I treat patients with thyroid and digestive issues and one of my new patients, a 51-year-old female with multiple thyroid nodules and Hashimoto’s disease, had gained over 40 pounds.
This patient also suffered from joint pain, hot flashes, brain fog, indigestion, and heartburn, along with many other symptoms. Having been to other doctors who said her thyroid hormones were fine, she came to us. I ordered testing that looked beyond simple thyroid hormones to five broad categories that help determine underlying root causes of thyroid nodules.
What Causes Thyroid Nodules?
The first step is to identify underlying causes, which may include thyroid hormones. However, my practice is to evaluate five broad categories. Those categories are deficiencies, toxins, infections, hormones, and food reactions.
I most commonly see in patients with nodules deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, zinc, and magnesium. However, this patient also suffered from an iodine deficiency–the most common cause of thyroid nodules and goiter. In addition, she had high levels of fluoride, which can interfere with iodine absorption.
Another common problem is food reactions and sensitivities. This patient had gluten sensitivity and a leaky gut. Gluten sensitivity often leads to a leaky gut, causing other food reactions, perpetuating that whole cycle. This sensitivity then can trigger autoimmune conditions, especially Hashimoto’s.
The FreeDiet® Solution
Once the underlying causes are determined, we begin with addressing diet. I developed and use the FreeDiet® because it’s not only free of gluten but free of gluten grains, sugar, yeast, dairy, eggs, soy, legumes, nightshades, and processed foods. It is free of those foods most responsible for inflammation, gut and thyroid, and other chronic health issues.
What Supplements for Thyroid Nodules
I recommend a list of specific supplements to help correct any deficiencies beginning with what I call the Functional Five. These are multivitamin, D w K2, fish oil, magnesium, and probiotics. And I test for iodine. If you are low in iodine, adding it can be beneficial since the thyroid needs iodine to function. However, if you are not low, taking it can be counter-productive. If you do take iodine, it’s essential to check antibodies and thyroid levels routinely.
I recommend Selenium for my patients who are taking iodine, as well as zinc, and iron if needed. This patient also took a digestive enzyme to help break down and absorb food. Methyl folate was also included in her routine. Curcumin helps with inflammation and immune support. Adrenal support formulas help with hormone balance.
Road to Improvement
As this patient followed the given routine over the following months, her symptoms began clearing up. Her energy increased, and fatigue decreased. Other issues that were resolved were indigestion and heartburn, brain fog, headaches, joint pain, dizziness, anxiety, and insomnia. Hair loss decreased. Hot flashes were gone. Heart palpitations, shortness of breath, itchy skin, acne–all of these improved over several months.
In a follow-up nine months later, I was thrilled to see that her larger nodule had shrunk by 95%, and the two smaller ones had shrunk by 54% and 82%.
If you have been diagnosed with thyroid nodules, I strongly suggest that you at least begin with the FreeDiet®. For a free copy of The FreeDiet phase 1 food chart, click here.
Including some of the common supplements listed above can also help. As always, check with your doctor.
Thyroid nodules do not just happen. There are underlying causes. The body has an amazing ability to heal itself. If you find root causes, you can then be provided the solutions.
Contact Us
If you would like personal assistance, we would love to help. Call us at 561-627-5800 or email us at info@nmcwellness.com.
If would like a complimentary copy of the FreeDiet® phase 1 food chart, click here. For more information on The FreeDiet® book click here.