Hypothyroidism: 8 Natural Remedies to Support Your Thyroid

Waking up exhausted, feeling cold, struggling with brain fog, low energy, or stubborn weight changes?

When your thyroid is underactive, these symptoms can sometimes persist even when hypothyroidism is already being treated.

If you are looking for natural remedies for hypothyroidism, the goal is not to find a miracle cure or to "boost" your thyroid overnight.
A more useful approach is to support nutrient status, energy, digestion, sleep, stress balance, and the everyday factors that can influence how you feel.

Some natural approaches are genuinely worth considering.
Others are widely promoted but poorly supported, and a few require real caution.

In this guide, we’ll look at 8 natural approaches for hypothyroidism, separating what may actually help from what is often exaggerated.

1. Selenium: One of the Most Studied Minerals for Thyroid Support

The thyroid gland contains a high concentration of selenium, and this trace mineral plays an important role in thyroid hormone metabolism.
Selenium is involved in enzymes that help convert thyroid hormones and also contributes to the gland’s antioxidant defenses.

It is especially well studied in Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

Research suggests that selenium supplementation may influence markers such as anti-TPO antibodies in some people with Hashimoto’s, although it should not be viewed as a treatment that can normalize thyroid function on its own.

How to increase Selenium naturally

Good food sources:

• fish and shellfish
• eggs
• meat and organ meats
• whole grains
• nuts and seeds

Brazil nuts are particularly rich in selenium, but their selenium content can vary considerably from one nut to another.

What about Selenium supplements?

A supplement may be useful when dietary intake is low or when additional selenium has been recommended for a specific reason.

When choosing one, look primarily at the amount of selenium per serving, avoid stacking several supplements that contain selenium, and favor a simple product with clear labeling.

→ You can, for example, look at this selenium supplement (aff).

Some Hashimoto studies use relatively high selenium intakes, but that does not mean those amounts should automatically be taken every day.

More selenium is not necessarily better, and long-term excess can cause adverse effects.

2. Iodine: An Essential Nutrient for Making Thyroid Hormones

Iodine is essential for thyroid function because the gland uses it directly to produce the hormones T3 and T4.
Too little iodine can interfere with thyroid hormone production.

At the same time, iodine is one of those nutrients where more is not automatically better.
Individual needs and tolerance can vary, especially when an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s is present.

In the United States, the standard recommended intake for most adults is about 150 mcg of iodine per day.

How to increase Iodine naturally

Common food sources:

• fish and shellfish
• eggs
• milk and dairy products
• iodized salt
• seaweed

Iodized salt is one of the simplest ways to improve iodine intake if you already use salt in your diet.
There is no need to increase your total salt intake. Simply choosing iodized salt can make a difference.

Seaweed can also provide iodine, but the amount varies enormously from one type to another.

Kombu, for example, can contain far more iodine than nori, which is why eating highly concentrated seaweed every day is not the same thing as getting moderate amounts from food.

What about Iodine supplements?

If your diet provides little iodine, a supplement may be a practical way to increase your intake.

→ You can, for example, look at this natural supplement based on iodine-rich seaweed (aff).

The most important thing is to check how much iodine the product actually provides per serving.
Two seaweed-based supplements can contain very different amounts.

Why have some researchers studied much higher Iodine intakes?

The standard nutritional recommendation of about 150 mcg per day is not the only iodine intake that has been studied.

In the early 2000s, Dr. Guy E. Abraham, Dr. Jorge D. Flechas, and pharmacist-researcher John C. Hakala proposed an approach they called orthoiodosupplementation.

Their reasoning was different from conventional nutritional recommendations.

Instead of asking only how much iodine is needed to prevent deficiency and allow the thyroid to produce hormones, they explored what they described as "whole-body iodine sufficiency".

In a 2002 publication, they studied an iodine/iodide combination providing about 12.5 mg per day,  an amount far above standard nutritional intake.

Their hypothesis was partly based on the fact that the thyroid is not the only tissue capable of concentrating iodine.
Breast tissue and other tissues also use or accumulate iodine.

They also pointed to the historical use of Lugol’s solution, which traditionally supplied iodine in milligram rather than microgram amounts.

Dr. David Brownstein and Dr. Jorge Flechas later became well known for using and discussing higher-dose iodine approaches in clinical practice.

This approach has not become the mainstream endocrinology consensus.

The original studies were relatively small, and the idea that most people require several milligrams of iodine per day has not been confirmed by large clinical trials.

Mainstream thyroid organizations remain much more cautious because high iodine intake can trigger hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism in susceptible individuals.

It is therefore useful to distinguish between:

• nutritional iodine supplementation, intended to correct or prevent inadequate intake;
• high-dose iodine protocols, such as those explored by Abraham, Flechas, Hakala, Brownstein, and others, which represent a different therapeutic approach rather than routine daily supplementation.

This distinction helps explain why iodine recommendations online can range from a few hundred micrograms to several milligrams per day.

What about Iodine and Hashimoto’s?

Iodine is still necessary when hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

That does not mean iodine-containing foods should automatically be eliminated.

However, people with autoimmune thyroid disease may be more sensitive to large changes in iodine intake.

For that reason, it makes sense to avoid suddenly moving from a low-iodine diet to very large amounts from concentrated seaweed or high-dose supplements without knowing how much iodine you are actually getting.

3. Vitamin D, B12, and Iron: Look for Deficiencies That Can Keep You Tired

When fatigue persists even though hypothyroidism is already being treated, it is easy to assume that everything must still be coming from the thyroid.

But that is not always the case.

Several nutrient deficiencies can cause or amplify very similar symptoms, including fatigue, brain fog, muscle weakness, low energy, hair loss, and poor recovery.

Three nutrients deserve particular attention: vitamin D, vitamin B12, and iron.

Vitamin D: Especially worth considering in Hashimoto’s

Vitamin D is not only important for bone health. It also plays a role in immune regulation.

Studies frequently report lower vitamin D levels in people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Clinical trials have also examined whether vitamin D supplementation can influence thyroid antibodies such as anti-TPO, particularly in people who start with low vitamin D levels.

This does not mean vitamin D "cures" Hashimoto’s. But correcting a deficiency can make sense as part of a broader natural approach.

Natural sources:

• reasonable sun exposure
• fatty fish such as sardines, salmon, and mackerel
• egg yolks
• cod liver oil
• vitamin D-fortified foods

Because vitamin D can be difficult to obtain from food alone, supplementation may be useful when dietary intake, sun exposure, or blood levels are low.

Vitamin B12: Don’t overlook it when fatigue and brain fog persist

Vitamin B12 is involved in red blood cell formation, nervous system function, and energy metabolism.
A deficiency can cause fatigue, weakness, poor concentration, tingling, and brain fog, symptoms that can easily be blamed entirely on an underactive thyroid.

Research has found that people with hypothyroidism tend to have lower B12 levels than healthy controls.

Good dietary sources:

• organ meats
• meat
• fish and shellfish
• eggs
• dairy products

Vegans, people who eat very few animal products, and those with absorption problems need to pay particular attention to their intake.

If your diet provides little B12, a supplement can be a simple option.

Methylcobalamin is a biologically active form of vitamin B12 that naturally occurs in the body.

Cyanocobalamin, another widely used form, is synthetic and must be converted into active forms by the body.

Current evidence does not clearly show that methylcobalamin is always better absorbed through the intestine, although there may be differences in how different forms are retained and used after absorption.

→ You can, for example, look at this methylcobalamin Vitamin B12 (aff).

Iron and Ferritin: An often-overlooked reason for low energy

Iron is not only important for preventing anemia.
It is also involved in the activity of thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an enzyme needed for thyroid hormone production.

Low iron stores can therefore add another layer of fatigue on top of symptoms already associated with hypothyroidism.

Useful food sources:

• red meat and organ meats
• fish and shellfish
• eggs
• lentils and other legumes
• pumpkin and sesame seeds
• leafy green vegetables

When relying on plant-based iron, eating a source of vitamin C with the meal can help improve absorption.

Unlike many general wellness supplements, iron is not something to take "just in case".

Supplementation makes the most sense when low iron stores or iron deficiency have actually been identified.

4. Gut Health and Probiotics: Support the Gut-Thyroid Connection

The gut and thyroid appear to interact more closely than once thought.

Researchers now commonly refer to a "gut-thyroid axis".
The intestinal microbiome is involved in immune regulation, nutrient metabolism, and maintenance of the intestinal barrier, all processes that may interact with thyroid health.

Studies have also found differences in gut microbiome composition in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

That does not mean gut imbalance is the single cause of hypothyroidism, or that probiotics can "repair" the thyroid.
But supporting gut health is a reasonable natural strategy, especially when digestive symptoms and hypothyroidism occur together.

Start by feeding your gut microbiome

Before reaching for a supplement, gradually increase foods that help support microbial diversity:

• a variety of vegetables
• fruit
• lentils, chickpeas, and other legumes
• oats and whole grains
• garlic, onions, and leeks
• nuts and seeds

These foods provide fiber, including prebiotic fibers that beneficial gut bacteria can use as fuel.

If you tolerate them, fermented foods can also be included:

• yogurt with live cultures
• kefir
• unpasteurized sauerkraut
• kimchi
• naturally fermented vegetables

Can probiotics help with hypothyroidism?

Research is still evolving.

A 2024 meta-analysis of randomized trials found that probiotics and prebiotics did not significantly change TSH, free T4, or free T3 overall.
More recent analyses have reported more encouraging effects on thyroid hormone markers, but the studies remain relatively small and use different strains and formulations.

In Hashimoto’s, a recent randomized study also examined Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 299v alongside nutritional education.
The probiotic group experienced greater improvements in several quality-of-life measures, although anti-TPO antibodies did not improve.

So there is not yet a proven "thyroid probiotic".

For now, probiotics are better viewed as a way to support the intestinal microbiome and digestive health, rather than as a direct treatment for an underactive thyroid.

How to choose a probiotic

If you want to try a supplement, look for a product that clearly lists:

• the specific strains it contains
• the amount of microorganisms provided
• storage requirements
• recommended duration of use

Products containing species from Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium are among the most commonly studied.

But remember: more strains and more billions of CFUs do not automatically mean a better probiotic.

→ You can, for example, look at this multi-strain probiotic supplement (aff).

5. Stress and Sleep: Give Your Body Time to Recover

Fatigue, poor-quality sleep, and brain fog often occur together with hypothyroidism.

When you already feel drained, chronic stress can create an exhausting cycle: poorer sleep, less recovery, lower energy, and the feeling that you are constantly running on empty.

The goal is not to claim that relaxation will directly "restart" your thyroid.

Instead, stress management and better sleep can help remove an additional burden from a body that is already struggling with low energy.

Try 5 minutes of slow breathing

Slow breathing is one of the simplest natural techniques to add to your day.

Try this:

• sit comfortably
• inhale gently for about 5 seconds
• exhale for about 5 seconds
• continue for 5 minutes

That works out to roughly 6 breaths per minute.

Slow breathing can influence the autonomic nervous system and promote a calmer physiological state.

You do not need to practice it at a particular time of day.
Try it after waking, during an afternoon energy slump, or before bed.

→ Want a practical guide? Follow our step-by-step heart coherence exercise to ease anxiety in 5 minutes

Don’t underestimate sleep

Poor sleep can itself cause fatigue, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and low motivation, exactly the kinds of symptoms that are often blamed entirely on the thyroid.

To improve your chances of getting restorative sleep:

• keep your bedtime and wake-up time reasonably consistent
• get natural light in the morning
• reduce bright light and screens before bed
• keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet
• avoid late-day caffeine if it affects your sleep
• spend a few minutes on a calming activity before bed: reading, stretching, meditation, or slow breathing

What about Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogenic herb traditionally used to support stress resilience and well-being.

It is particularly interesting because it has also been studied in people with subclinical hypothyroidism.

In one small randomized placebo-controlled trial, 50 adults were assigned to ashwagandha or placebo for eight weeks.
The researchers reported changes in TSH, T3, and T4 in the ashwagandha group.

That makes the herb interesting, but one small trial is not enough to establish ashwagandha as a treatment for hypothyroidism.

There is also an important reason not to treat it like an ordinary relaxation supplement: rare cases of thyrotoxicosis or thyroiditis have been reported after ashwagandha use.

So if you already have a thyroid disorder or take thyroid hormone medication, ashwagandha deserves more caution than a simple herbal tea.

→ If you are considering it, you can look at this pure ashwagandha extract (aff), while paying attention to the dose and your individual thyroid situation.

What if you sleep 8 hours and still wake up exhausted?

Getting enough hours of sleep does not necessarily mean your sleep is restorative.

If you regularly wake up exhausted despite apparently adequate sleep, it makes sense to look beyond simply "sleeping more".

Persistent fatigue can also relate to nutrient deficiencies, sleep disorders, stress, medication issues, or other causes in addition to hypothyroidism.

→ Fatigue and weight gain are well-known, but a persistent, dry cough can also signal thyroid issues.
Explore our guide on the surprising link between hypothyroidism and chronic cough

6. Physical Activity: Move More Without Draining Your Energy

When you have hypothyroidism and already feel exhausted, exercise can sound like the last thing you want to do.

Yet regular movement is one of the simplest natural ways to support energy, muscle strength, mood, and overall metabolic health.

Exercise should not be expected to "fix" thyroid hormone levels on its own.
Its main benefit is helping your body function better despite fatigue and deconditioning.

Start more gently than you think you need to

If your energy is very low, forget the idea that exercise has to mean a 45-minute workout.

Start with:

• 10 to 15 minutes of walking
• a short walk after a meal
• gentle mobility exercises in the morning
• yoga or Pilates
• easy cycling
• relaxed swimming

Once that feels manageable, gradually increase the duration or intensity.

The best exercise is not the one that burns the most calories.
It is the one you can repeat consistently without feeling wiped out for the rest of the day.

Don’t forget strength training

Hypothyroidism can sometimes be accompanied by muscle weakness, reduced endurance, or a general feeling of losing strength.

Simple resistance exercises can help rebuild or preserve muscle:

• bodyweight squats
• resistance bands
• light dumbbells
• basic bodyweight exercises

Start with a few exercises two or three times per week and progress gradually according to how well you recover.

Do you need to avoid intense exercise?

Not necessarily.

If your hypothyroidism is well controlled and you tolerate exercise well, there is no reason to assume that higher-intensity activity is automatically harmful.

However, if you are currently dealing with severe fatigue, muscle weakness, or very slow recovery, moderate exercise is usually a more realistic place to start.

Build capacity first rather than forcing yourself through workouts that leave you exhausted for hours afterward.

A simple habit: The 10-minute walk

If motivation is low, stop thinking in terms of "working out".

Choose one fixed point in your day and walk for 10 minutes.

For example:

• after lunch
• after dinner
• during a work break
• while running a nearby errand

A short habit performed consistently is often more useful than an ambitious exercise plan that disappears after a week.

7. Water and Hydration: Pay Attention to What You Drink Every Day

Water seems so basic that it is often overlooked when discussing natural remedies for hypothyroidism.

Yet we drink it every day, and its composition can vary considerably depending on where you live, the source of the water, and the treatment used by your local utility.

Public drinking water in the United States is regulated and routinely tested, but water quality is not identical everywhere.

Contaminants such as pesticides, nitrates, PFAS, and perchlorate can be relevant in certain areas.

That does not mean tap water should automatically be considered unsafe.

A more useful approach is to find out what is actually present in your local water before deciding whether additional filtration makes sense.

Perchlorate: A contaminant with a direct thyroid connection

Among drinking-water contaminants, perchlorate is particularly relevant when discussing thyroid health.

Perchlorate can interfere with the mechanism the thyroid uses to take up iodide from the bloodstream.

In other words, sufficient exposure can reduce the thyroid gland’s ability to take up iodine, which is required to make thyroid hormones.

This mechanism is well established.

However, finding perchlorate in drinking water does not mean that everyone exposed will develop hypothyroidism.
The amount, duration of exposure, iodine status, and individual susceptibility all matter.

What about PFAS?

PFAS - sometimes called "forever chemicals" - have also become an important drinking-water issue in the United States.

The EPA now regulates certain PFAS in public drinking water, and monitoring is expanding across water systems.

PFAS are not included here because they are a proven direct cause of hypothyroidism in everyone exposed.
Rather, they are another reason why checking your actual local water report can be more useful than assuming all tap water is either perfectly clean or inherently harmful.

Check your local water before buying a filter

If you use a public water supply, look at your utility’s water-quality report and any available state or EPA testing information.

Depending on your location, you may find information about:

• PFAS
• nitrates
• pesticides and other organic contaminants
• lead and other metals
• microbiological contaminants
• perchlorate where it is monitored

If you use a private well, testing becomes even more important because private wells are not regulated in the same way as public water systems.

The key point is simple: there is no universal home filter that removes every possible contaminant.

Choose a filtration method based on what you actually want to reduce.

Activated carbon or reverse osmosis?

Activated-carbon filters can improve taste and odor and reduce certain organic contaminants.
Some certified carbon filters can also reduce PFAS.

But a basic pitcher filter should not automatically be assumed to remove every contaminant in your water.

Reverse osmosis uses a membrane and can reduce a much broader range of dissolved substances, including certain PFAS, metals, salts, and other contaminants depending on the system.

These systems also require regular maintenance, remove some minerals along with contaminants, and produce some wastewater.

If PFAS are your main concern, look for a product specifically certified for PFAS reduction rather than choosing a filter solely because the packaging says "purified water".

And what about hydration itself?

Even when contaminants are not an issue, adequate hydration still matters.
Fatigue, constipation, and dry skin are common complaints among people with an underactive thyroid, and dehydration can make some of these problems feel worse.

Keep water within reach and drink regularly during the day rather than waiting until you feel extremely thirsty.

If you take levothyroxine in the morning, take it with plain water and follow the instructions you have been given regarding food, coffee, and supplements afterward.

8. Diet: Support Your Thyroid Without Unnecessarily Restricting Foods

When people search for a natural remedy for low thyroid, diet usually comes up almost immediately.

And it is also one of the areas where the most conflicting advice circulates:
"Cut out gluten", "Never eat broccoli", "Avoid soy", "Eat seaweed every day"...

In reality, there is no single "thyroid diet" proven to restart an underactive thyroid.

A more useful approach is to eat enough nutrient-dense foods, avoid deficiencies, and stop eliminating entire food groups without a good reason.

Build meals around nutrient-dense foods

Try to include regularly:

• Fish and shellfish: iodine, selenium, zinc, and omega-3 fats
• Eggs: iodine, selenium, B12, and protein
• Legumes: iron, zinc, fiber, and plant protein
• Colorful fruits and vegetables: vitamin C, folate, antioxidants, and fiber
• Nuts and seeds: selenium, zinc, magnesium, and healthy fats
• Whole grains, if well tolerated
• Fermented foods to complement your gut-health strategy

The goal is not to find one "thyroid superfood".
It is to create a varied diet that reduces the risk of the nutrient gaps discussed earlier in this article.

Do you really need to avoid Broccoli, Kale, and other cruciferous vegetables?

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts, and turnips contain glucosinolates that can form compounds with goitrogenic activity.

That is where the idea that people with hypothyroidism should avoid them came from.

However, in normal food amounts, cruciferous vegetables do not appear to be a major thyroid problem for most people.

A 2024 systematic review examining 123 studies found that the majority of available evidence casts doubt on the idea that usual Brassica consumption has a meaningful antithyroid effect in humans.

Cooking also reduces some goitrogenic compounds.

So there is no need to ban broccoli, cabbage, or kale from your diet.

If you eat very large amounts and want to be cautious, consuming them cooked rather than exclusively raw is a reasonable compromise.

Soy is not automatically a thyroid enemy

Soy is another food that is often banned too quickly.

For most people with hypothyroidism, tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, and other soy foods do not need to be eliminated completely.

The main practical issue is levothyroxine absorption.

Soy can reduce how well levothyroxine is absorbed if consumed too close to the medication, so timing matters more than total avoidance.
Mayo Clinic specifically notes that people with hypothyroidism generally do not need to avoid soy completely.

If you take levothyroxine in the morning, simply follow the recommended interval before eating and avoid taking your medication together with a soy-heavy meal.

What about gluten and Hashimoto’s?

This is one of the most debated topics in Hashimoto’s communities.

Some people report less bloating, better digestion, improved energy, or fewer symptoms after removing gluten.

But different situations need to be separated.

If you have celiac disease, strict gluten avoidance is necessary.

Hashimoto’s and celiac disease can also occur in the same person because both are autoimmune conditions.

However, for people with Hashimoto’s without celiac disease, current evidence does not show that a gluten-free diet consistently improves TSH, T3, or T4.

A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of non-celiac Hashimoto’s patients found no significant improvement in TSH, free T3, or free T4, and rated the certainty of evidence as very low.

That does not mean no individual can feel better without gluten.

If reducing gluten clearly improves your digestion, energy, or overall well-being, that experience is worth paying attention to.

But it is no longer justified to claim that everyone with Hashimoto’s should automatically follow a strict gluten-free diet.

Don’t make your diet more restrictive than it needs to be

Living with a chronic condition can quickly turn food into a long list of "forbidden" items:

Gluten, soy, dairy, cruciferous vegetables, coffee, legumes.

If you remove too much, you may end up reducing dietary variety and missing some of the very nutrients discussed in this article.

A better rule is to:

• favor minimally processed foods
• eat enough protein
• include a wide variety of vegetables, fruit, legumes, nuts, and seeds
• regularly eat foods that provide iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and B12
• pay attention to your own tolerance rather than following every restriction you read online

What Symptoms Can Come With Hypothyroidism?

An underactive thyroid can cause a wide range of symptoms, and many of them can overlap with stress, poor sleep, or nutrient deficiencies.

Common signs:

• persistent fatigue and low energy
• feeling unusually cold
• weight gain or difficulty losing weight
• constipation
• brain fog, poor concentration, or memory problems
• dry skin and thinning or brittle hair
• muscle weakness, aches, or cramps
• low mood or reduced motivation
• heavy or irregular periods
• a slower heart rate in some people

One symptom alone is not enough to identify hypothyroidism.
But when several symptoms persist together, thyroid testing can help determine whether the thyroid is actually involved.

→ Fatigue and weight gain are well known, but a persistent dry cough can also sometimes occur alongside thyroid problems.
Explore our guide on the possible link between thyroid disorders and chronic cough.

Keep an eye on your thyroid labs

Natural approaches are most useful when they complement appropriate follow-up.

TSH and free T4 are among the main markers used to monitor hypothyroidism.
In Hashimoto’s, thyroid antibodies may also be checked depending on the situation.

Repeat testing may be useful after an important treatment change or when symptoms continue despite apparently stable management.

→ Discover our guide to interpreting your thyroid blood test results

Hypothyroidism: What to Remember About Natural Remedies

There is no single natural remedy that can correct every case of hypothyroidism.

However, several approaches may complement treatment and help address factors that influence how you feel: selenium, iodine, nutrient deficiencies, gut health, stress and sleep, physical activity, water quality, and a nutrient-dense diet.

The key is to avoid one-size-fits-all protocols.
A nutrient that is useful when you are deficient can become unnecessary, or even problematic, when taken in excess.

A well-designed natural approach is therefore less about trying to "boost" the thyroid at all costs and more about giving your body the nutrients, recovery, and everyday support it actually needs.

→ Opposite problem? If you suspect hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), explore our 10 natural solutions for hyperthyroidism.

Your Questions About Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism

Can hypothyroidism be treated naturally?

Natural approaches can help support nutrient status, energy, digestion, sleep, stress management, and physical activity.
They can complement hypothyroidism treatment, but they do not automatically replace thyroid hormone medication when it is medically necessary.

What are the best natural remedies for hypothyroidism?

There is no single natural remedy that works for everyone.
Selenium, iodine, correcting vitamin or iron deficiencies, gut health, sleep, stress management, exercise, and a nutrient-dense diet are among the most useful areas to consider.

What supplements may help an underactive thyroid?

Selenium, iodine, vitamin D, vitamin B12, and sometimes iron may be worth considering depending on your diet, lab results, and individual needs.
The goal is not to take all of them automatically, but to identify what may actually be lacking.

Should I take iodine if I have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s?

Iodine is essential for making thyroid hormones, so too little can be a problem.
But very high intakes can also affect thyroid function, particularly in people with autoimmune thyroid disease.
The amount matters just as much as whether you supplement at all.

Why am I still tired even though I take thyroid medication?

Fatigue can have several causes beyond the thyroid itself, including low iron stores, low B12 or vitamin D, poor sleep, chronic stress, or low physical activity.
If fatigue persists, it may be useful to look beyond TSH alone.

Do I need to go gluten-free if I have Hashimoto’s?

A strict gluten-free diet is necessary if you have celiac disease.
For people with Hashimoto’s who do not have celiac disease, current evidence does not show that gluten avoidance consistently improves thyroid hormone levels, although some people report feeling better when they reduce it.

How long does it take to notice benefits from a natural approach?

It depends on what you are trying to correct.
Changes related to sleep, movement, or diet may be noticed gradually, while correcting a nutrient deficiency can take several weeks.
Natural approaches are better judged over time than after just a few days.

Sources

• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements - Iodine: Fact Sheet for Health Professionals - Iodine requirements, food sources, thyroid hormone production, and risks associated with inadequate or excessive intake.
• Huwiler VV, Maissen-Abgottspon S, Stanga Z, et al - Selenium Supplementation in Patients with Hashimoto Thyroiditis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Clinical Trials - Thyroid, 2024 - Meta-analysis of 35 studies examining selenium, TSH, and thyroid antibodies in Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
• Abraham GE, Flechas JD, Hakala JC - Orthoiodosupplementation: Iodine Sufficiency of the Whole Body - The Original Internist, 2002 - Original work describing the whole-body iodine sufficiency hypothesis and the higher-dose iodine/iodide approach.
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) - Perchlorate in Drinking Water: Frequent Questions - Perchlorate exposure, reduced iodide uptake by the thyroid, and drinking-water monitoring.

* Article updated: September 2026