Thyroid disorders can trigger some aggravating and seemingly unrelated symptoms. Among the common issues are: muscle cramps and spasms; cold hands and feet; memory loss; dry eyes; and, hair loss. While none of these issues are life threatening, they are all more than annoying and often painful. However, there is a common thread to the source of these issues – it is the gut.

Leaky gut syndrome leads to malabsorption of many nutrients in the small intestines and is commonly found in people who suffer with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease. When the lining of the small intestines becomes damaged, it allows tiny food particles to enter the blood system – which leads to a variety of food allergies and inflammation in the body. This response also prevents the small intestines from absorbing the proper nutrients from food, as the tiny villi (fingerlike projections of the lining of the small intestine) are flattened and damaged.

Diets that are often high in processed foods also contribute to nutritional deficiencies. Even those who eat a varied healthy diet including loads of fresh fruits and vegetables may not be getting all of the necessary vitamins and minerals from their food because overworked soils have become severely lacking in essential minerals.

Here are some tips to heal the gut lining and correct nutritional deficiencies:

1. Avoid Gluten. (Please reference specific articles on this topic.)

2. Use a Probiotic. I use a wonderful product called Green Vibrance. Each serving provides 25 billion beneficial probiotics. It also contains a wide range of vitamins, minerals and concentrated superfoods to support nutrition, digestion, circulation and immunity.

3. Iodine - Start slow with iodine as it will interact with thyroid medication and people with Hashimoto’s Disease can be very sensitive to iodine. It is essential to proper thyroid function and nearly everyone is deficient. (Please reference specific articles on this topic.)

4. Iron - Anemia caused by iron deficiency can contribute to hair loss and fatigue. Do not take iron at the same time as Vitamin E. Iron can affect thyroid function and medication – consult with your physician.

5. Magnesium (250-500 mg/day) – Effective in eliminating muscle cramps and spasms. Known as the “anti-stress” mineral, magnesium also helps to burn fat, increase energy and eliminate depression.

6. Selenium (100-300 mcg/day) - Protects against many cancers, including thyroid cancer. Selenium has also been shown to slow the progression of thyroid autoimmune disorders.

7. Zinc (10-15 mg/day) – Aids in the conversion of T4 to T3 and may help with hair loss and mental alertness.

8. Vitamin A (4,000-5,000 IU/day) - Helps hypothyroidism and eye conditions. Drinking organic carrot juice is a great source of Vitamin A.

9. Vitamin B12 (5-100 mcg sublingually – injections are most effective) - A properly functioning thyroid gland aids in the absorption of B12. B12 increases energy, maintains a healthy nervous system and improves concentration and memory.

10. Vitamin C (500-4,000mg/day)- Powerful antioxidant and helps absorption of iron. Reduces incidence of blood clots.

11. Vitamin E (400-1,500 IU/day) – Works with Vitamin A and selenium as an antioxidant. Prevents leg cramps, dissolves blood clots and improves thyroid function.
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