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Supplements and Vitamins for Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism
Even though I always say that there are many aspects to be covered, when dealing with Graves’ Disease and Hyperthyroidism I definitely agree that Supplements and Vitamins are one of the most important factors that need to be considered. Why? Because we are talking about auto-immune diseases which simply means that your immune system is not performing on the desired level, or at its best possible, to begin with. Copper Although supportive data is limited, a report from a study group of hyperthyroid women suggests that copper status should at least be investigated in women with hyperthyroidism. "Thyroid and immune system health are crucially dependent upon copper. Copper deficiency could be one of the most important factors in the development of hyperthyroidism Virtually all hypers in the hyperthyroidism group have found that copper supplementation reduced their symptoms, usually within hours or a few days at most. Most have reported that within three to six months of beginning copper supplementation, they have been able to significantly reduce their intake of antithyroid drugs. While copper is the big story in hyperthyroidism, it is not the whole story. If it were, it would have been discovered years ago. Proper copper metabolism interrelates with and depends upon many other nutrients." [John Johnson, iThyroid.com]
L- Carnitine Carnitine is an essential nutrient for transporting fuel (mostly fatty acids) into the cellular “furnaces” known as mitochondria. As muscle cells burn fatty acids in a wasteful response to increased thyroid activity, carnitine turnover is dramatically increased, using up cellular stores of carnitine while potentially contributing to the increased urinary losses at the same time.The first studies published in the modern literature on the effects of carnitine in hyperthyroidism came from post-war Germany in 1959, with the observation that carnitine had an impact on the hyper-functioning thyroid. Three years later the same researchers reported on the use of carnitine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism; they subsequently demonstrated that carnitine affected the accumulation of iodine in thyroid tissue itself. In the 1970s, Japanese researchers found that there was an increase in carnitine excretion in the urine of hyperthyroid patients. The most recent discoveries regarding L- canitine are done by the Italian endocrinologist Dr. Salvatore Benvenga and his colleagues in 2004. He found shocking things about L- Carnitine and if you would like to learn more click here: ---->>>> On June 22, 2001 Dr. Barbara Gasnier reported the findings at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society in Denver, Colorado that selenium supplementation may prevent progression of autoimmune thyroid disease, especially during the onset of the disease.
According to the
researchers, selenium deficiency appears to contribute to the
development and maintenance of autoimmune thyroiditis because of its
effect on the function of selenium-dependent enzymes, which can modulate
the immune system. It appears that taking selenium without iodine will result in a decrease in production of Thyroxine (T4), although there may be an initial transient increase in T4 to T3 conversion and hence higher T3 and seemingly worse hyperthyroidism. Bottom line- check with your doctor first and run some tests, if necessary to determine exactly what your body needs. Even though all these supplements are over-the-counter and every body can buy them, anytime he wants, they interact with each other on a different level and may cause unexpected complications. There is no scientific proof that hyperthyroidism can be corrected nutritionally. What works for one person may be dangerous for another. Consult a qualified nutritionist who knows your health condition before starting any supplement program.
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