Hypothyroidism Remedies: Strategies for Better Health

The thyroid gland is responsible for crucial bodily functions such as heart and brain activities, metabolism, etc. However, to conduct all these functions, the thyroid secretes hormones like triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). If these hormones are not produced in the required quantities, hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid can develop. 

Read to learn how hypothyroidism affects a person and the remedies to control it.

Understanding Hypothyroidism: Causes and Symptoms

To understand hypothyroidism, one must know the factors that cause this medical condition and the symptoms to identify it.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism may develop due to several factors, but Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause among the others. In this disease, the thyroid gland is attacked by the immune system of the body, affecting hormone production.

Some more reasons why one gets diagnosed with hypothyroidism include the following:

• Congenital hypothyroidism (occurs from birth time)
• Inflammation in thyroid or thyroiditis
• Partial or complete removal of thyroid
• Excessive or deficient iodine in one’s diet
• Radiation therapy to treat thyroid disorders

Symptoms and Diagnosis

The following are the common symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Muscle and joint pain
• Fatigue
• Dry skin and hair
• Fertility issues
• Irregular menstrual cycle with heavy flow
• Constipation
• Low sweat release
• Cold intolerance
• Puffiness in face
• Goitre (swollen thyroid gland)
• Depression, etc.

Upon noticing any of these symptoms, one must contact a healthcare provider for a proper diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Doctors suggest blood tests to check the hormone levels and identify the disorder based on the levels of T3, T4, and TSH in one’s body.

Another way to diagnose hypothyroidism is an imaging test. In some cases, patients also undergo ultrasound therapy and iodine uptake tests to check for hypothyroidism.

Conventional Treatments for Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when one's thyroid gland fails to produce an adequate amount of hormones. The treatment procedure for this condition includes medication that acts as a replacement for thyroid hormones in a person’s body. 

Levothyroxine is a common medicine prescribed by physicians to treat hypothyroidism. It is a synthetic form of the T4 hormone that can help reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

However, it is essential to take the right dosage of this medicine for proper treatment of hypothyroidism. For that one needs to consult the physician who will monitor the medical condition through routine blood tests and checkups before prescribing levothyroxine. 

Dietary Changes to Manage Hypothyroidism

Changes in diet can control hypothyroidism to some extent. If taken in the right portions and at intervals, specific foods can aid in supporting thyroid function.

1.Foods Beneficial for Thyroid Function

A nutritious and balanced diet can normalise various medical conditions including hypothyroidism. Patients diagnosed with underactive thyroid have low vitamin B12 levels in their body. Taking foods like cheese, beans, peas, tuna, sesame seeds, eggs, milk, etc. rich in Vitamin B12 can support thyroid function and normalise hormone secretion.

Apart from that, selenium is a crucial dietary element for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease reduces the selenium supply to one’s body which affects the thyroid hormone function. Including foods rich in selenium such as Brazil nuts, turkey, tuna, etc. can help control hypothyroidism. 

2.Foods to Avoid

Unlike the fact that adopting some food habits can improve one’s thyroid health, some foods can drastically affect hormone production. It is necessary to avoid those foods if a person has hypothyroidism to prevent the worsening of the situation. Such foods include:

• Sugar

It increases the inflammation in one’s body, slowing down the process of converting T4 to T3.

• Dried Animal Thyroid

Though sold as thyroid supplements, the desiccated thyroid extract (DTE) of cows or pigs should be avoided as they can worsen the thyroid function by overtreating or undertreating one’s condition.

• Goitrogens

When consumed in larger amounts, goitrogens can prevent iodine incorporation into thyroid hormones, leading to iodine deficiency. This further can increase the chances of hypothyroidism. Here are some of the foods containing goitrogens:

• Cabbage

1. Cauliflower
2. Kale
3. Broccoli
4. Soy products, etc.

Herbal and Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism

Herbs like ashwagandha help control the abnormalities of thyroid hormones. It is a nightshade plant that typically helps control subclinical hypothyroidism when taken in limited amounts, i.e. 600 mg daily.

However, one must remember that thyroid deficiency cannot be treated by ashwagandha. Intaking it in large amounts can worsen the situation by producing thyrotoxicosis. Thus, before adopting a herbal remedy for hypothyroidism, one must consult the healthcare provider for personalised solutions.

Other natural ingredients that help control hypothyroidism are essential oils. These can reduce the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism, i.e. fatigue if used for aromatherapy. Other than that, peppermint and spearmint oils can also help reduce some symptoms of hypothyroidism like joint pain, indigestion, nausea, etc.

Lifestyle Modifications to Control Hypothyroidism

A natural way to manage the effects of hypothyroidism is through stress management and proper exercise.

 Importance of Stress Management

Hypothyroidism reduces the energy level of a person, causing fatigue. Some healthy changes in lifestyle can prevent such situations and improve thyroid functioning. Inadequate sleep can worsen the hypothyroidism situation due to lack of proper rest.

A sound sleep for 8 hours can help release stress by calming the mind and providing it adequate rest. It helps control depression and anxiety, the common symptoms of hypothyroidism. 

Exercise and Its Impact on Thyroid Health

One of the consequences of hypothyroidism is gaining excessive weight. Regular exercise and physical activities can help manage weight, thereby regulating thyroid conditions. However, one should not start rigorous exercise initially, since hypothyroidism usually affects the heart rate. 

Limited sets of activities for a short duration can help improve physical and mental health. Adopting habits like walking regularly, performing household tasks, exercising 10-20 minutes for at least 5 days a week, etc. can help manage hypothyroidism.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplementation

Depending on the level of minerals and vitamins in one’s body, an individual can intake supplements to control hypothyroidism.

Essential Nutrients for Thyroid Health

Here are some of the essential nutrients that can improve one’s thyroid health and functioning:

• Zinc: Though enough research is still required, zinc supplements can help in healthy thyroid functioning.
• Vitamin B12: Hypothyroidism leads to vitamin B12 malabsorption, leading to symptoms like fatigue. Thus, taking B12 supplements can improve thyroid health.
• Iodine: Lack or over intake of iodine is dangerous for thyroid health. Individuals having iodine deficiency can take supplements or foods rich in iodine to improve health conditions.
• Selenium: It helps convert T4 to active T3, normalising the hormonal production level. Thus, taking selenium supplements can control hypothyroidism.

Safe Practices for Supplementation

Overdose or underdose of these supplements may have adverse effects on one’s body and thyroid conditions. Thus, it is always advisable to seek professional guidance before taking any vitamin or mineral supplements. They will monitor the hypothyroidism condition and suggest the right dosage of supplements that one’s body requires.

Alternative Therapies to Manage Hypothyroidism

Here are two alternative ways other than medication to manage stress and improve thyroid function.

Acupuncture and its Benefits

As per records, acupuncture can increase the thyroid hormone levels in those having hypothyroidism. Some benefits of acupuncture include:

• Improved blood circulation
• Reduced inflammation
• Improved stability of bone joints
• Reduced pain or stress sensitivity, etc.

Yoga and Meditation

Yoga and meditation play a crucial role in releasing stress and helping reduce hypothyroidism symptoms. Moreover, according to some experts, yoga poses help increase the blood flow to one’s thyroid gland. This can manage hormone secretion and hypothyroidism.

Monitoring and Managing Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is not a condition that can be cured completely. However, one can control this thyroid disorder with proper medication and eating habits. It is essential to keep track of one’s hypothyroidism condition through routine blood tests and consult the physician to manage the dosage of medication as per requirements.

Conclusion

One can lead a healthy life with controlled hypothyroidism by adopting a proper diet and some healthy modifications in lifestyle. However, lifelong medication is still required to keep the situation under control.