Probiotics are supplements that contain live bacteria - the "good" bacteria found in fermented foods such as miso and dairy products such as yogurt and some cheeses - that we are meant to have in sufficient quantities in our intestinal system. The first is a high-power multivitamin, and the second adds green foods, herbs, and enzymes. Another good option if you want an iodine- and iron-free antioxidant multivitamin is Advanced Nutritional System's Rainbow Light: Complete Antioxidant Multivitamin and Advanced Nutritional System's Rainbow Light Iron-Free Complete Nutritional System Multivitamin. Dr. Teitelbaum's formula does not include iron or calcium, so it can be taken at the same time as thyroid pills. The vitamin comes as a flavorful powdered drink along with one B vitamin capsule, and this replaces more than 30 vitamins and supplement pills each day. One that I particularly like is Dr. Jacob Teitelyou may want to slightly reduce your daily dosage if you are iodine.

Look for one that has high amounts of vitamins B, C, and E and a good range of minerals. A high-potency multivitamin is essential for thyroid patients. The pill dissolves rapidly, and if it dissolves in your mouth before swallowing it, you risk not absorbing all of the active ingredients. If you are taking the Levoxyl brand of levothyroxine, take the drug with a lot of water and swallow the pill quickly. Don't have 10 grams one day, 30 grams the next day, and so on, or you're risking erratic absorption.

You should also be consistent about your daily fiber intake. If you need to take your thyroid hormone with food, be consistent and always take it with food. For best results, maximum absorption, and minimum interference from food, fiber, and supplements, doctors recommend taking it in the morning on an empty stomach, about an hour before eating. Don't take thyroid hormone replacement drugs within 4 hours of taking any supplements that contain iron, including prenatal vitamins, which are usually high in iron. This includes antacids like Turns or Mylanta in liquid or tablet form, which also contain calcium and can delay or reduce the absorption of your thyroid hormone. Don't take your thyroid hormone replacement drug within 4 hours of taking calcium supplements or calcium-fortified juice. High-fiber diets can change the speed of thyroid drug absorption, and you may require a dosage adjustment. If you start or stop a high-fiber diet while you are on thyroid hormone, have your thyroid function retested around 6 to 8 weeks after your dietary change.