Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland, located in the front of the neck just above the collar bone, produces thyroid hormones. These hormones are released into the bloodstream and circulated throughout the body to produce metabolic energy. To find out more about metabolic energy click on the links below:
Metabolic Therapy Overview
Regaining Control of Your Metabolism
There are two thyroid hormones, thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3, that are released into the blood stream. T3 speeds up the body's metabolism. Most of the T3 in the blood is converted from T4. The production of T3 and T4 is regulated by another hormone called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) or thyrotropin. This hormone is produced in the pituitary gland. If TSH is normal, it is a possible indicator that the thyroid is working properly.
You need to have a blood test to see what your hormone levels are. You should also be working with your doctor as this can be a very serious health problem. He may have you go on a hormone replacement therapy. If he does, make sure that he puts you on a natural form of the thyroid hormone or glandular such as Armour thyroid.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may not be detected right away as it can develop slowly. You may also experience some symptoms before your thyroid hormone levels drop below normal. Here is a list of symptoms that might be caused by low thyroid:
- Dry, thick skin
- Hair thinning
- Painful muscles and joints
- Depression
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Heavy, irregular or prolonged menstrual periods
- Low body temperature (below 97.8°F first thing in the morning)
- Low blood pressure
- Puffy eyes and face
- Slow pulse
- Reduced libido
- Poor memory
- Fatigue
- Chronic sinus infections
- Headaches
- Sweating abnormalities
- Migraines
- Heat and/or cold intolerance
- Irritability
- Fluid retention
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Frequent colds and sore throats
- Lightheadedness
- Ringing in the ears
- Decreased concentration
- Slow wound healing
- Easy bruising
- Unhealthy nails
- Acid Indigestion
- Cold hands or feet
- Inappropriate weight gain
- Hypoglycemia
- Falling asleep during the day
- Itching
- High cholesterol
- Loss of outside portion of eyebrows
It is possible that there is an underlying cause that is the reason for your hypothyroidism. Some possible causes are heavy metal poisoning (especially mercury), adrenal fatigue, food allergies and celliac disease. It might be wise to also check into what may be causing your thyroid problem and deal with it also in order to get well.
There are actually some foods that can cause low thyroid levels. They are called goitrogenic foods and include Brussels sprouts, rutabaga, turnips, cabbage, radishes, broccoli, cauliflower, millet, kale, and soy. Goitrogens are naturally occurring thyroid inhibiting substances found in these foods. The thyroid inhibiting effect of these foods are thought to be largely inactivated by cooking. So if you eat any of these foods, be sure to cook them. I would recommend that you not eat any of these foods in large quantity even when cooked and don't eat them at all raw.
Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Below are some supplements that might help improve your thyroid health. Always remember to also include a good multivitamin supplement to make sure you are not deficient in any vitamins.
Iodine -- You can increase your iodine intake through diet and kelp supplementation. Kelp is rich in iodine and is very affordable. I buy it in tablet form with 225 mcg. of iodine per tablet. I had low levels of iodine because I didn't like to salt my food. Now I use natural sea salt that doesn't have iodine in it and so I supplement with kelp tablets. There used to be plenty of iodine in vegetables and fruits but the soil is very iodine depleted in most areas today. Foods that contain iodine are yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and other seafood, radish, parsley, potatoes, oatmeal and bananas.
Selenium -- Many people diagnosed with hypothyroidism were found to be selenium deficient. Selenium is required to convert the T4 thyroid hormone to the active T3 form. As an example, the selenium containing enzyme type-I-iodothyronine-deiodinase is important for the conversion of T4 to T3. So selenium deficiency can reduce the activity of the thyroid hormones.
Tyrosine -- Tyrosine is an amino acid needed by the body to manufacture thyroid hormones from iodine. And so the use of tyrosine as a dietary supplement increases production of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid Glandular -- Thyroid glandular supplements have been used since the beginning of thyroid treatment. Usually it is only sold through your practitioner or by prescription (like Armour) but there are some over-the-counter thyroid glandular supplements available.
Bladderwrack  -- Bladderwrack is a seaweed that is a rich source of iodine. Traditionally it has been used for weight loss and hypothyroidism. The low incidence of goiter in maritime people has been attributed to the iodine in bladderwrack. It also contains the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc. Bladderwrack is thought to stimulate the thyroid gland increasing metabolism.
Coconut Oil -- Below are two articles about coconut oil and how it benefits the thyroid. They also talk about why coconut oil helps you lose weight as well.
Virgin Coconut Oil
Thyroid Health and the Coconut Diet
Additional Resources and Information:
A couple of books with information on hypothyroidism:
Living Well with Hypothyroidism
The Hypothyroid Sourcebook
Read this information article and learn about metabolism:
Metabolism
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