Are you feeling tired, gaining weight, or experiencing hair loss? These could be signs of an underactive thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. If you suspect that you have an underactive thyroid, you may be wondering what natural remedies are available to support thyroid function. In this blog post, we will explore some of the best natural thyroid remedies to help you feel your best.
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate metabolism, energy levels, and body temperature. When the thyroid gland is not functioning properly, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and depression.
Try These Best Natural Thyroid Remedies Now!
Iodine
Iodine is an essential mineral that is crucial for thyroid function. The thyroid gland uses iodine to produce thyroid hormones, so ensuring that you have an adequate intake of iodine is important for supporting thyroid health. Good food sources of iodine include seaweed, seafood, and iodized salt. If you suspect that you may have an iodine deficiency, consider adding these foods to your diet or taking an iodine supplement.
Selenium
Selenium is another important mineral for thyroid health. It helps to regulate the production of thyroid hormones and has antioxidant properties that protect the thyroid gland from damage. Good food sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, fish, and eggs. If you are not getting enough selenium from your diet, consider taking a selenium supplement to support your thyroid function.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an adaptogenic herb that has been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. It is known for its ability to support the adrenal glands and reduce stress, which can have a positive impact on thyroid function. Some studies have shown that ashwagandha may help to improve thyroid hormone levels in people with hypothyroidism. You can take ashwagandha as a supplement or drink it as a tea to support your thyroid health.
Lifestyle Changes
Living with thyroid problems can be challenging, but with proper management and lifestyle adjustments, it is possible to lead a fulfilling life. Here are some lifestyle tips for managing thyroid problems:
Follow your doctor’s advice
It is important to work closely with your healthcare provider to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your specific needs. This may include taking medication as prescribed like dietary supplements, attending regular check-ups, and making necessary lifestyle changes.
Eat a balanced diet
A healthy diet is important for managing thyroid problems. Focus on consuming nutrient-dense foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. Some people with thyroid problems may benefit from avoiding certain foods that can interfere with thyroid function, such as soy and cruciferous vegetables.
Manage stress
Chronic stress can harm thyroid function. Finding healthy ways to manage stress, such as practicing yoga, meditation with humidifier and essential oil, or engaging in hobbies, can be beneficial for overall well-being.
Get regular exercise
Regular physical activity can help support thyroid function and overall health including joint pain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days of the week, such as walking, swimming, or cycling.
Get enough sleep
Adequate sleep is essential for overall health, including improved thyroid function. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night and practice good sleep hygiene habits.
Monitor your symptoms
Pay attention to how you feel and track any changes in symptoms. This can help you and your healthcare provider make adjustments to your treatment plan as needed.
Educate yourself
Take the time to learn about thyroid problems and how they can affect your body. Understanding your condition can help you make informed decisions about your health and well-being as well as its side effects.
It’s important to remember that managing thyroid problems is a lifelong journey, and it may take time to find the right balance of lifestyle changes and medical treatment. With patience and perseverance, it is possible to live well with thyroid problems.
Common Cause of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Some common causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis): This is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in developed countries. It occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and eventual destruction of thyroid tissue.
- Iodine Deficiency: Iodine is a crucial nutrient required for the production of thyroid hormones. In regions where iodine deficiency is prevalent, such as certain parts of the world where soil lacks iodine, hypothyroidism can occur.
- Thyroid Surgery or Radioactive Iodine Treatment: Surgical removal of part or all of the thyroid gland, or treatment with radioactive iodine for conditions like hyperthyroidism, can sometimes result in hypothyroidism.
- Medications: Certain medications, such as lithium (used to treat bipolar disorder), amiodarone (used to treat heart arrhythmias), and some cancer treatments, can interfere with thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism.
- Congenital Hypothyroidism: Some babies are born with an underactive thyroid gland due to a defect in thyroid development or function. This condition is known as congenital hypothyroidism and requires prompt treatment to prevent developmental issues.
- Pituitary or Hypothalamic Disorders: Hypothyroidism can also result from dysfunction of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which are involved in regulating thyroid hormone production. These disorders can disrupt the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which stimulates the thyroid gland.
- Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland, whether due to autoimmune conditions, viral infections, or other causes, can temporarily or permanently impair thyroid function and lead to hypothyroidism.
- Aging: As people age, the risk of hypothyroidism increases. This is often due to changes in thyroid function and the prevalence of autoimmune thyroiditis.
Conclusion
If you suspect that you have an underactive thyroid or thyroid disease, there are several natural remedies that you can incorporate into your routine to support thyroid health. From ensuring that you have an adequate intake of iodine and selenium to incorporating adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha, there are many natural options available to help you feel your best. Additionally, making lifestyle changes such as managing stress, getting enough sleep, and staying physically active can also have a positive impact on thyroid function. As always, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before making any significant changes to your diet or lifestyle, especially if you suspect that you have a thyroid condition. With the right support, you can take steps to support your thyroid health and improve your overall well-being with the right vitamins and minerals like vitamin b-12.
If you enjoyed this article, you may also want to read this article on 5 Iron-Rich Drinks You Can Make at Home.
*This information is not intended to serve as a substitute for professional medical or dietary advice tailored to individual needs.
Dr. Kimberly Langdon has been an MD for 31 years, board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist with 19-years of clinical experience. She graduated from The Ohio State University College of Medicine, earning Honors in many rotations. She then completed her OB/GYN residency program at The Ohio State University Medical Center, earning first-place accolades for her Senior Research Project and Score of 98th percentile on a National Proficiency Test.
During her clinical career, she delivered over 2000 babies and specialized in minimally invasive procedures, menopause, endometriosis, menstrual disorders, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. After retiring from clinical practice, she founded a medical device company to commercialize her two patented and four patent-pending medical devices for both life-threatening and non-life-threatening infections.
