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Hypothyroidism refers to a medical condition wherein the thyroid gland becomes incapable of producing adequate quantity of a hormone that triggers a chemical reaction for converting food into energy. Patients with low thyroid hormone levels tend to experience weight gain, fatigue, cold intolerance, and a myriad of other symptoms. According to the American Medical Women’s Association, hypothyroidism affects around 11 million Americans, among which women are 10 times more likely to suffer from the ailment than men.
If left untreated, the disease may not only cause several serious symptoms but might also lead to death. The prescribed medications for the treatment of this disease tend to have a high risk of osteoporosis. Therefore, natural home remedies are being much preferred for the treatment of this disease.
Home Remedies For Hypothyroid Treatment
Use Sea Salt
Replacing common salt by sea salt is one of the best home remedies for hypothyroidism. Chemically, sea salt is richer in iodine than common salt that is commonly used in homes.When adequate sea salt is consumed through daily meals, it helps in relieving the symptoms of hypothyroidism and offers adequate iodine to the body for stimulating the production of thyroid hormone. As per the experts, iodine is the main ingredient required for proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Have Bladder Wrack
This is a homeopathic herb that is derived from a type of seaweed. Consuming bladder wrack can help in treating the condition because it is a natural source of iodine that aids in healthy production of thyroid hormone.In addition, this herb helps in accelerating the rate of metabolism, which controls weight gain. Because of its powerful effects, the herb is one of the famous home remedies for hypothyroidism. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), a dose of 600mg of this herb taken one to three times a day aids in boosting the thyroid function.
Increase the Intake of Tyrosine
Tyrosine refers to an amino acid that plays an important role in stimulating the thyroid gland for secreting thyroxine. According to Phyllis Balch who is a specialized nutritional consultant, low levels of tyrosine may lead to hypothyroidism. Therefore, patients of hypothyroidism are recommended tyrosine-rich foods such as almonds, sesame seeds, avocados, bananas, and pumpkin seeds. These foods are mostly available at home.
Warning: Tyrosine-rich foods are not recommended for people taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors for treating depression. This is because consuming more tyrosine can interact with these medications to increase the blood pressure.
Include Antioxidants
Antioxidants are known to alleviate the risk of free radical damage to your body cells, including those that form the thyroid gland. Therefore, preventing this damage that can be done to the thyroid gland may help in reducing the risk of the gland’s impaired function.As per Phyllis Balch, raw foods such as citrus fruits, kale, apples, broccoli, carrots, kale, papayas, and pomegranates are rich sources of antioxidants that can boost the immune system to keep thyroid damage triggered by bacterial and viral infection at bay.
Consume Flax Seed Oil
Flax seeds are rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are indispensable for several smooth internal functions, including thyroid function. That is why the seeds can aid in treating the condition of hypothyroidism. So, experts recommend having one tablespoon of flax seed oil daily for improving the thyroid function and for keeping the body healthy. This oil plays a vital role in preventing constipation, alleviating cholesterol and in controlling heart problems; all of which are possible issues that co-exist with hypothyroidism.
Treat with Guggul (Commiphora Mukul)
According to the University of Michigan Health System (UMHS), guggul’s stem contains a resin-like substance that is rich in medical properties, which helps in reducing high triglyceride levels, promoting weight loss, and in stimulating the thyroid gland.Therefore, patients suffering from hypothyroidism can take 250 to 500mg of its extract thrice a day, says UMMC. A research whose findings were published in ‘Phytotherapy Research’ in Jan 2005 had proven that guggul improves hypothyroidism in mice.
Have Lemon Balm
If hypothyroidism is caused due to the attack of immune system on the thyroid gland, lemon balm can prove to be an effective home remedy. According to the UMMC, lemon balm can be useful in restoring the normal function of an impaired thyroid gland. So, you can use it either as an extract or as a tea.The ‘1000 Cures for 200 Ailments’ book recommends having an infusion of one tablespoon of balm in a cup of water daily for treating the condition. However, it suggests drinking this mix only if you are having a thyroid hormone replacement to avoid worsening the symptoms.
Chew Radishes
According to experts, black as well as red radishes are potent enough to treat the condition of hypothyroidism. They are rich in an active chemical called raphanin that works to restore the normal levels of thyroid hormones. Therefore, eating radishes is one of the effective home remedies for hypothyroidism. However, it is advisable to discuss with a health practitioner prior to consuming them in big quantities.
Help Yourself with Kelp
This is another potent supplement that may prove to be useful in treating hypothyroidism. Botanical.com states that kelp is an underwater plant that contains many nutrients such as iodine, calcium, B-vitamins, iron, and potassium; most of which are often recommended for the treatment of this ailment. According to Dr. William A. Mitchell Jr. who has written a book named ‘Plant Medicine in Practice,’ kelp is useful in treating the low-functioning thyroid gland for which lack of iodine may be responsible. However, the herb is not recommended for hyperthyroidism patients.
Note: Before consuming kelp to help treat your condition, it is advisable to discuss with your doctor about its side effects and potential drug interactions. This is because the herb is known to trigger a few side effects if the dosage you consume is not right.
Have Black Walnuts
Just like bladder wrack, black walnut is also a rich source of organic iodine. Therefore, it can help treat the condition effectively. According to experts, black walnuts help in stimulating the thyroid gland as well as releasing the essential hormones needed for proper metabolism.You can include this great food in your diet after discussing with your doctor about its daily intake.
