6 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism | Can be Cured by Foods and Minerals

 

6 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is a small organ that’s located in the front of the neck, wrapped around the windpipe (trachea) and its main job is to produce thyroid hormone  that mainly controls our body’s metabolism.  

Hypothyroidism occurs when the gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone. This leads to symptoms such as Tiredness, Fatigue, Feeling cold, Hair loss, Dry skin, Depression Memory and concentration problems, Constipation, Menstrual abnormalities.

 

There are 6 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism. 

 

1. Selenium Rich Foods

According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), selenium is a trace element that plays a part in thyroid hormone metabolism. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is a disease in which your body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid which leads to decreased thyroid production. This disease often reduces the body’s selenium supply. 

Supplementing this trace element has shown to help balance Thyroxine, or T4, levels in some people. Many foods contain selenium, including: tuna, turkey, Brazil nuts, grass-fed beef etc.

 

2. Sugar-free diet   

Sugar and processed foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can slow down the conversion of T4 to Triiodothyronine, or T3, another thyroid hormone. This can make your   symptoms of thyroid disease worsen. Also, sugar only boosts your energy level in the short term, eliminating it from your diet may help regulate your energy levels. Additionally, removing sugar from your diet may help your stress levels and skin. It’s not easy to adopt a sugar-free diet, but  it will stabilize and benefit your thyroid health may be worth it.

 

3. Vitamin B-12

Taking certain vitamin supplements can have an effect on your thyroid health. Low thyroid hormones can affect your body’s vitamin B-12 levels. Taking a vitamin B-12 supplement may help you repair some of the damage hypothyroidism caused. You can add more B-12 vitamins to your diet with the following foods: Peas and Beans, Asparagus, Sesame Seeds, Tuna, Cheese, Milk, Eggs etc.

 

4. Probiotics

The NIH studied the link between hypothyroidism and  small intestine problems. It was found that altered gastrointestinal (GI) motility commonly seen with hypothyroidism can cause bacterial overgrowth and ultimately lead to chronic GI symptoms, such as Diarrhea. Probiotic supplements contain helpful bacteria that can help keep your stomach and intestines healthy.

Besides supplement forms, fermented food and drink, such as kefir, kombucha, some cheeses, and yogurt contain useful probiotics. However, the Food and Drug Administration hasn’t approved the use of probiotics for the prevention or treatment of any condition.

 

5. IODINE  

Iodine is an essential mineral that’s needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is very common and affects nearly one-third of the world’s population.  However, it’s less common in people from developed countries like the United States, where iodized salt and iodine-rich seafood is widely available. If you have an iodine deficiency, consider adding iodized table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods like Seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs.  

However, it is important to know that Iodine supplements are unnecessary, as you can get plenty of iodine from your diet. Some studies have also shown that getting too much of this mineral may damage the thyroid gland.

 

6. GOITROGENS  

Goitrogens are compounds that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland. They get their name from the term goitre, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may occur with hypothyroidism.  

Surprisingly, many common foods contain Goitrogens, including Soy Foods: Tofu, Tempeh, Edamame etc. Certain Vegetables: Cabbage, Broccoli, Cauliflower, Spinach, etc.

Fruits and Starchy Plants: Sweet potatoes, Cassava, Peaches, Strawberries, etc. Nuts and Seeds: Millet, Pine Nuts, Peanuts, etc.

In theory, people with hypothyroidism should avoid goitrogens. However, this only seems to be an issue for people who have an iodine deficiency or eat large amounts of goitrogens. Scientists agree that moderate consumption of these as a part of a wholesome diet is recommended for everyone including those with hypothyroidism unless advised otherwise.