Hashimotoitis and Depression
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Linda
Posted on: March 13, 2007

My son has hashimotoitis, he is taking 300 mg of synthroid, he takes it daily. About a year ago he started having symptoms of depression, he refuses to take anti-depressants, and has trouble with memory loss, and staying foccused. I read a lot about herbs, and am looking for something to help him, and help me and his father. He sees a endocrinologist, but he says one has nothing to do with the other. Sometimes he acts like he has ADD, some time mental depression. I bought Mangosteen, but he won’t drink it. Some times I can get him to drink herb teas. He is 30 years old, was married but his wife divorced him. She couldn’t take his mood swings. He is back living at home, and seems worse because of the divorce.

We tried outpatient counseling, but as he is 30, when he refuses we can’t make him go. Can you suggest a diet and herbs that I can cook into foods that would help him?

We have previously answered a question about Hashimoto’s Disease on the Q&A section of our website www.richters.com . Please see:

http://richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Medicinal/20020313-2.html.

Hashimoto’s is a forerunner of hypothyroidism, which can cause depression and fatigue. The endocrine problem should be addressed before looking at anti-depressants. If possible, try to find an endocrinologist who is open to treating the whole person. I suggest that you also look for a natural practitioner, such as a medical or clinical herbalist or a naturopathic doctor who has experience with endocrine disease. For information on associations of qualified natural practitioners, please see the item "Finding a Herbalist" on the Q&A section of our website:

http://richters.com/show.cgi?page=./QandA/Medicinal/19991027-1.html.

As well as following the advice given in the answers above, avoid the following vegetables, which can depress thyroid function: cabbage, spinach, Brussels sprouts, kale, cauliflower, soy beans, turnips, beans.

Oats, as in oatmeal porridge, helps to improve energy and mood. A good multivitamin and mineral supplement is helpful, and additional zinc and selenium are recommended for the thyroid gland. Cook with stinging nettles as a vegetable. Make soups and stews with astragalus root, ginseng, kelp and cayenne.

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