DeepSummary
In this episode, Dr. Josh Axe discusses the impact of birth control pills and certain medications on thyroid health. He highlights a study that found a 283% higher risk of hypothyroidism in women who have taken birth control pills for more than 10 years. The reason behind this is that birth control pills deplete nutrients crucial for thyroid function, such as vitamin B2, folate, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
Dr. Axe also explains how birth control pills increase estrogen levels, which can alter the production, usage, and conversion of thyroid hormones. He then lists other medications like amiodarone, lithium, and antibiotics that have been linked to hypothyroidism. He emphasizes the importance of being aware of these medications and their potential impact on thyroid health.
The episode provides recommendations for healing the thyroid, including a nutrient-dense diet, stress management, and specific supplements like ashwagandha, vitamin B12, and selenium. Dr. Axe also highlights the importance of lifestyle changes, such as infrared sauna use, warming herbs and spices, and getting adequate sleep.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Long-term use of birth control pills can significantly increase the risk of hypothyroidism in women.
- Birth control pills and certain medications can deplete essential nutrients for thyroid function, such as vitamin B2, folate, magnesium, zinc, and selenium.
- Increasing estrogen levels from birth control pills can alter the production, usage, and conversion of thyroid hormones.
- Medications like amiodarone, lithium, and antibiotics have been linked to hypothyroidism.
- Dietary changes, such as avoiding added sugars, seed oils, raw cruciferous vegetables, and conventional dairy products, can support thyroid health.
- Supplements like ashwagandha, vitamin B12, and selenium can help improve thyroid function and reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
- Lifestyle changes, including stress management, adequate sleep, and infrared sauna use, can contribute to healing the thyroid.
- Working with a practitioner and getting appropriate testing can help identify and address the root causes of hypothyroidism.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Did you know that if you've taken birth control pills long term, your chance of having hypothyroidism goes up by 283%?“ by Doctor Josh Axe
- “Now, the second group of supplements you should consider taking and the studies behind it is vitamin b twelve, or b vitamins in general. Remember, you need vitamin b two riboflavin, folate, which is vitamin b nine, and vitamin b twelve in order to support proper thyroid function.“ by Doctor Josh Axe
- “A double blind study involving 50 participants with subclinical hypothyroidism found that taking 600 milligrams of ashwagandha root extract daily for eight weeks led to significant improvements in thyroid hormone levels.“ by Doctor Josh Axe
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Episode Information
The Dr. Josh Axe Show
Dr. Josh Axe
6/10/24