What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism, also known as an underactive thyroid, is a common endocrine disorder resulting in insufficient production of thyroid hormone. Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine gland present in the front part of the neck, which plays an important role in metabolism and growth. Untreated hypothyroidism may increase morbidity and mortality (1✔ ✔Trusted Source
Hypothyroidism
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Hypothyroidism can occur at any age, but people over 45 years of age are more vulnerable, older women at 60 years and above are at increased risk of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism results in fatigue, lethargy, cold intolerance, low immunity, puffed face, swelling on the body, dry skin, change in voice, constipation, irregular menstrual cycle, muscular cramps and sudden weight gain (2✔ ✔Trusted Source
About Hypothyroidism
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What are the Causes of Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism can be due to various reasons, including thyroid surgery,
Hypothyroidism
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Postpartum thyroiditis is one of the most common causes of hypothyroidism affecting 10% of women
History of hypothyroidism in the family is a more likely risk factor for developing the disease. Sometimes a tumor in the pituitary gland could stop the production of thyroid hormones. Radiation therapy may also affect thyroid gland function and cause hypothyroidism. Radiation induced thyroid dysfuction affecting nearly 20 to 30% patients administered curative radiotherapy to the neck region (3✔ ✔Trusted Source
Radiotherapy-induced thyroid disorders
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It is important to consult a doctor and go through a hypothyroidism test to confirm the condition and its extent.
Disclaimer:The home remedies suggested here are not a substitute for treatment by doctors. It is highly advisable to seek an expert’s opinion. All the remedies listed here may not be suitable for everyone. It is recommended to check for allergies or do a patch test before using the remedy.
Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Though medication for hypothyroidism can help eliminate most of the symptoms, however the herbal supplements and some natural treatments can be helpful. Along with your daily intake of medication these natural remedies for hypothyroidism can help reduce the symptoms and treat the disease.
- Eat a Balanced Natural Diet: A balanced diet is the prerequisite to help with the symptoms of hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid diet must contain all necessary nutrients that improve total body functions and help combat the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Most importantly, the diet should be natural without processed, canned and preserved foods or ingredients. Hydrogenated oils, white flour and artificial colors and flavors must be eliminated from the diet. Organic food consumption is most advisable. A natural diet with whole grains, vegetables and fruits boost the immune system and reduce the effects of hypothyroidism (4✔ ✔Trusted Source
Global epidemiology of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
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- Avoid Soy:
The study indicates that consumption of soy products and soybeans is associated with thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism, goitre, and autoimmune thyroid disease. Soy products and soybeans contain goitrogenic compounds that interfere with thyroid hormone levels in the body and make it worse for a person with hypothyroidism. Soy reduces thyroid production and may aggravate the symptoms of hypothyroidism and cause a higher deficiency in levels of thyroid hormones (5✔ ✔Trusted Source
Systematic Review and Meta-analysis on the Effect of Soy on Thyroid Function
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- Essential Oils, Natural Oils and Fatty Acids: Essential oils and fatty acids are important in keeping the thyroid gland healthy. Fish oils are good source of omega 3 fatty acids, which promotes thyroid hormone production. They boost body immunity and reduce inflammation, which may be an underlying cause of lowered thyroid activity (6✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effects of dietary fish oil on thyroid hormone signaling in the liver
Go to source). Natural fats in avocado, nuts, flaxseeds, fish, walnuts and animal products maintain a hormonal balance in the body. Coconut oil also provides energy and boosts immunity. Taking a regular dose of coconut oil or using it as the cooking medium will add the beneficial fatty acids to the diet that improve thyroid function. One must always prefer extra virgin, cold compressed and organic coconut oil in order to benefit from its health-promoting properties (7✔ ✔Trusted Source
Influence of dietary fat on factors in serum that regulate thyroid cell metabolism
Go to source). - Dump Caffeine and Sugars: Caffeine and carbohydrates can disrupt the malfunctioning thyroid gland. Reduce your coffee intake and eliminate high-calorie starchy foods from your diet (8✔ ✔Trusted Source
Altered intestinal absorption of L-thyroxine caused by coffee
Go to source). Starchy foods reduce body metabolism and increase the adverse effects of hypothyroidism. Eating fiber-rich foods and including nuts in your diet may help eliminate hypothyroidism symptoms and improve overall health.
- Increase Protein Intake: Proteins help in better distribution of thyroid hormone all over the body. Protein-rich diet helps in improving the reduced production of thyroid hormone by regulating the function of the thyroid gland. Nuts, green vegetables, eggs, meat and legumes are rich in protein that may help combat the symptoms of hypothyroidism (9✔ ✔Trusted Source
Effects of Dietary Protein on Thyroid Axis Activity
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- Go for Natural Iodine: Iodine is needed for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Adding the right amount of iodine helps maintain the thyroid hormone levels in the body. Reduced thyroid gland activity might be due to low iodine in diet or due to greater than required iodine content. It is best to eat foods that are naturally rich in iodine like seafood and seaweeds. Kelp is a good choice to replenish the lost iodine in the body. Avoid artificial iodine supplementation as they may increase the iodine levels than required and hamper thyroid production (10✔ ✔Trusted Source
Iodine and thyroid function
Go to source). - Include Probiotics in Diet: Probiotics are gut-friendly bacteria that help better digestion and improve metabolism. Thyroid function highly depends on how healthy is your digestive system (11✔ ✔Trusted Source
Association Between Gut Microbiota and Autoimmune Thyroid Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Go to source). Improper digestion and low level of good bacteria in the stomach may reduce thyroid hormone production. A scientific study suggests that the probiotic supplementation has shown beneficial effects on thyroid hormones and thyroid function (12✔ ✔Trusted Source
Thyroid-Gut-Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function?
Go to source). - Apple Cider Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar is good for hormone regulation and detoxification of the body. It helps lose weight, improve the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates and maintain a proper alkaline acid balance in the body. It is beneficial in controlling other chronic diseases like high cholesterol, blood pressure and diabetes (13✔ ✔Trusted Source
In adults, does apple cider vinegar consumption increase intentional weight loss?
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A spoonful of organic apple cider vinegar with honey in luke-warm water will help improve thyroid activity and control the symptoms.
- Exercise: Regular physical activity ensures the proper functioning of vital body organs, regulates endocrine gland functions, uplifts mood, improves metabolism, flushes body toxins and maintains a healthy weight. Few thyroid-related symptoms like fatigue, loss of appetite and osteoporosis can be combated through a regular 30-minute exercise regime. The study indicates that the quality of life has improved in women with hypothyroidism after 16 weeks of aerobic excercise training (14✔ ✔Trusted Source
Exercise training improves quality of life in women with subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized clinical trial
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- Balanced Estrogen Levels in Women: Hypothyroidism in women can be due to raised estrogen levels in the body. High meat intake, dairy products and birth control pills may imbalance the hormone levels in the body and deplete the production of thyroid hormones. These must be avoided to maintain a healthy hormonal balance in the body (15✔ ✔Trusted Source
Role of Estrogen in Thyroid Function and Growth Regulation
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These home remedies help alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Overproduction of thyroid hormone leads to hyperthyroidism. One must always consult a doctor while following any natural remedy along with the medication and must not bluntly stop the prescribed treatment.
