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Why Your Doctor Won’t Tell You This About Thyroid Medication

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Why Your Doctor Won’t Tell You This About Thyroid Medication

By A.L. Childers
(Featuring insights from my books: “Reset Your Thyroid: 21-Day Meal Plan to Reset Your Thyroid,” “A Women’s Holistic Holy Grail Handbook for Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s,” and “Hashimoto’s Crock-pot Recipes”)

Introduction: The Hidden Truth About Thyroid Medication

If you’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s, chances are you’ve left your doctor’s office with a prescription for thyroid medication and little else. While these medications can be life-changing for some, they often address symptoms rather than the root cause of thyroid dysfunction.

Why is this? It’s not that doctors are intentionally withholding information—it’s that our healthcare system is designed to treat symptoms with medication rather than promoting holistic healing. In this blog, I’ll uncover what your doctor might not tell you about thyroid medication, share natural ways to support your thyroid, and give you tools to take charge of your health.

What Your Doctor Might Not Tell You

1. Medication Doesn’t Address the Root Cause

Thyroid medications like levothyroxine (Synthroid) are designed to replace T4, a hormone your thyroid produces. While this can relieve symptoms, it doesn’t address the underlying issues that caused your thyroid to malfunction in the first place.

Root Causes to Consider:

  • Autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s
  • Nutrient deficiencies (selenium, zinc, iodine)
  • Chronic inflammation
  • Gut health issues

2. “Normal” Lab Results Don’t Mean Optimal Health

Doctors often rely on TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) levels to diagnose and monitor thyroid conditions. However, TSH is only part of the picture. You could have “normal” lab results and still feel awful if your T3 (the active thyroid hormone) levels are low or if your body isn’t converting T4 to T3 efficiently.

Stat: Up to 60% of people with thyroid disease are unaware they have it, partly because standard lab testing doesn’t always reveal the full picture. (American Thyroid Association)

3. Side Effects of Thyroid Medications

While many people benefit from thyroid medication, some experience side effects such as:

  • Anxiety or jitteriness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Weight changes
  • Fatigue

If your medication isn’t helping or is causing new issues, it might be time to explore natural ways to support your thyroid.

How to Support Your Thyroid Naturally

1. Optimize Your Diet

Food is medicine, especially for your thyroid. A nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet can reduce stress on your thyroid and improve overall health.

Key Foods:

  • Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, eggs, sardines
  • Iodine-rich foods: Seaweed, fish, iodized salt
  • Anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, turmeric, fatty fish

From my books:

2. Heal Your Gut

Approximately 70% of your immune system resides in your gut, making gut health critical for managing autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s.

Steps to Heal Your Gut:

  • Include bone broth and fermented foods like kimchi and sauerkraut.
  • Avoid gluten, dairy, and processed foods that can irritate the gut lining.
  • Incorporate probiotics to promote a healthy gut microbiome.

3. Manage Stress

Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production and conversion.

Stress-Reduction Techniques:

4. Address Nutrient Deficiencies

Your thyroid needs specific nutrients to function optimally. Common deficiencies in people with thyroid disorders include:

  • Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts and seafood
  • Zinc: Found in pumpkin seeds and oysters
  • Magnesium: Found in dark chocolate, almonds, and leafy greens

5. Detox Your Environment

Endocrine disruptors, found in plastics, beauty products, and cleaning supplies, can negatively impact your thyroid.

Tips for Detoxing:

The Case for Holistic Healing

While thyroid medication can be an important part of treatment, it shouldn’t be the only solution. Healing requires addressing the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and supporting your body as a whole.

By combining the right diet, stress management techniques, and lifestyle changes, you can feel better, reduce your reliance on medication, and reclaim your vitality.

Explore My Books for Guidance

References

  1. American Thyroid Association, Thyroid Disease Statistics
  2. Isabella Wentz, Hashimoto’s Protocol: A 90-Day Plan for Reversing Thyroid Symptoms
  3. Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal
  4. Mark Hyman, MD, The UltraMind Solution

Disclaimer

This blog is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making changes to your diet, medication, or lifestyle.

Final Thoughts: Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

Your doctor might not tell you everything about thyroid medication, but that doesn’t mean you can’t empower yourself with knowledge. By understanding the root causes of thyroid dysfunction and making holistic changes, you can take control of your health and start feeling like yourself again.

Let my books guide you on your journey to natural healing—you deserve to feel your best!