Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to produce less thyroid than is required for the proper functioning of the body. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ that regulates the body’s metabolic processes, including hormonal function, weight, and thermoregulation. The thyroid gland also regulates sleep, the menstrual cycle, energy levels, and hair growth.
The thyroid gland utilizes iodine in producing two hormones – thyroxine and triiodothyronine – which are responsible for its functions. An underactive thyroid can cause severe health challenges like weight gain, infertility, heart problems, and painful joints.
Hyperthyroidism affects individuals of all ages but is more common in people aged 45 and above, with women over 60 years and above at a higher risk of having an underactive thyroid. The condition develops slowly, and the differences in severity of symptoms mean that many people are unaware that they suffer from the condition.
Myxedema, an extremely underactive thyroid gland, can cause complications like heart failure, anemia, and potentially fatal hypothermia. An estimated five percent of people globally have some form of hypothyroidism, with another five percent undiagnosed.
Hypothyroidism treatment consists of hormone replacement medication, natural remedies, and some lifestyle alterations.
What Is Hypothyroidism: Diseases, Symptoms, Causes & Treatments
An underactive thyroid may be caused by:
Hashimoto’s Disease
An autoimmune disorder that causes the body’s immune system to attack the thyroid. The thyroid tissues become unable to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.
Congenital Hypothyroidism
Thyroiditis
An inflamed thyroid can lead to leakage of thyroid hormones which can cause the thyroid gland to become underactive with time.
Surgical Procedures
Surgical removal of part of the thyroid gland as a treatment for goiter, thyroid cancer, or hyperthyroidism can cause inadequate amounts of thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism Radiation Therapy
Radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism can cause progressive destruction of thyroid cells leading to an underactive thyroid.
Iodine Deficiency
Dietary iodine deficiency, though rare, may cause some cases.
Medications
‘Hypothyroidism’ is diagnosed by thyroid blood tests which check the level of circulating thyroid hormones in the body.
The symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- An enlarged thyroid (goiter)
- Inflamed or swollen joints
- Aching, stiff, and tender muscles
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Dry or cracked skin
- Memory loss
- Depression
- Hair loss or thinning
Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Some research indicates that over 40 percent of patients believe in natural ways of dealing with hypothyroidism. The following natural treatment methods can help improve symptoms:
Hypothyroidism Healthy Diet
Healthy nutrition is vital for the natural treatment of an underactive thyroid. Hypothyroidism disrupts normal body function. So, the diet should contain the necessary nutrients for the body to function normally.
Specific nutritional modifications that can help with include:
Gluten-free Diet
Gluten can damage the gut lining and lead to inflammation that affects the thyroid. Many individuals with hypothyroidism report significant improvement in symptoms upon adopting a gluten-free diet.
Reduced Sugar Consumption
Regulating carbohydrate metabolism is one of the thyroid gland’s primary functions. Cutting back on sugar reduces the pressure on thyroid glands and can help deal with fatigue and weight gain associated with an underactive thyroid.
Dietary Iodine
Hypothyroidism Exercise
Hypothyroidism causes severe fatigue, which can make exercising unappealing. Many patients cannot find the energy to engage in exercises. However, mild exercises for short periods and other treatments can improve cardiac fitness and relieve joint pain, weight gain, and muscle stiffness.
Using AI-generated data from their users, StuffThatWorks, a crowdsourcing platform, ranked exercise to be an often tried lifestyle treatment for hypothyroidism. It is ranked the second most effective treatment method based on member reports from the community.
Probiotic Use
Some research shows a connection between an underactive thyroid and certain gastrointestinal conditions. Gut bacteria play a role in regulating thyroid hormones. They convert triiodothyronine to thyroxine, the usually deficient hormone in most cases of hypothyroidism.
Taking probiotics keeps the stomach healthy and can facilitate thyroxine production and alleviate hypothyroidism symptoms. Health regulators do not approve probiotic usage as therapy, so patients should seek medical counsel before using it.
Herbal Treatment
How to treat Hypothyroidism? Certain herbs have shown promise in hypothyroidism treatment. Gum guggul, Ashwagandha, and Coleus forskohlii have found use in hypothyroidism treatment improvement.
Oils
Some essential oils and fatty acids also boost thyroid production. Coconut oil has especially gained prominence in some circles as an effective treatment option. The research on these oils is little, so one should view these claims cautiously.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese technique that finds use in several conditions. Some studies show that acupuncture can improve thyroid function markers and ease symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. The practice can also help in dealing with stress which can exacerbate hypothyroidism symptoms.
Meditation and Yoga
Stressful situations can trigger thyroid dysfunction and worsen existing symptoms. Meditation and yoga relax the body and can provide some measure of relief. Other stress management techniques like aromatherapy and massage baths may relieve stress.
Conclusion:
Natural remedies are an excellent option for many individuals with low levels of thyroid hormones, especially those who still maintain a significant degree of thyroid function.
Patients who have had their thyroid gland removed surgically may not benefit much from natural forms of treatment. Most treatment approaches involve a combination of hormone replacement drugs and natural remedies.
“Hypothyroidism” can be a severe health condition, so patients must consult a doctor before commencing any form of natural hypothyroid treatment.
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