Natural Thyroid Treatments and Your Thyroid
Hypothyroidism is a condition that can affect people of all ages, but it is most common in women of middle age. Often confused with other medical issues which may be occurring at the same time, such as menopause, the symptoms of a underactive thyroid can make life very uncomfortable often sending sufferers in search of a natural thyroid treatment. However, in rare cases, it can also be life-threatening so it’s imperative to seek the guidance of a doctor.
The thyroid is a small gland shaped like a butterfly and located just under the Adam’s apple. This small gland has a big job – it contributes to the metabolism of the entire body. From enzymes to hormones, the thyroid helps you to regulate blood sugar levels, use oxygen efficiently and metabolize iodine. It is considered the “master gland” of the body, as it also facilitates the function of other glands to keep all systems working together.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism may begin almost imperceptibly and grow increasingly problematic as time passes and the thyroid loses its ability to do its job. Some of these symptoms include:
fatigue
sluggishness
constipation
weight gain
increased sensitivity to cold
depression
muscle and joint pain
muscle weakness
heavy or irregular menstrual periods
pale, dry skin
There is no cure for hypothyroidism, but there are ways to manage the symptoms and lead a full, active life. Many people are looking for an alternative way to handle their condition without the use of hormone replacement therapy, but to date the replacement hormone of levothyroxine is the best treatment. However, there are ways to manage your thyroid hormone levels in addition to hormone therapy which may decrease the dose needed. It is important to discuss thoroughly with your physician any addition or changes to the treatment s/he recommends for your particular case.
Some natural thyroid treatments may include the following:
Bladderwrack: this is a type of seaweed that can help add iodine to your diet. Please note that too much iodine in your diet can actually shut down the function of the thyroid. Additionally, impaired thyroid function due to a lack of iodine is actually rare in developed countries. Usually the iodine included in a multi-vitamin is plenty.
Tyrosine: this is an amino acid important in the function of the thyroid. It is found in foods such as chicken, turkey, fish, peanuts, almonds, sesame and pumpkin seeds, avocado and bananas.
Calcium and magnesium: these are essential minerals needed for the function of the thyroid. The recommended ratio is 3:1 of calcium to magnesium for optimal benefits.
Fatty acids: daily doses of flaxseed oil are thought to promote healthy thyroid function.
Diet can also become a part of a holistic approach to hypothyroidism and natural thyroid treatments. Although there is some debate about diet and hypothyroidism and if a special diet is a help, common sense indicates a better diet is beneficial to better health all the way around. For those who suffer from hypothyroidism, it is recommended to avoid the following foods as they may impede thyroid function:
cabbage
broccoli
kale
cauliflower
spinach
soy and dairy products
refined foods
sugar
caffeine
alcohol
wheat
There is no one answer for everyone suffering from hypothyroidism. However, there are different options available, including natural thyroid treatments which may decrease the need for a high dosage of hormone replacement therapy. Be sure to talk your treatment plan over with your health care professional. Patience is the key here – it may take a while to find the right combination for you, but with all the options available, it’s only a matter of time before you find a natural thyroid treatment that works best for you.
