SUPPLEMENTING WITH ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS
Taking nutritional supplements is an incredible tool that we have at
our disposal. However, this is a tool with the proverbial double-
edge. While it's possible to reverse a deficiency, correct an
imbalance of nutrients, and thereby restore health, it is also
possible to unbalance our body's nutrients and create disease.
You will read in many books on nutrition about the need to keep the B
complex vitamins balanced. There are four B vitamins usually
mentioned that need to be taken in approximately equal amounts: B-1
(thiamine), B-2 (riboflavin), B-3 (niacin or niacinamide), and B-6
(pyridoxine). This is very good advice because taking large amounts
of some, but not all, of these can eventually create problems.
What most nutritionists and authors of books on nutrition fail to
emphasize is that virtually all nutrients need to be kept in balance
and that taking any one nutrient for enough time can create an
imbalance which creates health problems.
For example, I always had read that vitamin C is wonderful, protects
you from a myriad of diseases including cancer, and the more you take
the better off you'll be. Linus Pauling, the Nobel prize winning
scientist, wrote a book on vitamin C in which he reported keeping
terminal cancer patients alive for long beyond expectation by giving
them very large doses of vitamin C, sometimes up to 50 grams or more
a day. This is a very large amount considering that the Minimum
Daily Requirement is less than 100 milligrams and 1 gram is a large
amount.
In 1997 on the basis of this information I was taking 10 grams of
vitamin C every day and feeling great just as I expected. However,
in the middle of feeling great I developed hyperthyroidism, which as
you probably know is a very serious disease. In my subsequent
studies I found that taking very large amounts of vitamin C can
deplete copper. As you will read elsewhere, I feel that copper
deficiency is a key factor that causes hyperthyroidism.
Other nutrients seem to work the same way. For example, taking
excess vitamin E seems to aggravate hyperthyroidism because it
depletes selenium, the mineral that works with vitamin E. Zinc,
which is on every nutritionist's "must take" list, can deplete copper
if taken in excess without also supplementing copper. The minerals
manganese and chromium work as a pair in various functions and taking
either one of them without the other can deplete the one not taken.
These minerals are important for thyroid health.
Copper and iron work together to form hemoglobin. If you become
deficient in either one, you can get anemic--either iron-deficiency
anemia or copper-deficiency anemia. Many people have reported to me
that they have been found anemic by their doctors and been given
large amounts of iron to correct the problem. Usually the anemia
failed to improve. One woman took close to 200 mgs of iron per day
for a long time and when her anemia didn't improve, her doctor put
her in the hospital for an iron-transfusion, a process in which an
extremely large amount of iron is given intravenously. Not only did
this not help, but she became extremely ill and was ill for days.
When these people who told me about these experiences had thyroid
disease, my first guess was that they were deficient in copper and
not iron. When they began supplementing with copper, their anemia
improved. I believe that taking the extra iron without copper
further depleted their copper and worsened their thyroid health.
It's possible to go on and on through the list of essential nutrients
and discovering more and more relationships between nutrients in
which taking excess amounts of one can cause deficiencies of others
to worsen. I can't think of any nutrient that this principle doesn't
apply to.
To get back to the B complex example mentioned first, I believe that
vitamins work with and facilitate the utilization of specific
minerals. For example, vitamin B-6 is known to be the vitamin that
facilitates zinc metabolism. When B-6 is recommended for any
condition, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, then it can be assumed
that zinc will also benefit the situation if taken with B-6.
It seems that the other B complex vitamins, B-1, B-2, and B-3
facilitate copper metabolism. If this is correct, then you can see
that taking excessive amounts of B-6 alone could eventually lead to a
copper deficiency. On the other hand, taking B-1, B-2, and B-3
without B-6 could eventually lead to deficiencies of B-6 and zinc.
If this were done long enough, then I would expect the person to
develop sore wrists, the beginning symptom of carpal tunnel syndrome
and itchy skin, another symptom of zinc deficiency.
The message that I want to emphasize is to try to balance your
nutrients, not unbalance them. If you are starting with a
deficiency, then taking a nutrient such as copper or zinc can
gradually correct that deficiency. However, at some point, the
opposite mineral needs to be supplemented to prevent that mineral
from becoming deficient.
As we attempt to correct deficiencies and nutrient imbalances, we
don't want to create other deficiencies and imbalances. We want to
move toward balance and then stay there. To achieve this, it's
necessary to gradually change the nutrients taken and move toward a
more balanced supplementation schedule. For example, when
rebalancing copper and zinc, you might start out with a 1:1 ratio of
zinc to copper if you were hyper, and a 15:1 ratio if you were
hypo. Gradually as you recover you'll want to change that ratio to
a ratio that is right for you. For women that might be 5:1 if you
were hyper, and 8:1 if you were hypo. For a man, the ratio will
probably be higher because of the greater need for zinc.
One way to prevent creating imbalances as you work toward correcting
deficiencies is to not take supplements every day. Some people take
them every other or every third day. During my recovery I took them
about 5 days a week, but this may have been too much. Not only will
using this interval method of supplementation work toward preventing
imbalances from developing, it will prevent your body from becoming
dependent on getting "easy nutrients."
Another good idea is to not take excessive amounts of nutrients.
Doubling the intake of a nutrient does not mean that you'll get well
twice as fast. There is a limit to your body's ability to take up
and incorporate the nutrient. For example, our bodies need about 2.5-
3 mgs of copper per day. Taking two to three times that amount or 5-
8 mgs per day is reasonable. It is not reasonable to take 15 or more
mgs per day. The same is true for zinc. We need about 15 mgs a day
so supplementing 50 mgs per day for hypos is reasonable. It's not
reasonable to take 100 or more mgs per day.
We can say that nutrients have a physiological range of the quantity
and when that normal range is exceeded, the nutrient is being used as
a drug. When a nutrient is used in large amounts it has different
physiological effects. For example, one mineral might be given in
very large amounts to prevent the absorption of its antagonistic
mineral. This is not using the mineral for nutritional needs, but
using it as a drug to control another function.
When a nutrient is taken in excessive amounts it can have toxic
effects. These effects may be the result of causing other nutrient
deficiencies. Vitamins and minerals generally have different
toxicities in large amounts. Vitamins have a larger range over which
they are non-toxic. Sometimes you can take a vitamin in amounts 100
times the recommended amount without toxic effects. Minerals, on the
other hand, generally have a low ratio of the toxic amount to the
recommended amount. Often this ratio is as low as 6:1. For example,
selenium is often taken in amounts of 200-400 mcgs, but taking 1200
mcgs or more a day can prove toxic.
B COMPLEX VITAMINS
There are also different types of vitamins with different toxicity to
recommended amount ratios. The B vitamins and most vitamins are
water soluble and are readily excreted if taken in excessive
amounts. These vitamins can be taken in larger amounts because of
this safety feature.
Even though there is relative safety in taking large amounts of B
vitamins, I would like to offer this caution. If you look in the
Nutrition Almanac you'll see that most of the B vitamins are needed
in only small amounts. The impact of taking large amounts of these
over a long period of time can be negative.
For example, niacin is recommended to people with heart disease and
high blood pressure and a few years ago, people were taking up to
1200-2000 mgs of niacin per day. While niacin is one of the most
abundant vitamins in the body, taking this much was found to cause
liver damage. Niacin does seem to facilitate copper uptake and it's
possible that prolonged use could lead to an excessive buildup of
copper in the liver (beyond the amount needed for normal health)
which could be damaging. Whether this is the mechanism by which
niacin causes liver damage is something I have not been able to find
out, but this seems possible.
Because people with thyroid disease may also have livers which are
not functioning at 100%, I would recommend not taking excessive
amounts of the B vitamins. Niacin in particular should probably not
be taken in amounts over 300 mgs per day for an extended period.
Taking it with copper to speed up copper uptake for a short duration
is probably fine, but just don't make it a long term practice.
Problems stemming from taking the other B vitamins for a long period
of time are less documented, but probably also exist. Just be
careful and keep your B vitamin intake to a reasonable amount such as
50 mgs of each per day and then take breaks. Use the B vitamins to
help rebuild mineral stores which have become deficient, but don't
continue taking them beyond what is necessary.
OIL SOLUBLE VITAMINS: A, D, E, K
The oil soluble vitamins, A, D, E, and K, however, accumulate in the
body and are stored. These do not need to be taken every day, but if
they are taken in excessive amounts over a long period of time can
accumulate to dangerous levels. Symptoms of toxic amounts of A and D
are headaches. If you take 100,000 units of vitamin A for several
months, this toxic level can be easily reached. It's not necessary
to take high amounts of these vitamins and often less is better.
Pay attention to the amounts of nutrients recommended in the
Supplement Schedule. These are generally safe for most people.
However, you may be different and be more sensitive to these
nutrients.
While I don't believe that it's possible to be allergic to an
essential nutrient, you may experience negative symptoms after taking
one. I use these negative reactions to try to determine what is
deficient. For example, if you take zinc and feel dreadful
afterward, I would suspect that you have a copper deficiency.
Many people are aware that they have sensitivities. Many people with
thyroid disorders also have multiple chemical sensitivities or
sensitivities to essential nutrients. These sensitivities represent
deficiencies of nutrients and as these deficiencies are corrected,
the sensitivities will gradually disappear. However, before these
deficiencies are corrected, you may experience very negative
reactions to taking moderate amounts of nutrients. Use the
information on this site to try to determine what deficiencies you
have and work on them.
If you know that you have sensitivities, be very careful and don't
take any nutrients in the recommended amounts. Cut these amounts
down significantly. Be safe, not sorry. The following supplement
list will be changed from time to time as new information warrants.
I will try to make an announcement in the what's new section if there
is a significant change, but check back to this list occasionally.
Here is the supplement list:
Supplement List
LIST OF NUTRIENTS FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM AND HYPOTHYROIDISM
(Warning: Use this list with caution and get advice from your
physician before using these recommended supplements. The recommended
amounts of these nutrients are for experimental purposes only and the
potential effects of these nutrients on your health are unknown. You
must be responsible for your own health and for knowing the
consequences of taking these recommended supplements. I think these
are reasonable amounts of these nutrients, but I am not a physician
and do not know your health situation. This list is only my best
guess about what might help these diseases. What has helped me or
another person may cause adverse reactions in you. Consult your own
physician.)
GENERAL STRATEGY
I consider hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism (including Graves'
disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis) as different phases of the same
disease. I'm quite confident that both are caused by nutrient
deficiencies, but hyperthyroidism is the result when the deficiencies
become more severe.
Hypers: Everything that I've experienced myself, seen in others, and
read about in scientific studies indicates that the primary
deficiencies involved in hyperthyroidism are copper and iron. The
balance between copper and zinc seems to be critically important in
determining the rate of thyroid hormone production. Copper slows down
the thyroid while zinc increases thyroid action. Copper should be
supplemented first and if zinc is presently being supplemented it
should be discontinued for two to three weeks or until the thyroid
slows down. Copper absorption and utilization is increased by
molybdenum and the B-complex vitamins, including extra biotin and
PABA. Zinc is essential for health but excess amounts may increase
thyroid hormone production. You will have to experiment to determine
how much zinc you can take. Try to maintain a zinc/copper ratio of
about 3:1 to 5:1 at first.
Most hypers and hypos are deficient in iron. Iron may be low because
of insufficient intake or deficiencies of minerals such as manganese,
copper, or cobalt (vitamin B-12), or B vitamins, which are essential
for iron utilization. Copper and iron work together to form
hemoglobin and need to be supplemented together. Supplementing with
either alone can lead to a deficiency of the other.
Studies show that a deficiency of selenium usually causes a decrease
in the conversion of T4 to T3. However under abnormal conditions, a
deficiency of selenium can cause the body to increase conversion of
T4 to T3 which can lead to higher levels of T3. Selenium is very
important for normal thyroid function. Start by taking 100 micrograms
per day and gradually increase up to 300 micrograms.
All of the supplements listed are necessary either to correct the
underlying causes of hyperthyroidism or to supplement nutrients which
are used up by the hyper metabolism.
HYPOS: Many nutrient deficiencies may cause hypothyroidism. The two
main nutrients which may be deficient are selenium and zinc. Selenium
may become deficient if there are excessive amounts of toxic metals
being ingested, such as mercury from silver amalgam dental fillings.
The more mercury or other toxic metals ingested, the more selenium
you'll need. Start with 200 micrograms of selenium and work up to 400
micrograms. You may need more selenium if you have many amalgam
fillings. The B-complex vitamins, especially B-6, facilitate zinc
metabolism. Also the amino acid L-cysteine is important in zinc
metabolism. Iron, manganese, and chromium are often deficient in
hypos. Some hypos may be so deficient in minerals that they are close
to becoming hyper. If you are experiencing nighttime rapid heart
beat, then you are close and should also supplement with copper.
FOODS
PROTEIN, FAT, AND CARBOHYDRATE
Research studies show that animals fed low protein and/or low fat
diets with adequate calories will become hyperthyroid. Low calorie
diets with proper ratios of protein and fat tend to make animals
hypothyroid. In other words, a diet high in carbohydrates and low in
protein and fats will cause an increased production of thyroid
hormones and a feeling of higher energy levels. However, the
increased energy levels and activity without adequate protein and fat
in the diet will cause the body to cannibalize the body's fat and
protein stores and may lead to hyperthyroidism.
Studies also seem to show that liver disease such as cirrhosis or
hepatitis and pancreatic disease such as pancreatitis interfere with
protein and fat digestion and may therefore lead to hyperthyroidism.
I am studying this to determine how to restore the health of the
liver and pancreas. It appears that a high protein and high fat diet
along with digestive enzymes, PABA, and phosphatidylcholine (along
with the other recommended supplements) may be the best way to heal
the liver and pancreas.
Sam Queen, author of the book, Chronic Mercury Toxicity, told me that
autoimmune diseases, such as Grave's disease, are caused by low
protein intake or inadequate protein digestion. I am looking for
further information on this theory also.
Many foods and supplements which lower blood lipids and which would
be recommended for lowering cholesterol (low density lipoproteins or
LDLs) seem to have an adverse effect on hypers. It's possible that
hypers need to consume more LDLs and avoid all lipid lowering foods
such as garlic. This is contrary to most health advice, but
hyperthyroidism seems to be a condition where the metabolism is
opposite to that found in the majority of people and the opposite
approach is needed.
SPECIFIC FOODS THAT MAY HELP
HYPERS: Radish, especially daikon; horseradish; carrots and carrot
juice; cruciferous vegetables.
SPECIFIC FOODS AND SUPPLEMENTS WHICH MAY HURT
HYPERS: Any lipid (fat) lowering food or supplement, such as: garlic;
ginseng; octacosanol; or other body-building supplements which are
commonly used to lose fat.
TOXIC HEAVY METALS
There is a possibility that toxic heavy metals play a causative role
in thyroid disease. Several of the group members who have had hair
analyses done have high levels of mercury, aluminum, and other metals
and also low sodium/potassium (Na/K) ratio. It appears that toxic
metals may disrupt the Na/K ratio and thereby interfere with cellular
absorption of essential nutrients. This hypothesis is also under
investigation.
Sam Queen states that toxic metals are excreted from the body along
with bile which is produced in the liver. Sufficient dietary fat is
essential for bile production. He states that dairy fat works better
than fat found in meat and recommends the consumption of 2-4 ounces
of butter a day. I think that 4-6 ounces of high fat cheese such as
cheddar would be equivalent.
SUNSHINE
I found that sunshine seemed to help me and other people may have had
similar experiences. During my recovery (after I started taking
copper), whenever I would spend some time in the sun I would feel
better the next day. Recently I've read about a hormone called
soltriol which is produced in the skin under the influence of
sunshine. One researcher states that it affects many hormone-
producing tissues, including the thyroid. We know that the sun helps
the skin produce vitamin D, which is really a hormone rather than a
vitamin. Soltriol is a second, separate hormone produced by the sun
and I intend to research this to see how it is involved in thyroid
problems.
We know that copper is used by the body to produce melanin, which is
the dark pigment which colors the skin and protects against sun
damage. PABA seems to be involved in this metabolism and this is the
reason that many sunscreens contain PABA. My present theory is that
sunshine on a person who is deficient in copper and/or PABA will
result in an increase in those deficiencies and therefore may become
more likely to get hyperT. However, sunshine on a person who is
getting an adequate amount of copper and PABA may be very beneficial
in helping the person recover from hyperT. This is just my theory,
but if this is true then we could expect that persons who become more
sensitive to the sun and who burn more easily may be copper deficient
and therefore likely to develop hyperT.
LIST OF SUPPLEMENTS
Thyroid conditions, especially hyperthyroidism, are characterized by
serious nutritional deficiencies. The following list of supplements
helped me and others to recover from hyperthyroidism and
hypothyroidism and are important to correct the nutritional
deficiencies which seem to cause these thyroid conditions. All of
these nutrients have been shown to be essential for human life. While
hypos may do well by selecting a good multiple vitamin/mineral
supplement and adding to it as necessary, hypers have found it
necessary to obtain these supplements singly so that the ratios can
be changed as needed and so that certain minerals like manganese and
iodine can be avoided until the body can once again tolerate these.
This list is not intended as a "buffet" from which you can pick and
choose. I consider each nutrient listed here important and possibly
necessary for improving the thyroid diseases.
MINERALS
BORON
(Increases estrogen which suppresses thyroid function.)
HYPERS: 3-6 mg per day.
HYPOS: Probably don't need extra, unless estrogen is low. Usually
hypos have high estrogen and low progesterone and testosterone.
CALCIUM and MAGNESIUM
(Regulates heart rate and builds bone.)
HYPERS: Take with magnesium, 1:1 ratio to suppress "thyroid storms.
HyperT interferes with calcium metabolism and promotes osteoporosis,
so take at least 1000 mg each of calcium and magnesium.
HYPOS: Take cal/mag in a 2:1 ratio, as needed, perhaps 600/300 mg.
CHROMIUM
(Involved in glucose metabolism and insulin production. The
conversion of T4 to T3 is influenced by insulin, which is probably
the reason why diabetics have low thyroid function.)
HYPERS: 200 mcg per day.
HYPOS: 400 mcg per day.
COPPER
(Copper seems to be the most important mineral for hypers to take.
Copper deficiency has been shown to cause elevated levels of thyroid
hormones. It is also essential for monoamine oxidase production which
degrades hormones after they have fulfilled their function. Take on
full stomach, since it may produce nausea at first.)
HYPERS: 6-10 mg per day. Copper is the most important mineral for
hyperT, so take copper first.
HYPOS: 0-3 mg per day. Hypos may have excess copper which is
suppressing the thyroid.
IODINE
(Kelp) (Most essential mineral for thyroid hormone production--
deficiency of iodine and/or selenium causes goiter, a swelling of the
thyroid gland. A goiter is the body's attempt to increase the
production of thyroid hormones from an inadequate supply of
nutrients. Replenishing those nutrients will enable the body to
resorb the goitrous tissue and allow the thyroid to return to its
normal size.)
HYPERS: Don't take iodine or kelp until copper is built up. In cases
of goiter, supplementing with iodine with insufficient selenium will
make the goiter worse. Once copper has been supplemented for awhile,
test with one kelp tablet. If hyper symptoms are not increased,
gradually increase the kelp up to 6 tablets per day.
HYPOS: Start with one table per day and build up slowly to 6 tablets
per day.
IRON
(Iron is a critical mineral, because while it is very necessary and
often low in thyroid disease, iron intake without a corresponding
intake of copper can deplete copper. Iron works with copper to build
hemoglobin, so therefore too much of either can deplete the other.
Usually in hyperthyroidism, copper is deficient and has to be built
up first. Once it is replenished, iron supplementation with the
copper (probably in a ratio of no more than 5:1, iron:copper) will
then help both minerals get built up. If hyper symptoms increase,
stop or reduce the iron.) In hypothyroidism, iron is probably more
deficient than copper and so should be supplemented first. Once iron
is built up then a small amount (2-3 mg) of copper can be added. Iron
increases body temperature by increasing norepinephrine and
increasing cellular oxygen, which helps the low body temperature
problem in hypothyroidism. Iron is known as the strength mineral.)
HYPERS: After copper has been supplemented for a few days, try a
small amount of iron. Gradually increase to about 18 mg.
HYPOS: Take 18-36 mg per day.
LITHIUM
(Lithium, sodium, and potassium are important components in the
cellular pumps that transport minerals and amino acids across cell
membranes. A deficiency of lithium may cause the mineral and amino
acid deficiencies we see in hyperthyroidism. Studies have indicated
that manic-depression may develop from a lithium deficiency
(hyperthyroidism is associated with manic-depression) and some
psychiatric patients get hyperthyroidism when lithium treatment is
abruptly ended. Limiting sodium and potassium intake for hypers seems
important in helping correct the imbalance that may be the result of
a lithium deficiency. It also appears that hypos may need more sodium
and potassium and perhaps less lithium. As of 7-3-99 I am studying
lithium and its relationship to sodium and potassium and hope to be
able to add more information to this soon. Lithium is available as a
supplement called lithium orotate from www.vitaminshoppe.com in a 120
mg dosage. Most nutrition books including the Nutrition Almanac do
not even mention lithium, so I've been unable to find any information
on a reasonable amount for supplementation.. Because hyperT is
associated with an abrupt termination of lithium supplementation, be
careful.)
HYPERS: Lithium orotate 120 mg. My best guess is to take one or two a
day. (I am presently trying to determine what the proper dosage. I've
taken up to four a day without any immediate noticeable effects.) It
may be beneficial to limit sodium and potassium intake until lithium
is replenished.
HYPOS: Avoid. Ensure adequate intake of sodium and potassium.
MAGNESIUM
(Essential for thyroid function and appears deficient in both hypos
and hypers.)
(See instructions under calcium.)
MANGANESE
(Assists iron metabolism and plays a role in the production of
thyroid hormone. The hair analyses of both hypers and hypos show that
most are deficient in manganese and chromium. These two minerals work
together. Manganese should not be taken by hypers without also taking
copper and iron. I believe that manganese and chromium should be
taken together and too much of one or the other may disrupt the
balance between the two. It's possible that once copper is built up,
the body will tolerate more manganese and chromium and these two
minerals are probably essential for complete recovery from thyroid
disease.)
HYPERS: 5-10 mg per day. Make sure copper and iron are supplemented
before manganese is started. If hyper symptoms are experienced,
suspect manganese or zinc.
HYPOS: Take 10-20 mg per day.
MOLYBDENUM
(Assists copper utilization. Deficiency symptoms are similar to hyper
symptoms.)
HYPERS: Take 250-500 mcg per day.
HYPOS: Unknown
POTASSIUM
(Increases cellular response to T3.)
HYPERS: Unknown
HYPOS: Eat high potassium foods like bananas and potatoes.
SELENIUM
(The essential mineral component of 5'-deiodinase enzymes which
convert the prohormone T4 to the cellular active hormone T3.
Deficiency of selenium will cause "low T3 Syndrome" where T4 levels
are normal but T3 is low. Selenium and/or iodine deficiencies cause
goiter. Selenium is the most important mineral to counter the toxic
effects of heavy metals. Selenium is essential for production of
glutathione peroxidase which is one of the three most important
antioxidant defenses of the body. Can be toxic at levels of over 1000
mcg per day. Goiter will result from a selenium deficiency (or iodine
deficiency), and many hypers and hypos have goiter.)
HYPERS: Take 200-600 mcg per day. If you have a known high level of
mercury or other toxic metal, consider taking more. Start at 100 mcg
and work up slowly.
HYPOS: Take 200-600 mcg of selenium per day. Mercury in silver
amalgam fillings uses up selenium for detoxification. High amounts of
amalgam fillings may require more selenium. Don't take over 600 mcg.
SILICON
(Supplement known as silica, from the plant horsetail. Assists
collagen formation and seems to have thyroid function. Helps to
antagonize aluminum which may cause copper excretion and
hyperthyroidism.)
HYPERS: Take 2 per day. One information source recommends taking
rests from this supplement, like 3 days on, then 2 days off. I've
used it every day for about a year with no negative symptoms.
HYPOS: Same as Hypers.
SILVER
(Next to nothing is known about silver and the thyroid, but my guess
is that there is some connection. Silver is just below copper in the
Periodic Table and therefore has similar chemical properties. Copper
and zinc have electrical properties and can be used to make a
battery. Silver has similar but better electrical conductivity
properties than copper, so there is the possibility that it is
important for the same reasons copper is.
However, there is information that leads me to suspect that silver
may be very important in controlling TED (thyroid eye disease.) As
you will see in the cadmium file and the TED file, I suspect that
cadmium (high in tobacco) is one of the prime causes of TED. Cadmium
is just to the right of silver in the Periodic Table and probably an
excess of cadmium will interfere with silver absorption. Silver has
been shown in studies to inhibit fibroblast proliferation and this is
the mechanism by which TED develops. See Silver.
I took colloidal silver during my recovery from hyperthyroidism, but
have been unable to ascertain if it was important in the healing
process or not. I can at least say that it didn't hurt. I did not
develop TED. My suggestion is to take 5 drops of colloidal silver per
day or follow the directions on the bottle whether you are hyper or
hypo.)
HYPERS: 5 Drops of Colloidal silver per day.
HYPOS: Same.
SULFUR
(Supplement known at MSM--methylsulfanylmethane. Works with copper in
many functions and may get depleted with copper supplementation.
Deficiency causes aches in joints and muscles.)
HYPERS: After copper and iron are built up, start MSM (or when joints
get sore.) Common supplement amounts are 1000-3000 mg.
HYPOS: Take 1000-3000 mg.
TRACE ELEMENTS
(Contains small amounts of all minerals. May be important in
supplying unknown necessary trace elements. Ionized form best,
colloidal form second best. Trace elements can also be obtained from
seafoods.)
HYPERS: Supplement with recommended amount unless the iodine,
manganese, or zinc content increase hyper symptoms. If so, take
sporadically. If you can't tolerate this at all, take copper and
molybdenum until copper is built up and then re-try.
HYPOS: Take recommended amount.
VANADIUM
(I am still researching this, but vanadium seems to be involved in
thyroid function. High vanadium levels have been found in the hair of
manic/depressives. This means it may be a thyroid stimulant.
Available as a supplement, vanadyl sulfate.)
HYPERS: Avoid. I am pretty sure hypers should never take vanadium.
Whenever I've used it I've had increased hyper symptoms.
HYPOS: Unknown. There are reports that a vanadium deficiency is a
part of diabetes and since many hypothyroids have either diabetes or
hypoglycemia, it's possible that hypos are deficient. From my
experience I feel vanadium stimulates the thyroid, but I would be
very careful with this until more is known.
ZINC
(Works with copper, but also may increase thyroid function. This
mechanism is unknown, but zinc may spare selenium because it also
detoxifies heavy metals. May increase progesterone production, which
stimulates thyroid hormone production. The optimum zinc to copper
ratio is about 8:1, but hypers need a lower ratio and hypos a higher
ratio. Take on full stomach since it may cause nausea. Take in
morning as it may keep you awake if taken at night.)
HYPERS: After copper and iron are built up some, try a small amount
of zinc. If tolerated take one to five milligrams of zinc per
milligram of copper. If hyper symptoms increase, suspect zinc and
reduce amount taken. Premenopausal women may find it better to
supplement zinc during the first half of the month and use less or no
zinc during the second half.
HYPOS: Take 30-100 mg of zinc to increase thyroid production. If
rapid heart beat is felt at night or early morning, decrease zinc.
VITAMINS
A and D
(From fish oil. Usual capsules contain 10,000 IU of A and 400 IU of
D. There is some evidence indicating that excessive amounts of
vitamin D, possibly only the synthetic form added to foods, may be a
problem. A study on rats showed that vitamin A deficiency causes
hypothyroidism. Hypos have difficulty converting beta carotene to
vitamin A, so supplement with a preformed vitamin A, such as from
fish oil.)
HYPERS: Take 1-3 capsule per day. Get adequate amounts of sunshine.
Several hypers have reported benefits from carrot juice. Hypers have
an increased rate of conversion of beta carotene to vitamin A.
HYPOS: 1-3 capsules per day.
B-COMPLEX
(Vitamins usually included in B-complex will be listed separately.
Some people may have to take individual B vitamins, while most may
have to supplement extra B vitamins to the B-complex. It appears that
the best way to get the B vitamins is to take a B-complex supplement
(50 mg) with extra biotin (up to 1000 mcg) and extra PABA (up to 500
mg).<BR
HYPERS: Take one or two 50 mg B-complex per day.
HYPOS: Same as Hypers.
B-1 (Thiamine. Believed essential for copper and sulfur metabolism.
Also appears important for correcting eye involvement in Grave's.<