The thyroid gland in our body controls the metabolic function appropriately. Diseases of the thyroid gland can cause the metabolism to go haywire, leading to a number of disorders of the body as well as the development of the mind. Thyroid disorders are way too common with an estimated 5 million Americans suffering from the disorder.
Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormones like T4 and T3 that are required for proper metabolism in the body. Most cases of hypothyroidism, especially in children where the symptoms are mild, remains undiagnosed, leading to complications later in life and developmental problems.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include lethargy, weight gain, brittle hair and nails, constipation, cramping of muscles, depression, irregular menstrual cycles and intolerance to cold. While some cases of hypothyroidism are mild and can be treated at home, there are more serious cases which require medical intervention and sometimes surgery.
Hypothyroidism that is triggered due to an auto immune response cannot be treated naturally and requires lifelong hormone therapy. In the meanwhile, you may try these natural remedies for treating mild cases of hypothyroidism.
Natural Methods For Treating Hypothyroidism
Iodine Therapy
Iodine is a key ingredient for the proper functioning of thyroid gland and to produce adequate quantities of T3 and T4. In the absence of iodine, the thyroid function decreases and deficiency occurs. Iodine supplements can be taken in such a case to combat the deficiency and help the thyroid gland function normally. For giving your body a natural supplement of iodine, kelp or seaweed is the best source. Kelp supplements can be purchased from health food stores.
An herbalist can help you decide on the amount to be taken every day or week depending on the severity of deficiency. As soon as you are on an iodine supplement, your symptoms recede and you start feeling much better.
Maintaining Estrogen Levels
Women are more at risk when it comes to hypothyroidism due to the estrogen fluctuation in the body. This is why many women develop hypothyroidism during menopause and also during puberty when there is hormone fluctuation in their body. Reduced estrogen levels in the body can cause hypothyroidism in women. If your hypothyroidism is caused due to reduced estrogen levels, natural estrogen supplements can be administered to remove the symptoms.
Herbs like Black Cohosh and Vitex Agnus Castus are herbs that can maintain estrogen levels in the body and improve thyroid function. However, one must first check the estrogen levels in the body in order to decide whether estrogen is the real cause for hypothyroidism. Herbal remedy for increasing estrogen production will work only if the hypothyroidism is due to low estrogen levels.
Bladder Wrack
As mentioned earlier, seaweeds are the best source of iodine which is essential for proper functioning of the thyroid glands. Bladder wrack is a seaweed that has abundant iodine supply and hence can be consumed by patients who are hypothyroid.
Taking 200 mg of bladder wrack supplement every day can combat iodine deficiencies in the body and put your thyroid gland back in track.
Aswagandha
Aswagandha is an Indian herb that is also used for treating sexual and reproductive problems in men and women. A low functioning thyroid gland can also lead to low sex drive and also fertility problems in younger women.
Aswagandha can be taken in quantities of 500 gms three times every day to put your hormone problems to rest and improve the function of thyroid glands. Aswagandha helps in improving stress hormone levels in the body.
Flax Seed Oil
Flax seeds are the greatest plant source for omega 3 fatty acids. These are essential for a number of smooth bodily functions including thyroid function and therefore help in removing instances of hypothyroidism. Consume a teaspoon of flax seed oil every day for improved thyroid function and also to keep the body generally healthy and hearty.
Flax seed oil is also good for preventing constipation, reducing cholesterol and also in preventing heart problems which are all possible problems that come along with a reduced thyroid function.
Evening Primrose Oil
Another essential oil that can help hypothyroid patients is evening primrose oil. This oil can help develop a healthy functioning of thyroid gland and remove the problems associated with hypothyroidism. Take one tablespoon of evening primrose oil every day if you have hypothyroidism.
A better remedy to enjoy the benefits of both evening primrose oil and flax seed oil is to take a tablespoon each of both these oils every day. This will prevent the occurrence of hypothyroidism and also keep the deficiency under control as well.
Amino Acid Supplement
L-tyrosine, an amino acid that is required for the production of thyroid hormones in the body can be taken in quantities of 500 mg two times daily. L-tyrosine can be taken empty stomach in the morning and evening for best results.
Exercise
Seems too good to be true! But this remedy without medicines has a great effect in treating hypothyroidism. Exercising for 30 minutes a day will improve thyroid function and help in combating hypothyroidism. Yoga can do a world of good for patient suffering from hypothyroidism. Poses like the downward dog pose help in improving the blood flow to the neck and help in naturally improving its function.
Exercise is also a good way to remove stress from the body which will help in treating hypothyroidism. Stress can trigger hypothyroidism and hence exercise plays a great role in removing this condition.
Nettle
The herb nettle contains iodine and can be added in the diet of a patient suffering from hypothyroidism. Nettle tea can be consumed for 2-3 times daily and nettle oil can be used for massaging the neck area.
This will encourage production of thyroid hormones and remove hypothyroidism from your system.
Black Walnut
Another rich source of organic Iodine, black walnut too is a great food that can be incorporated in the diet of a thyroid patient. Black hormone is known to stimulate the thyroid gland and release the essential hormones required for proper metabolism.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.