Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism

Thyroid gland is a small mass of tissue that is present on either side of the trachea or in general a windpipe. It is one of the most important organs of the human body. The entire body systems run on metabolism and metabolism is controlled majorly by the help of thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism is the condition that results from malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces insufficient quantity of the thyroid hormone called as thyroxin. This situation is also developed from the pituitary deficiency, but it is generally due to some abnormality in thyroid gland by birth (called as congenital/deformity) anomaly.

There are many ways to treat the thyroid gland. One of the best ways is adopting home remedy. Home remedy starts from your kitchen and undoubtedly helps in preventing, controlling and treating the diseased condition. There are many benefits of home remedies and one out of them is the cost.

Home remedies are comparatively cheaper and affordable than other therapies to treat hypothyroidism. Here are some of the home remedies that can be very effective in treating and controlling the thyroid gland. Many of them do not decrease or increase thyroid function but it regulates the gland to produce enough quantity of hormone.

1 Spirulina is considered as good health booster and thyroid regulator. There are many products available in the market containing this wonderful herb.

2 Take black Cohosh that helps in balancing the estrogen levels and can also be useful in controlling thyroid gland function.

3 Mullein covers and protects the cells and reduces the inflammation of the glands including thyroid gland. This is very useful in case of goiter.

4 Agnus castus can support the pituitary gland and can help balancing estrogen that is known to interfere with normal thyroid functions.

5 Siberian Ginseng is very useful for adrenal and thymus glands and therefore also helpful to support thyroid health.

6 Another good home remedy for thyroid gland is to have primrose oil. This is the fatty acid that restores the functions of the thyroid gland.

7 Regular intake of vitamin B complex is extremely helpful in treating thyroid conditions. Taking them also prevent other minor diseases. You should include green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B complex can also be taken as pills. It improves the cellular oxygenation and gives us energy. The group provides immunity and rejuvenates the body.

8 Bladder wrack is rich in natural iodine. This will be very beneficial in preventing and treating various thyroid disorders.

9 Food from the kitchen that contains calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, terbium, and neodymium are very useful minerals and trace elements those are necessary for the good health of thyroid gland.

10 Go for the low calorie food. Cut down on cakes, biscuits, sweets and alcoholic drinks those are relatively high in calories but low in nutrients.

11 Go for the food that is rich in vitamin A like yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots and dark green leafy vegetables that are thyroid boosters.

By Ryan English

Thyroid Dysfunction, its Symptoms & Treatment

Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland situated under the pituitary gland does not produce the required amount of thyroid hormone. This hormone is necessary for proper functioning of the cells of our body and assist in metabolism. Any deficiency in this hormone would result in a host of problems in the human body.
There many people around the world with some form of hypothyroidism or thyroid dysfunction without even knowing that they have that disorder.Surgery, medications, iodine deficiency, dysfunction of the pituitary gland, and thyroid gland inflammation are some of the causes of hypothyroidism. The other causes of hypothyroidism could be chronic fatigue and weakness, weight gain or difficulty in losing weight, dry and rough skin, and abnormal menstrual cycles.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism is often associated with the symptoms of candida over growth and other fungal diseases. Diagnoses are the important one in the treatment of hypothyroidism. Diagnoses are always related with the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some time symptoms of hypothyroidism are interrupted differently by the patient and by the physician. The other symptoms of hypothyroidism are mild swelling of the feet and legs, heavy lower eyelids, pain in the wrist due to compression of nerves.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism can be the list given above and also decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability, constipation, muscle cramps, hair loss or dry hair, and intolerance to cold. These symptoms should be watched for and treatment should be taken accordingly with the help of a medical practitioner or a health care provider.Hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. The TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone from the pituitary gland) level and T4 levels in the blood are tested.
The T4 level is the main thyroid hormone. The doctor who is checking these levels should be well aware to compare the TSH and T4 levels with the symptoms to identify whether the person is suffering from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is the over production of the thyroid hormone. Levothyroxine is administered for persons suffering from hypothyroidism. This is a synthetic thyroid hormone that is administered to compensate for the lower production of the hormone in our body.
Natural remedies for hypothyroidism are effective method. The herbs used in the natural remedies for hypothyroidism help to maintain healthy thyroid functioning. The herbs used in the natural treatment for hypothyroidism are fucus vesiculosis, it is a sea vegetable it contain iodine. Avena sativa is used for nerve disorder it is known as nerve tonic.

Balaji B 

natural-treatment-guide.com

Hypothyroid Diet

Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) can remain undetected for years. People commonly have the symptoms of hypothyroidism even though their blood tests indicate that their thyroid function is 'normal'. This is because standard pathology tests for thyroid function can have difficulty detecting 'sub clinical' cases of hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are chronic tiredness, constipation, feeling the cold and dry skin. If you are in a high risk category for thyroid dysfunction - have a family member with a thyroid condition (especially your mother); are at the menopausal age; have experienced lots of stress in the past two-three years; or have hormonal imbalances - then it's important that you support your thyroid, even if the tests tell that your thyroid is 'normal'. One of the best ways to support thyroid function is with diet.
Certain foods improve hypothyroidism by supplying the essential minerals that the thyroid needs to function and produce hormones.
These include:
1. Tyrosine-rich foods. The amino acid tyrosine combines with iodine to make the hormone thyroxine. These foods include meat, fish, turkey and chicken breast, low fat milk and yogurt, almonds, avocado, bananas, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, lentils. Supplements of tyrosine should be taken on an empty stomach so that it doesn't have to compete with other amino acids.
2. Iodine-rich foods. Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones. Ideal food sources include Celtic sea salt, seaweed (sushi, nori rolls), salt water fish and sea food. Iodized salt is available but should be used in small amounts once or twice a week along with a good quality Celtic sea salt. Iodine supplements are usually in the form of kelp tablets. Consult your health practitioner before using these, because the wrong dose can unbalance your thyroid.
3. High quality protein. All of our body's glands and hormones are made from protein. Try to eat high quality lean protein at every meal.
4. Selenium-rich foods - meat, chicken, salmon, tuna, seafood, whole unrefined grains, brazil nuts, brewer's yeast, broccoli, dairy products, garlic, onions and black strap molasses.
5. Supplements of Vitamin B complex and essential fatty acids because they help to balance the entire hormonal system.
6. Sunlight - while not a food, its important to get a daily dose of safe sun. Light stimulates the pineal gland, which in turn positively affects the thyroid as well as all the other endocrine glands.
Certain foods are detrimental for hypothyroidism because they can inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.
1. Soy products. Isoflavones are hormone-like substances found in soy products. High consumption of soy products have been found to suppress thyroid function in some people and can even cause or worsen hypothyroidism. In particular, an isoflavone called genistein, appears to reduce thyroid hormone output by blocking the activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase. This enzyme is responsible for adding iodine onto the thyroid hormones.
How much is too much soy? Each person can tolerate a different amount and unfortunately soy is hidden in many processed and refined foods. If you have a family history of thyroid disease or a diet low in the minerals iodine and selenium, you need to be careful of your soy intake. Reduce your consumption of soy products (soy milk, tofu, tempeh, miso, soy sauce) to a maximum of two or three times per week. If you have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, or you display the common symptoms, then reduce your intake to less than twice in a week.
2. Cruciferous vegetables - broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, rutabagas, kohlrabi, and turnips. Isothiocyanates are the category of substances in cruciferous vegetables that have been associated with decreased thyroid function. They appear to reduce thyroid function by blocking thyroid peroxidase, and also by disrupting messages that are sent across the membranes of thyroid cells. Cooking these vegetables does make the isothiocyanates less available. Also, because they are so good for us in other ways, only restrict this group if you have been actually diagnosed with hypothyroidism or have strong symptoms.
3. Low progesterone goes hand in hand with low thyroid, so avoid foods that promote oestrogen dominance. This includes any animal product that has not been produced organically (chicken, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, etc.). All of these foods are available organic.
4. It is believed by some researchers that chlorine and fluoride (found in most tap water) block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, eventually leading to hypothyroidism.
5. Gluten is linked to thyroid dysfunction (both hyper and hypo thyroid) so if you have any digestive problems or any one in your family with a gluten sensitivity, it would be worth dramatically reducing your gluten intake.
Please note: The information in this article is not intended to take the place of a personal relationship with a qualified health practitioner nor is it intended as medical advice.
By Alison Cassar