Introduction

Navigating thyroid disease can sometimes feel like a circus act trying to juggle flaming swords while riding a unicycle. At least for me, this is how it’s felt for me over the last few years. However I have managed to stick to a gym routine through all the thyroid tantrums. Even if your thyroid is acting like your 3 year old child, there are tips and tricks to help control it. I have dug through the research to find the right Supplements for Hyperthyroid and hypothyroid. If you want to read more about my journey in dealing with this thyroid journey, click here.

Some of the obstacles to overcome have been muscle pain, joint pain, muscle weakness, weight loss, weight gain and motivation. If this sounds familiar I have put together a supplement arsenal that rivals giving Calpol to my tantruming 3 year old.

The 5 essential Supplements for Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid

1. L-Carnitine

Is simply one of the must have Supplements for Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid, it has been shown to manage hyperthyroid chaos by reducing hyperthyroid symptoms and lower thyroid activity, Source. This supplement does wonders for muscles and has been shown to alleviate muscle injury and reduce markers of cell damage. It can prevent age associated muscle protein degradation and enhances blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles tissue, Source

This supplement works wonders for muscles and has been shown to alleviate muscle injury and reduce markers of cell damage. It can prevent age associated muscle protein degradation and enhances blood flow and oxygen supply to muscles tissue, Source

Now there are a few different types of L Carnitine and picking the right one is like choosing ice cream flavors, they all taste great. Acetyl l carnitine crosses the blood brain barrier more easily and is associated with brain function benefits such as improved memory, learning and treating symptoms of depression. L-Tartrate for its potential weight loss and treating stomach problems. And Propionyl for a healthy heart, muscles and athletic performance.

Since I have been using L-Carnitine I have been feeling better in my workouts and have experienced less pain in my muscles and joints. I have been using this daily taking 500mg in the morning and 500mg post workout.

2. L-Glutamine

This is another must for anyone with hyperthyroid and concerns for muscle loss. Study’s show that L-Glutamine helps muscle preservation in hyperthyroid muscles, Source.

I have experienced a lot of muscle problems when dealing with hyperthyroidism but L-Glutamine can help recover and prevent these. Studies show that it aids in muscle recovery, speeds up healing and improves the immune system, Source.

This has become one of my favorite supplements not only does it help muscle recovery and injuries but it has been shown to increase Human Growth Hormone (HGH). I take 5g every day before bed as studies suggest that this is the best time to get the HGH benefits, Source.

3. Electrolytes

The unsung heroes of hydration. Your thyroid might be turning up the heat, creating an electrolyte imbalance but stay armed with an electrolyte supplement. Your thyroid regulates most things in your body, including sodium and potassium pumps This study found that people with hypothyroidism had decreased electrolyte imbalances in sodium, potassium and chloride levels, Source.

Electrolytes have became a daily routine for me. As most people are dehydrated when waking up I take one serving first thing in the morning, giving me the boost to get to the gym.

4. Protein / weight gainer

A balanced diet is always key, and getting enough protein is crucial for retaining muscle, for more information on this, see this post. For those struggling with calorie intake calories a mass gainer can help you get 500+ calories per serving. Alternatively you could try blending oats and a nut butter with your whey protein. 

5. Caffeine

The elixir of gym enthusiasts and early morning warriors. Cutting down caffeine intake will make that pre workout caffeine hit all the better. Try switching coffee for decaf and just having that one caffeine hit for a pre workout. This will make the intake more focused, a spotlight on your motivation and energy. One tribble espresso and you will be ready to take on the gym.

Conclusion

While thyroid disease might be the party crasher you never invited, with these Supplements for Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid you can keep the party going strong. L-carnitine and L-Glutamine should be your trusty sidekicks. The science based data cannot be dined showing the benefits for thyroid disease and muscle retention. Stay hydrated with electrolytes to prevent a massive lack in performance and caffeine and protein will help turn  thyroid turmoil into a successful fitness quest. So keep hydrated, keep caffeinated and keep lifting.