Fresh, raw, organic produce heals. Produce heals everything. Other than that, foods high in iodine and foods that are high in selenium are known to aid thyroid function.

The thyroid gland requires iodine to function. Iodine taken by itself or ingested through fortified salt can be problematic. Good food sources include: meat, seafood, yogurt, milk, and eggs, but there are vegan sources as well.

Vegan Food Sources of Iodine

Blackstrap molasses
Seaweed
Himalayan sea salt
Navy beans
Cranberries
Selenium is required for the body to convert T3 into T4. Without enough selenium in the diet, the thyroid suffers. Seafood and meat are high in selenium, but there are also some vegan choices.

Vegan Food Sources of Selenium

Brazil nuts
Shiitake/white button mushrooms
Lima/pinto beans
Chia seeds
Brown rice
Seeds (sunflower, sesame, and flax)
Broccoli
Cabbage
Spinach
Supplements For Hypothyroidism

A number of vitamins and minerals are critical to thyroid health, and many herbs can help boost thyroid function as well. Due to the fact that thyroid conditions are associated with inflammation, anti-inflammatory herbs can aid in thyroid healing as well.

B Vitamins

Vitamin B12 is found in every cell of the body. It is required for cellular metabolism and energy production, so obviously, without B12, the thyroid can't function optimally. B12 deficiencies are very common with hypothyroidism. A lack of B12 can cause and worsen hypothyroidism. Even though most people actually consume enough vitamin B12 in their diets, a deficiency occurs in many due to an inability to absorb the nutrient in the blood. This goes back to gut health. The body cannot absorb and assimilate nutrients properly with a poorly functioning digestive system.

In addition, if the liver is not up to par, this radically inhibits the body's ability to utilize B12. Unless a knowledgeable naturopath recommends it for a limited amount of time, do not take vitamin B12 alone. We recommend a B vitamin complex with extra B12.

Vitamin D

Over a billion people worldwide do not get enough vitamin D. A recent study showed that vitamin D levels were significantly lower in people suffering from hypothyroidism than the general population. While vitamin D deficiencies and hypothyroidism do tend to take place together, a lack of vitamin D and pretty much every other disease coincide as well. It's unlikely anyone's hypothyroidism is primarily caused by a lack of vitamin D, but it's a certainty that the body will not fully heal without enough vitamin D.

Vitamin A

We all know vitamin A is required for good vision. We also need vitamin A for the immune system, hormone synthesis, and the production of T3. Without enough vitamin A, thyroid hormone levels drop quickly.

Bromelain

Bromelain is the enzyme that makes pineapple the superfood that it is. Bromelain helps reduce inflammation.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has many benefits, including the ability to significantly improve liver function, and it can help stabilize cortisol levels. This helps stimulate T3 and T4 hormone synthesis.

Licorice Root

Licorice root can benefit the thyroid and adrenal glands for people who have low cortisol (adrenal fatigue).

Reishi Mushroom

Reishi mushroom is a good source of selenium, and it has a ton of other benefits including boosting the immune system.

Schisandra chinensis

This is another adaptogenic herb that helps the thyroid and has many other health benefits.

Selenium

Selenium is the major cofactor for the key thyroid enzyme 5'deiodinase. This enzyme converts T4 into T3 and can help normalize the thyroid hormone balance.

Zinc

A zinc deficiency has been shown to inhibit T3 production. Zinc also contributes to immune modulation, which may reduce thyroid antibody levels. Additionally, like selenium, zinc also contributes to 5'deiodinase activity.

Iodine

A lack of iodine inhibits the body's natural detoxification, leads to cancer cell growth, and causes hypothyroidism. The thyroid absorbs iodine and, in doing so, replaces other toxins it has accumulated.

It's also important to avoid excessive iodine intake for anyone with Hashimoto's or hyperthyroidism. As stated above, we highly recommend that any iodine consumed come from whole food sources.

Traditional Asian Herbs

Coleus forskohlii(Indian coleus)
Melissa officinalis(lemon balm)
Ningpoensis(Chinese figwort)
Prunella vulgaris(common selfheal)
Radix scrophulariae(xuan shen)
Conclusion

If the gut is healed and the diet is healthy, in most cases, the thyroid will eventually heal. Unfortunately, it can take a very long time, often many months. With desiccated thyroid, the process is much faster, and relief from hypothyroid symptoms are immediate. But again, you must fix the gut! Be sure to check out How to Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem to heal the intestinal tract. And see Understand Hypothyroidism - Prevention and Natural Remedies for more information, including a specific supplemental protocol.

Flu season is upon us. Prevention is the key, but if a virus threatens your health, quick action with natural vitamins, supplements, and herbs can stop that virus in its tracks. How many of these herbs, vitamins, and anti-virals are on hand if you need them?

Vitamins
Vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin C are all vital nutrients for the immune system, and are all known to help prevent help fight viruses. In particular, vitamin C is well known for it's virus fighting properties, but if you take high doses of vitamin C to fight a virus, you should not stop taking it abruptly-taper off.

Zinc and Selenium
Zinc has been proven to be effective against the common cold and to be effective as a topical treatment for herpes sores. It is believed to be effective due to preventing replication of the virus. The immune system needs selenium to work properly and to build up the white blood cell count.

CoQ10
CoQ10 supplementation has been shown to significantly enhance the immune system.

Probiotics
Probiotics are always helpful in maintaining gut health, especially when the body is under a viral attack that involves the digestive system. Probiotic foods and drinks without added sugar can help maintain a healthy balance of bacteria. Speaking of probiotics, a healthy intestinal tract is absolutely imperative for a strong immune system. See the first source below for more.

Garlic
Garlic is anti-viral, anti-fungal, and antibacterial. You can take garlic in a tonic or, if you can handle it, chew raw garlic. It not only will help fight the virus, it will help kill any secondary infections trying to take root.

Echinacea
Echinacea not only supports the immune system, it also has been proven to reduce the severity and duration of viral infections.

Colloidal Silver
Colloidal silver is believed to interfere with the enzymes that allow viruses (bacteria and fungi as well) to utilize oxygen.

Elderberry
A double blind trial showed elderberry extract's ability to reduce symptoms of influenza and speed recovery. It also showed elderberry's ability to enhance immune response with higher levels of antibodies in the blood. It is believed to inhibit a virus's ability to penetrate healthy cells and protect cells with powerful antioxidants. Elderberry has also been shown to inhibit replication in four strains of herpes viruses and reduce ineffectivity of HIV strains.

Green Tea
The flavanoids in green tea are believed to fight viral infections by preventing the virus from entering host cells and by inhibiting replication.

Olive Leaf Extract
Though double blind clinical trials are needed, olive leaf extract has been shown to inhibit replication of viruses. In one study, 115 of 119 patients had a full and rapid recovery from respiratory tract infections while 120 of 172 had a full and rapid recovery from viral skin infections such as herpes.

Pau d'Arco
Pau d'arco has been used in indigenous medicine for generations. One of its compounds, lapachol, has proven effective against various viruses, including influenza, herpes simplex types I and II, and polio virus. It is believed to inhibit replication.

Liquorice Root
Studies have shown that glycyrrhizin, a compound found in liquorice root was more effective in fighting samples of coronavirus from SARS patients than four antiviral drugs. It reduces viral replication, cell absorption, and the virus's ability to penetrate cells. It is also being used to treat HIV.

St John's Wort
St. John's Wort has been proven effective against influenza, herpes simplex, and HIV.

Remember that the best defense is a good offense. A healthy diet based on nutrient dense foods, exercise to move your lymph (more on lymph), and aid your immune system, as well as good quality sleep will build a strong, healthy immune system. A strong immune system will fight off viruses without you even knowing the battle ever took place. Check out Bullet Proof Immune System.

Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially carrots and colorful vegetables.

The name beta-carotene comes from the Greek beta and Latin carota (carrot). It is the yellow/orange pigment that gives vegetables and fruits their rich colors. H. Wachenroder crystallized beta-carotene from carrot roots in 1831, and came up with the name "carotene".

Beta-carotene's chemical formula - C40H56 - was discovered in 1907.

The human body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A (retinol) - beta-carotene is a precursor of vitamin A. We need vitamin A for healthy skin and mucus membranes, our immune system, and good eye health and vision.

Beta-carotene in itself is not an essential nutrient, but vitamin A is. Beta-carotene from food is a safe source of vitamin A Vitamin A can be sourced from the food we eat, through beta-carotene, for example, or in supplement form. The advantage of dietary beta-carotene is that the body only converts as much as it needs.

Excess vitamin A is toxic. Toxic vitamin A levels can occur if you consume too many supplements. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant
A Flamingo
The flamingo's characteristic red-orange color is caused by beta-carotene in their diet.
Beta-carotene, like all carotenoids, is an antioxidant. An antioxidant is a substance that inhibits the oxidation of other molecules; it protects the body from free radicals. Free radicals damage cells through oxidation. Eventually, the damage caused by free radicals can cause several chronic illnesses.

Several studies have shown that antioxidants through diet help people's immune systems, protect against free radicals, and lower the risk of developing cancer and heart disease. Some studies have suggested that those who consume at least four daily servings of beta-carotene rich fruits and/or vegetables have a lower risk of developing cancer or heart disease. Which foods are rich in beta-carotene? The following foods are rich in beta-carotene:

    Apricots
    Asparagus
    Broccoli
    Carrots
    Chinese cabbage
    Chives
    Dandelion leaves
    Grapefruit
    Herbs & Spices - chilli powder, oregano, paprika, parsley
    Kale
    Ketchup
    Many margarines
    Onions
    Peas
    Peppers
    Plums
    Pumpkin
    Spinach
    Squash
    Squash
    Sweet potatoes

First and foremost beta carotenes are one of the many brightly compounds called carotenoids that make foods red, yellow, and orange. Also, those red or orange colored hydrocarbons found in carrots and other vegetables change into vitamin A in the body, which helps regulate the growth of cells and control immune system reactions.

The cells that are affected most by vitamin A live in your digestive tract, in organs like the stomach.

Not coincidentally, eating foods chock-full of vitamin A, alpha carotene, and beta carotene seem to slash stomach cancer in half.

Beta carotene may protect against other cancers as well, including esophageal, liver, pancreatic, colon, rectal, prostate, ovarian, and cervical cancers due to their potency as an antioxidant.

People with low levels of antioxidants in their diets or their bloodstream are more likely to develop certain cancers. By comparison, people who eat lots of fruits and vegetables cut their risk of getting cancer in half.

The best sources of beta carotene are pumpkin, butternut squash, sweet potato, carrot, tomato, red bell peppers,
asparagus, bok choi, apricot, mango, orange, cantaloupe, papaya, and watermelon. The less obvious are spinach, kale, and collards and believe it or not, frozen mixed vegetables and fruits as well.

In addition to cutting cancer risk there is so much more. You could defeat heart disease, high cholesterol, heart attack, and stroke by loading up your plate with colorful foods.

One of beta carotene's biggest effects for heart health is its effect on your cholesterol. As an antioxidant, it puts out free radicals like pouring water on a fire.

Understand that free radicals harm the body through oxidative damage brought on by the body's inability to detoxify adequately. Fortunately, antioxidants like beta carotene keep cholesterol from oxidizing, which is the process that causes the walls of the arteries to thicken, leading to atherosclerosis.

Because deficiencies in vitamins A, C, E, and beta carotene have been linked to heart disease, if you build more into your diet, prevention has no price.

Various studies have proven that antioxidants from supplements do not really protect your heart in the way that antioxidants from food do. And the evidence out there shows that foods rich in carotenoids, including beta carotene, could reduce your risk of a heart attack.

Other research indicates that two carotenoids in particular - beta carotene and lycopene, which are found in tomatoes - could put a lid on stroke risk.

To really combat these diseases though, you'll need to maximize the beta carotene in every meal. To do this, just add a bit of fat. If you saute your vegetables use a bit of coconut oil or extra virgin olive oil. For salads, use some coconut or olive oil and some balsamic vinegar as your dressing, with a bit of fresh squeezed lemon. To take a walk on the wild side use some hummus as your dressing. Also, lightly cooking, chopping, and grating carrots and other vegetable containing beta carotenes help to make for easier release and absorption of the beta carotenes.

You could eat the healthiest salad piled high with carrots, leafy greens, and other high-carotenoid foods, but if you pour on a fat-free dressing or none at all, you will not absorb any disease-fighting carotenoids. Yes, the low-fat dressings have an adequate amount of fat to help you absorb some carotenoids, but to get the most beta carotene out of that salad you need to eat, you really need to increase the fat.

Just adding a little bit of fat to the orange, yellow, and leafy greens you usually eat every day, and you will get all the beta carotene you need without really changing your diet. But, be smart about what fat you use. Coconut oil, olive oil, balsamic vinegar, avocado and hummus are the best.

Now that Halloween is pau (Hawaiian for finished), what did you do with your pumpkin? Remember, pumpkins, squash, and other high-beta-carotene foods like these, that are rich in vitamin A, fight cancer.

But wait, there's more. Foods rich in beta carotene are a brain protector as well.

As vitamin A, it normalizes the way your body processes beta-amyloid protein. If this process breaks down it leads to Alzheimer's disease. As an antioxidant, beta carotene seems to increase brain function and brain cell survival as well as to improve the communication between the brain cells.

You already have the brain-saving list so heartily take advantage of these phytochemicals.

There are untold benefits waiting in the produce aisle. Of course, organic is better than pesticide-laden, but the benefits are inherent if the vegetable or fruit. If non-organic, wash them good.

There's an illness called sarcopenia. Sacopenia is the loss of muscle mass and strength. Sarcopenia makes it harder for you to get around, makes you more frail, and increases your chances of falling and being hospitalized. In essence, it takes away your independence.

But muscle loss is not just a product of being lazy. The same oxidative damage behind some cancers, heart problems, and lung disease also plays a role in muscle loss. The oxidation damages your muscles' DNA, protein, and fats in a way that may cause muscles to wither with age.

Luckily, cartenoids like beta carotene help remove the extra free radicals floating around that otherwise cause oxidation. Thin, then, minimizes muscle and DNA damage. By snuffing out free radicals, beta carotene and other antioxidants soothe inflammation as well.

Research has linked high levels of the inflammatory compound interleukin-6 to sarcopenia, loss of physical function and even disability.

For women, in particular, the amount of carotenoid you have in your blood now will predict how much interleukin-6 you will have later in life. The lower your cartenoid levels, the higher your interleukin-6 will eventually rise. Low cartenoids also predict muscle weakness and severe walking disability for older women. The good news is that having lots of beta carotene and other cartenoids in your blood, thanks to a diet filled with fruits and vegetables, results in better grip, hip and knee strength in elderly women.

It is important to note that your cartenoid levels are directly linked to how many fruits and vegetables you eat.

Yes, we know that oxidative damage builds up in the body with age, but id doesn't have to get the best of you. Eating the right combination of foods for 15 days can fight off oxidative DNA damage in older women. An example of such a regimen is as follows:
? cup of cooked spinach
1/3 of a medium carrot or ? cup of pumpkin
1 medium tomato or ? tablespoon of tomato paste
Do not forget a bit of coconut or olive oil.

Let's talk about vision, as its value cannot be underestimated. You need it to drive, read, recognize people, and stay independent. Unfortunately, age brings macular-degeneration.

The eye's retina contains millions of cells that sense light and color. The macula sits in the center and allows you to see fine details and gives you central vision. With macular-degeneration, the cells in the fine-vision area shrink or become blocked, sometimes by scar tissue in the eye.

At first, only minor vision problems manifest, but it usually gets worse with age. You must keep your eyesight sharp.

A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that people over the age of 55 who ate foods rich in beta carotene along with vitamins C and E cut their chances of macular degeneration by 35%.

One of the best sources of beta carotene is sweet potato, as they pack more beta carotene ounce for ounce than any other unfortified food - even more than carrots and pumpkins. It is one of the most powerful foods you can
ever find.

One medium sweet potato delivers 438 % of your daily vitamin A, in the form of beta carotene. In addition, this sweet potato will give you 4 grams of fiber, more than a third of your vitamin C, and over ? of the day's manganese, all in a tiny 103 calories with zero fat.

If you already suffer from macular degeneration, the Age-Related Eye Disease Study (AREDS) found a supplement containing a combination of nutrients. It has 15 mg of beta carotene, 500 mg of vitamin C, 400 IU of vitamin E, 80 mg of zinc, and 2 mg of cupric oxide. This supplement slashed the risk of the disease worsening by 25%. It also slowed the disease's progression in people with intermediate macular-degeneration in one or both eyes or with advanced macular-degeneration in only one eye.

For more information on this supplement contact the National Eye Institute at (301) 496-5248.

When you doctor puts his stethoscope on your chest and tells you to take a deep breath, it's all well and good as long as you do not suffer from lung disease. Beta carotene can help decrease your problem as easy as it takes to pile your plate high with colorful foods.

When you eat more beta carotene foods, the results are delivered to your lungs. In your lungs it helps prevent the oxidative damage that contributes to lung problems like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Natural body processes like breathing actually generate the free radical compounds that cause oxidation. In fact, smoking is even worse at any level especially if beta carotene and vitamin E are at low levels.

So, the bottom line is that it's never to late to eat better or increase your intake of beta carotene and antioxidants. It's always better to do it naturally than with synthetic supplements. Of course, the organic sulfur crystals with their oxygen releasing qualities remove heavy metals, toxins, and free radicals and restore the cells in the body to a healthier state.