Hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid gland which produces inadequate amounts of thyroid hormones.  There are natural remedies for hypothyroidism, homeopathic treatments and medical (allopathic) treatments.  This is a common condition affecting millions of people worldwide.

The thyroid is a small gland located at the middle of the neck.  It makes thyroid hormones that facilitate the body to carry out different important functions.

Hypothyroidism is found more often in women.  Statistics say that one in every 50 women and one in every 1000 men develop symptoms of hypothyroidism.  It is more prevalent in older women, and can show up during pregnancy.

CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is generally caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.  This is a condition in which the thyroid gland gets targeted by the immune system.  It is also a type of “autoimmune disease”.   The immune system attacks elements which are harmful to the body.   Our modern diet often includes foods (oily foods, fast foods, etc.) that stress the thyroid gland.

Other causes include decreased immunity (by taking immunosuppressive medicines), genetics, heredity, birth defects and inflammation of the thyroid gland.

The working of the thyroid gland is also suppressed by regular consumption of soy.  Furthermore, fluoride is suspected of being very injurious to the thyroid gland and may be a leading cause of hypothyroidism.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can develop slowly and it may not be detected immediately.  These are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Extremely dry and pale skin
• Thinning of hair
• Painful joints
• Poor memory
• Constipation
• Heavy or irregular menstruation
• Low body temperature
• Low blood pressure
• Depression
• Decreased libido (decreased sex drive)
• Puffy eyes and face
• Slow pulse
• Fatigue
• Chronic sinus infections
• Headaches
• Sweating abnormalities
• Migraine
• Heat and/or cold tolerance
• Irritability
• Fluid retention
• Frequent colds and sore throats
• Dizziness
• Ringing in the ears
• Brittle nails
• Cold hands or feet
• Hypoglycemia
• High cholesterol
• Loss of outside portions of eyebrows
• Weight gain or increased difficulty losing weight
• Itching
• Decreased concentration
• Anxiety
• Panic attacks

TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Conventional treatment involves thyroid hormone replacement drugs made synthetically or from animals. A glandular thyroid supplement is sold by prescription, but there are a few over-the-counter thyroid supplements available.

Apart from the hormone replacement drugs, there are various natural remedies for hypothyroidism. The objective is to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones.

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM

These are some of the natural remedies for hypothyroidism and preventive measures:

• Iodine: It is needed for the proper functioning of thyroid gland. However, there are many people who are suffering from Iodine deficiencies. One can boost his iodine intake by taking diet such as bananas, yogurt, oatmeal, potatoes, parsley, radishes, meat, eggs, and fish.
• L-Tyrosine: It is a natural amino acid which is very useful for the body to produce thyroid hormone. It is also helpful in curbing depression, which is one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism. Oats, meats, wheat, dairy products, fish and most protein-containing foods contain L-Tyrosine.
• L-Arginine: It helps to increase the performance of the thyroid gland and its hormones. L-Arginine is also useful in improving the immune system.
• Eliminate soy from your diet: It imbalances hormones and lowers the function of thyroid gland. It also increases chances of acquiring goiter in a healthy person.
• Stick to an Alkaline diet: Alkaline diet is exceptionally helpful in curing chronic diseases.
• Selenium: Selenium deficiency is very common with people diagnosed by hypothyroidism. Selenium converts T4 thyroid to active T3 form. So the activity of the thyroid hormones could be increased by intake of selenium.
• Balancing the Estrogen levels in women: The activity of thyroid gland slows down by excess estrogen. Women diagnosed by hypothyroidism should avoid taking birth control pills and non-organic meats. They should increase taking high fiber diet and reduce dairy intake.
• Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus): It is a rich source of iodine and helpful in stimulating the thyroid gland. It is also rich in minerals like calcium, potassium, iron, magnesium, zinc, etc.
• Coconut Oil: One should consume 1 teaspoon of coconut oil regularly. It is helpful to boost the metabolism and increases production of the thyroid hormone.
• Avoid the intake of Fluoride: It is already mentioned in this article that fluoride suppresses the thyroid. Try to avoid soft drinks, fluoride-based toothpaste and stop using non-stick pans.
• Avoid the intake of Canola Oil: It obstructs in the production of thyroid hormones.
• Avoid vegetables of the cabbage family: kale, cabbage, brussel sprouts, greens of mustard, and broccoli suppress the production of the thyroid hormone.
• Natural Diet: For a healthy immune system it is advised to avoid intake of artificial flavors, artificial colors, processed foods, white sugar, white flour, preservatives. And one should read the ingredients before buying anything to eat.
• Spirulina: Effective in curing hypothyroidism and for overall health.
• Cayenne pepper: helps in hypothyroidism and improves metabolism.
• Agnus castus (Monk’s pepper): Agnus castus is used to support the pituitary gland. It also helps in balancing estrogen.
• Irish moss and Iceland moss: Nourishes the thyroid gland and helps in proper function.
• Parsley root: Excellent in treating underactive thyroid gland.
• Kelp and Ginger: 2 useful herbs that improve the secretion of the thyroid hormone. Kelp has antioxidant properties, and contains iodine required for proper working of thyroid gland.
• Primrose oil is also one of the common natural remedies for hypothyroidism.
• Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) is useful for balancing the estrogen levels.
• Siberian ginseng: It benefits the thymus and adrenal glands, which is good for thyroid.
• Organic Iodine: Strengthens the thyroid gland. Black walnut is a rich source of organic iodine.
• Calamus root and Dandelion root: These are also useful natural remedies for hypothyroidism.
• Exercise and Yoga: One of the best methods to treat hypothyroidism is by doing yoga. Include exercise and yoga in daily routine. Various yoga postures and breathing procedures are useful for people suffering from hypothyroidism. Yoga not only cures hypothyroidism, but also helps to keep the body healthy. Proper physical activity and exercise to regularize bowel movements prevent hypothyroidism.

Cholesterol increases hypothyroidism.  Patients suffering with this disease need to watch their cholesterol levels, and should take the necessary measures to control it.  Consume low calorie foods.

Include vitamin B and vitamin B12 complex in your diet. Not only they help in thyroid dysfunction, it increases immunity and helps digestion. It gives strength to body, and maintains cellular oxygenation. Vitamins C and E regulate enzymes and hormones, and should be taken with Vitamin B and B12.

CHANGE IN LIFESTYLE

In order to allow the thyroid gland to function normally, avoid soft drinks, alcohol, smoking, coffee, fast/processed foods.

Other factors and tips

Your liver helps in digestion and your kidneys regulate the production of the hormone.  They need to be checked regularly, in order to prevent hypothyroidism.

Natural hormone replacements (generated by pigs and cows) can be used, rather than artificial hormone supplements.

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