Are you looking for a simple way to effortlessly boost your thyroid?
How would you like to boost your thyroid function by up to 61% with about zero effort on your part?
No thyroid medication necessary. (If you’re taking thyroid medication, then you need this even more. I’ll explain why in a minute.)
If you can spare 30 seconds a day, then this is for you.
Trust me; it doesn’t get any easier than this.
It all boils down to one single vitamin.
But let me give you one BIG WARNING…
This vitamin comes in different forms.
Use too much of the wrong form of this vitamin and it can further suppress your thyroid function.
We’ll get to that in just a second, but first you need to know what which vitamin I’m talking about and how powerful it is.
Vitamin A and Hypothyroidism
You may not know this, but thyroid hormone (T3) and vitamin A have a important relationship.
Yet, most hypothyroidism sufferers are deficient in Vitamin A.
And this is a major problem for your thyroid health.
Thyroid hormone (T3) and Vitamin A work together synergistically to support your thyroid health.
Both are required to convert your cholesterol into all of your thyroid-protective youth hormones.
Simply put, being deficient in Vitamin A prevents you from being able to use thyroid hormone.
So, it won’t matter how much thyroid medication you use, without adequate Vitamin A your thyroid medication won’t help much.
And the more thyroid medication you use, the greater your need for Vitamin A.
Want to see just how necessary and power Vitamin A is for your thyroid health?
Take a look at this 2012 study published by the Journal of the American College of Nutrition.
It shows just how effective Vitamin A is for treating subclinical hypothyroidism.
The effect of vitamin A supplementation on thyroid function in premenopausal women.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23378454
“Vitamin A caused a significant reduction in serum TSH concentrations in obese (p = 0.004) and nonobese (p = 0.001) groups. Serum T3 concentrations also increased in both obese and nonobese vitamin A-treated groups (p < 0.001). Serum T4 decreased in all 3 groups after treatment.”
This study looked at the response of thyroid function to Vitamin A supplementation in pre-menopausal women.
The results after the end of the 4 month trial were quite significant, including…
- 30% to 33% reduction in TSH.
- 38% to 61% increase in T3 thyroid hormone.
- 16% to 23% decrease in T4 thyroid hormone.
These results were without the use of any sort of thyroid medication, which is quite amazing.
Yet, understanding these results is important as well.
The rise in T3 thyroid hormone and fall in T4 thyroid hormone is oftentimes an indicator that the improvement in thyroid function resulted from an improved conversion of T4 to T3 in the liver.
(Note: Liver issues and hypothyroidism go hand in hand as discussed in this article on “How to Heal Your Thyroid By Healing Your Liver”.)
But, I also want you to keep in mind that the form of Vitamin A used in this research study was not the form of vitamin A you’ll find in most multi-vitamins or health food stores.
Good Vitamin A vs. Bad Vitamin A
When most people think of Vitamin A, they think of carrots.
Carrots contain a rich source of beta-carotene which is one form of Vitamin A.
And because it’s relatively inexpensive, you’ll find that beta-carotene is the form used in almost all multi-vitamins and other supplements out there.
Yet, it’s important to understand that too much beta-carotene will actually suppress your thyroid.
Beta-carotene itself is not a usable form of Vitamin A.
Your liver has to convert beta-carotene into usable Vitamin A before your body can use.
As Dr. Broda Barnes explains, the liver dysfunction that occurs with hypothyroidism prevents you from converting it efficiently…
“In other words, the thyroid has a profound effect on the liver. We have other evidence that a lack of thyroid is accompanied by a sluggish liver. In the first place, it has been apparent for a century that patients with myxedema (very low thyroid activity) have a yellowish tint to their skins. This has been found to be due to the presence of too much carotene in the blood. The liver converts carotene into vitamin A which is colorless. Under the administration of thyroid, the liver becomes more active and the carotene soon disappears.” -Dr. Broda Barnes
Dr. Broda Barnes also points out, this is why many hypothyroidism sufferers develop yellowish calluses or a yellowish pigment to their skin, which is common sign or symptom of hypothyroidism.
In fact, in my own personal experiments many years ago, I juiced carrots daily.
This only worsened my thyroid condition as I developed a case of carotenemia (yellowish/orangish pigment of the skin.)
My wife joked that I had an uncanny resemblance to an Oompa Loompa (from the movie, “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory”).
With that being said, carrots should not be avoided entirely.
In fact, I use them with clients for some very therapeutic purposes.
However, large amounts of beta-carotene from the over-consumption of beta-carotene rich vegetables and carrot juice should be avoided.
So, what kind of Vitamin A should you be using?
The short answer is a “usable” form of vitamin A.
In the study above, the researchers used retinyl palmitate which tends to work well for most and is what I formulated into our Vitamin ADK Thyroid Formula supplement.
(Note: If you are pregnant, or trying to become pregnant, then it is not advisable to use large amounts of vitamin A. Please discuss this with your doctor.)
But, you still need to be careful with the other ingredients used in your Vitamin A supplement as well.
For example, many Vitamin A or retinyl palmitate supplements are dissolved in some sort of PUFA (polyunsatured fatty acid) oil, which is well known for being very toxic to your thyroid.
We avoid this common mistake by dissolving our Vitamin ADK Thyroid Formula in safe and protective coconut oil.
It doesn’t make sense to try to solve one problem only to create a bigger problem for yourself in the process.
While certain supplements can be very helpful with improving and restoring thyroid function, it’s important to understand that supplements are designed to “supplement” an already healthy diet.
With that being said, you should never ignore the importance of your diet.
But, if you’re looking for an easy way to boost your thyroid with zero effort, then this is it.
You said you were going to tell us the good and the toxic vitamin C. You told us about beta carotene A-retinal palmitate. One turns us yellow and the is toxic. Why didn’t you tell us the one that is good for our thyroid, that you state at the first of your article that you would
Hi Bobbi, it’s in the article… right after “So, what kind of Vitamin A should you be using?”
Tom,
Thanks for the great info. I have a question relating to a previous article you wrote in which you said that hypothyroidism sufferers should eat a carrot a day to help detoxify the liver. Are you no longer recommending that?
Thanks.
Hi Lorraine, thanks for reading. I mentioned that in the article here…
“With that being said, carrots should not be avoided entirely.
In fact, we use them with clients for some very therapeutic purposes.
However, large amounts of beta-carotene from the over-consumption of beta-carotene rich vegetables and carrot juice should be avoided.”
Hi Tom, have made small changes to my diet but have been reluctant to follow the diet you have recommended. The idea of “diet” is something I have struggled with since my 20’s, i am now 56. In my early 40’s I was trying unsuccessfully to get pregnant and stay pregnant, even doing invitro 4x. After my second miscarriage I was tested for MTHFR and had it. I am wondering if you can add anything to help me understand how my diet can affect this condition. All I was told at the time was that I am at higher risk for stroke and heart attack. Other than being sure to increase folic acid nothing else was suggested. My am temperature is consistently around 96.4. I have read your book and it all makes sense and seems easy enough. I am currently working with a counselor regarding my weight (was 229, now 217 have kept it off since July). I am 5’7 and fairly active. I do Pilates 2x a week regularly and walk most days over 10,000 steps. I know I need to get more aerobic exercise and am waiting for cooler weather. (It is still in 90’s.) I need to just commit to your diet and see if it works for me. Help.
Hi Pamela, there are lots of different theories out there but sometimes we have to come back to big picture and understand how things are inter-related. For example MTHFR and folate metabolism issues are well known among hypothyroidism sufferers. For example:
[The influence of thyroid hormones on homocysteine and atherosclerotic vascular disease].
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16335688
“Several experimental study have shown that hypothyroidism affects folate metabolism and the enzymes involved in the remetylation pathway of homocysteine (particularly 5,10-methylenotetrahydrofolate reductase – MTHFR). In hypothyroid condition the hepatic activity of flavoenzyme – MTHFR, is decreased. Thyroid hormone may affect the availability of FMN and FAD – necessary for stabilizing MTHFR.”
Over-exercising will also only make your thyroid condition worse. Aerobic type exercise should be avoided.
Quoting Dr. Schwarzbein… You don’t lose weight to get healthy. You get health to lose weight.
Hi Tom,
I have Hashimotos but am not yet hypothyroid. I am 29 and was diagnosed after 6 months of trying to figure out what was wrong with me. My doctor (soon to be ex Endocronologist) seems to think hashimotos does not cause symptoms and there is nothing to treat or diet to change until you become hypothyroid.
Do you know if your suggestions for hypothyroid diet apply to hashimotos and/or is there something else hashimotos patients should be doing to help delay hypothyroidism?
Thanks!
Hashimoto’s is the most common cause of hypothyroidism today.
There are a few issues with Hashimoto’s that need to be addressed. There’s an issue of metabolic dysfunction that occurs with hypothyroidism where your cells end up taking up excessive calcium and estrogen becomes excessive.
The estrogen blocks the proteolytic enzymes that allow the thyroid gland to release its thyroid hormone, driving the hypothyroid aspect. Estrogen and stress hormone are both well known for causing involution or damage to the thymus gland. The thymus gland sits right behind your breast bone and regulates your immune system. So, damage to the thymus gland affects immune function. Studies have also shown that elevated estrogen increases the production of autoimmune antibodies.
Regulating estrogen and stress hormone are two big pieces of the puzzle, but there is more to it than just that.
Much of what we teach directly applies. However, this is something that we cover in detail in our HR Program.
I had thyroid cancer last year and my medication is 150mg Levo thyroxine can you recommend any supplements as well
All of this article addressed pre-menopausal women. What about post-menopausal?
Hi Charlene, the actions of vitamin A are the same independent of age. One could argue that vitamin A is more important for post-menopausal women.
I was going to buy it but cannot because of the coconut oil. I am deathly allergic to coconut and anything derived from it, like sodium lauryl sulfate, used in toothpaste and shampoos.
So, taking into consideration the need to avoid too much beta carotene- how much is too much?
I eat a lot eggs and also use spirulina and chlorella., along with the carrot salad recipe you suggest.
Thank you.
Hi Bob, it depends on vitamin A status, thyroid function, and liver function. If you notice orangish/yellowish calluses on the hands and feet, this is one indicator. If you’re concerned, you can also wash the grated carrot to help remove more of the beta-carotene. But for most, a carrot or two daily is fine.
Tom I’m curious with your comment – quoted below
[The influence of thyroid hormones on homocysteine and atherosclerotic vascular disease].
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16335688
“Several experimental study have shown that hypothyroidism affects folate metabolism and the enzymes involved in the remetylation pathway of homocysteine (particularly 5,10-methylenotetrahydrofolate reductase – MTHFR). In hypothyroid condition the hepatic activity of flavoenzyme – MTHFR, is decreased. Thyroid hormone may affect the availability of FMN and FAD – necessary for stabilizing MTHFR.”
I have high homeocystiene – I also have MTHFR – I also have high b12 (double the high range max) I think this may be due to klebsiella over growth I suffer from but dealing with eradicating.
My question is – does methyl folate play a role here ? Should one be supplementing with this?
Hi Kim, for those with MTHFR or methylation issues in general (often due to hypothyroidism), then methylated folate can help.
Also, you have to be careful with the B12 as studies have shown elevated B12 increases cancer risk significantly.
Thank you for your prompt reply. Also curious do you feel balancing gut health and optimizing defecinecis one can optimize thyroid health without leaning into taking Meds?
Hi Kim, as in the case of the study mentioned, I think it’s possible in some situation such as sublinical hypothyroidism. However, it really depends on a number of factors.
Is there any correlation with the drug Accutane and hypothyroidism. It is a type of vitamin A. My sister and I both were on it as teenagers and now both are hypo thyroid. Makes me wonder.
Hi Cameron, Accutane is a very high dose vitamin A. Very large doses without adequate thyroid hormone (T3) can suppress thyroid function.
Hi Tom,
Is the chicken liver is good source of vitamin a I mean good one?
Hi Sandeep, yes, liver is a great source of vitamin A, and other nutrients.
If you take levothryoxine, can you supplement with your vit ADK formula?
Hi Cindy, of course. It would be very beneficial.
Hello, thank you for your advice which gives us a lot of interesting information. With regards to the carrots though I am not convinced. My experience is different and reading about this in Dr Walker’s book has encouraged me to use carrot juice as much as I like. I drank a lot for years. I turned yellow for a while. Then again when an amalgam filling was taken out, the liver needed to detox.
After some time, when the liver became cleaner, the yellow skin left and never came back. I am still drinking a lot – for 4 years now. It makes me feel good, refreshed. So, this article reflects what my doctor GP told me as well, but in my experience it was different and more in line with what Dr Walker says, we turn yellow because this highlights how many toxins are in the liver. It means the liver has started a necessary cleansing process. When that has happened, the yellow leaves. I did extra liver detox to help it according to the Gerson therapy. I am only talking from my own experience though and that was impressive.
Hi Pavalina, thank you for the comment and sharing your experience. With adequate thyroid function and B12, you can process larger amounts of beta-carotene. Carotenemia is a very well known and researched condition and has nothing to do with toxins in the liver or body. I would encourage you to look at the studies available. Even as far back as the 1950’s carotenemia was a well known sign/symptom of hypothyroidism. This is another reason to use proper thyroid testing because I’ve worked with clients who continuously juiced carrots and saw their temperature rise from stopping the carrot juice alone. You can learn how to properly test yourself here: http://www.forefronthealth.com/lp/ultimate-thyroid-testing-protocol
hi tom,i have hashimotos,and am hypothyroid,my folate levels on my blood test came back as high on the spectrum, was wondering why this was so i asked my docter and she said its because i eat healthily,im confused because i read up that it is bad to have too much folate,and my body is not exreating it like it should,i also was tested to having medium fatty liver disease,please could you give me some advice.
Hi Angela, unfortunately a lot more information would be required to provide an adequate response.
Can collagen hydrolysate protein delivered be used also by person with celiac diaease and lactose problem?
Hi Pavle, Yes it actually would be recommended for a number of reasons. The collagen protein powder we use is 100% pure and contains no other ingredients, fillers, gluten, lactose, etc.
Hi! Is cod liver oil a good resource fof vitamin A?
Hi Johanna, no, it’s not one I recommend due to the polyunsaturated fat.
hi Tom
I have been following your website for sometime now. I have hypothyroidism and am on 100 Mcg of thyroxin everyday. I do suffer from lack of sleep, palpitations, very dry skin, weak nails, weak hair . I do not loose weight no matter how healthy I eat and walk a lot. I am a teacher by profession which requires a lot of energy. I get too tired by the end of school day. Do you think that your vit ADK will help. I am allergic to eggs and but am non vegetarian. Kindly suggest what all vitamins to take and how?
Hi Kuldeep, the sleep issues and palpitations are directly caused by elevated adrenaline, which is how your body is compensating for your hypothyroidism. The Vitamin ADK Thyroid Formula is one of many things that can help.
I am confused, I started eating one or two carrots a day, as you said in a previous article it was good for estrogen dominance. i am in perimenopause and have hypothyroidism. Should I continue to eat them?
Hi Anne, yes we use the carrot for the special fiber therapeutically. One to two carrots daily should be OK for most. You can always keep an eye on your calluses, palms of hands, soles of feet for signs of yellowish/orange-ish color, which is a sign of carotenemia. Carrot juice and using lots of high-carotene vegetables should be avoided.
Hi Tom, is canned Cod liver OK sometimes?
Also your v-A is palmitate, but retinol or retinyl? Sure you know the difference.
Hi Tom, I just got the Vitamin A D K thyroid formula. WHen is the best time to take this for best results?
Hi Sandy, best to take it with food, 3 times daily as per the instructions on the bottle. Hope this helps.
Current on 25 MCG T3 and 100 MCG t4
Not working that great.
I used 25 MCG T3 months ago on its own with way better results.
Looking into why….Seems T3 doesn’t work at a cell level without cortisol , vitamin a & d. How much vitamin a would you think at that dose of thyroid?
Thanks
I see the dose is 5 drops. Once a day? Any particular time of day?
Hi Jeanne, are you referring to our Vitamin ADK Thyroid Formula? The correct dosage is 7 drops, three times a day. It’s best taken with food.
Thanks for your reply—I finally got around to ordering the ADK formula. Three times a day seems like a lot—but I’ll give it a try. Couldn’t you just make it stronger?
Hi Tom,
Perhaps in up an comming articles you can speak to the notion that is going around that vitamin A from food sources are the only proper vitamin As to consume, and that the palmitate and acetate form are toxic. Dose may be the main factor, as many who have used the Accutane have had side effects.
I for one would like to know the difference, if any, between A found in foods{ not referring to carotenes}, compared to A in supplements. I am tired of people telling me that cod liver oil is what I should be using, since I know PUFA comes with that package.
Thanks, and I have really learned a lot from you and appreciate the science you promote.
Dave Clark