Home Remedies For Hypothyroidism
1. Essential Oils
Many people recommend various essential oils for the thyroid, but no direct medical proof supports the recommendation. However, you may try the below essential oils to see some potential relief.
a. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties (1). Hence, massaging it on the thyroid pressure points during acupuncture may help regulate the secretion of thyroid hormones.
3-4 drops of rosemary oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Do this once a day.
b. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It also stimulates digestive and brain functions (2). Thus, frankincense oil may help treat symptoms of hypothyroidism like inflammation and stomach problems.
3-4 drops of frankincense oil 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
Do this once a day. Note: If one essential oil does not work within 3-4 weeks, discontinue it and try another oil. However, do not use too many at once or use them indefinitely.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties (3). Ashwagandha is also known to increase thyroid levels (4). Hence, it may help in balancing the thyroid hormones. 500 mg ashwagandha capsules Consume 500 mg of ashwagandha capsules daily after consulting your doctor. Consume this supplement 1-2 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
3. Minerals
Hypothyroidism is caused due to the deficiency of iodine and a few other significant minerals (5). Taking supplements may restore the mineral levels in your body. A well-absorbed, low potency liquid mineral supplement containing the 9 minerals (iodine, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, boron, copper, chromium, manganese, and magnesium) that are necessary for producing thyroid hormones. Consume the liquid mineral supplement daily after consulting your doctor. How Often You Should Do This Consume this supplement daily. This is a long-term therapy to keep the thyroid healthy.
4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that omega-3s may induce the production of thyroid hormones.
1 tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds 1 glass of milk or fruit juice
Consume this solution 1-2 times a day. Note: Do not consume more than two tablespoons of flaxseeds daily, as consuming more flax seeds may have reverse effects. Store the seeds in a cool place as they turn rancid quickly.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (7). These may help in speeding up sluggish metabolism caused by hypothyroidism. 1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil Consume this 2-3 times a day.
6. Ginger
Ginger exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties (8). These properties may help relieve hypothyroidism and its symptoms.
An inch of ginger (finely chopped) 1 cup of water Honey
Do this 3 times a day.
7. Kelp
Kelp is a kind of seaweed that is rich in iodine (9). Supplementing with kelp may help in inducing the production of thyroid hormones (10). Kelp Supplement with 150-175 micrograms of iodine Consume this kelp supplement after consulting your doctor. Consume this once a day for a few weeks or months.
8. Guggul
Guggul is a resin produced from the guggul plant. The guggulsterone in guggul may help fight hypothyroidism by regulating the thyroid function and treating the symptoms (11), (12). Guggul extracts have been used in Ayurveda medicine for the past 3000 years. 25 mg of guggul supplementation Consume guggul supplements daily after consulting a naturopathy doctor. Consume this 3 times a day.
9. Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that is rich in iodine (13). Thus, it may help in the herbal treatment of hypothyroidism. Fucus vesiculosus, the scientific name for this brown seaweed, is used in homeopathy to treat thyroid disorders (14).
2 teaspoons of bladderwrack herb 1 cup of hot water Honey
Do this 2 times a day.
10. Vitamins
Vitamin B12 stimulates the function of the thyroid gland (15). Vitamin C helps fight oxidative stress (that can worsen hypothyroidism) with its antioxidant properties (16). Thus, vitamin B12 and vitamin C may help in treating hypothyroidism. Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C-rich foods (leafy vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products). What You Have To Do Consume these vitamin-rich foods. Do this regularly.
11. Black Walnut Hull
Black walnut hulls contain vitamins and minerals like iodine, zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, and vitamin C (17). This may help in treating hypothyroidism and its symptoms caused due to iodine deficiency. You Will Need
2-3 drops of black walnut hull extract 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do How Often You Should Do This Do this 2-3 times a day.
12. Nettle
Nettle is a rich source of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and iodine (18). Hence, it may help in treating hypothyroidism.
2 teaspoons of stinging nettle tea 1 cup of hot water Honey
Do this 2-3 times a day. In addition to the natural remedies, you should also follow the thyroid diet. Given below is a comprehensive diet guide for faster recovery.
Diet Guide
Foods To Consume
Eggs Meat Fish Vegetables (cruciferous vegetable can be consumed but in small amounts) Fruits, like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and berries Gluten-free grains and seeds, like rice, quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt are thyroid-supporting foods as they contain iodine. Water and non-caffeinated drinks Brazil nuts are good sources of selenium and iron, which help to maintain good thyroid function. Seafood and organ meat are also selenium-rich foods. Home-made yogurt is a good source of probiotics that help in maintaining good gut ecology. Eating garlic can also help to get rid of various yeast thriving in the intestine. For people with subclinical hypothyroidism, daily consumption of turmeric may help reduce inflammation and help alleviate the condition (19).
Foods To Avoid
Foods that contain gluten like bread, pasta, cereals, and beer. Follow a gluten-free diet. Consume sugar in moderation or follow a sugar-free diet. Soy foods like tofu, soy milk, and soybeans. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and cabbage, which contain goitrogensi Goitrogens are substances that are responsible for goiter. It disrupts thyroid hormone production. with thyroid blocking properties. Some fruits like peach, pears, and strawberries also have goitrogens. Stick to a caffeine-free diet. Avoid consuming alcohol as well. Hypothyroidism patients were found to exhibit glucose intolerance. Such people should follow a dairy-free diet(20).
If you are at risk of developing hypothyroidism or have it already, follow the holistic prevention tips listed below to avoid the recurrence of the condition.
Prevention Tips
Get yourself screened for hypothyroidism every 5 years, typically beginning when you cross 35 years. Get screened during and after pregnancy Quit smoking. Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine. Keep yourself stress-free. Drink filtered water. Avoid consuming deep-fried foods. Consume iodine-rich foods. Keep your weight under control. Do aerobic exercises, strength training, and yoga. Exercise and meditation can help by boosting your mood, relieving fatigue and stress, aiding weight loss, and increasing your energy levels. Good sleep is very important in optimizing thyroid function as it regulates the stress hormone cortisoli A stress hormone found in animals, often considered to be a natural alarm system. It is known as hydrocortisone when used in medication. . Sound sleep ensures hormonal balance, repairs and relaxes tissues, aids in stress management, and promotes body healing.
Hypothyroidism has become a common disorder and can be managed and controlled with the right diet and lifestyle changes. There are various causes that may lead to a drop in the secretion of thyroid hormones. Listed below are some of the major causes of hypothyroidism.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
Yeast overgrowth – A condition of excess yeast produced in the intestines after taking antibiotics. Yeast toxins are known to block the thyroid. Chlorine in drinking water may block the thyroid. Fluoride in toothpaste and fluoridated water may block the thyroid. Autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that attacks the thyroid gland. Other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, vitiligo, etc. Undergoing radioactive iodine treatment or radiation therapy for the neck. Certain medications like amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, and interleukin 2. Mineral deficiency: Iodine, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, boron, copper, chromium, manganese, and magnesium. Pregnancy Defect in the thyroid gland Damaged or dysfunctional pituitary gland Disorder of the hypothalamusi The hypothalamus is a component of the brain. It consists of several small nuclei that carry out a wide range of functions. Age (older individuals are at higher risk)
A survey conducted on 4402 participants found that the prevalence of hypothyroidism in Croatia was 10.5%. It was further noted that women had a 2.37 times higher risk of clinical hypothyroidism and a 1.58 times higher risk of subclinical hypothyroidism than men. Several risk factors can increase the likelihood of developing hypothyroidism. Check the next section to learn more.
Risk Factors For Hypothyroidism
Gender
Women are 8 to 9 times more likely to develop hypothyroidism than men (21).
Age
The risk increases with age, especially in individuals over 60 (22).
Family History
Having a family history of thyroid disorders can raise the risk (22).
Medications
Certain drugs such as amiodarone that are taken to treat heart rhythm disorders can affect thyroid function (23).
Radiation Exposure
Factors such as age and type of radiation exposure can increase the risk of hypothyroidism, as per one study (24).
Pregnancy
Some women may develop temporary hypothyroidism during or after pregnancy (postpartum thyroiditis) (22). The common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are listed below.
Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
Constipation Fatigue Depression Dry skin Weight gain A decrease in sweating Slowed heart rate High blood pressure Stiffness and pain in the joints Thinning and dry hair Impaired memory Menstrual changes or fertility issues Muscles aches and tenderness Sensitive and puffy face Prematurely graying hair
Thyroid Level Chart
The two major thyroid hormones secreted by the thyroid glands are called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones regulate the human body’s metabolism, temperature, and also the heart rate. Another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain, and this hormone is responsible for controlling the secretion of thyroid hormones. A blood test that measures the TSH levels is used to determine the status of the thyroid hormones. A high TSH level indicates a deficiency of thyroid hormones, so the thyroid must be stimulated to produce more. Normal TSH shows that the body’s thyroid hormones are in the right range. Low TSH levels show that the body is producing thyroid hormones in excess.
Normal TSH level ranges from 4 – 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter) TSH levels of 2.5 or less are considered ideal, while 5 – 4.0 mIU/L is considered “at risk.” TSH High levels above 4 mIU/L are considered high, and below 0.4 mIU/L are considered low.
What Happens When Hypothyroidism Is Left Untreated?
Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland Heart problems Mental health problems Peripheral neuropathy, which may result in damaged peripheral nerves Infertility Myxedema (Coma) – in rare cases
How to treat hypothyroidism during pregnancy? A TSH during pregnancy higher than 4 should be treated. The standard medical treatment is with synthetic thyroid hormones. Using minerals and one or more of the above home remedies may prevent your thyroid from becoming overworked during pregnancy so that your TSH remains normal throughout. Which is the test used to diagnose thyroid levels? The Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) blood test is used to determine the thyroid levels and diagnose hypothyroidism. Can you reverse hypothyroidism? Yes. All thyroid conditions can be treated, leading to normal thyroid function. The most common form of treatment for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is taking daily hormone replacement tablets. Is cucumber good for the thyroid? Yes, the moderate levels of vitamins K and A and other antioxidants in cucumbers are beneficial for people with hypothyroidism as they help them hydrate the lymphatic system and detoxify the thyroid gland (26). Is lemon juice good for hypothyroidism? Yes. One lemon contains around 31 mg of vitamin C. The antioxidant properties of vitamin C can help treat hypothyroidism (27). Is coffee good for the thyroid? No, according to research, coffee may limit intestinal absorption of thyroxine, which can hinder the ability to absorb thyroid medicine (28). How to use apple cider vinegar to regulate thyroid functioning? Apple cider vinegar aids in hormone expression and metabolism. Consume two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar with a glass of warm water and a teaspoon of honey.
Illustration: Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism And Prevention Tips
. Learn about natural remedies for hypothyroidism. Check this video for dietary and lifestyle changes to follow, and herbal supplements to take for a healthier you.
