Thursday, September 3, 2009

Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

When I read that according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 27 million Americans have either an overactive or underactive thyroid, I was astounded! In addition, over half of these people don't even realize their thyroid is at risk because of the general symptoms which can be recognized as a variety of other health problems. The following is a list of symptoms associated with thyroid disease, specifically Hypothyroidism:

*weight gain
*increased sensitivity to cold
*constipation
*muscle weakness
*joint pain
*depression
*moodiness
*difficulty concentrating
*fatigue
*hair loss
*dry skin
*water retention in the hands and feet
*low sex drive
*hoarse voice
*high cholesterol
*thick or brittle fingernails
*excessive menstrual bleeding

If you have 3 or more of any of these symptoms, you may have an underactive thyroid. Your thyroid, which is a tiny, butterfly shaped gland at the base of your throat, produces hormones that control every function in your body. Thyroid hormones help to improve mood, skin, hair, nails, sex drive, heart function, cholesterol, and so much more. Therefore, it is vitally important to take good care of your thyroid. Below I have made a list of several natural cures and remedies you can use to heal and maintain a healthy thyroid:

1. Nutrition: Specific nutrients for your thyroid are Iodine, Selenium, Omega 3 fatty acids, Zinc, Vitamin E and Vitamin D. The best source of Iodine is found in sea vegetables, including marine phytoplankton. The best source of Selenium is found in Brazil nuts. Getting plenty of sun for vitamin D and eating foods that contain omega 3 fatty acids such as walnuts, flaxseeds, and fatty fish like salmon and sardines is a very good diet for hypothyroidism. Certain foods such as cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage), peaches, strawberries, peanuts, radishes, spinach, and millet are considered goitrogenic, which mean they can hinder thyroid-hormone production by reducing the amount of iodine in your body. Many people with underactive thyroids are sensitive to gluten, which is found in certain grains, and soy products, which is also considered goitrogenic and estrogenic.

2. Focus On Your Adrenals: The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, which includes the hypothalamus, pituitary, pineal, thyroid, parathyroid, adrenals, pancreas, and reproductive glands. These glands work together to produce the hormones that keep us alive. When one gland is suffering, they all feel it. If you have thyroid disease, you have to ask if it's purely a thyroid problem or is your thyroid suffering because the adrenals are suffering? This may be the actual underlying cause of your thyroid issues. When the adrenals become imbalanced - from too much mental, physical or emotional stress - it alters the production of cortisol, which encourages the thyroid to slow down its hormone production. He Shou Wu, Ginseng, Schizandra, Cordyceps and Ashwagandha (which is good for both the thyroid and adrenals) are great herbs for your adrenal system.

3. Do A Chemical and Metal Detox: According to David Wolfe, the thyroid and throat area is the most negatively charged area in our bodies and as a result is the most susceptible to attracting positively charged particles and substances such as heavy metals and chemicals, environmental toxins, chemicals, pesticides, and pollutants. All these can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Using liquid zeolites and sweating (sauna and steam baths) helps to detox these substances. The chlorine and fluoride found in unfiltered tap water can also interfere with iodine absorption in the thyroid. Airborne mold, allergens and pollutants can wreak havoc on the immune system and may cause autoimmune thyroid diseases. Look into buying a good HEPA air filter. Certain essential oils can help eliminate these harmful substances as well.

4. Get Chiropractic Care: Incorrectly aligned neck vertebrae can interfere with the nerves that aid thyroid function. A good chiropractor can straighten that right up for you.

5. Do Inverted Yoga Poses: Inverted poses, such as the headstand, shoulder stand, plough, camel, and bridge pose, stimulate the thyroid and increase hormone circulation. Doing yoga can also help reduce stress which can contribute to thyroid malfunction.

1 comment:

  1. If you are undergoing some thyroid problems, you dont have to worry because there are a lot of natural thyroid supplements widely available. These supplements like bovine/porcine are very helpful and useful in cases where the symptoms of thyroid problems have just started.

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