Learn about Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disease resulting from deficient production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones regulate metabolism in all cells of the body. Because of this, virtually all body functions can be affected by a deficiency in thyroid hormones. Symptoms in adults can vary. They can range from very mild (barely detectable) to very severe (life-threatening).
Symptoms include fatigue, sensitivity to cold (cold hands and feet), menorrhagia, amenorrhea, difficulty conceiving, weight gain, thin hair, thick, dry skin, muscle weakness, clumsiness, severe constipation, dull mental processes, loss of memory, and mask-like facial expression. In severe cases, symptoms can include hypotension, hypothermia, bradycardia, convulsions, unresponsiveness, cerebral hypoxia, and myxedema.
In the United States, the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune disease known as Hashimoto’s disease. Except for the mildest forms of hypothyroidism, medical treatment involves the use of desiccated thyroid or synthetic thyroid hormone. Below are natural remedies for hypothyroidism that will help support the thyroid gland. It is important to consult with a health care provider.
Natural Remedies
Iodine
Thyroid hormones are made from iodine. A deficiency in iodine can cause hypothyroidism. In industrialized countries, getting enough iodine in the diet is not normally a problem since it has been added to table salt. However, there are foods (called goitrogens) that can block iodine utilization. Foods containing goitrogens include peanuts, almonds, pine nuts, soybeans, millet, mustard, turnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cassava root. Cooking will usually inactivate goitrogens.
The recommended dietary allowance for iodine in adults is 150 micrograms. In the United States, the average intake is over 600 micrograms. Having too much iodine (greater than 600 micrograms) can also be a problem because it can inhibit thyroid synthesis.
Tyrosine
Thyroid hormones are also made of the amino acid tyrosine. Tyrosine can be found in most animal and vegetable sources.
Vitamins and Zinc
Vitamins A and E and zinc are needed for the manufacturing of thyroid hormone. Zinc deficiencies are common in the elderly. Other vitamins necessary for normal thyroid hormone manufacture include vitamin C, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), and pyridoxine (B6).
Exercise
Exercise stimulates thyroid gland secretion and increases tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone. For overweight and obese individuals with hypothyroidism, exercising can prevent a decrease in the metabolic rate that can occur from restricting food intake.
Health Food Store Preparations
Natural remedies for hypothyroidism found in health food stores may provide enough support to help people with mild cases of hypothyroidism.
Sources Used
Progressive Health: What is Causing Your Hypothyroidism? - https://www.progressivehealth.com/hypothyroidism-diet.asp
The Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice, 4th Edition (1986)
Michael Murray, N.D. and Joseph Pizzorno, N.D. Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (1998)
Photo Credit
Image courtesy of the National Library of Medicine (NLM)
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