Hypothyroidism Symptoms Causes And Treatments
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive and doesnt properly make or release thyroid hormones. The thyroid gland normally releases many crucial hormones that travel through the bloodstream to reach receptors found throughout the whole body. So a disturbance in thyroid function can cause widespread, noticeable health problems.
The thyroid is a small gland located on the base of your neck, sometimes described as butterfly-shaped. Meanwhile, at the base of the brain sits the pituitary gland, which secretes the thyroid-stimulating hormone . TSH makes the thyroid produce and release thyroxine, the main thyroid hormone.
Almost 5 percent of the U.S. population over the age of 12 has some form of hypothyroidism. Some estimates suggest up to 40 percent of the population suffers from at least some level of underactive thyroid. Women especially older women are the most susceptible group for developing hypothyroidism. People who are elderly or who have other existing autoimmune diseases like type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, for example are also at a higher risk.
What are some;of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism? Changes to your metabolism, heart function, digestion, energy, appetite, sleep or mood even the growth of your hair, skin and nails can all be caused by hypothyroidism.
What Are Natural Thyroid Treatments
If you take medication for hypothyroidism, you may find it helpful to also use natural remedies for thyroid disorders. Although there is no natural thyroid medication that doctors recommend, holistic treatments for hypothyroidism can help to improve your thyroid condition.
Just make sure to consult with your doctor before taking any natural supplements as some of them may interfere with medications.
Ways To Naturally Boost Thyroid Function
Your thyroid gland is relatively small and fits into your throat area, but it has an enormous effect on your entire body. It is often overlooked as a cause of common health problems, as well as unexplained weight gain or weight loss.
The gland is also very important to how our body creates energy and even helps regulate our sleep. However, with some lifestyle and diet changes, you can help our thyroid function more efficiently, and help you feel better overall. Here are seven thyroid boosters to try. If you suspect a problem, you should also consult your doctor to confirm you have thyroid issues
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The Takeaway: Following A Hypothyroidism Diet And Lifestyle
While certain dietary and lifestyle measures can help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight, there really is no such thing as a specific diet or best lifestyle for hypothyroidism.
Managing stress, exercising regularly, and keeping hypothyroidism-friendly foods in mind can help improve your health; ultimately, following tried-and-true health advice and your medication schedule;will all work in your favor.
Natural Remedies For Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when too much thyroid hormone is produced and secreted into the bloodstream. This can cause the metabolism and heart rate to speed up, leading to diarrhea, fatigue, high blood pressure, and sleep problems.
Hyperthyroidism is commonly caused by Graves disease, throat cancer, or too much iodine. Modifying your diet by reducing iodine intake can help. Foods that are low in iodine include:;
- Egg whites
- Fresh fruit and unsalted nuts
- Homemade bread without salt, eggs, or dairy
- Maple syrup and honey
- Oats and potatoes
Studies have shown that cruciferous vegetables have properties that can prevent the thyroid from using iodine. Cruciferous vegetables are leafy greens that belong to the cabbage family. These greens may be beneficial:
- Broccoli and bamboo shoots
- Brussels sprouts and bok choy
- Cauliflower and kale
- Collard greens, cassava, mustard, and rutabaga;
Low iron levels can compromise thyroid health. Other beneficial vitamins and minerals may include calcium, vitamin D, selenium, and zinc. Hyperthyroidism can reduce bone mass, but calcium and vitamin D can help to restore it. Selenium may help to deter cell damage. Finally, zinc is essential for converting food into energy. To get thyroid-friendly nutrients, supplement your diet with:;
- Green leafy vegetables
- Nuts, lentils, and dried beans
- Red meat and poultry
- Whole grains and seeds
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Minerals & Nutrients For Hypothyroidism
Nutrients play a big role in thyroid function. Remember how we mentioned iodine? Theres a lot of clinical research to support the link between iodine and thyroid function. According to one study, chronic exposure to excess iodine from water or poorly monitored salt are risk factors for hypothyroidism. Yep too much iodine can be a real problem.
To make matters just a bit more complicated, a deficiency in iodine may also lead to thyroid issues, according to another study. This is why its so important that you talk to your doctor about testing your iodine levels especially if you think youre getting too much or too little of the stuff. If youre getting too little, make sure youre using iodized salt in your foods. Eating seafood can also help, as can iodine supplements.;Dont go overboard here, though, warns Nicole German Morgan, RDN, LD, CLT, founder of Your Thyroid Dietitian: More iodine does not mean more thyroid hormone production when your body already has enough.So which other minerals should you be getting? Morgan recommends selenium and zinc which may support the conversion of T4 hormone to the active T3 hormone, as well as all of the B-vitamins, which can support energy and the body’s stress response, which is supportive for those with hypothyroidism.
What Happens When Hypothyroidism Is Left Untreated
- Goiter â enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Heart problems
- Peripheral neuropathy, which may result in damaged peripheral nerves
- Infertility
- Myxedema â in rare cases
Leaving hypothyroidism untreated for too long may lead to life-altering complications. Thus, one should closely monitor their thyroids levels, especially once they cross 35 years of age. If you notice your thyroid levels have dipped, take the necessary action, and follow the required remedies to bring your thyroid levels back to the normal range. Make sure you consult a doctor to understand which of these remedies may work for you.
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What Is The Hypothyroidism Diet Or Thyroid Diet
The thyroid diet is designed to support healthy thyroid function while you are undergoing thyroid treatment.
Regarding dietary requirements for people with hypothyroidism, the Journal of Medical Nutrition & Nutraceuticals says that it is important to consume foods with certain micronutrients. For example, doctors recommend that foods to help the thyroid are rich in iron, vitamin A, zinc, and selenium.
Because iodine deficiency is a cause of hypothyroidism, iodine-rich foods may help hypothyroidism by helping to keep the thyroid working properly. However, doctors warn against taking iodine supplements for thyroid health as this could lead to excessive doses.
Even if it is difficult to heal your thyroid naturally with your diet, researchers from Harvard Medical School say that you should eat nutritious foods. A hypothyroidism diet may help you feel better and improve your digestion. Exercising may also help to relieve some of the symptoms associated with low thyroid function.
A healthy diet and regular exercise will also help you lose weight with hypothyroidism.
Many doctors also say that a Hashimotos diet should include foods that are nutritious and healthy without going to any extremes.
Do Not Take Iodine Supplements
One change I made immediately once I found out about my thyroid problems was to stop taking iodine. In some cases, iodine can help people with hypothyroidism, but for the most part, people in the U.S. have sufficient levels of iodine to prevent thyroid disorders.
Taking iodine when you are hypothyroid can cause problems because getting more than you need is not better, and if your hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimotos, then youre pouring fuel on the fire of your autoimmune attack. In fact, a 2012 review found that restricting iodine could, in some cases, reverse hypothyroid symptoms.
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What Is An Underactive Thyroid
Having an underactive thyroid is called hypothyroidism. This happens when your thyroid is not producing enough hormones to energize your body. Understanding what can lead to a low-functioning thyroid is a critical part of getting answers.
I was diagnosed through a series of blood tests and a thyroid ultrasound. I found out that I have several nodules on my thyroid which will be monitored to make sure they dont get any bigger.
Low Conversion Of T4 To T3 Thyroid Hormone
Stress
When you are under a lot of stress the brain sends a message to the adrenal glands to produce more cortisol, ;this increase in cortisol leads to a decrease in the release of TSH and a lowered thyroid function.
If you have chronic stress, your body focuses more on the release of cortisol, and it usually leads to the following scenario:
- triiodothyronine and thyroxine hormone levels get decreased
- the conversion of the T4 hormone to T3 may not occur
- the body redirects T4 to reverse T3
When you have high rT3 levels, your thyroid cannot function well, your metabolism slows down, and you may experience fatigue, weight gain, and brain fog.
Reducing stress is an important place to start when addressing thyroid function and you cant treat the thyroid without treating the adrenals.
This can be done through meditation, yoga, gentle exercise, and counseling as well as looking at herbs and nutrients to treat stress. B vitamins, Withania, Rhodiola, phosphatidylserine are some of my favorites but there many more options too.
The more stressed you are the bigger the thyroid issue so it is important to start here first. Stress does not just have to be external stress but can be also caused by obesity, gut function, and injury.
Note: Hypothyroidism usually goes alongside such health problems as insulin resistance and issues balancing blood sugar.
High Estrogen levels
Poor Gut Health
Liver Dysfunction
Low-Calorie Diets
Low Carbohydrate Diet
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Final Thoughts On Natural Thyroid Supplements
The vitamins, herbs and natural remedies above can be useful for treating hypothyroidism. They work wonders for energy, metabolism, improving mood, and much more. These are the best thyroid supplements on the market. Lifestyle recommendations such as exercise and stress reduction are also helpful.
Natural treatments and traditional approaches can combine to achieve more significant benefits. Improving thyroid health will only lead to a happier and healthier life. Consult with a qualified health care professional if youre not sure where to start. Its best to take proper precautions when using home remedies for thyroid problems.
Dr Axe’s Top 7 Remedies To Help Heal Thyroid Disease Naturally
Mon, 06/17/2019 – 13:55
Recently I had Dr. Josh Axe on my podcast to talk about natural remedies for Thyroid Disease and the segment was such a hit that I asked him to send over his top tips for this week’ s blog! ;1. Avoid Iodine DeficiencyIts well known that iodine status is a key determinant of thyroid disorders. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism;and goiters because the mineral helps to convert and release thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders that are caused by low iodine levels can cause heart complications, sluggish metabolism, weight fluctuations and mood changes.
There are a few ways to avoid iodine deficiency, with the most important step being eating;iodine-rich foods;like seaweed, wild-caught cod, organic yogurt, raw milk and eggs. Iodine supplements are also available and when taken in low doses, can help to normalize the production of thyroid hormones. But only use iodine supplements under the care of your doctor and make sure you are being monitored for side effects. High doses of iodine can actually aggravate thyroid disorder symptoms.
2. Eat Foods High in Selenium, Zinc and B VitaminsTo improve symptoms of thyroid disease, make sure you are getting enough selenium, zinc and B vitamins in your diet. These nutrients are needed for proper thyroid function and will help to balance your thyroid hormone levels.
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Why Home Remedies For Thyroid
Some benefits of using home or natural remedies for treating thyroid are:
- Minimal to no side-effects at all.;
- Easy to incorporate into everyday lifestyle.
- Regulates the thyroid gland and also treats related symptoms.
Did You Know?
Thyroid hormone regulates the bodys metabolism, and fluctuations in this hormone level can lead to lower metabolism and weight gain.
The Adrenal/thyroid Restoration Blend
- Rhodiola Rhodiola is a powerful adrenal adaptogen which means that it supports cortisol levels and cortisol receptor sensitivity in the body. Several scientific studies have shown that it is helpful in improving mood, reducing your stress response, and improving your resilience.
- Adrenal Gland Adrenal gland serves as one of the most powerful ways to naturally support cortisol levels in the body. Taking adrenal glandulars is very helpful for patients with adrenal fatigue and suboptimal serum cortisol levels. Adrenal glandulars work synergistically with adrenal adaptogens like Rhodiola.
- L-Tyrosine L-Tyrosine is required for proper thyroid hormone production in your body. It serves as a precursor, which when combined with iodine, helps create thyroid hormone. Using L-tyrosine can improve thyroid status in the body if you have deficient levels.
- Zinc Zinc is a trace element but acts as a powerful anti-inflammatory agent in the body. Zinc also naturally helps to boost T4 to T3 conversion. Taking zinc will help improve thyroid conversion and thyroid status in the body and compliments other adrenal boosting effects listed above.
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What Natural Home Remedies And Supplements Treat Thyroid Problems
Supplements that contain large amounts of iodine such as seaweed can make thyroid hormone levels go very high or very low if you have nodular goiter and a history of an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.
There is no scientific evidence that herbal supplements, yoga poses, natural thyroid treatments, or natural thyroid remedies improve thyroid health and function. Dietary supplements are not regulated by any agency and therefore there is no quality control of these supplements. It is not recommended that any supplement be taken for thyroid health.
Don’t take supplements for your thyroid problem without consulting a doctor.
Natural Remedies For Symptoms Of Thyroid Disease
1. Avoid Iodine Deficiency
Its well known that iodine status is a key determinant of thyroid disorders. Iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism; and goiters because the mineral helps to convert and release thyroid hormones. Thyroid disorders that are caused by low iodine levels can cause heart complications, sluggish metabolism, weight fluctuations and mood changes.
There are a few ways to avoid iodine deficiency, with the most important step being eating iodine-rich foods like seaweed, wild-caught cod, organic yogurt, raw milk and eggs. Iodine supplements are also available and when taken in low doses, can help to normalize the production of thyroid hormones. But only use iodine supplements under the care of your doctor and make sure you are being monitored for side effects. High doses of iodine can actually aggravate thyroid disorder symptoms.
2. Eat Foods High in Selenium, Zinc and B Vitamins
To improve symptoms of thyroid disease, make sure you are getting enough selenium, zinc and B vitamins in your diet. These nutrients are needed for proper thyroid function and will help to balance your thyroid hormone levels.
Did you know that the thyroid is the organ with the largest content of selenium? The mineral is needed for the conversion of hormones T4 and T3. Some of the best selenium foods that can be added to your diet to improve thyroid function include Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, pinto beans, halibut, grass-fed beef, wild-caught salmon and organic oats.
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Balancing Thyroid Hormones Naturally
Read Time: 6 Minutes
The thyroid is a gland that secretes hormones and plays a major role in the regulation of many body processes. Maintaining optimal function of the thyroid and balanced levels of its main hormones, triiodothyronine and thyroxine , is vital for overall health. Dysfunction of thyroid hormone performance is common and may result in conditions such as thyroiditis and hypothyroidism. In the United States, hypothyroidism reportedly affects up to 10% of adults,1,2 with a potentially higher prevalence in older populations. The autoimmune condition known as Hashimotos thyroiditis is the most common type of hypothyroidism, affecting one to two percent of people in the US.1,3 In this disorder, a dysregulated immune response impairs the production of thyroid;hormones. On the flip side from a low-functioning thyroid is hyperthyroidism, which impacts about one percent of people in the US, with women two to ten times more likely to develop the condition.4 Graves disease is the most common type of hyperthyroidism in the US.5 In this autoimmune disorder, autoantibodies activate the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor, inducing excessive thyroid hormone secretion.6
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Home Remedies For Hypothyroidism
- Eat a Balanced Natural Diet: A balanced diet is the prerequisite to help with the symptoms of hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid diet must contain all necessary nutrients that improve total body functions and help combat the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Most importantly, the diet should be natural without processed, canned and preserved foods or ingredients. Hydrogenated oils, white flour and artificial colors and flavors must be eliminated from the diet. Organic food consumption is most advisable. A natural diet with whole grains, vegetables and fruits help boost the immune system and reduce effects of hypothyroidism.
- Avoid Soy:Soy products and soybeans contain goitrogenic compounds that interfere with thyroid hormone levels in the body and make it worse for a person with hypothyroidism. Soy reduces thyroid production and causes hormonal imbalance in the body promoting the formation of goiters. This may aggravate the symptoms of hypothyroidis and cause a higher deficiency in levels of thyroid hormones.
- Balanced Estrogen Levels in Women:Hypothyroidism in women can be due to raised estrogen levels in the body. Higher meat intake, dairy products and birth control pills may imbalance the hormone levels in the body and deplete the production of thyroid hormones. These must be avoided to maintain a healthy hormonal balance in the body.
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