The Best Thyroid Supplements (for thyroid healing)

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After healing my own thyroid though diet and just a few important supplements, I’m going to share with you The Best Thyroid Supplements — and how you can reverse your thyroid issues, too. I’m not a doctor, and I’m not making promises, but this approach is different than the one most functional doctors are now using, and I’ve seen so many people reverse Hashimoto’s and hypothyroid with this different angle. 

Please read more about The Best Thyroid Diet for healing here. This dietary approach is helpful for hyperthyroid as well.

My experience and this article are a result of my doctor’s knowledge and advice. I recommend this YouTube video for his complete review of studies on the thyroid and his consequent approach.

Selenium

Selenium deficiency is a common condition worldwide, and it’s getting worse.

Of all the minerals, selenium is the one almost everyone correctly correlates with thyroid function, and it’s the one most present in thyroid tissue itself.

Selenium is needed for metabolism of thyroid hormones, for both hypo and hyper thyroid.

It’s been shown that autoantibodies in patients with chronic autoimmune thyroiditis decrease with the use of selenium.

While many suggest Brazil nuts as a good source, in fact, their selenium content varies considerably (see this study), with some being dangerously high and others being inadequately low. And nuts bring with them other compounds from which we don’t always benefit (for example, too much manganese or too many polyunsaturated fatty acids), especially when taken everyday.

Selenium is best gotten from reliable supplements, and thankfully, it’s quite affordable.

Selenium dosing

Many patients find their best dose is 150 mcg, while some flourish with twice that amount. Consider having a hair mineral analysis with one of my doctor’s facilitators to find out your personal levels and exact supplementation needs.

(Here’s the liquid selenium I use to get the right dose exactly. Or, here’s a 100 mcg capsule I used to use, in which case: My doctor suggests alternating with 1 a day, 2 a day to average the right amount overall, [when selenium doesn’t come in the ideal dose]. The body sorts it out with no imbalance when done in this way.)

Magnesium

Low magnesium levels are associated with hypothyroidism and increase the risk of hypothyroidism.

Alan L. Rubin, MD, author of Thyroid for Dummies, says, “Thyroid hormone is required for the muscles of the stomach and intestines to push food along for digestion and excretion. When an insufficient amount of thyroid hormone is present, intestinal movement slows, as well as the absorption of food. The common complaint is constipation.”

Thyroid hormone also supports proper liver function (including detoxification) and helps the liver produce enough bile. Not surprisingly, those with Hashimoto’s often do not digest their food well, do not absorb nutrients fully, do not detoxify properly and suffer from constipation. This may contribute to decreased energy and inflammation.

Mg dosing

I have found the right compounding of magnesium to be more important than any other mineral when overcoming constipation (although others would certainly cite potassium as well). I take five magnesium capsules nightly of this brand (although it’s best to start with fewer and increase as needed).

Even thyroid patients without constipation still need magnesium, since this key mineral supports proper thyroid function. Magnesium aids in the absorption of iodine, improves thyroid hormone production and improves circulation.

If you do not suffer from constipation, magnesium glycinate is a good choice.

Or, now-non-GM Calm is also popular and effective. Dose is determined by bowel tolerance, starting with the package recommendations.

Potassium

Hypothyroidism causes the body to lose potassium, which can cause tiredness, body weakness, cramps, spasms, pain, paralysis and even IBS symptoms. When thyroid function is restored, potassium levels return.

Low potassium levels are also a sign of hyperthyroid.

Having serum and RBC lab tests done with your doctor are not enough to determine actual potassium levels. Both high potassium in the blood and in hair mineral analyses show potassium wasting. This stress pattern shows that you’re losing or wasting it intracellularly. Intracellular leaking of potassium can cause falsely high potassium levels in the blood.

Potassium helps to usher sodium into cells and can also help to relieve constipation.

Supplementing with potassium is ideal for many thyroid patients, yet misunderstood and under-supplemented. When discovered, many find it to be a key they were missing to feeling well. After finding one’s correct potassium supplement and dosing, look for improvements to sleep, bowel movements, energy, improved digestion and relief of symptoms like cramps.

Keep in mind: Vitamin A blocks potassium channels; so does copper toxicity. Vitamin D from supplements depletes potassium (always get your vitamin D from light). And high calcium in the blood lowers potassium. All these sources cause potassium deficiency.

So you need a proper diet and supplementation to maintain healthy potassium levels. When something blocks potassium channels, the first step is to remove toxicity; then supplementation can work.

Learn more about reducing these toxicities here.

Potassium dosing

A good way to see if you need more potassium is simply to eat more bananas. If you feel better, consider trying different forms of potassium and varying doses to find the right one for you. Potassium is one of the only supplements where trial and error may be the best way to find one’s optimum compounding and dose.

(As an example, I take a quarter teaspoon of potassium chloride [this one] with breakfast and lunch, and I take a half teaspoon with dinner. Many people begin finding their dose by starting with an eighth teaspoon with breakfast, stirred into water. While potassium chloride works best for me, others find different compoundings to work better for them.)

Zinc

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.

Zinc also balances copper toxicity and helps to usher copper from the body. (Serum copper is a biomarker for resistance to thyroid hormone; TH isn’t working like it’s supposed to. Reducing copper and taking more selenium and zinc, based on testing, improves TH.)

Additionally, hair loss, in studies, may not improve without zinc supplementation.

Occasionally zinc is not tolerated. Remember to get testing here if you’re unsure or want to be sure on your perfect dose.

Zinc also helps to fix iron levels, when vitamin A foods and supplements are removed from the diet (like this).

Lastly, zinc deficiency doesn’t just link to hypothyroid; hypothyroid reduces the hormones your body needs to absorb zinc. As a result, hypothyroid causes further zinc deficiency.

Zinc dosing

30 mg (find it here) is the recommended daily dosage for most people, but some do better at 15 mg (find it here). 

B12

Vitamin B12 may not be needed by you, but just in case …

Hypothyroid patients are often low in Vitamin B12. Low B12 can cause low stomach acid, which leads to poor nutrient absorption.

Vitamin B12 supplementation often improves energy levels and mental cognition.

Personally, I gave myself weekly injections of B12 for a few years until I figured out deeper healing, so I no longer need it.

Ask your doctor which B12 is best for your body.

Additionally, I took, but now no longer need:

• Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) — Many people have a B1 deficiency. Taking B1 is gentle because your body washes out any extra through urine, since it’s water-soluble. Look for improvements in energy, digestion, incontinence and nutrient absorption. I used this one; it’s very inexpensive and effective.
• Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin, like this)
• Vitamin B9 (Folate, must be the form folinic acid, like this)

I now avoid B complexes, partially because B6 is linked to neurotoxicity — and partially because most people don’t need all those vitamins. Ask your practitioner about the above B vitamins for you.

Vitamin K2-MK-4 and Vitamin D (from light)

Low Vitamin D3 levels are associated with hypothyroidism and can make the condition worse. But oral vitamin D supplements are dangerous. Instead, get your Vitamin D from light.

Vitamin D3 helps to regulate T cells and is anti-inflammatory. D3 requires the co-factor K2 to support calcium regulation and prevent D3 toxicity.

Choose a Vitamin K supplement that is designated MK-4, which is best for detoxing (like this).

Magnesium also plays an important role in the balance of vitamin D, Vitamin K and even calcium. Be sure Mg is a part of your protocol for best K2 and D results.

Iron

To properly assess iron levels, you need to measure ferritin. It gauges your body’s iron reserve.

Low Ferritin levels are common for those with decreased thyroid function. Ferritin levels need to be within range for cells to absorb and process thyroid hormone. 

Iron enables the conversion of T4 to T3 and prevents the formation of reverse T3. It also supports proper adrenal function, an area where most patients with thyroid disorders experience deficiencies.

Instead of taking iron or ferritin supplements, the best way to get iron levels up or balanced is actually to take lactoferrin. I learned about this supplement from my doctor, and we saw amazing results, with lab results and symptom-wise, for my husband and my adult daughter using this supplement.

Dosage is as directed on the bottle.

Lactoferrin may aid iron absorption by attaching to free iron in the intestines and helping your body make use of it.

Nicotinic acid

Nicotinic acid is an amino acid derived from tryptophan. When used correctly, it improves thyroid function and causes detox through the skin.

It’s sold as Flush Niacin, but it’s not Vitamin B-3 or any other form of niacin. To use this supplement correctly, I recommend:

• joining Love Your Liver, my doctor’s DIY and support network for doing the best liver and thyroid detox diet. Within his forum, there’s a multi-page document outlining how to use this supplement. The forum has a one-time lifetime fee (I don’t benefit in any way if you join); it’s well worth that initial expense for the days, weeks and years of ongoing health support you’ll receive there. It’s by far the most effective forum I’ve ever seen for restoring one’s health and making friends with knowledgeable fellow travelers to help you along the way.
• watching this video starting at 2:14:55.

In this study, high doses of nicotinic acid (NA) resembled T3, or had the same effect on patients as if they were taking desiccated thyroid.

Here, we see NA reduces thyroid resistance, allowing for normal thyroid function.

NA dose

Dose-wise, Dr. Garrett Smith (my doctor) advises starting at a low dose of 25 mg, and then increasing gradually. After 100 mg, buffering is required, and that’s when it’s a good idea to join Love Your Liver, to learn recommendations. But, even the lower doses are helpful.

My husband, both our kids still at home and I all use this supplement daily for various benefits, one of which is ongoing thyroid health.

Reminder: This supplement can cause harmless flushing. Please read up on this before starting, so it doesn’t surprise you. Flushing is not dangerous, but it does scare some people if they’re not expecting it.

OTHER TIPS

• Read The Best Thyroid Diet.
• Consider a low vitamin A and low copper diet for cleansing and healing liver toxicity. If you have Hashimoto’s, it’s a toxicity issue. Addressing the liver allows for thyroid healing.
• Reduce exposure to EMFs, toxins and plastics, before detoxing (or as soon as possible).
• Eliminate stress, as much as possible.
• Practice good nutrition, including a (sometimes gluten-free) anti-inflammatory diet.
  • Avoid soy. Avoid sugar, dairy, alcohol, processed foods and pesticides.

More sources: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5