Ashwagandha and Thyroid Health: What Should You Know?

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are answers to some of the more common questions you might have about the links between ashwagandha and thyroid health. 

Ashwagandha and Hyperthyroidism: What’s the Relationship?

While ashwagandha might increase your thyroid hormone levels, making it a potentially good supplement for someone with hypothyroidism, if you have hyperthyroidism, you should be careful. Taking an ashwagandha supplement if you have hyperthyroidism can cause thyrotoxicosis. This is when there’s too much thyroid hormone in your body.

How Much Ashwagandha Affects the Thyroid?

If you have hypothyroidism and want to take ashwagandha, research has found that 600 mg a day can improve thyroid levels significantly compared to a placebo. A study of people taking ashwagandha for eight weeks showed significant increases in T3 and T4 levels with the 600 mg dose. TSH levels went down by almost 18% in the ashwagandha group.

If you want to avoid ashwagandha effects on your thyroid in instances of hyperthyroidism, you should probably avoid the supplement altogether. Otherwise, even small doses of ashwagandha could potentially worsen hyperthyroidism. The 600 mg cited in the study above isn’t a huge dose, and it still had major effects on the thyroid.

Can you Take Ashwagandha with Thyroid Medicine?

Because ashwagandha can stimulate the thyroid, you shouldn’t take it with any medications to treat related conditions. For example, you should avoid it if you take medicine for hypothyroidism because it could cause negative interactions. The most common type of thyroid medicine is levothyroxine, and based on preliminary evidence, since it can increase thyroid hormone levels, you should be very careful when combining it with ashwagandha.

Who Cannot Take Ashwagandha?

While ashwagandha is considered a safe supplement for most people, avoid it if you have hyperthyroidism or other thyroid disorders unless you speak to your healthcare provider. It’s also advised that you avoid ashwagandha if you have autoimmune diseases, are about to have surgery, or are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Can Ashwagandha Help You Lose Weight?

Ashwagandha may help with weight loss for a few different reasons. One is that it can improve your thyroid hormone levels if you have hypothyroidism, aiding weight loss.

Ashwagandha can also help you lose weight by lowering cortisol—cortisol is especially linked to belly fat.

Since ashwagandha can improve your sleep, it can help your metabolism and give you more energy during the day to exercise and be physically active, helping with weight loss.

Ashwagandha can also help with weight loss because it promotes hormone balance. For example, along with cortisol, the stress hormone, it can also help with levels of DHEA and encourage weight loss.

What Can Happen If You Take Too Much Ashwagandha?

Most people don’t experience negative side effects when using ashwagandha, but you do want to be careful not to take too much. In addition to harming your thyroid hormone levels, large doses of the supplement can lead to vomiting, upset stomach, or diarrhea. In rare, severe instances with massive amounts of ashwagandha, liver damage can occur.

How Long Does It Take for Ashwagandha to Balance Hormones?

There’s not a definitive amount of time that everyone will see the same results with ashwagandha, but most studies look at the supplement’s use for at least eight weeks.

Can Someone with Hashimoto’s Take Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha may help modulate the immune system, which can be a concern for individuals with autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s. While some people find that ashwagandha helps balance immune responses, others might experience worsening autoimmune symptoms.

Ashwagandha has been reported to have both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on the thyroid gland. It can potentially increase T4 (thyroxine) production, which might benefit some people with hypothyroidism. However, for those with Hashimoto’s, the autoimmune component of the condition can result in fluctuating thyroid hormone levels, and taking ashwagandha may affect this balance.

Does Ashwagandha Get Rid of Belly Fat?

While it may help with overall stress management and contribute to a healthier lifestyle, there is limited scientific evidence to suggest that ashwagandha can directly target or “get rid of” belly fat.

Here’s how ashwagandha’s mechanisms may relate to weight management:

• Stress Reduction: Chronic stress contributes to weight gain, particularly around the abdominal area. Ashwagandha is known for its stress-reducing properties, and by helping to manage stress, it may indirectly support weight management efforts.
• Cortisol Regulation: Elevated cortisol levels, often associated with persistent stress, can lead to weight gain, especially in the abdominal region. Some studies have suggested that ashwagandha may help regulate cortisol levels, which could positively impact weight.
• Appetite and Cravings: Ashwagandha may help modulate appetite and reduce cravings, potentially aiding in better dietary choices and calorie control.

What Supplements Should Someone With Hashimoto’s Not Take?

Suppose you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid condition. In that case, there are some supplements and dietary considerations that you should be cautious about or avoid, as they may potentially interfere with your thyroid function or autoimmune response. Here are some supplements and dietary components to be careful about:

• Iodine Supplements: Excessive iodine intake can exacerbate thyroid problems in individuals with Hashimoto’s. Avoid high-dose iodine supplements and be mindful of your iodine consumption from dietary sources.
• Selenium: Selenium is a trace mineral. Some studies suggest that selenium supplements can benefit individuals with Hashimoto’s by reducing inflammation and improving thyroid function. However, it’s crucial to take selenium under the guidance of a healthcare provider, as too much selenium can be harmful.
• Iron and Calcium: Certain mineral supplements, such as iron and calcium, can negatively interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication (levothyroxine or similar medicines). If you’re taking thyroid medication, consult with your healthcare provider on the timing and dose of these supplements to avoid potential interactions.
• Goitrogenic Foods: Goitrogens are compounds in foods that can interfere with thyroid function. While cooking often neutralizes their effects, it’s a good idea to moderate your consumption of goitrogenic foods if you have Hashimoto’s. Common goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), soy products, and some fruits and seeds.
• Supplements with Undisclosed Ingredients: Be cautious about supplements that claim to support thyroid health but do not disclose their ingredients or sources. Unregulated or poorly regulated supplements can be unreliable and potentially harmful.
• Excessive Adaptogens: While adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and Rhodiola can be beneficial for managing stress, excessive use of certain adaptogens may affect thyroid function.
• Food Sensitivity Testing: Some alternative health practitioners recommend extensive food sensitivity testing and strict dietary restrictions for individuals with autoimmune conditions, including Hashimoto’s. However, the clinical evidence supporting the efficacy of these approaches is limited, and they can be overly restrictive. Consult a healthcare provider before making extensive dietary changes based solely on food sensitivity testing.

How is Hashimoto’s Different From Hyperthyroidism?

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hyperthyroidism are two distinct disorders affecting the function of the thyroid gland, but they have opposite effects. Here’s how they differ:

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

• Type of Disorder: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune thyroid disorder characterized by chronic thyroid gland inflammation.
• Effect on Thyroid Function: It typically results in an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
• Cause: Hashimoto’s is caused by an autoimmune response where the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. This immune response damages the thyroid, reducing its ability to produce hormones.
• Symptoms: Hashimoto’s thyroiditis includes fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, and depression, among others.

Hyperthyroidism:

• Type of Disorder: Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces an excess of thyroid hormones.
• Effect on Thyroid Function: It leads to an overactive thyroid, where the gland produces too many hormones.
• Cause: Hyperthyroidism can be caused by various factors, including autoimmune conditions like Graves’ disease, thyroid nodules, inflammation of the thyroid, or taking excessive amounts of thyroid hormone medication.
• Symptoms: Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include weight loss, rapid heartbeat, anxiety, heat intolerance, sweating, and tremors, among others.

In summary, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is characterized by an underactive thyroid due to autoimmune destruction of the thyroid tissue, leading to hypothyroidism. In contrast, hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid gland producing excessive thyroid hormones. While Hashimoto’s primarily involves the immune system attacking the thyroid, hyperthyroidism can have multiple causes, including autoimmune conditions like Graves’ disease.

What Supplements Are Good For Hashimoto’s?

Individuals with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune thyroid disorder, can consider various supplements to support their health and manage their condition.

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D is required for overall health and immune function. Many individuals with Hashimoto’s have low vitamin D levels. Checking your vitamin D levels and supplementing if you’re deficient is recommended.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Omega-3s have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce inflammation associated with autoimmune disorders. Fish oil or algal oil supplements can provide these essential fatty acids.
• L-Glutamine: L-Glutamine supports gut health. Since there’s a connection between gut health and autoimmune conditions, some individuals with Hashimoto’s find L-glutamine supplements helpful.
• Probiotics: A balanced gut microbiome is crucial for overall health, including immune health. Probiotics can support gut balance. Look for probiotics that contain various strains of beneficial bacteria.
• Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10): CoQ10 can help protect cells and support energy production. It may be beneficial for individuals with Hashimoto’s who experience fatigue.
• Fermented Foods: While not a supplement, incorporating fermented foods like kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi into your diet can promote gut health.
• Iron and Ferritin: Low iron levels can contribute to fatigue and are common in people with thyroid disorders. If your iron or ferritin levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend iron supplementation.
• Zinc: Zinc is involved in thyroid hormone production and immune function. Some individuals with Hashimoto’s have lower zinc levels.

What Medicines Does Ashwagandha Interfere With?

Ashwagandha is not known to interact with most medications significantly. However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

1. Thyroid Medications: Ashwagandha can potentially interact with medications used to treat thyroid conditions. It might increase thyroid hormone levels, which can be problematic for individuals taking thyroid replacement hormones like levothyroxine. If you’re on thyroid medication, consult your healthcare provider before adding ashwagandha.
2. Benzodiazepines: Ashwagandha has mild sedative effects, and when combined with benzodiazepines (e.g., diazepam, lorazepam), it could potentially increase drowsiness. It’s generally safe but should be used with caution and monitored.
3. Immunosuppressant Medications: Ashwagandha is believed to have immunomodulatory effects. If you’re taking medications that suppress the immune system (e.g., corticosteroids or immunosuppressants), using ashwagandha could theoretically counteract the effects of these drugs. Consult your healthcare provider before using ashwagandha.
4. Blood Sugar-Lowering Medications: Ashwagandha may mildly affect blood sugar levels. If you’re taking medications for diabetes, monitor your blood sugar closely and work with your healthcare provider to adjust your medicines as needed.
5. Blood Pressure Medications: Some studies suggest ashwagandha may have a mild hypotensive effect (lowering blood pressure). If you’re on blood pressure medications, use ashwagandha cautiously and monitor your blood pressure regularly.