CBD Oil for Thyroid: Is Hemp a Good Treatment for Hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is an essential endocrine gland that is located at the base of the neck and wraps around the front of the trachea. It’s home to a variety of hormones that regulate functions throughout the body. A healthy thyroid gland ensures good metabolic, heart, bone, and muscle health.
The gland is also closely connected with the brain, helping it maintain internal homeostasis. The thyroid significantly influences processes like metabolism, heart rate, emotional responses, and body temperature.
Thyroid disorders can lead to an array of symptoms resulting from dysfunctions in the above processes.
Researchers have revealed some connections between the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) and thyroid/brain communication. The ECS might play a role in balancing hormones. If this theory is true, this would mean cannabis products such as CBD oil might be able to help with various types of thyroid disorders.
In today’s article, we focus on using CBD oil for thyroid health on top of highlighting the best brands and products in 2022.
CBD Oil for Thyroid Health: Best Brands & Products in 2022
1. Royal CBD (Editor’s Pick)
Product Details
| Potency | 250 mg – 2500 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Berry, Mint, Vanilla |
| CBD per serving | 8.3 mg – 83.3 mg |
Why Royal CBD is the Best CBD Oil for Thyroid Health:
Royal CBD is a California-based brand established by a group of friends and cannabis advocates. The company offers premium CBD products in different cannabinoid profiles and concentrations to choose from. Royal CBD collection includes full-spectrum CBD oil, softgel capsules, THC-free gummies, and broad-spectrum topicals.
If you’re looking for a high-quality product to support your thyroid health, this is one of the best brands on the market. These oils are available in four potency options, including 250 mg, 500 mg, 1000 mg, and 2500 mg of CBD per bottle. This is a great potency range for both beginners and experienced users alike. The strongest option provides 83.3 mg of CBD per milliliter.
Royal CBD uses organic hemp from Colorado to produce its CBD oils. The plants are gently extracted under low temperatures with pressurized CO2 to ensure the highest purity and consistent purity throughout every batch of products. The company sends samples of their CBD extracts to an independent laboratory for meticulous content analysis.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
2. Gold Bee (Best Value)
Product Details
| Potency | 300 – 1200 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Honey |
| CBD per serving | 8.3 mg – 33.3 mg |
About Gold Bee
Similar to Royal CBD, Gold Bee was founded in California, which is no wonder given the size of the cannabis market there and its domination throughout the country. Gold Bee offers some of the best-tasting CBD oils out there; the guys at Gold Bee infuse their hemp extract with a natural honey flavor, which masks the earthiness of full-spectrum CBD.
These oils are great if you’re just getting started with CBD or your daily dosage doesn’t exceed 40 mg daily. Another great thing about this company is the fact that the other ingredients in its CBD oil, such as the carrier oil, are also sourced organically.
Gold Bee also has softgel capsules, gummies, and honey sticks in its product lineup.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
3. CBDPure (Top Transparency)
| Potency | 100 – 1000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| CBD per serving | 3.3 – 33 mg/mL |
About CBDPure
CBDPure is also a good choice if you benefit from lower doses of CBD. This company sells two types of products: CBD oil and capsules. Both products are sourced from Colorado-grown hemp and gently extracted using supercritical CO2. These are full-spectrum extracts, so you’re getting all beneficial phytonutrients from hemp on top of CBD, including trace cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and essential oils.
The CBDPure CBD oil is available in four concentrations: 100 mg, 300 mg, 600 mg, and 1000 mg. The 1000 mg bottle is the latest addition to the brand’s collection. CBDPure is one of the most transparent brands in the industry. Not only does the company cover all details about its activity, but it also provides third-party lab reports for each batch of products to prove their potency and purity.
CBDPure offers a 90-day satisfaction guarantee program. If you decide the company’s products are not for you, you can send your order back for a full refund.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
4. Hemp Bombs (Best CBD Isolate)
Product Details:
| Potency | 125 – 4000 mg |
| Available Flavors | Natural, Acai Berry, Orange Creamsicle, Peppermint, Watermelon |
| CBD per serving | 4 – 133 mg/mL |
About Hemp Bombs
Hemp Bombs is one of the best companies if you’re looking for high-quality CBD oils made from isolates. These products are mostly designed for people who are interested only in the health benefits of CBD for thyroid health. Hemp Bombs CBD oils have no odor and flavor, which makes them more versatile than full-spectrum products. The company also sells broad-spectrum extracts, where all the cannabinoids except for THC have been preserved to provide the user with the entourage effect.
Hemp Bombs CBD oils are available in a wide range of concentrations, from 125 mg to a massive 4000 mg of CBD per bottle. You can also choose between 4 delicious flavors, such as Acai Berry, Orange Creamsicle, Peppermint, and Watermelon.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
5. CBDistillery (Most Affordable)
Product Details:
| Total CBD | 250 – 5000 mg |
| Available Flavors | None |
| Potency | 8.3 – 166 mg/mL |
About CBDistillery
The last brand in our ranking of the best CBD oils for thyroid health support, CBDistillery is one of the pioneer companies that helped establish the American CBD market as we know it today. The company was founded in 2016 as a daughter brand of Balanced Health Botanicals.
CBDistillery offers two types of CBD oil on top of other formats: full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD. The broad-spectrum version is labeled as “pure oil”; similar to Hemp Bombs, CBDistillery has removed the THC from the full-spectrum extract for those who are apprehensive about taking any THC into their bodies.
If you’re looking for a wide range of potency options, you’re going to have a great time browsing through CBDistillery’s CBD oil. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced consumer, the company has got you covered from 250 mg to 5000 mg of CBD per bottle. Although the high-potency oils have a higher price tag on the bottle, they turn out more affordable when you calculate the cost per mg of CBD oil.
CBDistillery offers some of the most affordable products in the industry, so if you don’t mind the fact their hemp isn’t organic, you can trust them as your next supplier — especially if you’re on a low budget.
| Pros | Cons |
|
|
CBD and Thyroid Health
Although the research on CBD and thyroid health is limited, current findings suggest that CBD may be beneficial for dealing with thyroid disorders.
According to a 2015 study published in BioMed Research, CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors interfere with molecular pathways and influence the formation of thyroid tumors. Therefore, these receptors could be considered as potential blockers of tumor spread.
We still don’t know how exactly CBD’s affinity to cannabinoid receptors may affect conditions like Hashimoto’s Disease or Graves’ Disease, the presence of these receptors and their influence on thyroid health and function points to CBD as a possible therapeutic agent.
Other research also suggests that CBD and other cannabinoids may come in handy for managing symptoms associated with thyroid disorders, such as anxiety, depression, dry skin, inflammation, and pain.
In a study from the Journal of Experimental Medicine, the administration of CBD and its modified equivalents inhibited chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain in rodents.
Scientists suggest that CBD taken orally and sublingually provides better effects for the symptoms triggered inside our bodies — especially when it comes to stress and depression — while topical products work better for localized problems.
Different Types of Thyroid Disorders
The thyroid is prone to suffer from deficiencies in nutrients such as zinc, iodine, and selenium, as well as specific environmental factors, which can cause underperformance.
Also, the immune system can be aggressive towards the thyroid gland, leading to autoimmune thyroid disorders, such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Disease.
Problems with the thyroid gland may include:
- Small lumps on the thyroid that may lead overproduction of hormones
- Hypothyroidism, which means low levels of thyroid hormone release
- Hyperthyroidism, which occurs when there are too many thyroid hormones
- Swelling of the thyroid known as goiter
- Thyroid storm, which is a rare case of hyperthyroidism
- Thyroid cancer
When there’s too much or too little of the thyroid hormone, the results may wreak havoc to your well-being over time.
Thyroid disorders are particularly difficult because it’s challenging to detect and diagnose a specific disorder. Thyroid conditions can cause several problems related to physical functions.
However, doctors use special tests to check for thyroid imbalances. These tests include biopsies and imaging scans, such as iodine or ultrasound screenings. Blood tests that analyze levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can also determine thyroid imbalances.
The THS measures the amount of thyroxine (T4) that the thyroid should produce.
Below we discuss the two major thyroid disorders: Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Disease.
Graves’ Disease (Hyperthyroidism)
Graves’ disease received its name after Dr. Robert j. Graves, who first diagnosed a patient with this condition in 1835.
Graves’ disease is a type of autoimmune thyroid disorder that leads to hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormones. Graves’ disease is usually the main trigger of hyperthyroidism.
If you suffer from this thyroid disorder, you may experience irritability or nervousness, trembling hands, trouble sleeping, fast and irregular heartbeat, goiter, muscle weakness and tiredness, and weight loss.
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (Hyperthyroidism)
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is known by another name — chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis. This disease is the root of hypothyroid symptoms. Most patients are women after their 40s, although the disease can affect any person regardless of their age.
This autoimmune thyroid condition, which was first diagnosed by Japanese physician Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912, signals the immune system to attack and compromise thyroid function, slowing down its hormone production.
At first, the symptoms are mild and nearly unrecognizable. These symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, muscle aches, stiffness, dry skin, intolerance to cold temperatures, stiffness, tenderness, and irregular menstrual cycles (in women).
Doctors usually prescribe Levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism.it’s a thyroid hormone used along with radioactive iodine and surgery to treat thyroid cancer. Levothyroxine is used to replace thyroid hormones usually released by the thyroid gland.
Without these hormones, the body cannot perform as usual, which may cause slow speech, lack of energy, muscle, and joint pain, irritation, depression, problems with vision, and slow growth.
A correct treatment with levothyroxine should reverse these symptoms and eventually solve problems with an underactive thyroid.
Can You Naturally Heal Your Thyroid?
Most people who have thyroid dysfunction such as Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease need to find an underlying autoimmune issue and tackle it. Just taking prescription meds for your disease will simply mask the symptoms.
The easiest thing you can do is embrace natural thyroid treatment and add it to your medication. This begins with adding to and cutting out the diet in the following ways.
Add these products to your diet:
- Foods that are high in Vitamin A, such as eggs or carrots.
- Seafood, including kelp, nori, arame, and dulce that contain high concentrations of iodine.
- Foods that are rich in zinc such as beef, chicken, spinach, or nuts.
On top of that, you should take care of sufficient protein intake to improve low thyroid function. Proteins may come from organic meat as well as from nuts, nut butter, quinoa, or eggs.
Last but not least, remember to eat more healthy fats. Lack of fats can deteriorate hormonal imbalance, including thyroid hormones. You should add products like ghee, avocado, olive oil, flax seeds, fish, nuts, nut butter, as well as organic diary-like yogurt and cottage cheese. Coconut milk is a good option to consider, too.
Cut out the following products from your diet:
- Hydrogenated fats
- Refined foods
- Sugar
- White flour (Gluten is a big no-no)
- Certain vegetables and fruits (e.g. cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, peaches, and pears)
- Caffeine
How CBD Oil Could Support Thyroid Health
The endocrine system consists of a series of glands in the body that release and secrete hormones for different purposes.
These hormones influence many different physiological processes, including metabolism, fertility, growth, movement, respiration, and sensory perception.
A study conducted by the Polish Society of Endocrinology in 2018 points to potential interrelations between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the performance of the endocrine system.
The ECS, the major communication and regulatory network, is responsible to maintain a balance between biological processes to help the body maintain overall well-being. This includes controlling thyroid function.
To get a better understanding of how CBD may support thyroid health, it’s paramount to understand how the ECS functions.
The therapeutic effects of CBD and other cannabinoids are manifested through their interaction with the body’s ECS and its two types of receptors — CB1 and CB2.
Scientists have discovered functional CB1 receptors on the thyroid of animal models. These CB1 receptors modulate the release of two thyroid hormones — T3 and T4.
Each of these hormones plays a vital role in regulating energy levels, body temperature, body weight, as well as the growth of skin, hair, and nails.
Cannabinoid receptors also occur within the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), which is an area of the brain that communicates with the pituitary gland and signals it to release different types of stimulating hormones to organs like the thyroid, gonads, and adrenal glands.
CBD indirectly regulates these receptors and acts against cannabinoid agonists, which are substances that bind to a receptor to produce their effects.
CBD also has over 65 molecular targets in the body. One of them is the 5-HT1A receptor, which is responsible for serotonin balance. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of relaxation, happiness, and well-being.
The above interactions hold the explanations of the potential healing mechanisms of cannabinoids on the endocrine system.
The Pros & Cons of CBD Oil for Thyroid Health
The Pros
- Studies presented in this article confirm CBD’s health benefits in helping reduce symptoms of thyroid disorders, such as pain, dry skin, inflammation, anxiety, and depression.
- CBD can’t cause an addiction. It is as addictive as a placebo, according to Nora Volkow, director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). This trait makes CBD safe for daily use.
- CBD is well tolerated by humans even in doses as high as 1500 mg daily, as stated in the critical review of CBD by the World Health Organization (WHO)
- CBD oil is available without prescription in places where hemp is legal.
The Cons
- Research is too limited to draw definitive conclusions on the efficacy of CBD oil as a treatment for conditions other than the ones approved by the FDA.
- Possible side effects of using CBD include dry mouth, drowsiness, diarrhea, fatigue, and changes in appetite.
- CBD is a natural inhibitor of the cytochrome P450 system, which is a network of enzymes responsible for metabolizing active compounds in drugs. This may result in potentially dangerous interactions. If you want to avoid them, we recommend that you consult with your doctor about adding CBD into your diet.
- According to Dr. Doris Trauner, professor of neurosciences and pediatrics at the University of California San Diego School of Medicine, CBD products sold locally (and some marketed online) are mostly unregulated and thus may be mislabeled or contain dangerous additives.
CBD Oil vs Alternative Treatments for Thyroid Disorders
American Thyroid Association (ATA) reports that people with thyroid disorders choose complementary and alternative medicine for the management of the side effects coming from medication and conventional treatments, such as fatigue, dry mouth, weight gain, and mental fog.
Forming lifestyle habits that help you manage stress, bolster immunity, and prevent inflammation may help improve thyroid health. For example, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) recommends physical activities like exercise to help with sleep problems, which translates to stress reduction. The ATA, on the other hand, suggests yoga, massage, and Pilates reduce stress.
Improving overall immunity should help you fight environmental toxins. Maintaining a healthy diet is the key to avoiding infection. Proper hygiene habits and cooking meats thoroughly also helps build up immunity.
People with thyroid disorders often add anti-inflammatory foods like berries, fatty fish, turmeric, olive oil, or avocados to their diet. Many of the causes of thyroid disease are associated with prolonged inflammation and auto aggression
Using CBD oil may complement the lifestyle and nutrition adjustments, as it has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and inflammation, as suggested in a 2019 research paper.
For example, a 2017 study published in Frontiers in Immunology showed that phytocannabinoids strengthen the immune functions of the body. Data from 2018 shows that CBD demonstrates anti-inflammatory properties.
How to Choose the Right CBD Oil for Thyroid Health
The aforementioned studies indicate that CBD is one of the many cannabinoids found in cannabis that can improve thyroid health and help with thyroid disorders. Therefore, when searching for CBD oil, opt for products that contain the full spectrum of cannabinoids.
Full-spectrum CBD means that the product has been made using the entire hemp plant. As such, it contains all phytonutrients from hemp, including CBD, trace cannabinoids (0.3% THC), terpenes, flavonoids, essential oils, and amino acids. These compounds create synergistic effects that amplify the benefits of each cannabinoid and the therapeutic value of the product.
This concept is better known as “the entourage effect.”
Those who don’t want to take any THC for different reasons may opt for a broad-spectrum product, which contains all of the above except for THC, which has been removed after initial extraction.
However, no matter the type of CBD you choose, we’d like to stress the importance of research and careful consideration in selecting the best CBD oil to help with thyroid health.
Follow these steps to save time and money on CBD oil:
- Make sure that CBD oil is legal where you live.
- Purchase only high-quality CBD oil from reputable brands. Most companies that manufacture premium CBD products grow their hemp on local farms, or they purchase from licensed producers who must abide by strict farming regulations.
- Check for product reviews before you buy it. You can also reach out to other customers on social media or forums.
- Look for CBD products with certification codes. Several agencies are allowed to provide certifications to certain products after the meticulous screening.
- Read the third-party lab reports to compare company claims about its products’ potency. Certificates of analysis should be made available on the company’s website or, at least, on request.
- Consult with a trusted doctor who has knowledge about cannabis to establish the right supplementation strategy and avoid potential interactions with medications.
CBD Dosage: How Much CBD Oil Should I Take to Support Thyroid Health
If you’re looking for a recommended CBD dosage for specific thyroid disorders or any other diseases, you may end up feeling disappointed.
As Peter Grinspoon, MD, says in his article written in Harvard Health in August 2019, experts don’t know the most effective therapeutic dose of CBD for any ailment.
Without high-quality human trials, it’s impossible to determine effective doses. Moreover, Grinspoon says it’s actually difficult to know what the consumers are getting.
It’s generally best to start at low doses, preferably 1-6 mg of CBD for every 10 pounds of your body weight. Grinspoon’s advice for those shopping for CBD products is to talk with a knowledgeable doctor who will be able to point you in the right direction when it comes to dosing CBD oil as well as to avoid negative interactions with other medications you might be taking.
In a 2017 study, researchers concluded that chronic CBD use in large doses of up to 1500 mg a day had been repeatedly demonstrated to be well tolerated by humans.
How to Take CBD Oil for Thyroid Disorders
CBD is available in many various forms when it comes to managing symptoms commonly linked to thyroid disorders, such as anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation, and dry skin.
The route of administration a person chooses for taking CBD depends on their CBD goals and lifestyle.
CBD oil, capsules, and edibles such as gummies, are a convenient and easy way to take CBD oil, especially for first-time users.
These products are easy to incorporate into a routine, and you can keep the dosage consistent. Depending on your individual metabolism, the effects can last between 4 and 12 hours, so most of the time, you’ll need 1-2 doses during the day.
CBD oil drops are more efficient than capsules and edibles because they take less time to act and more CBD enters the bloodstream upon ingestion. This effect is caused by sublingual absorption; when you take CBD oil under the tongue, it absorbs through a complex network of blood vessels in your mouth, avoiding the first-pass effect in the liver.
The sublingual application brings results within 15–30 minutes after its use, and the effects can last for 4–6 hours.
Peak blood levels of most substances administered sublingually are noticed within 10–15 minutes, which is faster than those same compounds taken orally.
For localized problems, such as inflammatory pain, dryness, and other skin problems, topicals like CBD creams, gels, and patches may be applied to an affected area on the skin to relieve the discomfort. When shopping for topicals, make sure to look for keywords on the product labels that tell if the product uses encapsulation, micellization, or nanotechnology of CBD. These terms indicate that the product can pass through the dermal layers rather than just remaining on the skin’s surface.
Vaping CBD is the most bioavailable method for some people, delivering up to 56% of the inhaled content to a person’s bloodstream. However, vaping raises concerns about potential health problems caused by additives that are infused into CBD oil to make it vapable.
Conclusion: Should You Take CBD Oil for Thyroid Health?
The wide range of health benefits provided by CBD due to its interaction with the endocannabinoid system makes it a viable option for individuals seeking alternative options for treating symptoms of various conditions, including thyroid issues.
A properly assessed dose of thyroid hormone is critical in treating underactive or overactive thyroid. From there, individuals should also take care of their nutrition and introduce healthy changes to their lifestyles. CBD oil may also help regulate certain symptoms and assist the body in regulating its internal processes. However, using CBD for thyroid disorders still calls for more research.
If you think CBD oil could help you manage the symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, we advise you to consult with a doctor who will be knowledgeable about cannabis treatments. Using professional help will make it easier to determine your optimal CBD dosage and avoid interactions with thyroid medication if you’re already taking one.
Follow our recommendations for the best CBD oils for thyroid health, or do your own research according to our guide. Good luck!
