Difference between revisions of "Hypothyroidism"

Revision as of 02:35, 16 June 2013

Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is a common disorder that occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland is located in the front part of the neck, and the hormone it produces is vital to normal metabolism. A lack of thyroid hormone results in a slowing of the body's chemical processes and metabolism. Hypothyroidism may also lead to serious, potentially life-threatening complications. Symptoms are : fatigue, Depression, Modest weight gain, Cold intolerance, Excessive sleepiness, Dry, coarse hair, Constipation, Dry skin, Muscle cramps, Increased cholesterol levels, Decreased concentration, Vague aches and pains, Swelling of the legs

Home remedies

• Lower your intake of caffeine, white flour products and sugar – Your morning latte and bagel may taste delicious, but this unhealthy combination will only aggravate fatigue and further damage your impaired thyroid.
• Drop soy products from your diet. Dr. Mark Hyman also suggests gluten may have an adverse effect on your thyroid production as well. So dropping wheat products could be positive as well.
• Limit your intake of carbohydrates. It is more difficult to process carbohydrates when you have an underactive thyroid. This will help keep your weight down and give your thyroid gland a chance to produce hormones.
• Zinc : people with insufficient zinc levels are likely to have an underactive thyroid gland
• Eat lean meat, fish and white-meat chicken as primary proteins to treat your hypothyroidism. These foods will give you the energy you need to get through your day without feeling fatigued and cold---common symptoms for those with hypothyroidism. Not eating these foods may aggravate your condition.
• Try easing out of stress as a foundation. Stress produces cortisol, and cortisol inhibits getting T3 into your cells. Since all these tests are blood level tests, even if your T3 blood count test is okay, your cells could be lacking. This is a tricky area that few MDs know about.
• Drink low-fat milk every day and make sure you have other dairy products like low-fat yogurt. Since hypothyroidism often results in slow metabolism, many of those with this condition avoid dairy products. However, the proteins and nutrients in these dairy products are necessities and low-fat milk and yogurt can satisfy these needs.
• detox heavy metals.
• beans, seeds and legumes helps your metabolism. Lima beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds can help your thyroid become just a bit more active and this will help you complete your day without slowing down and fatiguing.
• Coconut oil helps people with low thyroid function because it stimulates metabolism and boosts energy
• Iodine is the major supplement for boosting your thyroid function. Some practitioners recommend nascent iodine while others say tried and tested Lugol's brand works fine. Antioxidants such as vitamins C and E, selenium and zinc, omega-3, and vitamin D3 should be supplemented with your choice of iodine as well.
• Natural hormone balancing may be needed to recover completely from hypothyroidism. Avoid the synthetic remedies most MDs prescribe and request something natural, such as a desiccated liver product. The most well known is Armour, but there are others. These are natural products that supply the complete thyroid hormone.
• Animal thyroid extract
• Organic diet
• Natural progesterone cream
• Tyrosine
• Increase omega-3 fatty acids to produce and transport hormones. Without omega-3s, cell growth suffers. Adding olive oil, nuts, avocados, flax seeds, fish and coconut oil to your diet stimulates new cell growth and improves thyroid function.
• Sunlight (Vitamin D)
• Myrtle oil is supportive in cases of coughs, bronchitis, and hypothyroidism.
• Ashwagandha is used for thyroid and adrenal hormone health in Ayurveda.
• Siberian ginseng can be effective for people with either hypo- or hyperthyroidism
• Carefully monitor goitrogenic foods that can impair thyroid function such as broccoli, spinach, peanuts, cabbage and kale. These foods should be consumed in moderation unless they are cooked. Exposing these foods to high heat nullifies the goitrogenic properties.
• Your body needs protein to transport hormones. Your thyroid uses the proteins found in grass-fed meats, eggs and legumes to distribute those hormones efficiently.
• Supplement with probiotic yogurt or fermented foods for longer-lasting energy and a healthy gut.

Warnings

References

Medical Disclaimer

This information is not meant to be substituted for medical advice. Always consult a medical professional regarding any medical problems and before undertaking any treatment or dietary changes.