This is long overdue, but like- what’s new? This whole thyroid situation had made pretty much everything “long overdue” in my life. Sorry, blame in on the thyroid.
As a reminder, two years ago I was diagnosed with Graves Disease… quick cliff notes: it’s an autoimmune disease that causes an attack on the thyroid (butterfly shaped gland in your neck) & causes hyperthyroidism.
At that time, I wrote a post about my Graves disease diagnosis… & looking back now, man oh man was I lackadaisical. I was talking all about how I needed to chug some celery juice, do some IV drips, eat a little healthier, & BOOM- I’d be healed.
Boy was I so wrong!!!
The naturopathic doctor I was seeing came highly recommended, and within the first month of seeing him- my main symptom, rapid heart rate, went away. I figured, it’s working… but my thyroid tests sang a different tune. My levels never got into zone we wanted, & after two years, I started to worry. This naturopath was also pretty lackadaisical (word of the week, fyi) about the seriousness of having a hyperthyroid. Heart attacks at a young age, bone density loss, or worse- a very dangerous thyroid “storm”. I started researching & within 2 hours, I called the naturopath & broke up with him. It was time for an MD.
Here is the thing: I am not one to RUSH to a doctor. I will, if I have to, but I always try natural remedies first. I don’t even like Advil, I would prefer to rub tea tree oil on my temples for a headache than pop a pill. That said, I also know when to “call it”. This was the time to call it, so I got a referral from my general doctor & gave her a call….
& TBH- this call scared the sh*t out of me
She basically looked at my chart, looked at me, & said- you need to get a bone density test asap & we need to schedule an appointment for RAI treatment to kill your thyroid.
RAI is radioactive iodine & it works by attacked your thyroid and all the thyroid cells, killing them off completely. My mom did radioactive iodine when she was younger than me & never made it seem like a big deal. I expressed that to the woman (oh- “nbd!”), and she said no- it’s a pretty big deal. After you get the treatment you have to sleep in a different room from your partner for 10 days. You can’t be around babies or pregnant women for 10 days. You can’t hold your dogs or have them anywhere your near your neck. When you go to the bathroom (even just a pee!) you have to flush 4 times and use some bleach. Use a different bathroom if you can. Don’t touch surfaces that are shared. Bleach everything many times a day.
The list went on & on… but it didn’t end there. After the thyroid is dead, she informed me, you will probably get a hypothyroid & then you will have to work to find a prescription to help manage the hypothyroidism,
The point being: hypo is easier to fix than hyper. But to me- that process didn’t sound “easy”.
so, I got a second opinion…
The radioactive iodine was not sitting well with me, so this time I called a functional endocrinologist (meaning she is an MD, but with more of a “holistic” approach). This woman was singing a different tune. She answered all my questions, she said my numbers weren’t horrific, and she said she wants to start with some more lifestyle changes.
No more gluten, no more dairy, eat more whole foods, get a daily dose of selenium, & work on my sleep schedule (she referred me to a sleep doctor) for 2 months to see if anything changes. If my levels don’t go down after this next set of labs- we will then discuss going on a pill that temporarily slows down your thyroid. You can’t take this pill for more than two years & it doesn’t have 100% success rate, but worth a try. Lastly, if the pill doesn’t work- THEN we would discuss the radioactive iodine again.
This plan was much more my vibe.
in addition to these changes, I also saw an herbalist.
The first time around, I am not gonna lie- I didn’t “commit” to the supplements. Again, the naturopath just never really stressed to me how grave Graves disease could be (yes, I did that) & when I said “I am not good at remembering supplements” he said “that’s fine, do your best”. This time around, I committed. I cut out gluten that day, called the sleep doctor, & even made an appointment with an herbalist.
I know I needed my supplements restructured, so I made an appointment at a place called Remedy here in San Diego. It’s a pharmacy with a more natural approach, and they have a great herbalist on site. She was so knowledgeable in Graves & got me on a great mix of supplements/herbs to support my general health as well as my thyroid health.
I am gonna list off the supplements below, because I get asked- but please please please, I am not a doctor & this was a list made for me. Do your research fully before taking anything, or better yet- go see an herbalist!
My Thyroid Supplement List
+ Personalized Herbal Tincture: I can’t tell you what’s in this one, because it’s a custom mixture of various herbs. She made me a balancing adaptogenic blend that eases inflammation and anxiety and promotes optimal nervous system, digestive, and hormonal health. I take this in water daily.
+ Nordic Naturals Ultimate Omega: fish oil is SO important for overall health, it is a foundational support supplement that supports the heart, the brain, can aid in weight loss, supports eye health (important for Graves’ sufferers), reduces inflammation, good for skin/hair, & more.
+ Pure Encapsulations DIM Detox: this one helps with hormone balance, liver support, and provides antioxidant support.
+ Pure Encapsulations MethylAssist: I have an MTHFR mutation, which means I need methylated vitamin B. This is the one I got, it’s a highly digestible form of vitamin B.
+ Pure Encapsulations VItamin D3: to help support bone health (remember, Graves = bone density issues), cellular health, and immune support.
+ Pure Encapsulations Probiotic-5: the gut is the second brain, & a good probiotic is a MUST!!
+ Pure Encapsulations Cortisol Calm: this formula of both nutrients and herbs helps to manage stress, maintains healthy cortisol levels, helps to support cognitive health, helps with relaxation/sleep, and promotes a positive mood.
+ Integrative Therapeutics Buffered Vitamin C: just a good vitamin C supplement to add into the mix.
+ Gaia Turmeric Supreme: taking this one to manage inflammation in the body, because inflammation is what is causing my Graves to attack my thyroid (the same reason I can’t eat gluten!)
+ Source Naturals Wellness Formula: I have taken this one forever, it’s just a good daily for immune support.
+ Innate Women’s One Daily: another good daily supplement for overall health, specific to women.
+ Brazil Nuts!!!: & last but not least- BRAZIL NUTS. Brazil nuts are jam packed with selenium which is a key nutrient for Grave’s disease, I was directed to start with 5 a day but now I am down to 3!
I know- that’s A LOT of supplements, but honestly- it’s not that bad. I got myself this handy little weekly pill organizer & split up my supplements into morning and evening. The pill organizer definitely keeps me accountable when it comes to taking them & honestly- I have been feeling pretty great. When I first started all these changes & supplements- I was wiped out tired, but the exhaustion has passed & I am feeling optimistic. I will continue to update on my journey to managing my thyroid, but I hope this post was helpful for anyone struggling with thyroid problems
SHOP MY SUPPLEMENTS
