Natural Remedies for thyroid problems need to address two separate issues.
Hypothyroidism is too little thyroid hormone being produced, while hyperthyroidism is the production of too much thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is the bodies natural thermostat. It secretes two hormones which determine how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy.
While the exact cause of these thyroid problems is not known, both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are believed to be caused by an abnormal immune response. Therefore it is important to get both foods and supplements into your system which will strengthen your body's immune system.
Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by lumps or tumors on the thyroid gland,infection or inflammation of the thyroid, as well as certain prescription drugs. Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism, and both are much more common in women than men.
A malfunctioning thyroid gland can be the underlying cause for many recurring illnesses. The thyroid gland can be affected by poor diet, fluoride in the water, excessive consumption of unsaturated fats, endurance exercise, pesticide residue on fruits and vegetables, radiation from x-rays, alcohol and drugs.
We will address the natural remedies for thyroid problems for both conditions separately, although some of the general herbs and supplements will be beneficial to either condition.
As mentioned above, hypothyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland is producing too little thyroid hormone, and can result in many illnesses and conditions.
The symptoms are numerous and can include any or all of the following: chronic fatigue, loss of appetite, inability to tolerate cold, low body temperature, a slow heart rate, easy weight gain, elevated cholesterol, painful premenstrual periods, heavy periods, a milky discharge from the breasts, fertility problems, muscle weakness, muscle cramps, dry and scaly skin, a yellow coloration in the skin (especially in the palms of the hands), yellow bumps on the eyelids, hairloss (including the eyebrows),recurring infections, migraines, hoarseness, respiratory infections, constipation, depression, difficulty concentrating, slow speech, goiter(a swelling of the thyroid glands), and drooping swollen eyes.
The most common symptoms are fatigue and intolerance to cold. If you are consistently feeling cold when others around you are warm, you may be suffering from reduced thyroid function. Hypothyroidism affects an estimated 5 percent, or 13 million people in the United States.
Less than 25 percent of people with an underactive thyroid have been properly diagnosed and treated. Because thyroid function is often affected by our diet, these natural remedies for thyroid problems can be very helpful if they are used consistently.
While natural remedies for thyroid problems can be very helpful, you should seek the help of your health care provider if symptoms persist. The dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of twelve and seventeen reduce the dosage to three-quarters what is listed here. For a child ages 6 to 12 cut the dosage in half, and for a child under the age of 6 use one quarter of the recommended dosage.
Testing yourself for an underactive thyroid is fairly easy to do, simply keep a thermometer by your bed at night. When you first awaken in the morning, before moving around, place the thermometer under your arm and hold it there for fifteen minutes. Lie still and quiet, as any motion can upset your temperature reading. A temperature of 97.6 degrees F or lower may indicate an underactive thyroid. It is best to keep a temeperature log for five days. If your readings are consistently low, contact your health care provider.
Bayberry, black cohosh and goldenseal can help this thyroid condition. Do not take goldenseal internally for more than one week at a time. Do not use it during pregnancy or if you are allergic to ragweed. Gentian and mugwort extracts are beneficial for hypothyroidism. Herbal Bitters such as Swedish bitters may help alleviate symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Foods to include in your diet: apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, prunes, raw seeds, whole grains, fish or chicken and raw milk and cheeses.
Foods to eat in moderation: broccoli, Brussel's sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach and turnips. If you have severe symptoms, avoid these foods entirely, as they may suppress thyroid function.
Avoid processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar. Drink only steam-distilled water. Begin a moderate exercise program such as walking.
Avoid taking sulfa drugs or antihistamines unless specifically directed to do so by a physician. Avoid fluoride (including that found in toothpaste and tap water) and chlorine (also found in tap water). Fluoride and Chlorine block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced iodine containing hormone production. Taking the homeopathic remedy Calcarea carbonica may help, as it will sometimes increase thyroid function.
Because sugar intolerance, menopause and depression can cause many of the same symptoms as thyroid disorders, it may be wise to consider having a simple thyroid test performed to avoid the risk of misdiagnosis. The presence of too much thyroid hormone in the system can cause a condition referred to as thyroid storm.
This disorder causes increased heart rate, and in exceptionally severe cases can result in a heart attack. Recent studies have indicated that even a slightly underactive thyroid gland can put you at an increased risk for a heart attack.
Applying a natural progesterone cream may increase thyroid activity. Lithium, which is a trace mineral used as a drug to treat manic-depressive disorders can sometimes cause thyroid malfunction.
Hyperthyroidism is caused when the thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in an overactive metabolism. In this condition all of the bodies processes speed up. The symptoms include nervousness, irritability, a constant feeling of being hot, increased perspiration, insomnia and fatigue, increased frequency of bowel movements, less frequent menstruation and decreased menstrual flow, weakness, hair and weight loss, change in skin thickness, separation of the nails from the nail bed, hand tremors, intolerance of heat, rapid heartbeat, goiter, and sometimes, protruding eyeballs. Hyperthyroidism is not nearly as common as hypothyroidism. Because thyroid function is often affected by our diet, these natural remedies for thyroid problems can be very helpful if they are used consistently. The dosages recommended here are for adults. For a child between the ages of twelve and seventeen reduce the dosage to three-quarters what is listed here. For a child ages 6 to 12 cut the dosage in half, and for a child under the age of 6 use one quarter of the recommended dosage.
Foods to include in your diet: broccoli, Brussel's sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, rutabagas, soybeans, spinach and turnips. These help to suppress the production of thyroid hormone. Foods to avoid.
Avoid dairy products for at least 3 months. Also avoid stimulants, coffee, tea, nicotine and soft drinks. Be wary of treatment with radioactive sodium iodine (iodine 131 or I-131) which is often recommended for this condition. Severe side effects have been known to accompany the use of I-131.
Also, do not rush into surgery. Try treating the problem by adjusting your diet first.
Digestion speeds up with this disorder, as well as other bodily functions. This can result in malabsorption, so eating a proper diet is very important. Researchers in England did a study of 10 people with Parkinson's disease and found that all of them also suffered from hyperthyroidism. Once the thyroid condition was treated, the Parkinson's disease improved dramatically. The pituitary gland, parathyroid gland and sex glands all work together and are affected by thyroid function. If there is a problem in any one of these glands, the others may be affected also. An improperly functioning thyroid gland can often be mistaken for menopausal symptoms. Symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings and depression are often present in both conditions. If you are experiencing menopausal symptoms, it would be wise to have your thyroid checked. Because the thyroid gland affects so many different systems in our bodies, following these natural remedies for thyroid problems can be beneficial to a wide variety of health concerns.
This information is not intended to diagnose or treat any specific condition, nor is it intended to replace the advice of your healthcare professional.
Sources
Balch, Phyllis A., CNC. "Prescription for Nutritional Healing". Garden City, NY.: Avery Publishing Group, 2006
Ritchason, Jack, ND. "The Little Herb Encyclopedia". Pleasant Grove, UT.: Woodland Health Books, 1995
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