World Thyroid Day (WTD), May 25 is dedicated to thyroid patients and all who are committed to the study and treatment of thyroid diseases worldwide.
This year 2022, Thyroid and Communication is this year’s key message.
It is so important for all thyroid patients to understand their thyroid disorder and for doctors to understand how thyroid disorders affect patients and how to improve outcomes for patients.
More and more people have been looking into natural hypothyroidism treatment. Taking daily thyroid hormone replacement medication is the conventional treatment for hypothyroidism, but there are side effects that come along with it.
More often than not, thyroid disorders are treated with thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) medicine or pharmaceuticals like Synthroid and Levothyroxine that have damaging side effects on a patient’s overall health. To add to that, not taking the necessary pill or capsule can lead to a more critical condition.
But, there are some cases that make natural remedies great alternatives to treat hypothyroidism without side effects. Incorporating these thyroid function remedies in a patient’s diet can reduce or, in some cases, eliminate hypothyroidism.
# Iodine
According to observational studies, even a small amount of supplementary iodine can cause a slight, but notable, change in your thyroid gland function. Eating these foods rich in iodine can help prevent iodine deficiency:
Fish
Sea vegetables
Seaweeds
Eggs
Berries
Raw dairy
But, if seafood and dairy are not an option for you, consider taking an all-natural thyroid supplement that contains iodine and other ingredients that target each thyroid symptom. On the other hand, patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis should not take iodine supplements because getting too much iodine over an extended period can increase the danger of developing an overactive thyroid or other thyroid problems.
# SeleniumOf all the organs in the body, the thyroid has the highest level of selenium. It is a significant component in the production of the T3 thyroid hormone and can greatly lessen autoimmune effects.
An adequate amount of selenium in our body helps in efficient thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism. It also decreases anti-thyroid antibody levels and protects the thyroid gland from damage due to radioactive iodine exposures.
The average selenium intake should be 55 µg per day. Salmon, Brazil nuts, beef, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, and onions are some of the foods with high selenium content.
They are also a great addition to your natural hypothyroidism treatment.
# Vitamin B-ComplexThiamine and vitamin B12 are essential for hormonal balance and treatment of hypothyroidism.
Vitamin B12 is a vital component for red blood cell production, protein conversion, neurological functions, nerve health, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), and fatty acid synthesis. This natural hypothyroidism treatment turns nutrients from food into usable energy for our brain and body.
On the other hand, thiamine can fight the signs and symptoms of autoimmune disease in patients, such as chronic fatigue.
Foods rich in vitamin B-complex include milk, meat, liver, eggs, whole grain cereals, yeast, yogurt, fruits, and green leafy vegetables. One capsule of vitamin B-complex a day is very much required and can be a great treatment for hypothyroidism.
# AshwagandhaAdaptogen herbs or supplements like ashwagandha can lower cortisol and balance hormone TSH levels. This herb helps our body respond to stress.
In a clinical trial, supplementing ashwagandha for eight weeks helped patients with hypothyroidism increase their thyroxine hormone levels when compared to using other adaptogen herbs such as Rhodiola, ginseng, licorice root, and holy basil or tulsi, which have comparable benefits.
# L-TyrosineTyrosine is an amino acid found in our body used by neurotransmitters in our brain and is important for thyroid dysfunction and reduces the risk of thyroid disorders. Supplementing it with L-tyrosine can improve sleep deprivation and fight fatigue and a poor mood by enhancing alertness.
Another reason why it is beneficial in hypothyroidism treatment is it plays a major role in the production of dopamine and melatonin. They are our body’s natural “feel-good” hormones.
The recommended dosage of the L-tyrosine supplement is 150 mg/kg per day.
# Fish OilDocosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) omega-3 fatty acids found in fish oil are vital for our brain and thyroid function. They can lower the risk for thyroid disease and symptoms such as depression, anxiety, inflammatory bowel disease, high cholesterol, diabetes, arthritis, a weak immune system, and autoimmune disease.
Fish oil is a powerful brain support nutrient, which is a significant building block for optimal cognitive function. The recommended dosage of this natural hypothyroidism treatment is 1,000 µg daily.
# Essential Oil
Frankincense, lemongrass, and myrrh essential oils can improve thyroid function and heal symptoms of autoimmune disease. Rubbing these oils directly to the thyroid area along with the reflexology points on the feet and the wrists multiple times a day can offer outstanding relief from pain.
A soothing bath using therapeutic-grade essential oils can also combat fatigue. It can relieve muscle or joint pain, improve mood, and reduce anxiety and irritability as well.
# AcupunctureThis traditional Chinese medicine is popular for alleviating pain and improving symptoms of different health conditions like hypothyroidism. Acupuncture uses needles to prick the skin to target various pressure points in the body.
It helps regulate the flow of energy and correct variances in the body, such as hormonal imbalance. One study revealed that people who have thyroid dysfunction experienced improvements in their thyroid hormone markers when they applied acupuncture therapy regularly.
It also allows you to relax and aids in relieving anxiety and muscle tension, which are both hypothyroidism symptoms. Ask your doctor how you can incorporate acupuncture in your hypothyroidism treatment.
# ProbioticsYour gut is a large reservoir of thyroid hormones where the good bacteria in there help convert T3 to T4, which is often deficient in hypothyroidism. Try taking probiotics with Lactobacillus bacteria for your thyroid health.