Ask Dr. Mike: Can Bugleweed Cure Your Hyperthyroidism & Is Soy Bad for Your Thyroid?

Here you'll find the answers to a wealth of health and wellness questions posed by Healthy Talk fans. Listen in because what you know helps ensure healthy choices you can live with. Today on Healthy Talk, you wanted to know:

I have hyperthyroidism (high T4) and I do not want radiation therapy or surgery. I'm currently taking a drug called tapazole and I'm also on a beta blocker. Can I ease off my medications and take lemon balm and theanine? Can I replace the tapazole and use bugleweed?

Unfortunately, no. Dr. Mike doesn't think that the combination of lemon balm and theanine would work for you and treat your hyperthyroid.

However, there have been some studies on bugleweed and treating hyperthyroid, but only mild cases. If you have mild hyperthyroidism, you may want to consider asking your doctor about trying it.

Does soy affect the thyroid gland?

This has been a controversial topic between doctors, scientists and researchers. Dr. Mike believes that certain compounds in non-fermented soy can cause some issues but fermented soy does not.

If you have a health question or concern, Dr. Mike encourages you to write him at askdrmikesmith@radiomd.com so he can provide you with support and helpful advice.