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Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, and 14 Natural Remedies

There are best remedies for hypothyroidism. First of all let's have an understanding of what thyroid, hypothyroid and hyperthyroid is. Your thyroid is a hormone producing gland located in the middle of the lower neck. Thyroid gland produces a hormone called thyroid. It has an impact on every cell, organ, and tissue of the body. It regulates your body's temperature, body weight, heart rate, metabolic rate, and production of energy. Although it a very small organ, its optimal function is vital for your overall health and well-being. In thyroid issues either this thyroid hormone is produced in large amounts or in negligible amounts. In both cases it is a concern. Hypothyroidism(under active thyroid gland) means when thyroid hormone is produced in less amounts by the thyroid gland than needed by your body. Hyperthyrodism(over active thyroid gland), on the other hand means that is is produced in excess.

Hypothyroid is most common thyroid issue faced these days. It is most common among women folks. It can be a cause of miscarriage or brain weakness in new born babies if mother is suffering form hypothyroid. It can go undiagnosed as its symptoms may remain hidden in most people(sub clinical hypothyroid). A simple blood test is needed to diagnose hypothyroidism. In this test the levels of thyroid hormones are checked in your blood( TSH, T3, T4). If you are pregnant then it is must to go for thyroid test for the health of your baby and to prevent miscarriages. The risk of a thyroid malfunction increases with the age.

Common causes of thyroid issues are radiation and heavy metal exposure, infection, food allergy or auto immune disease. All these factors destroy thyroid gland. It can also occur due to insufficient iodine in your diet(which is important for thyroid hormone) and hormonal imbalances.

How to know hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism? Symptoms can be mild and can go unnoticed. It can also go undiagnosed by many doctors and health care providers as its symptoms may be sometimes be confusing. Make it a routine to go for a blood test and check your thyroid hormone levels. It's symptoms include fatigue, depression, dry skin and hair, mood swings, irregular periods(women), weight gain, puffy face, headache, dizziness, forgetfulness, cold hand and feet, hot flashes, felling of extreme cold or heat in winters and summers respectively,

Keeping in consideration this common problem, Boldsky will share with you some remedies for hypothyroidism control and the foods to avoid in hypothyroidism.

Avoid Soy And Estrogen Drugs

Too much estrogen slows down the thyroid gland. Avoid birth control medication, reduce dairy intake, and increase fiber in the diet. The isoflavones in soy can lower thyroid hormone synthesis in thyroid gland. All soy-products should be eliminated from your diet especially millet. They can cause major hormone imbalances and can also cause an enlargement(goiter) which disrupts the iodine usage to make thyroid hormone.

Avoid Caffeine

This is one of the best remedies for hypothyroidism control. Reduce or eliminate caffeine, sugar, artificial sweeteners, refined carbohydrates, refined grains, and processed foods. They may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone in thyroid gland. They also reduce the effect of thyroid medications.

Probiotics(Good Bacteria)

A healthy gut flora(good bacteria) is very important for people who face hypothyroidism. A balanced gut flora may help your body to reduce attacks on the gland. You must know that 20 percent of thyroid function depends on a sufficient supply of healthy gut bacteria. Have foods rich in probiotics such as yogurt, nuts and onions.

Avoid Foods Containing Goitrogens

One of the foods to avoid in hypothyroidism are goitrogen containing foods. Goitrogens can interfere with the thyroid function and enlarge the thyroid gland. Foods that contain goitrogens include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, turnips, millet, spinach, strawberries, peaches, watercress, peanuts, radishes, and soybeans. Cooking inactivates goitrogens so avoid eating these foods raw. Cook them well if you really want to have them.

Avoid Foods Containing Gluten

Gluten may be present in some breads or other foods. Check the label carefully for gluten in foods that you are going to buy. If hypothyroid is due to an autoimmune condition( Hashimoto's) of the thyroid, gluten should be eliminated to avoid an increase of autoimmune attacks on the thyroid gland.

Avoid Hydrogenated Or Processed Oils

This is also one of the best remedies for hypothyroidism control. They should be avoided at all times as they interfere with the production of thyroid hormones. Instead of them use unrefined mustard oil to cook your food. Refining and hydrogenation(ghee formation) is a chemical process of cooking oils to increase their shelf life and stability. Always use pure oils for good activity of thyroid gland.

Consume Healthy Fats

What can i eat with low thyroid? Have fats rich in omega 3 fatty acids. Insufficient consumption of healthy fats can lead to hormone imbalances, including thyroid hormones. Good fats are important precursors or building blocks of most hormones. Healthy fats include avocado, olive oil, coconut oil, flax seed, fish, yogurt, cheese, nuts, nut butters, and nut milks.

Have Healthy Sources Of Protein

This is one of the best foods to eat in hypothyroidism. Increase your intake of healthy sources of protein and healthy fats, such as nuts, seeds, avocado, coconut oil, nut butters, quinoa, legumes, organic grass meats, and sustainable farmed fish. Proteins help your body to transport thyroid hormone to all your organs and tissues.

Avoid Calcium With Your Thyroid Medication

Having calcium supplement or foods having calcium with your thyroid hormones( used for hypothyroidism treatment) can reduce the absorption of your thyroid drug into the blood. Its best to take you thyroid medication separately for its best absorption and to make it effective. Keep a time gap of atleast 5 hours between thyroid and calcium supplements.

Have Foods Rich In Glutathione

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the immune system and helps you to fight hypothyroidism caused by auto immune disease(Hashimoto's). It can boost your body's ability to modulate and regulate the immune system, supress autoimmune flare-ups, and protect and heal thyroid tissue. Foods that help your body to produce glutathione are asparagus, broccoli, peaches, avocado, spinach, garlic, squash, grapefruit, and raw eggs. A plant substance found in broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, (those goitrogens), helps replenish glutathione stores.

Check For Any Food Allergies

Address underlying food sensitivities. This will protect and heal your thyroid gland. Food allergy can also invade thyroid gland just like auto immune attack. Identify and avoid foods that you are allergic to.

Avoid Foods Containing Thiocyanates

Thiocyanates are sulfur-containing compounds found in a variety of popular vegetables. Thiocyanates make it harder for the thyroid gland to absorb iodine because they compete with iodine for entry into the gland. Iodine is important for the production of thyroid hormones in thyroid gland. However this effect can be minimized by supplementing the diet with iodine. Food containing thiocyanates are corn, sweet potato, turnips,watercress, kale, mustard greens and mustard seeds.

Avoid Foods Containing Quercetin

It interferes with thyroid hormone metabolism and reduces the activity of thyroperoxidase, the enzyme required to insert iodine into thyroid hormone. It also reduces the activity of hepatic deiodinase, a liver enzyme required to activate thyroid hormone.Quercetin is found in significant amounts in capers, cranberries, onions, tea, broccoli, red wine, black currants, apples, grapes, blueberries, gingko biloba, and apricots.

Address Vitamin And Nutrient Deficiencies

Although vitamin and nutrient deficiencies are not the cause of hypothyroidism but not having enough of some of these essential nutrients can worsen the symptoms or even disable you body's recovery systems. You much look for the deficiency of iodine, vitamin D, omega 3 fatty acids found in fatty fish, glutathione(antioxidant found in asparagus, peaches, avocado, spinach, garlic, squash, eggs, and grapefruit). Other important vitamin and nutrients to watch are selenium, iron, zinc, copper, vitamin A, and B12.