With Reflexologist Nuria Weaver
Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a malfunction in the thyroid glands which produces insufficient amount of hormones called thyroxin. The condition occurs due to some kind of pituitary deficiency. These pituitary glands are the ones that control the thyroid glands to some extent. These hormones of the thyroid glands play a vital role in the metabolism rate of the body. When these hormones are decreased, it leads to this condition called hypothyroidism and results in weight gain. Nevertheless, there are some effective home remedies for hypothyroidism which you can try out, rather than trying out some pills and tablets.
The thyroid glands are located within the trachea at the base of the front of the neck. It controls the metabolic rate. These hormones perform the functions like heat production, fertility, growth and regulate the immune system as well. This condition is common among women and basically affects between the age group of 35 years to 60 years.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Some of factors responsible for the condition are listed below:
- Autoimmune disease
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism
- Radiation therapy
- Thyroid therapy
- Medications
Other less often causes of hypothyroidism are:
- Congenital disease
- Pregnancy
- Pituitary disease
- Deficiency in iodine
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
These symptoms and signs depend on the severity of the deficiency in the hormones. The first time you will hardly notice any symptoms or signs of condition. Slower the metabolism rate gets, following are some the symptoms that you may notice:
- Sluggishness
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to cold
- Pale and dry skin
- Hoarse voice
- Puffy face
- Unexplained in weight gain
- An elevated blood cholesterol level
- Pain, swelling of the joints
- Stiffness of the joints
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Brittle finger nails and hair
- Unexplained in weight gain
A severe case of hypothyroidism is called myxedema which is quite rare. Although it is rare, it can be life-threatening and have some of the following symptoms and signs:
- Low blood pressure
- Decreased body temperature
- Decreased breathing
- Decreased body temperature
- Unresponsiveness and may also lead to coma
This may in extreme cases lead and prove to be fatal.
For mild hypothyroidism fortunately there are some effective home remedies which are comparatively cheaper and affordable compared to most of the therapies. Most of these home remedies do not increase or decrease the function of the thyroid glands but in fact regulate the quantity of the hormones.
- Spirulina is a thyroid regulator and can be used as a natural health booster. This is an important herb and is easily available in any herbal store.
- Siberian ginseng is also beneficial for the smooth functioning of the thyroid glands. These are effective for adrenal and thymus glands as well.
- Another method you can try out to regulate the thyroid hormones is by having the primrose oil. It is the king of fatty acid which helps to restore the hormones and helps in the normal functioning of the thyroid glands.
- Black cohosh is also effective for the treatment of hypothyroidism. This is effective to balance the estrogen levels and to control the thyroid functions.
- Bladder wrack is another natural ingredient which is rich in iodine. This is highly beneficial for hypothyroidism and is suggested by most herbalists.
- Another way to regulate the thyroid condition is by the taking vitamin B complex. You can either take the food rich in this vitamin or go for these supplements.
- Include foods which are rich in iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, terbium and calcium in your diet. These acts as natural antidotes and make the glands inactive and resist the problem of hypothyroidism.
- Get your regular dose of iodine as this encourages the normal functioning of the thyroid glands. These molecules supply the much needed hormones. And one of the best sources of iodine is the kelp which is easily available at heath stores and pharmacies.
Most women are at the risk of this condition because of the estrogen levels which may result in the low production of the thyroid hormones.
- To boost the natural production of thyroid hormones, try to bring the estrogen levels back to the normal by using some herbal supplements like vitex agnus-castus.
- To reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism, go for a healthy diet which has less no of calories. As one of the symptoms for the condition is weight gain, so this can be resolved by cutting down the calories.
- Drink plenty of liquids and water. Sometimes people end up eating junk and high calorie food when they cannot ward off the hunger. For this go for some high fiber food like fruits and vegetables. Eat nuts and seeds whenever you feel like munching something. This will make you feel fuller and help you to stick to low calorie diet. This will improve your metabolism rate as well.
- Another way to control the problem is to cut down the salt intake.
- Tyrosine is another essential ingredient that helps in the production of thyroid hormones. Apart from all these include protein rich diet such as dairy products, lean meat, fish, wheat and oats.
Besides these home remedies for hypothyroidism, the only way to tackle the condition is to go for a healthy lifestyle and to take a regular healthy diet. Include foods like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, millet, soy, radishes and turnip. Do not eat these vegetables in huge portions and the best way to boost your metabolism is to go for small frequent meals instead of two or three large meals.
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