How to Heal Your Thyroid

Are birth control pills and other medications increasing your risk of hypothyroidism?
Long-term use of birth control pills may be putting women at much higher risk of developing an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. In this eye-opening episode, Dr. Josh Axe dives into the latest research showing a strong link between extended birth control use and thyroid dysfunction.
Tune in as Dr. Axe reveals:
* Shocking statistics on hypothyroidism rates in women taking birth control pills
* How birth control hormones deplete nutrients crucial for thyroid function
* Best natural remedies to support thyroid health if on birth control
* Top foods, herbs, and lifestyle tips to heal hypothyroidism
In this must-listen episode, you'll learn if you're at risk for thyroid issues, steps to protect yourself, and how to restore optimal thyroid function naturally.
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Links:
bmjopen.bmj.com/content/11/6/...
www.verywellhealth.com/what-i...
www.verywellhealth.com/the-th...
www.verywellhealth.com/thyroi...
www.verywellhealth.com/iodine...
www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healt...
honehealth.com/edge/health/as...
www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/arti...
www.apa.org/topics/stress/body
pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28829...
www.livestrong.com/article/48...
www.mdpi.com/1420-3049/26/23/...
www.doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2...
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ABOUT DR. JOSH AXE
Dr. Josh Axe is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, and physician. He earned his doctorate from Palmer College and his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. Josh is the cofounder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition and founder of DrAxe.com. His company ranked on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies two years in a row. He is the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. Josh is the founder of Leaders.com, an online platform that provides the latest on breaking news, leadership, business, and wealth. He regularly teaches lectures and trains entrepreneurs on leadership, mindset, and self- development. Josh is married to his wife, Chelsea, and they have two daughters. They live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR and enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family. His latest book, Think This Not That, is now available nationwide.
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DISCLAIMER
This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Josh Axe and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

[@ruth8583]

I was diagnosed with Graves, and decided not to go with traditional treatments but listened to Dr. Axe, and Dr Berg. I took alot of supplements from Standard Process, Nutritional Yeast, everyday on my eggs, homemade Kefir and learned all I could to support my thyroid

[@ginacopp-barrerabarrera8541]

Please do a video on HYPERthyroid. TY. Just subscribed. 😊

[@joyvincent-moody3015]

What about Graves and hyPERthyroidism?

[@carolinepiper2260]

PLEASE COVER HYPERTHYROIDISM 🙏🏻

[@ladyvae01]

Yes please

[@sonyk8009]

Yes please

[@melesha.j.b3073]

Please

[@CM-4-4]

I am so upset I ever took BCP!!! Like so upset! I have been dealing with hypothyroidism for 13 years and I guarantee it’s because of BCP. I was on them for 5 years. I have finally learned the natural and healthy way to life, thank you Dr. Axe, for all of your incredible wisdom and sharing it with the world!

[@winstonallen6933]

One word .. GROUNDING

[@SusanBame]

I really appreciate this. I'm 66. I was diagnosed with hypothyroid last September, Hashimoto's in March, and have been reading and watching everything I can to inform myself about what to do for myself. Nobody has mentioned this connection yet to the birth control pill. I took birth control pills for WAY longer than the doctor said was safe -- a total of maybe 15 years -- so this is totally true for me. THANK YOU for your list of what to do for it. I'm doing most of that already. One thing I wanted to add to your list, though: I've been taking my basal body temperature daily since about November-December, and once I started adding black cumin seed oil twice a day (a small spoonful, starting a week or two ago) my basal body temperature has been consistently higher than it was before. If I forget to take it, the next morning my basal body temperature is lower. I'm really excited about this. I understand that it has the same effect (approximately) as the lowest dose of levothyroxine, and that "more" black cumin seed oil is not "better" -- somewhere around 2 grams of the oil is what you want. In the past I've had leaky gut; I've been on a very low carb, very strict keto diet since 2017 that has really helped; and recently I've been wondering whether having not enough carbs over too many years has triggered the Hashimoto's. I'm starting to add in some carbs, and I'm thinking about 100 carbs a day is what I'll aim for. Thomas DeLauer is talking about this now, and Westin Childs has suggested for someone sedentary like me, about 100 carbs/day -- and promises I won't gain weight, I'll lose it; stick to fruit.

[@goolash9991]

Hi, I post this in hopes of helping you. I had leaky gut, too; it was horrible. I went on the GAPS intro diet for 5 weeks; that sealed my gut, then I added Karen Hurd’s bean protocol to the GAPS soups (1/2 cup beans, any beans, 3x a day) and in 2 weeks saw MAJOR improvement in my digestion, chronic constipation, constant itchy hives, insomnia. Beans detox you like nothing else. I will never be without beans again. I also have adrenal fatigue so I quit caffeine (evil drug!) and 47 days in am seeing much improvement. Of course, I don’t eat any sugar or man made processed foods and I don’t eat out. All my food is whole, from scratch, organic and made at home. I hope this helps. ❤️

[@Diana-mu9vd]

Where did you learn about black cumin seed oil for thyroid? 🙂

[@raymondrichmond-qe6vv]

a book about your life want to hear mine 😂😂😂😂poor thing see you in heaven

[@sglaser4777]

Always great and exciting news for improving our health over the many years of following your advice and getting educated and involved in my healing journey! Blessings Dr. Axe and many thanks for your mission of healing around the world!

[@onyxkeepinpeace3403]

Thank you Dr. Axe this video is right on time

[@analoggurl]

Very helpful! Thank you. I often think of stress as high-stress events, not necessarily my daily work practices and deadlines. I needed the reminder on taking those walks in nature to reduce stress. Thanks for all of the advice!

[@annporter7359]

Thank you Dr Axe ! ❤ you have helped me with my health so over the years. I have shared this video 🎉🎉🎉 be well Dr Axe🙏

[@ezvahedi1387]

always best . thank you dear dr josh

[@michelle76678]

Thanks you for such a lovely video well said Dr Josh Axe

[@gailclay4905]

We love you, thank you for helping us all!

[@ShaktiFlowww]

Thank you, Dr Axe 🙌🙏

[@mimaonfire]

This is great information. Thanks so much!

[@deewilkerson2994]

I appreciate your advice! Thank you!

[@tinajoselyn2545]

loved this! thank you

[@mommerang]

Small changes have a cumulative effect, and I am convinced that improving my thyroid health will improve some of my other comorbid conditions, which will improve my overall health.

[@amodb5]

Most Hypothyroid cases are Hashimotos - increasing stomach acid is the absolute best way to deal this situation.

[@cinystarr4657]

IS IT?! So just take ACVinegar right before a meal or with it? If so, this is GREAT news for me!

[@amodb5]

@@cinystarr4657 Yeah. Undigested proteins leak through the gut and create antibodies that cause Auto Immune affects in the body. If you could digest these proteins, no more thyroid issues!

[@violelowndes7992]

Wonderful information my husband has thyroid and lung cancer. So on point and foods to eat for healthy healing.

[@underwaves75]

Look into nebulizing 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide. Look ata book (or pdf) called “the one minute cure”.

[@mistysar1051]

Love this Dr axe. Would like more info on b vitamins and adrenal support.

[@user-km8sc7fi5w]

Thank you

[@cynthiahoyi3925]

Grate info Doc, thank you for sharing. I have hyperthyroidism (graves disease), would really appreciate a video on this.❤

[@SweetSassyBull]

Yes, definitely needed. A friend of mine has Graves/Hyperthyroidism and we have both been looking for info for her to help herself in the most natural way. We found very little info 😬.

[@sarabryant271]

Check out Dr. Alan Christianson. He’s a natural endocrinologist and has Graves specific videos and supplements for us Graves people. Such a help!

[@sarabryant271]

Check out Dr. Alan Christianson. He’s a natural endocrinologist and has great videos and supplements to help us Graves people.

[@MelsTruth]

Thanks

[@suecooper9262]

so much to unpack.

[@anagabrielazarate3482]

Can you talk more about your thryroid smoothie that you recommend to your patients or make a video of what you are putting in the smoothie and the quantity of each ingredient, thank you dr.Axe❤

[@cassandrahilker2199]

A lot of this matches what I read in Microbiome Thyroid. Happy to hear when science matches up over and over.

[@krizmv]

Thank you Dr. Axe for sharing this research and most importantly how to heal with food, lifestyle and supplements. I took birth control pills for 10 years because my doctors prescribed it as preventative after I lost one ovary to a cyst. I started doing research on my own and realized that perhaps I wasn’t sick (I didn’t have PCOS) and could just heal my body with food. Ever since I came off the pill I’ve had hypothyroidism and have been gaining weight. I now know why and this information has released so much guilt I had. So thank you! I wonder if your medical team accepts insurance, I’d love to get a consult. ❤

[@tammyleavitt6202]

Thank you so much! So much great information!! What about high quality organic soy? I hope I can continue eating for health benefits.

[@goldglamour777]

Thanks for this info. How do you fix the hpa-axis from taking prednisolone? Also, is it ok to take ashwaganda long term (longer than 8 weeks)?

[@mashundablackston9289]

What about HYPER THYROIDISM? I really want to regulate my thyroid

[@amorfraternal3150]

Zero sugar, zero seed oils (canola, sunflower, soya etc) ear ur own food (zero processed food) LOW CARB, B-vitamins, liver, eggs,red meat

[@aliceaminata2187]

Hi Dr Axe Can you please address Thyroid nodules on your next video Thank you

[@analoggurl]

Yes, please. I have consistently benign nodules (biopsied over a 10-year period). They want to do full thyroidectemy now because the goiter size has increased, but endocrinologist did not offer any deeper testing or address lifestyle changes when I asked for help on those...surgery was all that was offered for benign nodules. Please talk about this if you can. Thank you!

[@analoggurl]

Also, my doctor told me point blank, "you can't shrink the nodules or the goiter". Is this true?

[@cinystarr4657]

@@analoggurl I always read & heard that goiters get larger due to lack of iodine & taking iodine would naturally shrink them ?? There must be something more to this if they recommend removal of thyroid. I wouldn't let them do that till I exhausted EVERY resource to find out the real truth. I don't trust them one bit

[@summersalix]

Are u taking Iodine, selenium, and zinc?

[@analoggurl]

I have recently regularly started taking iron (prescribed for borderline anemia), selenium, zinc, and magnesium. The endocrinologist told me not to take extra iodine because I likely don't need it because she said my TSH hormones suggest hyperthyroidism. I'm learning there are more tests that standard docs don't do. I'm looking into a functional medicine doctor for a second opinion before opting for surgery....it's scary and frustrating

[@C.N.1]

❤ Standard Process Thyrorphin PMG

[@ruth8583]

I took this supplement as well, plus Nutrional Yeast

[@Diana-mu9vd]

Does it help heal or need to be on it forever?

[@janilledutton139]

I'm surprised about cinnamon. 🤔 I don't know if it's a Hashimoto's thing, but the smallest amount tanks my blood sugar. Quite a helpful/informative video, Dr. Axe!🤗

[@philo5096]

All these studies, it never ends.

[@LeaFaye]

all these do not do this, do not do that. give us something REAL WE CAN FOLLOW. i cant listen to these holistic docs anymore they all drive me nuts. they also all tell u contradicting info.

[@EvG-pm7tz]

Hi Dr. AXE! About the Ashwagandha, is there a particular time of the day it's best to take for Thyroid? A naturopath in the past had me take it in the morning but related to my low cortisol levels

[@SP-ql9xz]

Dr plz do a show about ipl ulike air 3 hair removal at home your thoughts.. Thx

[@hasdou4445]

PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE A VIDÉO ON HYPERTHYROIDISM…..THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM FRANCE 🙏

[@Shadowjedi007]

Dr.Axe, it would be great if you could interview someone like Dr.Brownstien who is an expert with Iodine use.

[@joannayen9043]

Thanks for the advice information podcast. Since 2015 I’ve been struggling with this (thyroid issues) and I'm being tested and treated incorrectly by my conventional doctors. I’m on Levothyroxine t4 only meds. Its so hard for me to be tested and treated poperly. I do't have money to see a functional, intergrative, natural path doctors. Help!

[@N17sd]

Thanks Doctor ❤but What about hyperthyroidism?my daughter has high Zonulin, and she fainted recently and u think zonulin is causing hyperthyroidism and maybe high histamine. Can you please please talk about gut issues and how to deal with Zonulin. Thank you

[@nikkirey5805]

Hello Dr. Axe, I really appreciate your videos, thank you. I have a questions, "if birth control is destructive to the thyroid, what about HRT"?

[@justjulie43]

They make bio-identical hormones just went through the process

[@pennykralicek207]

I have taken two Thytrophin PMG daily for a couple of years but it has not decreased the number of nodules covering my thyroid. Any suggestions?

[@kayleighduran3858]

I don’t have thyroid disease but I do have a benign thyroid nodule that needs a yearly ultrasound. Will this help to heal nodules as well?

[@climbhigh80]

I've read that ashwaganda should not be taken if one has hashimotos. What is your opinion on this?

[@thegreenes2005]

This is my concern, @drjoshaxe. I have multiple autoimmune issues, including Hashimoto Thyroiditis, and wonder if I can take it.

[@user-bp6pd2is7i]

EBV also causes thyroid issues

[@Michele-hd1uh]

Low dose naltrexone has been a game changer for me.

[@hasdou4445]

PLEASE CAN YOU MAKE A COMPLETE VIDEO ON HYPERTHYROIDISM (with hot thyroid nodule) THANKS FROM FRANCE 🙏🙏🙏

[@cinystarr4657]

This is the 2nd time I've heard how important B2 is. I need to get on this but my main problem is leakygut that causes lack of absorption of nutrients. I eat well but am not absorbing it or my vitamins well & have not taken any BC. Digestion is a much bigger issue than I realized & I believe that it was excessivSeed oils that brought that on over the years

[@cindykerbrat2976]

Look into Medical Medium Anthony Wiiliams, especially the Thyroid and liver books have helped me with that leaky gut. Look at the Vimergy B-Complex supplement.

[@goolash9991]

Hi, I post this in hopes of helping you. I had leaky gut, too; it was horrible. I went on the GAPS intro diet for 5 weeks; that sealed my gut, then I added Karen Hurd’s bean protocol to the GAPS soups (1/2 cup beans, any beans, 3x a day) and in 2 weeks saw MAJOR improvement in my digestion, chronic constipation, constant itchy hives, insomnia. Beans detox you like nothing else. I will never be without beans again. I also have adrenal fatigue so I quit caffeine (evil drug!) and 47 days in am seeing much improvement. Of course, I don’t eat any sugar or man made processed foods and I don’t eat out. All my food is whole, from scratch, organic and made at home. I hope this helps. ❤️

[@cinystarr4657]

@@goolash9991 Before I look GAPS up, did you swing btwn constip & Diarr? I go back & forth in what seems like cycles for over 6 months now. & was dairy a problem for you? I was told by the specialist I'm taking capsules from, to cut all dairy but it doesn't flare me up with the little I have? (sharp cheddar/smal amt half&half cream in coffee & sour cream meat dip).

[@babsblaney]

The book, Super Gut, has a protocol for healing leaky gut with homemade probiotic yogurt.

[@raymondrichmond-qe6vv]

who said you have that a democrat 😂😂😂😂😂

[@POLYLIVING]

Im also reading about how mercury fillings disturb thyroid hormones

[@shirleyf21916]

does this also apply to hyperthyroidism? i haven't been to find a something in-depth like this for it, thank you

[@DunjaKara]

It should be the other way around. Hyperthyroidism according to TCM is a Yin-Def. Body temperature should be higher, ppl should feel the most uncomfortable in Summer, thin, frail body, heat sensations. They should avoid all the mentioned warming/activating spices and they actually benefit from smaller amounts of raw foods such a small salad after dinner. As for lifestyle lowering stress levels and sleeping well should be the same. But I‘d also prefer him making a video on Hyperthyroidism. Yet I hope this helps. Just look up Yin-Deficiency Foods 😊

[@anagabrielazarate3482]

Thank you Dr. Axe Ive been putting greens in my smoothie AND Im sad that, that Is bad for the thyroid. Can Ginger cause heavy periods to worsen like tumeric, what foods can you eat for adequate selenuim intake or what supplement do you recommend

[@Xoxo-kj4vy]

2 Brazilian nuts

[@aliciaheisey5194]

Just heard another doctor say stay away from mushrooms and Kidney beans. 😢 Bah.

[@twinqlez1]

8:32 I have just started to change my diet to microgreens, broccoli sprouts, Asparagus, cress with advocado and sardines and tuna...please what about MICRO Greens for the thyroid ???

[@mcanultymichelle]

What about the estradiol patch? Oh I hope not That has been a game changer for my sleep and skin, but I am showing signs of hyper thyroidism. I’m extremely skinny and losing hair.🥴

[@wolverine754]

Numero Uno!

[@ladyvae01]

What about Hyper thyroid

[@zoej1778]

I was on the pill for 6 months.. soon after stopping that was diagnosed with underactive thyroid, have been on levothyroxine for 10 years, l live a healthy lifestyle incorporating some of supplements/ foods mentioned in the video but doubt I'll ever get the thyroid working.. and wouldn't want to stop the meds as the symptoms are horrible:/

[@momsteele3430]

I had radiation about 25 yrs ago to kill 1/4 of my thyroid because I was losing weight. But it killed 1/2. 1 dr said it dies off more every yr. Would your advice here help my thyroid now?

[@meihe9108]

as opposed to endogenously????

[@annalevel389]

So how do we cook veggies so we dont cook out all the nutients , but it's cooked enough to not hatm thyroid more?

[@edweidman]

Dr. Josh Axe - if you check comments, I would be interested to know how to ween myself OFF of levothyroxine. I've been on it for 15 years & have been taking methylated forms of all the vitamins & supplements mentioned in this video. I don't believe I ever had hypothyroidism & I know that 80% of all T3 is made in the gut. I am working on dietary changes & trying to figure out how to ween off synthetic T4.

[@meihe9108]

this guy must hold stocks in the major vitamin companies.....

[@lolawaren7362]

Dr Axe great i formation while searching for 600mg of Ashwaganda root extract all the products has some dairy I am plantbased can you suggest a non dairy product Thank uou

[@anitaparker9831]

Many of them are only Ashwaganda. I work in a supplement store.

[@anitaparker9831]

YouTheory

[@countycitybeach]

What supplements actually are real and work ?

[@Dreoilin]

Wild caught fish are high in heavy metals, plastics and forever chemicals.

[@Diana-mu9vd]

Why the caution with iodine if it’s the number one reason for hypo? Americans are low in iodine vs oriental Asia who consume 15mg or more daily.

[@noonevincecarterfan]

No audio...

[@maddworld3317]

I hear it just fine

[@bianca1871]

For years I have been told not to eat beans and to eat raw vegetables.

[@alicial3969]

Ok I'm definitely not going to have my 17 year old daughter not get BC, going to try supplements instead

[@jettpeters3470]

Lugols iodine

[@anthonyman8008]

Don't think too much will be a problem. Okinawans get 5000 times more than our RFA

[@mscarolstevens]

No salad?

[@cathyscott5548]

Wrong about raw cruciferous. See Dr Goldner s channel.

[@hannahmcmillan5712]

A lot of birth control has abortificient properties in them too.

[@YOLLAish1]

🙏🏼🤍😇🤍🙏🏼

[@GaryParvis1776]

I'm sure glad I haven't taken birth control! 🤣Ofcourse... I am a man tho! 🤣🤣🤣