Natural Thyroid Remedies

Thyroid disease is estimated to be present in up to 15% of the population. It is more prevalent in women than men, and may have a hereditary component. Disorders of the thyroid are an autoimmune disease of the thyroid, meaning that the body attacks it's own thyroid gland the same as it attacks other invaders of the body.

hypothyroidism presents when there is is deficient thyroid hormones in the blood. Conversely, hyperthyroidism is when there is too much thyroid hormone in the blood. There are many treatments available for this disease to alleviate the symptoms associated with the two types of thyroid disease.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include:

• Irregular heart rate


• Heat intolerance


• Nervousness


• Sleep disturbance


• Shortness of breath


• Increased bowel movements


• Menstrual changes


• Fatigue


• Fast heart rate


• Trembling hands


• Weight loss


• Muscle weakness


• Warm moist skin


• Hair loss

The goal of treatment is to suppress the over production of thyroid hormone.

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue


• Weight gain


• No motivation and ambition


• Inability to tolerate heat or cold


• Mild to severe headaches


• Dry skin and hair


• Irritable


• anxiety and panic attacks


• Alopecia (hair loss)


• Fluid retention


• Depression


• Decreased memory and concentration


• Unhealthy nails and/or brittle nails


• Constipation


• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)


• Low libido


• Difficulty sleeping


• Itchy rash,


• Asthma and allergies


• Delayed healing

The goal of treatment in this instance is to replace the thyroid hormones that are lacking in the body.

Treatment for thyroid disorders:

Foods to avoid: These foods suppress thyroid function, but may be eaten in moderation.

• Refined foods


• Saturated fats


• Sugars


• White flour products


• Brussels sprouts


• Cabbage


• Broccoli


• Kale


• Mustard greens


• Peaches and


• Pears

Choose a diet that contains at least fifty percent fresh fruits and vegetables, preferably grown organically.

Healing foods include: sprouts, salads, raw vegetables, and thermos cooked grains to retain enzymes which heal and feed the glands.

Vitamin A - Foods: yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots, and dark green vegetables. M.U. Tene, a concentrated Beta-Carotene, is the precursor to Vitamin A, a powerful antioxidant.

Foods rich in Iodine for the thyroid: Fish and sea vegetables such as arame, kelp, dulse, hijike, nori, wakame, and kombu. Seaweeds are very nourishing to the glands.

Zinc and copper aid the body in producing thyroid hormone.

Foods rich in zinc include: Oatmeal, chicken, seafood, dried beans, bran, tuna, spinach, seeds, and nuts.

Foods rich in copper: Eggs, yeast, legumes, nuts, and raisins.

Vitamin/Mineral Therapy:

B-ComplexVitamin A Vitamin C (Ester C")

Essential fatty acids are a must for glandular health and they improve over all health. These can be omega 3's and 6's from marine lipids, flax oil or flax seed, black current seed oil, evening primrose oil, or borage oil.Calcium / magnesium, manganese, selenium, silicon and zinc protect the glands. High Grade Calcium Complex provides a microcrystalline form of calcium, plus a balance of associated nutrients necessary for proper calcium assimilation.Desiccated natural thyroid, such as Armour Thyroid, comes complete with all thyroid hormones. For mild symptoms this form works very well. For more severe symptoms thyroxin may be needed.

Ingredients for vegetable juice combinations include: alfalfa, all leafy greens, beet tops, carrots, celery, green peppers, parsley, seaweeds, sprouts, and watercress.

Natural Herbal Therapy:

Irish moss and kelp together help to balance hormones, and increase metabolic rate. They also increase thyroid activity and detoxify the body, as well as increase blood circulation and soothe inflamed tissues.

Black walnut has a high content of iodine and is a thyroid stimulant, and Ginseng helps to strengthen the body.

Consult with your physician before taking any herbal products to avoid interaction with medications you are presently taking.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT