Hypothyroidism is any medical condition where a person's thyroid gland functions at lower levels than it should; therefore, it fails to produce the hormones it needs, which leads to a multitude of various symptoms from mild fatigue and weight gain up to depression. While conventional medicine may often fall back on hormone replacement therapy, most patients would try alternative treatments that may well end their current symptoms, hence, eventually improving their whole condition.
So in this blog, let us talk about
some of those natural sources that could help out to support the thyroid,
including diet changes or lifestyle modifications and herbal treatments but
with a very strong recommendation to see healthcare professionals.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Looking at the natural remedies, it will be relevant to
establish what hypothyroidism is, plus the effects that it has in the body.
The thyroid is that small gland shaped like a butterfly located at the front of the
neck. It synthesizes hormones; the common ones are thyroxin and
triiodothyronine which are in charge of metabolism and energy not forgetting
the control of all other activities in the body.
When this gland cannot produce hormones in the necessary
quantity, then hypothyroidism occurs. There are many reasons why a person
develops hypothyroidism and they are from autoimmune diseases such as
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, inadequate amounts of iodine in the body and injury to
the gland through operations or radiation therapy.
Common Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Although the symptoms of hypothyroidism are very divergent among the people, sometimes it becomes hard to diagnose.
- Fatigue: You will experience persisting tiredness that does
not dissipate with rest.
- Weight Gain: You will experience unexpected weight gain or
not losing it while you are trying to.
- Cold Sensitivity: You will be relatively sensitive to cold
temperatures.
- Dry Skin and Hair: Your skin becomes dry and flaky and
breaks easily with hair falling out.
- Constipation: Bowel habits are affected, and you find it
hard to eject wastes from your body. It might be very awkward.
- Muscle Weakness: General muscle weakness with aches and
pains make daily activities a chore.
- Depressed Mood: Irritability or hopelessness is a common
complaint and can significantly disrupt quality of life.
However, symptoms like these, and others, should have you
going ahead to seek further assessment by a medical expert if you suspect that
you may have hypothyroidism.
Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
1. Dietary Changes
Eating habits are among the leading aspects of life that
impact on hypothyroidism. There are some specific improvements in the diet that
should enhance the thyroid gland and its functioning and subsequently alleviate
the symptoms. Some of the dietary changes may include.
Iodine-Rich Foods
Iodine is one of those minerals which are very important in
the synthesis of thyroid hormones, as mentioned earlier. In many foods of
choice, those containing iodine are worth incorporating into any diet in May
that may boost your thyroid. There are many iodine-rich foods, including
- Seaweed
- Fish
- Dairy Products
- Eggs
Selenium-Enriched Foods
Another mineral is selenium that helps the thyroid in a proper working of the organ. The mineral enables the conversion of the relatively inactive form of the thyroid hormone, commonly referred to as T4 into the biologically active one, known as T3. Sources of selenium include:
- Brazil Nuts: A serving of a handful of these nuts will give
a person a higher amount than the daily recommended amount.
- Fish: Salmon and sardines do not only provide selenium but
other nutrients as well.
- Egg: Versatile one that gives iodine and selenium together.
- Sunflower Seeds: Very delicious snack which may be
conveniently incorporated into your meals.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Zinc is a hormone constructor and may also aid in healing
the thyroid conditions. Two of the rich zinc sources are
Meat: The highest intake of zinc per serving has been traced
in beef, pork, and lamb
Shellfish: High amount of zinc per serving is present in
oysters and crab
2. Avoid Certain Foods
There are foods that promote the health of the thyroid, but
also foods that are not very friendly for the thyroid. Some of those foods that
could be lessened or avoided include:
Goitrogenic Foods
These are chemicals that help to prevent the glands in the thyroid from releasing their hormones. They are safe for consumption if taken in small proportions but if taken in large proportions they have a counterproductive impact on the thyroid. Food sources of goitrogen include;
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Soy Products
Gluten
Some patients with hypothyroidism have been advised to
follow a gluten-free diet. Evidence is accumulating, and it strongly points out
that the fact is that gluten has a role in inducing inflammation in patients
who suffer from autoimmune thyroid diseases, which includes Hashimoto's
thyroiditis. If you believe that gluten is related to your thyroid health, stop
it for some weeks in your diet and follow up how you will respond.
3. Herbal Remedies
So it is advised to consult your doctor before taking any
herbal supplement as they can interfere with your drugs or other treatments.
- Ashwagandha
- Bladder wrack
- Guggul
4. Lifestyle Interventions
In addition to dietary changes and herbal consumption, there
are several lifestyle intervention measures that could also help with
encouraging optimal thyroid function.
Exercise
Exercise would be an activity a person has to do to maintain
general well-being and would boost energy, mood, and control weight. A minimum
amount of 30 minutes of moderate exercise can be done almost most days of the
week. Examples of common exercises that a patient with hypothyroidism can do
are walking, swimming, cycling, or performing yoga.
Stress Management
Such chronic stress can affect the functioning of the
thyroid and the quality of life, to that extent. Reducing stress in day-to-day
living through a variety of practices may prove useful.
Healthy Sleep
Healthy sleep is required by the general well-being of
everyone and hypothyroidism patients in particular. Sleep as much as possible 7
to 9 hours every night. Sleeping on a bed prepared with a sleep-conducive
environment, avoiding gadget use before bedtime, and building a relaxing sleep
routine will promote high-quality sleep.
Regular Check-ups
Checkups by the doctor are also equally important in
observing your degree of thyroid hormone production and wellness. Then, if you
visit your healthcare provider regularly, there's more chance of a quick
response when a changed treatment plan is needed. Hypothyroidism can be managed
properly if symptoms of the disorder are closely monitored between visits and
discussed with the healthcare provider.
Conclusion
Indeed, managing hypothyroidism is certainly not easy, but the newly available natural treatments and lifestyle modifications would help improve thyroid health and well-being. A balanced diet rich in nutrients, physical activity, stress management, and herbal remedies can all be useful for improving the function in the thyroid.
If a person suspects that they have
hypothyroidism or if they are indeed suffering from its effects, then
consulting a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment is also
of fundamental importance. Have the courage to embrace the journey and look for
the various natural options presented to you while always keeping in mind
professional guidance.
Please book an appointment with the best Nutritionist in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, or call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the verified doctor for your disease.
