What Are Hashimoto’s Supplements?
Supplements are everywhere these days. You can’t browse social media without seeing at least one ad for a supplement. Supermarket shelves and health food stores in the United States and around the world are stocked full of them. But with so many supplements on the market, it can be overwhelming trying to figure out which ones are right for you.
As the name suggests, a supplement is intended to supplement your diet. There are a bunch of different supplements available for thyroid health, including vitamins, minerals, herbs and botanicals, amino acids, and probiotics or live microbials.
For people with Hashimoto’s like myself, supplements can help to reduce inflammation and thyroid antibodies. Plus, since people with autoimmune diseases are more likely to be deficient in certain nutrients, supplements can help them meet their nutritional needs. Honestly, I’m not sure where I’d be without my favorite supplements.
If you’re living with an autoimmune thyroid disease like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and you’re wondering whether a supplement is right for you, I urge you to talk to your doctor first. Supplements can certainly be beneficial, but without talking to your doctor first, you could end up doing more harm than good. Your doctor can help to make sure you’re taking the right supplement, in the right form and dose, for your specific needs.
That said, I’m sharing a round-up of supplements that are good for Hashimoto’s, and that are worth talking to your doctor about.
What Are Hashimoto’s Supplements?
Thorne Selenium – 200 mcg
Taking 200 mcg of selenium per day can help reduce antithyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies and improve the quality of life in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis disease. It can significantly decrease inflammation, a driving factor in Hashimoto’s symptoms. Selenomethionine, a specific type of selenium supplementation, is most beneficial for selenium deficiency because about 90% of it is absorbed, and it’s found naturally in food.
Often recognized as the best selenium supplement for Hashimoto’s, Thorne Research Selenium contains 200 mcg of selenomethionine. It’s touted as a great anti-inflammatory supplement for people with Hashimoto’s and similar autoimmune conditions since it’s designed to support normal thyroid function.
Thorne Selenium is vegan-friendly. This supplement doesn’t contain gluten, soy, dairy, peanuts, tree nuts, yeast, eggs, fish, or shellfish.
Even better, Thorne is a reputable brand. Thorne Research is certified by the Therapeutic Goods Association (TGA), a regulatory agency that’s run by the Australian Government Department of Health. It’s the only supplement manufacturer to work with Mayo Clinic on research and content. Not to mention, Thorne is a partner of 11 U.S. Olympic teams!
Thorne Iodine & Tyrosine
Thorne is a name that you’re going to come across a lot during your search for the best thyroid supplements for Hashimotos. The supplement manufacturer also produces one of the best iodine supplements for Hashimoto’s.
Each capsule of Thorne Iodine and Tyrosine contains 225 mcg of iodine (as Potassium Iodide) and 500 mg of L-Tyrosine. This vitamin and mineral supplement provides nutritional support for the thyroid gland to boost your metabolism and fight fatigue–two things that are often big concerns for people with Hashimoto’s. Plus, the added Tyrosine supports healthy adrenal function.
If it’s one of your goals, all of this together means Thorne Iodine and Tyrosine can also double as one of the best weight loss supplements for Hashimoto’s.
Some doctors prescribe Iodine for Hashimoto’s, and others recommend not taking it. Be sure to check with your doctor before you start taking this supplement.
Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate)
If you’re looking for the best magnesium supplement for Hashimoto’s, consider Pure Encapsulations Magnesium (Glycinate).
For people with Hashimoto’s, a magnesium supplement can help relieve constipation, support proper digestion, reduce muscle aches, and support proper thyroid function. It can also improve your quality of sleep, which means that magnesium is also one of the best supplements for Hashimoto’s fatigue.
A magnesium supplement can also help reduce thyroid antibodies, relieve oxidative stress, and prevent weight gain and metabolic disorders related to Hashimoto’s and similar thyroid disorders.
While the Recommended Dietary Allowance for magnesium varies from one person to the next, the average person should aim for a daily intake of about 320 to 420 mg of magnesium.
Nature Made Iron 65 mg (325 mg Ferrous Sulfate)
People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis are at a greater risk of developing anemia. An iron supplement can help correct their deficiency. Iron is one of the top daily supplements for the general population, and it’s especially beneficial for those with autoimmune conditions. Thousands of reviewers have named Nature Made Iron the best iron supplement for Hashimoto’s.
The body needs iron to help convert the hormone thyroxine (T4) into the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3). Your active thyroid hormone levels decrease when your body doesn’t have enough iron. This can worsen thyroid symptoms.
Studies show that 45% to 65% of people with hypothyroidism have iron deficiency anemia, compared to just 29% of people without a thyroid condition.
Taking Nature Made Iron is an easy way to ensure your body gets the iron it needs. Each tablet provides 65 mg of elemental iron or the equivalent of 325 mg of ferrous sulfate heptahydrate.
These supplements for Hashimoto’s may dramatically improve your quality of life.
Talk to your doctor to find out if a supplement is right for you. Together, you can decide which supplements will help you the most.
To learn more about Hashimoto’s and living with an autoimmune disease, check out my post “What Causes Hashimoto’s Flare-Ups?”
Then, head over to the blog to read more about living with chronic illness and living your best and healthiest life.