Spice Up Your Thyroid Health With Turmeric

Dr. Donna Sergi, Licensed Nutrition Response Practitioner • October 22, 2024

"The content below is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition."

We all know turmeric can add a yummy kick to curries, stir-fries, and even lattes. But did you know that turmeric also has multiple health benefits, including thyroid health benefits?



Read on to learn more about this fascinating root and how it can help improve your thyroid, hormone health, and overall well-being. 

Table of Contents

What Is Turmeric?

Turmeric is a spice that comes from a root and is often found in East Asian dishes. Turmeric gives curry its distinctive yellow color and is used to color other food items like mustard and cheese. 


But turmeric is much more than just a flavor enhancer. This nifty little root has lots of medicinal properties. Turmeric has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine to treat different ailments for centuries. 


Modern Western medicine has just begun to study the health properties of turmeric. This includes the use of turmeric to manage and treat thyroid disorders, such as:


  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Grave’s disease
  • Hashimoto’s disease
  • And more 


The health benefits of turmeric come from curcumin, the active substance naturally occurring in turmeric root. This polyphenol compound has undergone lots of studies to determine its possible health properties. 


Studies are still being done, but evidence suggests that turmeric and curcumin have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as a slew of other health benefits useful in treating thyroid disorders. 


Many people associate nutrition plans with weight loss. Nutrition consultation can indeed be used to help patients lose weight, but a nutrition plan from a holistic medical practitioner is so much more. 



Medical testing and nutrition mapping with a holistic doctor can help manage a wide range of diseases and is a great choice for natural treatment for hypothyroidism

is tumeric good for the thyroid

Can Turmeric Be Used for Thyroid Problems?

Yes! While studies are still being conducted on the effectiveness, there is evidence that turmeric’s anti-inflammatory properties can be used to treat thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism. It has also been shown to reduce goiter development. 



Want to learn more about how holistic medicine can help your thyroid problems? Curious about nutrition plans to boost overall health and treat conditions? Consider a nutritional consultation from HealthierU in Brooklyn, NY. 

is tumeric good for the thyroid

Understanding Turmeric’s Role in Thyroid Health: 10 Benefits of Turmeric and Curcumin

The thyroid is responsible for hormone regulation. Hormones help our body manage day-to-day activities and an imbalance of hormones can impact sleep, mood, metabolism, hair growth, nail growth, and more. That’s what makes thyroid disorders so hard to live with — thyroid disorders tend to have many obscure symptoms that can wear you down. 



Turmeric may be able to help, thanks to the active compound curcumin. Here are just a few of the ways that turmeric can help improve symptoms of thyroid disease: 

is tumeric good for thyroid

#1: Decreased Inflammation

Thyroiditis is the chronic inflammation of the thyroid, which can contribute to hypothyroidism, Hasimoto’s disease, and several other thyroid disorders. Turmeric, or more accurately its active compound curcumin, has been shown to decrease inflammation in the body, including the thyroid gland. 



Chronic inflammation in any part of the body can have devastating long and short-term effects. Reducing inflammation is key to achieving better health, and turmeric can help with that, especially when paired with other micronutrients like selenium

#2: May Prevent or Reduce Goiters

A goiter is a growth of the thyroid gland. They can range from small to very noticeable and are associated with several health conditions. Worldwide, goiters most often occur in people who don’t get enough iodine, but this is not a problem in the USA where iodized salt is common. 



In the USA, the cause of goiters is more likely to be some kind of thyroid condition. In that case, studies have shown that turmeric reduces goiters and helps prevent them from forming.

#3: Enhanced Sleep

Many people with thyroid disease experience problems sleeping. Both insomnia and chronic fatigue are symptoms of thyroid disease. This is due to a malfunctioning thyroid causing dysregulation of the hormones needed to sleep, such as melatonin. 


These problems are distressing. Life is hard enough without being exhausted all the time, and sleep disruption has negative impacts on mental and physical health.



Turmeric use may improve sleep. The reasons for this are still being studied, but it is suggested that turmeric interacts with the histamine receptors in the brain that are responsible for sleep. The anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin might also affect an inflamed thyroid, allowing it to better release the hormones needed for a good night's sleep. 

#4: Improved Mood Regulation

Is turmeric good for the thyroid? Studies say that yes, turmeric can help with some symptoms of thyroid disease, including mood regulation. 


People who suffer from thyroid disease often struggle with psychological problems and mood disorders, like depression. This is due to the dysregulation of hormones caused by a malfunctioning thyroid. 



Dopamine is one of the naturally occurring hormones in the body associated with improved mood. Curcumin can actually stimulate the release of dopamine in the brain by interacting with dopamine reactors to improve uptake, leading to a more stable mood over time. 

#5: Brain-Boosting Properties

Brain fog and other neurological manifestations are common in thyroid disease patients. These symptoms make life difficult and sometimes scary, as thyroid-induced brain fog can imitate early dementia for some people. However, unlike dementia, thyroid-induced neurological symptoms can be lessened with thyroid treatment. 


For those experiencing thyroid-related brain fog, forgetfulness, and other aggravating symptoms, some research shows that turmeric can help you get relief. 



Turmeric stimulates the brain, promoting the growth of new brain cells and cell longevity. In some studies this helped improve the neurological manifestations of thyroid disease, allowing patients to think clearly again. 

#6: Lowered Risk of Heart Disease

Did you know that hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders are associated with an increased risk of heart disease? Thyroid function directly impacts heart health and blood vessel stability. If the thyroid is poorly functioning, it can increase levels of bad cholesterol and the risk of heart attack. 


Turmeric is a natural blood thinner, and some research shows that turmeric derivatives can help reduce inflammation in blood vessels, improving blood flow. Other studies say that turmeric can lower “bad” cholesterol aka LDL cholesterol. If you want to improve your heart health, add turmeric to the list! 

#7: Anti-Cancerous Properties

The exact cause of cancer is still unknown, but medical science learns more about it every day. Some studies have shown that turmeric derivatives can damage cancerous cells, and may even contribute to a reduced risk of thyroid cancer



While more studies are needed for turmeric’s impact on cancer cells, there is no doubt that turmeric can fight cancer by being a powerful antioxidant. More on that later!

#8: Improved Metabolism

Metabolism is the internal clock that keeps your body operating the way it should. Thyroid disorders are notorious for damaging metabolism, causing unintended weight gain, and making weight loss very difficult. 



A review of 21 studies found that 1,600 people linked curcumin intake to reduced weight and BMI. Curcumin is also associated with increased levels of adiponectin, a hormone that can help regulate metabolism. 

#9: Elimination of Free Radicals

Turmeric is a powerful antioxidant, which means it combats free radicals. Free radicals are oxidative damage that is associated with many diseases and negative signs of aging. 


Studies show that curcumin can neutralize free radicals. This is good for anyone, but especially useful for people suffering from thyroid disorders because thyroid malfunction is associated with increased oxidative stress in the body. 



Want to learn more about antioxidants and the healing power of nutrition? Reach out to HealthierU to request a nutrition consultation today. 

is tumeric good for the thyroid

#10: Boosts Immune Response

Studies suggest that thyroid disease can inhibit proper immune system functioning, causing patients to get sick more often and for longer periods.



Turmeric may be able to help combat this side effect of thyroid disease. Research shows that turmeric can help improve immune system function by increasing the production of T cells and macrophages, which work to locate and kill invading viruses in the body. 

How To Take Curcumin and Turmeric for Your Thyroid Health

Now that you know turmeric is good for thyroid health, how do you take turmeric to get the most benefits? 


The curcumin in turmeric is not well absorbed through the digestive tract on its own. To be most effective, curcumin should be paired with black pepper. This is due to piperine, a compound found in black pepper that makes curcumin easier for the body to ingest. 


Luckily, turmeric and black pepper are often paired together. Look for ways to get these two spices into your diet, such as:


  • Teas
  • Curries 
  • Supplements 
  • Etc. 



Want to learn more about nutrition to heal your thyroid? Consider reaching out to a holistic doctor such as Dr. Sergi at HealthierU in Brooklyn for a nutritional consultation.

is tumeric good for thyroid health

What are the Side Effects of Too Much Tumeric?

It is possible to overdo a good thing! Incorporating turmeric for your thyroid health is great, but don’t go overboard. If you eat too much turmeric, you could experience stomach pain, dizziness, acid reflux, and nausea. Some people have even turned yellow from liver failure associated with eating too much turmeric. 


Turmeric supplements should be avoided by:


  • People taking certain medications, like chemotherapy, antidepressants, and more
  • People with blood clotting disorders because turmeric is a natural blood thinner
  • Diabetics, as turmeric can lower blood sugar
  • Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding



If you want to learn how to properly dose turmeric, consider getting a nutrition consultation from  HealthierU in Brooklyn. 

Season Up Your Thyroid Health With the Help of Turmeric and HealthierU

Thyroid disease is difficult to live with and many people find that traditional medicine is not enough to manage their symptoms. Turmeric is good for thyroid health, but only if you know how to use it correctly. 


If your thyroid disorder is negatively impacting your life, consider getting a nutritional consultation from the holistic healthcare practitioner Dr. Sergi in Brooklyn, NY. Not only will HealthierU be able to do testing to discover your exact needs, but we can also design a diet and supplement regime tailored to your body. 



Want to learn more? Check out our website and book a consultation today! 

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