adrenal support

Q: I have heard several times that all food supplements that stimulate the immune system are not good for Hashimoto’s. Most adaptogens are said to stimulate the immune system. I’m a little confused here, because if they stimulate the immune system, they are not good for people with Hashimoto’s thyroid disease, but on the other hand, you recommend most of them. Isn’t it the case that with Hashimoto’s the immune system already works too much?

A: Great question! Some substances that have immune stimulating properties, like spirulina and chlorella, can worsen autoimmunity, and even cause new onset autoimmunity. Adaptogens, on the other hand, work by helping to bring the body back into balance, and can help to modulate the immune system. By definition, to be considered an adaptogen, the herb needs to be able to both tone down overactive systems and boost underactive systems in the body. So, while an apoptogenic herb may have immune boosting properties, the herb should help the body to return to a “normal” state regardless of how the stress is currently affecting the person’s function.