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How I Reversed My Hashimoto’s is my story of the steps I took to regain my energy, put my autoimmune disease into remission and get my lab results back into the normal range.
I do not assume that everyone will be able to remove thyroid hormone medication on a permanent basis. But ultimately, I believe the causes of Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid (as well as most thyroid conditions) can be addressed and affected, often times significantly.
We have options beyond medication, and they include lifestyle and dietary choices.
Even with medication, thyroid conditions may worsen if the causes are not addressed. And oftentimes, new autoimmune diseases will develop. That’s why it’s important we look at the cause of our conditions and try to change what we can.
What are Hashimoto’s and hypothyroidism
They’re different but related.
Let’s just quickly set the stage:
- In the brain, under normal circumstances, the hypothalamus gland produces a hormone (TRH) that tells the pituitary gland to make Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH).
- TSH tells the thyroid to produce hormones: about 80% T4 and 20% T3. T3 is actually the more powerful and active form of thyroid hormone in the body. It is primarily produced in the liver where it is converted from T4. (We’ll talk more about this later in terms of liver detox.) These hormones affect many body systems.
- With hypothyroidism, the thyroid is unable to produce enough hormones, so the hypothalamus and pituitary glands, sensing low levels of these hormones produce more TRH and TSH, to signal the thyroid. High TRH and TSH but low T3 or T4 indicate hypothyroid.
As relates to point #2 above, some doctors miss the hypothyroid diagnosis because they only test for TSH and T4. But many people do not convert T4 to T3 well, and that is a common and problematic form of hypothyroid that requires a different form of intervention. (source)
Doctors also need to test Free T3, Total T3 and Reverse T3.
Hashimoto’s
A diagnosis of Hashimoto’s means another level of dysfunction: and that’s antibodies.
Antibodies are usually produced by the body to fight off invaders, viruses or bacteria, for example.
In the case of autoimmune diseases, the theory is that antibodies attack one’s own systems and organs. With Hashimoto’s, antibodies attack the thyroid and decrease thyroid function as a result.
Therefore, sometimes Hashimoto’s causes hypothyroid.
Because Hashi’s is considered an autoimmune disease, when we try to put it into remission, it’s important to have a 3-pronged approach:
- As with any autoimmune disease, take extreme measures to reduce stress and inflammation.
- Remove factors that reduce thyroid function.
- Add elements that support thyroid function.
Let’s look together at how I reversed my Hashimoto’s in this way.
My Hashimoto’s story
Similar to many who develop autoimmune diseases, I was on heavy antibiotics as a child, I wasn’t breastfed, and my family already had a history of digestive issues. As a teenager, I got Epstein-Barr Virus.
Before having children, I had one autoimmune disease. After having my first child, a hormonal imbalance settled in, as did chronic stress and insomnia. After my second child, my digestion became impaired, and nutrient deficiencies started affecting me.
And after my third child, I became very sensitive to chemicals and environmental toxins.
Having children is one of the greatest blessings in my life (and well worth it), but has been very hard on my body.
Fatigue, lack of physical strength and energy, feeling cold, heavy irregular periods, and brain fog were my primary hypothyroid symptoms. I also felt moody, occasional depression and had dry hair and skin.
When my doctor told me I had Hashimoto’s, I started crying. That makes me laugh a little now, but I remember feeling so discouraged and overwhelmed at the time. And I was very sorry to have one more autoimmune disease.
I started Nature Throid, which worked well for me. I took 1 grain. This prescription doesn’t work for everyone. Read more here about the different thyroid medications commonly prescribed and the various thyroid disorders.
As with all of my autoimmune diseases (all 5 are in remission), I wanted to get to the root cause, and I wanted to feel better, if possible, without medication. I wanted to restore the natural function of my thyroid, the conversion in my liver of T4 to T3 and protect my thyroid from attack.
My timeline:
- Started Nature Throid in 2014.
- Worked hard on low stress and recovery, especially after the publication of my first cookbook, and in February of 2019, my doctor reduced my prescription to 30 mg (about half a grain) based on lab work.
- April of 2019 started the low vitamin A diet (just in time to include VAD recipes in my second cookbook, which I wrote devoted to a low-stress process).
- July of 2019, I went off of all thyroid medication, and never went back on, based on lab work and how I was feeling.
Here’s how I did it.
1. Low stress … this is a must!
So much stress had crept into my life, not just from having babies, but from owning two separate businesses with my husband over the years. This meant financial challenges and working really long hours, not to mention many problems that arose with staff, machines breaking etc.
Importantly, stress is not so much external events, but how our bodies interpret what’s going on around us. If we interpret an event as stressful, it’s stress — even if it’s not stressful to someone else!
Fight or flight
While taking adrenal supplements helped me feel better short term, I needed to exist in a “rest and digest” mode, instead of the “fight or flight” mode that so many of us adopt.
How many millions of Americans use beer, wine, chocolate, coffee or other “drugs” to finally relax or feel better each day? Tooo many! We need to exist in a place of rest without drugs.
MAKE CHANGES
When I realized this, I changed the way I worked significantly — how many hours I worked, how much time I spent at home (on purpose), how many errands I ran — everything.
I also ended a couple of relationships that weren’t healthy — and allowed myself to heal from the stress those toxic friendships had caused. Forgiveness played a role here, too.
We truly do not take stress seriously enough. I believe that if you want to put Hashimoto’s into remission, you must reduce stress dramatically all day everyday. Stressful “fight or flight” moments should be very rare.
Yes, this can be hard to navigate. So prayerfully proceed …
Otherwise, chronic stress causes an overactive hypothalamus gland, too much cortisol output and a weakened endocrine system — thus a slowed down thyroid, weight gain, poor sleep and more. (source)
LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND NAPS
Many of us DO NOT listen to our bodies.
So, part of reducing stress is beginning to listen to our bodies better.
This means creating a lifestyle that allows naps, as needed, instead of perking up the body with caffeine.
I still take naps, usually about one every other day, oftentimes only for 10 to 20 minutes. But, they make a BIG difference. Naps reduce stress and fatigue, whenever it sets in — late morning, afternoon or evening.
I can now really FEEL stress when it begins to come on — so I can respond intentionally with what my body needs to reduce it: a walk, a bath, a nap, special breathing, a hug, prayer, stop working, laughter etc.
2. Leaky gut protocol
Intestinal permeability, or leaky gut, is now a common diagnosis. Due to various causes, the tight junctions of the gut are compromised, allowing proteins and other large molecules to leak into the bloodstream. These, in turn, are attacked by the immune system, as they’re seen as invaders (not where they’re supposed to be).
This immune system response is often a precursor to autoimmunity, a heightened and over-active immune response.
Overall, healing one’s leaky gut is necessary.
I do not think people need to go on a strictly defined wellness diet to do this. But specific diets can be helpful in defining parameters.
In recent years, traditional approaches include these diets: Ancestral, Gluten-free, Low-FODMAP, AIP, GAPS, Keto and Paleo.
The goal is to reduce inflammation and allow healing to happen.
Personally, I did all of these diets at different times, and I also eliminated my food intolerance, which was very important to my process. (You can read more about that here.)
Diet
Choosing a diet to support thyroid health means cutting out inflammatory foods:
- vegetable oils
- sugar and extra sweetener
- all processed foods
- hard to digest grains — This will be different for different people. Some do well eliminating grains completely for a time. Consider hard to digest grain compounds that may prevent the gut from healing: oxalates, lectins and gluten.
- nightshades — Foods in this family are notorious for causing inflammation.
Some people also benefit from eliminating one or more of these foods: nuts, seeds, eggs, dairy, citrus, chocolate, coffee, mined salt, all fruit and legumes.
Choose your diet by working with a doctor you trust. At this point in my journey, I share what I consider the best route, which is a low vitamin A and low to medium oxalate diet. You can reach out to Dr. Smith for lab work and to have a doctor on board with your process. Or, I take a limited number of clients for dietary consulting.
Adrenal precautions, carbs and the HPA axis
I think one contributing factor to developing Hashimoto’s for me was a diet too low in complex carbohydrates. The first thing I did when going off of the GAPS diet was to introduce cassava flour … and I felt so much better. (source)
To support the hypothalamus, pituitary and adrenal axis (a trio of glands that help to regulate the thyroid), choose a diet that supports stable blood sugar levels and includes the right amount of carbs for your body.
Limit or avoid simple carbs, though, again, to keep stable blood sugar levels.
3. Supplements that support digestion and thyroid
Before going on a low vitamin A diet, I eliminated many of the above foods and took a few important supplements:
- Gentian Root digestive bitters tincture — Low thyroid often means low stomach acid … and decreased absorption of nutrients. This unique 2-ingredient digestive bitters works better than most digestive aids. It stimulates the production of bile, helping to cleanse the liver and GI tract of toxins, improves the pH of the stomach for digestion and helps to shut necessary valves for proper GI function. (Find it here, or make your own here.)
- Another option, and it’s what I do now, is to support digestion with apple cider vinegar, about 1 tablespoon (and up to 2) in water with meals.
- Selenium — Required for proper thyroid function, “The literature suggests that selenium supplementation of patients with autoimmune thyroiditis is associated with a reduction in antithyroperoxidase antibody levels, improved thyroid ultrasound features, and improved quality of life.” (source) I consider selenium a key mineral to supplement and still take it.
- Magnesium — Mg helps to combat and prevent constipation, improves thyroid hormone production and improves circulation. (Find it here.)
- Potassium — Hypothyroidism causes the body to lose potassium. When thyroid function is restored, potassium levels return. (Having both the serum and RBC lab tests done with your doctor may help you know your levels.) Not necessary for all Hashimoto’s patients. (Find it here.) (source)
- Zinc — Aids in the conversion of T4 to T3, and its absence has been linked with poor T3 conversion. Zinc is anti-inflammatory, reduces antibodies and boosts the immune system. It may also indirectly decrease reverse T3. A hair mineral analysis may help you to establish dosage. (source) (I use this one.)
- B vitamins — Work with a doctor to find which B vitamins you need. Personally, I take B1, and I formerly gave myself B12 injections, but I no longer need them.
- Vitamin K2 — K2 was and is something I take to balance vitamin D, Magnesium and Calcium levels. (Sensitive or bleeding gums is one indicator that we’re low in this vitamin.)
- In terms of probiotics, I took Saccharomyces Boulardii. It has been linked to these benefits:
- improves thyroid function
- directs T cells to support thyroid function
- reduces inflammation
- aids gut conversion of T4 to T3
4. Low vitamin A diet
Many practitioners tell us that vitamin A is needed for proper thyroid function. Here I’ll cite several studies, and use myself as an example as well, to show you this isn’t true.
These studies show patients who have low vitamin A levels and high thyroid hormone levels:
- Patients with vitamin A deficiency, ” … had significantly lower vitamin A intake … and higher … FT4, FT3, and TSH than patients with normal vitamin A status.” (source)
- In a study from 1941, Dr. Garret Smith shares that rats fed cod liver oil had a significant depletion of thyroid cellular fluids.
- This study found, “In the thyroid, retinoids interfere with iodine metabolism …” whereas, ” … an increased concentration of retinol was seen in hypothyroidism.”
- Here we see lower blood levels of vitamin A (and higher zinc, which is protective) associated with better thyroid function in Italians who lived extra long lives.
- And, more studies here.
Personally, I have been on a low vitamin A diet since April of 2019. After several months on the diet, my doctor did lab work and took me off of my thyroid medication. She expected to put me back on it when the weather turned colder again, as my thyroid function usually dips too low when the weather is cold, but instead, I never needed to resume medication.
LIVER DETOX
Many people talk about liver detox and present many different ways to do it. A low vitamin A diet is a different approach to liver detoxification, but I believe more fact-based. (Read more about how and why here.)
Detoxing the liver of vitamin A better allows — frees up — the liver to convert T4 to T3.
And this!, I believe, is why going on the diet allowed me to go off of all thyroid medication and have renewed wellness.
LOW OXALATE
When I started the low vitamin A diet, I also started a diet lower in oxalates than I realized at the time. I do this intentionally now, but I did it unintentionally in the beginning.
The thyroid can be a repository for oxalate crystals. Autopsies in the 1970s and 80s show people who died with Hashimoto’s, and their thyroids were full of oxalate crystals. Embedded in the organ, oxalates cause inflammation and dysregulate systems. (source, begin at 23:30)
Consider starting a medium oxalate diet for the long term to gently detox these compounds — and free up your thyroid to function better.
Oxalate crystals in the thyroid may be a much bigger causal factor in Hashimoto’s than is yet realized.
5. Reducing estrogen
Estrogen surges have been linked to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid. (source)
I used DIM and Calcium D-Glucarate for years to keep my estrogen levels down, as I had other painful symptoms as well from too high of estrogen.
On the low A diet, I was finally able to go off of Calcium D-Glucarate. I still take DIM.
Estrogen fluctuations are one more trigger to consider, and balance if they’re a problem for you.
6. Detoxing environmental toxins
Certain toxins like mercury can bypass our barrier system and cause an immune response — which then becomes chronic and overactive.
One of my favorite supplements that I started after beginning the low vitamin A diet is TRS. I still take it and plan to continue.
This nano-particle zeolite spray crosses the blood-brain barrier to detox heavy metals, plastics, estrogens and more.
You have to buy through a distributor, so I became one. You can use my link here if you’d like.
(I buy the three-pack to save money, and the company recommends doing the spray for 6 months minimum to see various effects. It’s best to start the first day with 1 spray, then increase each day, assuming no major detox symptoms, gradually by 1 spray each day until you reach 5 sprays daily, 2 in the morning, 3 at night.)
7. Vitamin D from the sun or similar
Vitamin D has been shown to improve T cell function and reduce autoimmunity. (source)
Getting on the low vitamin A diet and learning from Dr. Garrett Smith, as well as Grant Genereux, helped me to finally have the courage to go off of vitamin D pills.
Vitamin D is a hormone, and taken orally raises serum levels, but does not get utilized properly by the body. It may even be toxic taken orally.
I started by using a good tanning bed with UVB rays responsibly, and then recently, I purchased a sun lamp (I chose the Fiji model here).
Conclusion — How I Reversed My Hashimoto’s
As you go through the process of trying to reverse Hashimoto’s or other thyroid issues, it’s important to find the underlying issue(s) — because part of your approach needs to be focused on that particular cause.
Look into resolving things like SIBO, hormone imbalances, food sensitivities or intolerances, vitamin A toxicity, an overabundance of oxalates, vitamin or mineral deficiencies, pre-existing infections/illnesses, stress factors, leaky gut, environmental toxins and estrogen levels.
Regarding mindset, a couple of years ago, I was gifted with a phrase I remind myself of daily, as needed: Choose joy.
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Susan says
Excellent and beautifully presented. Impressive references and the personal experiences really underline the value of this information.
Megan says
Thank you, Susan, so kind of you, and I’m so glad you found the article informative! 🙂
Alex says
Thank you for sharing what helped you. I am folllowing in your footsteps, also doing VAD and finding it supremely helpful. You gave me the courage to eliminate most of my supplements, which I found were contributing to the vitamin A toxicity. Very grateful!
Megan says
Soo glad, Alex! I’m so glad that when I share it is helpful, and happy you are making good strides with the low A diet and in general!!
Dr.faisal Ayyub says
Really appreciated!
Krystal Wieldt says
I’d like to have a consult and also is there a dr in our area that you would recommend?
Megan says
Hi Krystal, great. Can you email me at [email protected]? I look forward to connecting. In our area, Dr. Mele at Alive Integrative Medicine does a really good job with lab work in general and especially for thyroid.
Maria says
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism about seven years ago and have been taking levothyroxine with no issues. Fast forward to December 2020 when I got covid and still suffering with post covid syndrome. My question is did the covid virus do something to my thyroid that made it go haywire? My thyroid and hormone numbers all off and I’m in constant pain
Megan says
Hi Maria, I’m so sorry. For long covid, it can be really helpful to look into B12 deficiency. You can join the FB group, and they are great at helping members connect with their doctors on how to get B12 injections (with co-factor folate); they have the whole protocol figured out. Here’s the link to the group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/174928999276739 It’s called Pernicious Anaemia/B12 Deficiency – Support Group. If you’re not already on FB, it’s worth it for the group. Certainly the thyroid could have been affected by the virus, and the B12 group includes people discussing this trio: recovery from the virus, B12 deficiency and thyroid health. You should get good guidance and support there. Best wishes for a good recovery!
Evelien says
Since my house doctor does not acknowledge my health problems. Even when the Hashimoto was diagnosed by a specialist in hospital, i have to figure out a lot on my own.
I was diagnosed in 2017 at age 27 and started thyroid medication. In the Netherlands, Hashimoto is only treated as a thyroid disease. The whole auto immuun thing is never mentioned again.
Leaky gut syndrome is seen as something not real. If you talk about it, you get laughed at, and people tell you your crazy to belief those nonsens.
Early 2019 when i was done whit the ups and downs of too less hormone and too much hormone when using medication, my Docter told me when I asked him for help, i only thought that i was sick. It made me more depressed then ever, all hope for the future was gone and I start thinking about euthanasia statement more and more. Till the summer of 2019 when i shared my story with my dietician. She told me that i may benefit from eating gluten free. She told me to read about leaky gut syndrome and our next appointment we will talk about it. After a while it made more and more sense. In september i started gluten free, cause I had nothing left to lose. A year later i stopped medication cause I felt so HYPER of the too much of hormone in my system. My thyroid is functioning on his own!!!!
Till this moment I’m still struggling with the same complaints as too much hormone, but I’m not sure if it is the thyroid hormone that causes the same problems. I also try to deal with a lack of iron, that is a major problem and hard to deal with. I hoped that was the final problem.
Since last month I add some magnesium taurate. For helping the heart palpitations, cause the palpitations limit my everyday life since I stopped medication back in 2020. At this point after only 3 weeks I think my brain benefits from the taurate as well. The days are getting easier an brighter and depressed feelings become less. Last week I added a good omega 3 supplement. To support my heart, brain AND the hormones.
It’s been almost 6 years now since I ‘lost my life’.
I really do hope, life will get better this next year. I have said that for the last 3 years either. But i think I’m at the right track. Paying more attention to nutrients that I don’t get or don’t get enough through my diet. And trying to deal with some childhood crap that causes me 24 years of chronic stress.
I hope everyone will learn for themselves what works the most. Sharing and learning from each other is an important thing!!
Thank you for sharing yours.
Megan says
Hi, and thank you for sharing your journey and story so far. I’m so thankful for your encouragement and improvements. I would also point you to Dr. Smith here in the US, who does do remote calls with patients. He’s the best at helping his clients totally overcome thyroid as well as all health issues in my experience. I would caution you with the omega-3 pills if they are fish oil, as they may be high in vitamin A, which can really worsen thyroid and other health issues in my experience. Here‘s the article on vitamin A I wrote if you haven’t read it yet, and Dr. Smith’s info. He has a DIY Love Your Liver option that’s the least expensive way to begin the process and diet. https://nutritiondetective.com/ Best to you!
Evelien says
Thanks for your comment! The whole story about vitamin A is unfamiliar to me. I read up on it based on your comment. For the time being I can’t find anything about it on Dutch health websites. I suspect that our Dutch diet is also very different from the average diet in America. But I will inform myself further about this and also discuss this with my dietician. I’ve looked at the list of foods to avoid….. If I have to apply that I’d better start using astronaut food. There really won’t be anything left to eat. My diet already depends on so many restrictions. Fortunately I was able to reintroduce goat milk and cheese this year since that is A2 milk. Since I stopped dairy at the end of 2019, there has been a lack of clarity about this A1 and A2 milk difference. Adding probiotics (milk kefir) was very important to me for the well-being of my intestines.
Apparently fermented foods can help healing the leaky gut, next to bone broth and butyrate from ghee.
Thanks for the fish oil warning! I also looked at the omega 3. It seems that it only contains EPA and DHA. And no vitamin A. I chose this capsule mainly for my mental health. An anti-depressant is nice to avoid the heavy thoughts inside my head, but tackling the problem at the source is more important to me. I haven’t eaten fish in over 20 years. I was not aware of the adverse effects this could have on your overall health. Including your heart and hormones. It also seems to be very good for the skin and eye sight.
Thanks you so much for the information.
I will look into it further in the near future.
As we would say: every bit will help.
Megan says
Sounds good, and best wishes. It is a long journey, and always good to have info stored away for when it becomes increasingly relevant. I’m glad some is helpful now. 🙂
Sarah says
I’ve been told to take cod liver oil and liver pills to help my very low iron levels. I have Hashimotis too. Do you have suggestions on what to do for treating anemia?
Megan says
Hi Sarah, yes, actually, and I’m so glad you asked because going down that road (liver and cod liver oil) made me worse with Hashi’s. What finally completely corrected both my Hashi’s and anemia was discovering the concept of vA toxicity and beginning the low A diet, with corresponding wisdom and insights (for example, low aldehydes, low copper, proper mineral testing and supplements etc). But supplement-wise for just anemia, there is one that works so well that my husband has used effectively for his anemia, and that’s the lactoferrin that Dr. Smith formulates himself, (from A2A2 cows from France). You’ll find it here: https://nutritiondetective.com/collections/shop It may or may not still be on back order.
Sarah says
Thank you so much for your response! I’ll look into lactoferrin use- I never would have guessed that it would help with anemia. I’ve been trying to find a solution for several years and I pray I’m on the right track. Have you heard of Morley Robbins protocol? That’s what I’ve been trying the last couple of months (increase copper and cod liver) but I started having major sleep disturbance and not feeling right. So I’m back to square one! ???? Blessings to you! I appreciate your articles.
Megan says
Hi Sarah, I’m so glad the lactoferrin might be a or the helpful avenue for your anemia. And I’m glad you mentioned Morley, because he’s about as far opposite from the direction I’ve gone in recovering from Hashi’s as is possible. He and Dr. Smith’s research and ideas are in direct opposition. I fully believe that excess copper and cod liver oil are both toxic, and certainly they also made me get worse. Best wishes with this new direction! Let me know if I can help again, and blessings to you!
Sarah says
One more question: do you consider Sulforaphane as a good supplement or is that high oxylate as well? I’m on it as part of my treatment for estrogen dominance. I’m guessing it’s close to what DIM – mine is pure powder.
My next step is to eliminate all the vitamin A and anything else causing liver stress. I am throwing out a lot of bottles today! Thank you for your help and your time. I know you’re so busy and I appreciate it!!
Megan says
Hi Sarah, no problem. Glad you asked. It’s a bit tricky, unless you’re working with Dr. Smith and can ask him. Sulforaphane is a sulfur-rich compound found in cruciferous vegetables, and sulphuric foods/supplements are considered very counter-productive with a low A diet, as they actually impede detox (majorly). However, I do use DIM and haven’t had a problem with it. I started the diet with both DIM and Calcium D Glucarate, but got off the latter as soon as I could (didn’t need it anymore) because Dr. Smith doesn’t like calcium supplements of any kind. I’m still on DIM for the same reason as you; this is a good reminder to me to ask Dr. Smith about how I can best phase off. It wasn’t something we addressed during my appts. I also use Coseva’s TRS to help with estrogen, and I think that’s what helped me get off the calcium d-g (plus the diet), as it detoxed a lot of estrogen more aggressively. You may need to make a few exceptions to the perfect ideal, and then watch and listen to your body to see what’s not agreeing with you/what’s causing complications. Every patient has a few things they have to work in or out gradually based on trying to accomplish multiple, sometimes-conflicting, goals at once, if that makes sense? Yay about so few supplements! I still marvel at this. I only take 5 now each morning; it’s so easy and nice; but more importantly, I know they’re the right ones for my body, no extras, no guessing and the saved money. I’m excited for you and your process!
Sara says
Hi Megan! Do you still use the probiotic you mentioned Saccharomyces boulardii? I looked into your link and I’m trying to understand exactly what does for Hashimoto, and hoping it can help with constipation too. Thank you!!
Megan says
Hi Sara, happy to help. Saccharomyces boulardii is still one of my favorite probiotics overall because it’s so gentle and doesn’t cause bloating, so great for those with SIBO (which often goes hand in hand with Hashi’s). It is often used for those with Hashi’s because it’s good at helping to restore gut health, which is one of the root causes. In its role of helping to restore gut health, it’s been known to support the body in clearing out a variety of infections. As for constipation, I don’t personally think it helped me with that. I had to try several other things before I figured that one out. In my experience, one of the best and easiest ways to remedy constipation is to use more Magnesium, and to try different kinds: topical, oral, but different compoundings of it and/or baths with Mg chloride; but some people also respond really well to added potassium chloride or citrate in their diets. Here’s my constipation post, too, which is really thorough with various solution options: https://eatbeautiful.net/remedies-for-constipation/ One option is to at least increase Mg while you play around with other methods of restoring proper gut motility, so at least you’re moving your bowels and detoxing daily in that way.
Sara says
Thank you so much! I appreciate your input!!
Megan says
Happy to help! 🙂
Kala says
Dear Megan, Thank you for the excellent article. I am still thinking about everyting you wrote and how I can use your experiences to help me with my personal Hashimoto’s struggle. I live in Europe and have never met anyone in my own country who took Nature Thyroid. There is a single functional doctor in my country, but she does not know anything about Nature Thyroid. I am not on any medication yet. Where can I find a doctor to prescribe this supplement for me?
Megan says
Hi Kala, I’d look deeper at the issue than that medication and consider working with Dr. Smith. He takes international clients and can likely help you overcome Hashi’s completely, which he’s done for many patients, including me, although I did the work myself, following the low vitamin A diet. So I’d check out that diet and him, and go that route in your shoes.
Marysa says
Hashimotos runs in my family and I have symptoms of it, so I am trying to stay on top of it. It is interesting to read about your journey and gives me hope about being able to overcome it.
Megan says
Best wishes with your process, and I’m so glad the post is helpful.
Sara says
I have Hashimotos and started a low A diet. Last week I started having breakthrough bleeding. Not a lot but it’s a little everyday. I know you aren’t a doctor, but I’d love to know your thoughts and if this might be something Hashimoto related? Or another suggestion? Thank you!!
Megan says
Hi Sara, Hashi’s can certainly be accompanied by various menstrual symptoms, so it could be that. I know Dr. Smith would have the best and more specific insights. In general his views on menstrual issues link them to copper toxicity, with vA not far behind. Zinc, molybdenum and a tiny starting dose of lactoferrin is how he would address symptoms, at least in part. Obviously, you want to be sure you’re low copper on the low A diet. Are you part of the LYL forum? So glad you’re on the diet! It might be worth considering the forum if you haven’t done that yet, as you’ll have so many people’s experience and expertise to help you through. It’s a great and very helpful community, I think $99 a year and well worth it. But if symptoms get any worse or more confusing, Dr. Smith is the best.
Sara says
Thank you for your response!! Yes, I just started the program and learning a lot. This breakout bleeding occurrence has me thrown for a loop as I thought I was improving until this. It could be a detox reaction but with my anemia status I feel it’s risky to just “wait and see” too long. But I’ll keep on the minerals etc and the low A/copper too. Thank you again!
Megan says
Happy to help. Are you already taking low dose Lactoferrin for the anemia?
Sarah says
Hi Megan. Looking at your past experience it says you went off thyroid meds after only 3 months of the VA diet. Is that correct? Were your antibodies down and so you were able to be off of meds?
Sadly I’ve been on the low VA diet for 6 months and my antibodies are still my calcium levels are off the chart even though my magnesium levels were high. Just wondering what my next steps should be…
Megan says
Hi Sarah, I’m sorry to hear of your lack of progress in that area. I’m glad you reminded me that it was the 3 month mark that I got off thyroid meds because I honestly have forgotten. I’m so glad I recorded that. Yesterday I made a video of my progress so far on the diet and I said within the first year I got off thyroid meds, but I should have gone back to look at my appt. with my ND, so again, thanks for that reminder. If I said that somewhere, I’m sure it’s true. Yes, my antibodies were down, and my ND wanted me off my meds. In your shoes, I’d consider increasing the other minerals: potassium is a really important one to play around with, both the forms and the amount. Do you ever meet with Dr. Smith? He’s really good with this and then with follow up office hours in helping you get your potassium just right, as well as Mg, and the others. He will be a wonderful guide in getting your Hashi’s in the past, as well as your calcium normalized etc. I really do wish I’d met with him sooner. I was concerned about the expense, and so I lost valuable time. While I had many things resolve early, there were other issues that didn’t because I didn’t have my mineral levels correct for my body’s needs. I’m planning to write a post about potassium, but it is really complex, so I’m sorry it’s too much to share here. Also, probably you are already doing this, but be sure your stress levels are really low. 🙂
Sara says
Thanks Megan! I’m a little afraid of potassium but I will try to increase it. I bought potassium chloride powder but I’m timid and only sprinkle a pinky size bit in my oatmeal spoon every morning. In your experience would you say maybe a 1 tsp a day spread out is good goal? I know you’re not a doctor but I feel you know what I’m going through 🙂 I will also ask dr smith in office hours
Megan says
Hi Sara, I understand. No, less than 1 teaspoon. I personally use 1/2 teaspoon + 1/8 teaspoon spread throughout the day, most of it in the evening. You could start with the Potassium Salt recipe, and then try adding the 1/8 teaspoon somewhere in the day. Then you could experiment from there with increasing similarly if you’re finding it helpful or still wondering if larger doses will show new benefits, which is what happened with me. What I find is that it loosens my stools, but I get excellent sleep benefits, so I try to find the happy medium for the best of both worlds.
Sara says
I’ll try this thank you! Praying to defeat Hashimotos this year, so thank you for your input and sharing your experience.
Megan says
You’re welcome, and best in your process and for success!
Rosalyn F. says
Hi Megan – somehow today I have been reading lots of your articles and for now I think I will finish with this one to process so much info. When you mention.ow to medium oxolates do you have a list from low to high oxolate foods?
The spray you mentioned you became a distributor for is it available in Canada? I am sure I have so many more questions but I will start here. Thank you
Megan says
Hi Rosalyn, I understand the potential overwhelm and need of time to let it soak in and digest. I do that, too. Re a list, yes, I do: https://eatbeautiful.net/low-oxalate-food-list-free-printable-pdf/ For some reason, I can’t access the distributor group I am a part of, so I would suggest beginning an order to see if they ship to Canada. Happy to help. 🙂
Sarah says
Hi Megan. I’ve been on low AA for almost a year and have Hashimoto’s. My antibodies are still pretty high and I just can’t figure how to get them down. Not that you’re a doctor, but would you think I would need to be on medication to support my thyroid through this process? I just really have no idea what the next step should be except just to stay on the path of flyway. And Would you recommend your thyroid doctor? If he or she is online, I might can contact them. As always, thank you so much.
Megan says
Hi Sarah, my doctor personally just kept track of my thyroid numbers, and she weaned me off meds gradually as I kept improving. She did not, however, assist the process of me getting better. That was the diet and lifestyle alone: Low stress being key and the diet. If you’re going to spend any money on a doctor, I recommend Dr. Smith, and/or the forum, if his price is just too high. He would typically say to not stop meds. As your body gets well, a doctor can wean you accordingly. I hope that’s helpful, and let me know if you need any other guidance for success on the diet. It can be an up and down process, but I hope you’ve seen some progress in some areas already. If not, or if so, it would be great to join the forum and get that encouragement and guidance regularly from others who are veterans and have so much to offer. Best!