There are many natural treatments available to treat hypothyroidism. While hormone pills are the most common treatment, vitamins, exercise, and dietary changes are natural options to improve thyroid health.
It’s important to be sure that one does not have a vitamin deficiency, so starting with a multivitamin is advisable. The best way to find a good quality multivitamin is to check health food stores; pharmacy brands will not be potent enough. Along with a multivitamin, other supplements can be taken to help the thyroid.
An important vitamin for thyroid health is iodine. Kelp tablets are affordable, natural, and iodine-rich.
Bladderwack, which is seaweed, is also a good source of iodine. It is considered a factor in the thyroid gland increasing metabolism.
Before taking bladderwack, one should speak to a medical professional, as it can be contaminated with heavy metals.
Selenium deficiency is often a factor in hypothyroidism, as selenium is an important component in the thyroid’s function. Taking too much could be harmful, so one should take care not to overdo it.
The amino acid Tyrosine helps the body produce thyroid hormones, and including this in the diet is beneficial.
This helps combat hypothyroidism symptoms by improving alertness, focus and mood. Tyrosine is also essential because iodine requires it to convert to thyroid hormone.
Coconut oil is also a beneficial natural supplement for hypothyroidism. It can also boost metabolism, which helps hypothyroidism sufferers who have associated weight issues.
The Hypothyroidism Diet
While people disagree about how much difference a person’s diet can make in their hypothyroidism symptoms, some feel that dietary changes can have a positive impact. There is much debate about this, but all can agree that a healthy, well balanced diet is beneficial to anyone regardless of whether a person has hypothyroidism.
To alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, some advise eating foods high in protein and complex carbohydrates. Fruit, non-starchy vegetables, low fat proteins and whole grains should be included, as well as Omega 3s and Omega 6 fatty acids. These can be found in seeds, leafy greens, walnuts, cold water fish, and shrimp.
Other good choices for hypothyroidism sufferers are foods high in iodine, such as yogurt, eggs, oatmeal and potatoes. Brazil nuts and some lean meats are good sources of another important part of kidney function, selenium. Natural foods should be favored over processed. In a hypothyroidism diet, plenty of fiber is advised, although too much can interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone.
Natural Treatments for Hypothyroidism
One should also take care to drink at least 64 ounces of water a day. Green tea can also be beneficial, as long as it is caffeine free. One thing that many doctors do agree on is foods that should be avoided, as certain types of food can interfere with the positive affects of hormone medication. Foods high in salt should be avoided for this reason. Consumption of white bread, pasta, rice, chips and desserts should be cut down or eliminated.
Artificial sweeteners should also be avoided. Goitrogenic foods (foods that can contribute to the development of goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland) should be eaten in small amounts or eliminated entirely. These include broccoli, kale, soy, cabbage, strawberries, peaches, pears and radishes.
Some advise hypothyroidism sufferers to cut back on fatty meat and alcohol. In a similar vein to certain foods affecting hormone medication, supplements can cause similar issues. When taking iron or calcium supplements, one should wait several hours before taking hormone pills.
This is also the case with certain antacids (containing aluminum and magnesium) and cholesterol and ulcer medications. Some believe a hypothyroidism diet should include five to six small meals eaten throughout the course of the day. No more than five hours should pass between meals. Along with a healthy diet, hypothyroidism sufferers should also take a good quality multivitamin and get at least 30 minutes of exercise a day
Natural Thyroid Treatment In terms of exercise
In terms of exercise, it is recommended that those with hypothyroidism include a minimum of half an hour of exercise a day. This can be in the form of a walk, yoga, or Pilates, the latter two of which are considered particularly good for the thyroid.
Natural Treatments for an Underactive or Overactive Thyroid
Underactive and overactive thyroid, also called hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are disorders that occur when the thyroid is not functioning properly. An underactive thyroid doesn’t make enough hormones, while an overactive thyroid, as would be assumed, makes too many.
With an under-active thyroid, the body’s immune system attacks its own thyroid. In less common cases, it can be caused by a tumor preventing the pituitary gland from working properly, thus interrupting the production of hormones the thyroid needs to work. Some people have an underactive thyroid and don’t realize it.
Those who do exhibit symptoms like constipation, dry, pale skin, thinner hair, more brittle nails, pain and stiffness in muscles and joints, and sensitivity to cold. Those with underactive thyroid sometimes gain weight, become depressed, and feel fatigued. If left untreated, the skin can thicken, the face can become puffy, and one’s sense of taste and smell can decrease. Speech can also become slower.
Underactive thyroid can be treated with hormone pills, and these usually must be taken for the rest of a person’s life. The condition can also be improved with supplements containing iodine, such as kelp tablets or bladderwack.
Selenium is also essential for proper thyroid function. When a person has an overactive thyroid, the overabundance of thyroid hormone causes body functions to speed up. Symptoms include tiredness, anxiety and irritability, sensitivity to heat, increase in heart rate and goiter. Although there is sometimes an increase in appetite, weight loss is far more common than weight gain in those with overactive thyroid.
Women can have irregular menstrual periods or lose their period altogether and trouble conceiving. Overactive thyroid can be treated with anti-thyroid medicines. These are best if one is younger than 50 and the thyroid gland is only slightly swollen. If one is over 50 or has thyroid nodules, radioactive iodine is the preferred treatment.
Beta-blockers can help with symptoms like tremors but do not cure the overactive thyroid itself. Surgery is not usually involved unless the swollen thyroid gland is disruptive to swallowing or breathing. People can have either of these issues and not be bothered by symptoms, but even if this is the case, it’s important to get treatment.
Symptoms can become more severe, and damage can be done to the body. In keeping both under-active and overactive thyroid under control, a diet high in protein, whole grains, and fresh produce is recommended. While those with under-active thyroid are advised to eat seafood, those with overactive thyroid are advised against it. Both should avoid processed, starchy, sugary foods.