Home Remedies for Thyroid

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the neck area that releases a set of hormones: thyroxine, triiodothyronine, and calcitonin. These hormones influence almost every cell in the body by regulating metabolism, controlling heart rate, and maintaining body temperature. Now, Thyroid disorders occur when the gland produces too much or too little of its hormones, disrupting the body's delicate hormonal balance.

Types of Thyroid Disorders

There are two types of thyroid disorders: primary and secondary. Primary thyroid disorder happens in the thyroid gland itself, whereas secondary thyroid disorder happens inside your pituitary gland.

Hypothyroidism

This is a condition where the thyroid gland cannot produce enough hormones for bodily functions. The reasons for this disorder are surgical removal of the thyroid gland, iodine deficiency, cancer treatment, bipolar medications, congenital hypothyroidism, etc. Owing to the reduced secretion of essential hormones, this condition slows down the body's function, leading to various diseases. 

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the opposite of hypothyroidism. In this case, the thyroid gland releases more hormones, which speed up your body's function. The reasons for this disease are inflammation in the thyroid gland, benign pituitary tumours, excessive iodine intake, certain thyroid management medications, etc.

Apart from these, there are other thyroid disorders like thyroid cancer, goitre, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease and thyroid nodules. Every thyroid disorder is unique, with different symptoms and severity. Therefore, it is suggested to visit a physician as soon as one spots the below-mentioned symptoms, as delaying the treatment of thyroid disorder can adversely affect bodily function.

Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance

The common signs of hypothyroidism are:

• Tiredness
• Puffy face
• Fatigue
• Dry hair and skin
• Muscle weakness
• Hoarse voice
• Hair thinning
• Cognitive disorders
• Slow heart rate
• Constipation

On the other hand, symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Increased appetite but losing weight
• Irritability
• High heart rate
• Anxiety
• Sleeping trouble
• Frequent bowel movements
• Excessive sweating
• Nervousness

Causes and Risk Factors

Some of the leading causes and risk factors associated with thyroid disorders are –

Genetic predisposition

Genetic predisposition is a concerning cause of thyroid disorder. Research shows that up to 67% of TSH function is determined by genetics. Congenital hypothyroidism is a birth defect that occurs in infants, causing partial or complete loss of function of the thyroid gland. Therefore, the risk of getting hereditary thyroid disorder is quite prevalent.

Lifestyle and environmental factors

Apart from genetic predisposition, there are other reasons for getting thyroid disorders, such as lifestyle and environmental factors. Poor diet, high stress levels, exposure to toxins, and inadequate iodine intake are some of the common contributors to thyroid dysfunction.   

Home Remedies for Thyroid Health

Some of the leading home remedies for thyroid health are –

Dietary adjustments

The right diet can miraculously work on the symptoms of thyroid disorder. Taking a gluten-free, sugar-free diet, eating Selenium foods like tuna, turkey, etc., and taking vitamin B in different forms can effectively reduce thyroid disorders. However, before you make any dietary adjustments, consult a physician and get expert advice.

Herbal and natural supplements

Herbal supplements like Ashwagandha enhance thyroid gland function by reducing stress. On the other hand, black cumin improves thyroid health with anti-inflammatory properties. In addition, Agarwood is effective for endocrine health and hormonal balance.

Lifestyle modifications

Lifestyle modifications are also important to deal with thyroid disorders. Getting adequate sleep and lowering stress are two key lifestyle changes one must make to deal with thyroid disorders. In addition, individuals have to exercise regularly to stimulate the thyroid gland's functions.

Foods to Support Thyroid Function

Dietary changes for thyroid disorders have been segregated into two major areas.

Crucial nutrients and their food sources

Crucial nutrients that one must intake properly to support thyroid function are Vitamin B12, Selenium, Iodine (in the right amount), Omega 3, Vitamin B3, and antioxidants. These nutrients are present in foods like seaweed, dairy products, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, tuna, salmon, Indian gooseberry or amla, avocado, brown rice, flaxseeds, etc.

Foods to avoid

Processed foods should be avoided as they are high in sodium and additives, which may disrupt thyroid function. Apart from these, one should also avoid excessive fibre intake, fatty foods, excessive caffeine, alcohol, etc.

Importance of Exercise and Stress Management

Exercises are highly effective in managing thyroid disorders. Some exercises for thyroid diseases are:

• Yoga
• Walking
• Cycling
• Water aerobics
• Strength training
• Swimming
• Mind relaxation practices
• Dancing, etc.

Furthermore, stress also contributes significantly to thyroid disorders. Hence, reducing stress is necessary and here are a few techniques for it:

• Mindfulness meditation
• Deep breathing exercises
• Journaling to manage emotional well-being
• Following a healthy sleeping routine, etc.

Alternative Therapies

Alternative therapies can also help in managing thyroid disorders.

Yoga and meditation

Yoga offers a holistic solution to thyroid disorders. Various researches have proven the mettle of yoga when it comes to improving thyroid health. Some useful yoga exercises for reducing thyroid disorders are shoulder stand or Sarvangasana, Matsyasana or fish pose, Ustrasana or camel pose, Halasana, etc.

Along with yoga, meditation can also help manage thyroid disorders. Meditation calms the human body and mind, promoting better stress management and leading to the well-being of the thyroid gland.

Acupuncture and other holistic approaches

Acupuncture is also an alternative therapy method for thyroid disorders. It is clinically proven that acupuncture can improve thyroid function among Hashimoto patients. In addition, thyroid naturopathy is a holistic approach that uses the healing power of nature to treat thyroid disorders. 

Monitoring and Managing Thyroid Health

Effective monitoring and health check-ups are necessary to manage thyroid disorders. Generally, blood tests are required to diagnose the present state of thyroid disease, and the doctor will prescribe treatments or remedies accordingly.

Having said that, if individuals notice any imbalance in their body, feel extremely out of breath, lose appetite, have hair and skin issues, suffer weight gain, or lose weight, then they should be vigilant and consult a physician right away.

Conclusion

To wrap up, it is important to remember that nurturing the human body with the best home remedies is necessary to fight against thyroid disorders; only medicines will not suffice. Patients should focus on a vitamin-rich diet, have iodine and fibre in proper quantity, and cut down sugar intake for better thyroid health.

Having said that, visiting a doctor upon finding thyroid disorder symptoms is of utmost importance. People should only take medications that their doctor will prescribe after a thorough examination.

So, combine the natural goodness of home remedies with clinical drugs and lead a healthy life.