Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that straddles the windpipe just below your Adam’s apple. It weighs around 20 gms and the daily hormone production is less than 1 / 2,800,800 gram. The thyroid makes two hormones, T3 & T4 (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) which help to regulate the body’s metabolism (the speed at which food and oxygen are burnt to produce energy for growth, exercise and times of stress) – that is, an increase in the amount of these hormones speeds up the biochemical processes that provide energy, and spur the growth and repair the tissues; a decrease in thyroid hormones slows down all these processes.

The two other glands that help your thyroid maintain the necessary controls over hormone production are the hypothalamus, a nubbin of tissue in your brain, which stimulates in turn the pituitary, up under the brain. The pituitary in turn produces the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which targets on your thyroid gland, telling it to get to work to meet energy levels.

To make T3 & T4, your thyroid requires a small but steady supply of iodine, a vital ingredient in the make-up of the thyroid hormones.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, the term used to describe an underactive thyroid gland, causes the body’s metabolism to slow down. This deficiency of the hormone secreted by the thyroid gland can be congenital or acquired and affects women (mainly in women above 40) six times more than men. The incidence in both men & women varies from country to country. Hypothyroidism is prevalent in the elderly, but can affect people of all age. If it occurs in childhood, it may cause retarded growth, inhibit normal brain development and delay sexual maturity. As a precaution, babies are now screened for it at birth.

There are many herbal remedies/ingredients to be found in nature that can help to promote steady hormone levels, as well as maintain and restore the health of the thyroid gland, especially for those who want to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs. Read more to know more.....

The symptoms of hypothyroidism tend to be opposite of those of hyperthyroidism. The illness develops slowly and its symptoms include:

• Tiredness, sleepiness (sleeping for even 14-16 hours a day)
• Low blood pressure (an underactive thyroid is also the cause of high blood cholesterol levels in women)
• Weight gain
• Goiter (swelling in the front of the neck)
• Aversion to the cold
• Hoarseness
• Bradycardia (slow pulse)
• Muscular aches and pains
• Nervous depression, possibly even a type of dementia
• Anemia
• Dry, scaly skin with vitiligo (white patches ringed by over-pigmented skin)
• Dry, unruly hair (even hair grows slowly in hypothyroidism)
• Irregular or heavy periods
• Sterility, impotence
• Constipation

Conventional treatment usually involves taking a synthetic or animal derived thyroid hormone medication on a daily basis. Levothyroxine is the most common conventional medication used to treat hypothyroidism and treatment is life-long.

Patients have to be aware that they understand their condition thoroughly and how to take and adjust their medication. The doctor will check TSH levels to determine the right dosage of levothyroxine. If the correct dosage is not administered side effects could occur, like heart palpitations, shakiness, an increased appetite and insomnia can occur.

If you suffer from heart disease, your doctor will probably start you on a smaller dosage and gradually increase it.  Thyroid hormone levels should be monitored on a regular basis (approximately every 6 weeks) and TSH levels checked to determine whether the correct amount of thyroid replacement hormone is administered.

Natural remedies

There are other treatment options that can also be explored and may well be more suited to you. These include alternative and natural remedies for hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and are especially for those who want to avoid the side effects of prescription drugs.

There are a variety of natural therapies that can be included in the treatment plan for thyroid disorders. Natural remedies for hypothyroidism &  Hashimoto’s thyroiditis with herbal and homeopathic ingredients can help to promote steady hormone levels, as well as maintain and restore the health of the thyroid gland.

Some herbal remedies commonly recommended for hypothyroid conditions include Equisetum arvense, Avena sativa, Centella asiatica, Coleus forskohlii and Fucus vesiculosis. There are also herbal and homeopathic remedies that can be used supportively to address some of the troublesome symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Correct use of natural remedies for hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s thyroiditis may allow patients to take less medication and achieve greater symptomatic relief. Together, these herbs can:

- Support normal production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) by the pituitary gland
- Maintain T3 and T4 levels within the normal range
- Help support healthy thyroid functioning naturally
- Support systemic balance in the endocrine system responsible for regulating body temperature, metabolism, fertility and growth
- Maintain healthy energy levels with a healthy thyroid gland

• Fucus vesiculosis (Bladderwrack or kelp) is a sea vegetable which is a prime source of iodine – an ingredient that can greatly aid thyroid support. It has been used therapeutically for thousands of years, especially in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Please note: When using kelp as a therapeutic supplement, always make sure that the kelp used is sourced by a reputable and trusted company. Kelp harvested from the beach or near to the coast may be contaminated with industrial waste, sewerage, lead, mercury or other toxins. Kelp used in Thyroid Assist has been harvested only from uncontaminated areas and screened for the presence of toxins and contamination.

• Avena sativa (Green Oats) is a general tonic traditionally used in folk medicine as well as in modern herbalism. Avena sativa is said to help alleviate common nervous irritability that can sometimes ruin your day. Derived from the wild oat plant, it is rumored to support healthy sexual function (we’ve all heard the sexual metaphor: ‘sowing your wild oats’!). Active ingredients are saponins, flavonoids, minerals, alkaloids, steroidal compounds, Vitamins B1, B2, D, E, carotene and wheat protein.

• Coleus forskohlii (Makandi) is a well respected and often rare Ayurvedic (Indian) remedy. Clinical trials have shown that forskolin (a chemical found in coleus) may help to support thyroid hormone secretion. (Roger PP, Servais P, Dumont JE. ‘Regulation of dog thyroid epithelial cell cycle by forskolin, an adenylate cyclase activator’. Exp Cell Res 1990;172:282–92

A hypothyroidism diet you follow should be able to help you in reducing your symptoms, and at the same time help you control your weight as weight gain goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism and to some people, it gets rather difficult to lose weight with this condition.

• A healthy diet for someone with hypothyroidism would ideally include whole grains, natural foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables and a good supply of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on fatty meats. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don’t already take one.

• Tyrosine-rich Foods - Tyrosine is needed for your thyroid hormone production. Increase your intake of lean meats, fish, lentils, and low-fat milk as these are rich in tyrosine.

• Selenium - This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Just like tyrosine, this is also very and foods such as tuna, brown rice, Brazil nuts, and salmon can provide the selenium that your body needs.

• Iodine rich food - If you have hypothyroidism, diet should always include foods that are high in iodine content such as seafood like sushi, seaweed, and saltwater fish. Iodine can also be found in bananas and parsley. Also, you should make sure to use iodized salt instead of plain rock salt in cooking.

• Fiber is beneficial to you if you have hypothyroidism. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in addition to being helpful for constipation, another side effect of hypothyroidism. It can help lower your cholesterol as well. You can get your fiber from foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal. Strive for whole grains, also known as complex carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They’re better for you, help maintain your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller.

• Alcohol should be avoided or kept to bare minimum because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.

• Ideally, a diet system for low thyroid function will include small meals spread out through the day rather than three big meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals around 300 calories each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too. You need to drink lots of water, at least 64 ounces or 8 glasses a day. Remember when you are dehydrated, your body stores more fat and making you gain more weight.

• Since you’re trying to avoid starch, it means potatoes and corn are also on the no-no list. The diet for hypothyroid should not include raw foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, kale, spinach, peaches, pears, strawberries, radishes and millet as these fruits, veggies, greens and grains are thought to increase your chances of developing goiter.

• Coconut oil - It has been identified that consumption of coconut oil stimulates the production of thyroid hormone. It increases your metabolism and is considered as an energy booster but this should be taken in moderation, appropriate to your age and body structure.

• Try to do regular physical activity or exercise
• Take and adjust your medications as necessary
• Have your hormone levels monitored on a regular basis
• Surround yourself with a good support system
• Educate yourself on your condition
• Involve doctors, homeopaths, naturopaths, specialists, therapists, family, friends etc in the management of your condition