Remedies For Thyroid Problems – Understanding the Thyroid
The necessity for remedies for thyroid don’t go unnoticed by women. Statistics have shown that of all the people who suffer from thyroid problems, 50% of them are women over the age of 50. Problems with the thyroid in this particular group of patients often are difficult to detect and are mistaken for symptoms also manifested in menopause. Therefore, many women are misdiagnosed and the underlying cause of their symptoms are not addressed.
The issues caused by an underactive thyroid can also be difficult to detect, even with blood tests. Many times the blood levels of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland are borderline and thus treatment with a thyroid hormone is not initiated. The following symptoms of an underactive thyroid can include the following:
fatigue
heavier than normal menstrual periods
dry skin
intolerance for cold temperatures
sluggishness
constipation
unexplained weight gain
puffy face
depression
brittle nails and hair
joint and muscle pain
If you are experiencing a number of these symptoms, the first step is to consult with your doctor to decide if further testing of the thyroid should be performed. Even if the blood tests don’t give a definitive answer, there are remedies for thyroid problems that could help you with these symptoms. Some of them can be used in conjunction with thyroid medication, but of course you should check with your physician to see what is appropriate for you.
A sluggishness of the thyroid is rarely caused by a lack of iodine for people who live in developed countries. Most people receive enough iodine in their diet. However, there are other nutritional supplements that can help you with thyroid function. The best thing to do is start with a comprehensive daily multivitamin.
Natural Remedies for Thyroid Problems
Other nutritional supplements that may help include:
Tyrosine: this is an amino acid which is the basic building block of the hormones produced by the thyroid. You can find tyrosine in chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, avocado, bananas, milk, cheese, yogurt, lima beans, sesame and pumpkin seeds.
Calcium and magnesium: these are two minerals vital to help the metabolic processes of the body function properly. However, one does not work right without the other. For those investigating thyroid remedies, it is recommended to take a 3 – 1 ratio of calcium to magnesium for optimal benefits.
Essential fatty acids: these are very important for hormone production and also function as an anti-inflammatory. The recommended dosage is 1,000 – 1,500 mgs of flaxseed oil per day. You can take this in capsule form or add flaxseed to your diet in cereals or other whole grain food.
It is also believed foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale and spinach depress thyroid function and should be avoided. While these diet changes and supplements are not a substitute for thyroid hormone medication, such changes can minimize the amount of medication you need to take and help stabilize thyroid hormone levels.
Unfortunately there is no one answer to thyroid problems, and it may take some time before results are experienced. Even with thyroid hormone medication, it will take the body a month or more to start responding. The key is to be patient, consult with your physician have regular check-ups to monitor your progress. Sometimes the remedies for thyroid issues can be as simple as a few diet modifications.
