can be done about it.
- Research any associated nutrient depletions and consider supplementing those nutrients
- Do not discontinue taking medications without consulting with your doctor
Seek qualified guidance
- Consider working with someone trained in Orthomolecular practice.