Top 5 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

Right below your voice box, your thyroid works secreting hormones used throughout your entire system, specifically the metabolic process. But your thyroid can come into undesired inflammatory conditions, sometimes without you realizing.

Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein your thyroid no longer produces enough hormones. Commonly caused by inflammation, hypothyroidism results in cell damage and death, which leads to further problems.

Hormone Production

Another common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmune thyroiditis, or Hashimoto’s disease. This is caused by the thyroid gland being attacked by the body’s immune system. Antibodies attack the gland erroneously, which causes damage.

From postpartum hypothyroidism, to autoimmune response, to over-treatment of hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism can be the result of a number of different issues. If your doctor suspects you have a thyroid disorder you’ll need a blood test. The test will determine two major hormone levels.

Hypothyroidism Is Treatable

T3 and T4 are the main hormones under scrutiny during the test, as well as TSH, the thyroid stimulating hormone which is secreted by the pituitary gland to regulate T3 and T4 production. Natural healers pay more attention to T3 levels as they are the most important because they are the main hormone produced and if they are not present it is a much more clear sign of hypothyroidism.

Levothyroxine and other synthetic hormones are used to treat hypothyroidism, but they aren’t cures. Blood tests will soon note that your thyroid hormone levels are in normal range, but this just means you need to change your dosage of synthetic hormones to reflect this.

Home remedies and natural cures can only work in conjunction with conventional treatment.

Remedy #1

Stop eating foods that affect thyroid function, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, turnips, spinach, linseed, millet, cassava, peanuts, and pine nuts. Soy products are a big no-no as the lead to problems absorbing thyroid hormones. The same is true for iron-rich foods and iron or iodine supplements.

You should also avoid alcohol, tobacco, and caffeine. Any inflammatory product or known toxin should be deleted from your diet.

Remedy #2

Include vitamin-B-rich foods and antioxidants in your diet. Fruits and veggies like cherries, blueberries, squash, tomatoes, and peppers are good examples of fruits you should be eating daily to deal with hypothyroidism.

Omega-3 fatty acids are also super beneficial. Fish, nuts, and seeds are your friends for this category. These fatty-acids will reduce inflammation and boost immunity, but you’ve got to consult your doctor before upping your omega-3 intake.

Remedy #3

Some herbs increase thyroid function: Coleus forskohlii, Commiphora mukul and Fucus vesiculosus. Some, like Fucus vesiculosus, contain iodine and should therefore only be taken for hypothyroidism if recommended by a doctor.

Remedy #4

A more topical cure, sometimes thyroid function can be stimulated using alternating application of hot and cold. Douse a cloth in hot water and apply to your neck and throat. Repeat using cold water. Do this 2 or 3 times every day. Used in conjunction with conventional hypothyroidism therapies will help boost thyroid function.