Natural remedies for hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition wherein the thyroid glands do not produce enough hormones to sustain metabolic functions. As a result, people with this condition may experience a wide array of symptoms like fatigue, constipation, aches and pains, and depression. While this disease can affect both sexes, it is especially common in women and is normally treated with hormone replacement medication. However, this treatment is not without side effects — especially if the patient misses a pill. Forgetting a dose may wreak havoc to the body and produce more symptoms.

If you have hypothyroidism, you don’t have to risk experiencing more pain from the side effects of medication – there are natural remedies that can help you manage your condition safely.

Eating nutrient-rich foods can manage hypothyroidism

If you’re suffering from hypothyroidism, you can manage your symptoms by making a few changes in your diet. Eating foods rich in zinc, selenium, and vitamin B is known to be beneficial for proper thyroid function. In addition, adding probiotics in your diet promotes overall health.

Zinc

Zinc is a mineral that is essential for proper thyroid function. Studies have found that zinc deficiency can lead to an underactive thyroid. A zinc-rich diet can increase beneficial hormones, as well as resting metabolic state. Meat, shellfish, legumes, seeds, and nuts are some examples of natural sources of zinc.

Selenium

Selenium is a trace element that plays a key role in proper thyroid function. Many medical practitioners have found that supplementing with selenium has a significant effect on anti-thyroid antibodies, which cause Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

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Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease wherein the body’s immune function attacks its own thyroid tissues. This disease can reduce amounts of selenium in the body, so it is essential to add selenium in your thyroid-healthy diet. There is an abundance of foods that are rich in selenium like grass-fed beef, tuna, turkey, and some nuts.

Vitamin B

Hypothyroidism can deplete vitamin B levels in the body. Moreover, deficiencies in vitamin B can cause unnecessary fatigue caused by thyroid disease. Increasing your intake of vitamin B can help control some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. (Related: Vitamin B supplementation can cut stroke risk by 21 percent.)

Increase your vitamin B levels by eating peas, asparagus, sesame seeds, tuna, cheese, eggs, and milk.

Probiotics

A study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism investigated the relationship between hypothyroidism and gastrointestinal motility. They found that hypothyroidism can cause an overgrowth of bacteria in the intestinal tract, which can cause intestinal ailments, like diarrhea. Increased intake of probiotics promotes a healthy balance of “good” and “bad” bacteria in the gut.

While probiotic supplements are widely available, it can also be found in fermented food items such as kefir, raw cheese, and yogurt.

Foods to avoid

Certain food items are also known to aggravate the symptoms of hypothyroidism; thus, these should be avoided as much as possible.

Sugar

Consuming sugar and highly processed foods can increase inflammation in your body and aggravate symptoms of hypothyroidism. Moreover, foods high in sugar can only give short bursts of energy. Consuming less sugar can regulate energy levels and reduce stress levels.

Gluten

A gluten-free diet may be beneficial to people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In a report released by the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness, it is stated that many people with thyroid disease also have celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder wherein consumption of gluten can cause serious health issues.

While not many research is available that links gluten-free diet to management of thyroid disease, a significant number of people with thyroid disorders have shown improvement after eliminating gluten from their diet.

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Sources include:

SteadyHealth.com

Healthline.com 1

Healthline.com 2

Health.Harvard.edu

IJEM.in