Complete guide for the natural treatment of hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is the deficiency of thyroid hormones and causes problems in almost every system of the body, from the heart and gastrointestinal tract to sleep, mood, and even hair, skin, and nail growth.

The consequences of hypothyroidism They can take years to manifest. Although it can affect anyone, including babies, it is more common in women age 50 and older. Typical signs are fatigue, weight gain, dry, pale skin, hair loss, and dry, brittle nails.

Other frequent problems are muscle or joint pain constipation, depression, irritability, memory loss, very heavy menstruation, and decreased sexual desire. The most serious symptoms – very rare – can be life-threatening and include low blood pressure, a drop in body temperature, shallow breathing and even coma.

Causes of hypothyroidism

Thyroid hormones, which regulate vital metabolic processes throughout the body, are produced in the thyroid, a small, butterfly-shaped gland found near the base of the neck. The insufficiency in its production can have several causes:

Dietetics: Most cases of hypothyroidism are explained by a deficiency of iodine in the diet. Iodine is needed to produce the two main thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3).Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is an autoimmune disease more common in women and in people with a family history.Toxic Exposure: In some cases, hypothyroidism is related to exposure to contaminants such as mercury, perchlorate, bisphenol or Teflon. Other chemical contaminants can also damage the thyroid, such as dioxins, organophosphate pesticides, cadmium, flame retardants, and phthalates. Certain medications can also promote hypothyroidism, such as lithium, which is used to treat psychiatric conditions.

conventional treatment

When the doctor diagnoses hypothyroidism based on the analytical evidence, he prescribes synthetic replacement hormone (levothyroxine). It is a lifelong treatment, as the thyroid will completely stop producing hormones. At this point, natural treatments can help, but they cannot replace drugs, according to Dr. Josep Lluís Berdonces, a specialist in natural medicine and phytotherapy.

What is subclinical hypothyroidism?

When the levels of hormones T-3 and T-4 are normal, but those of TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) are increased, we speak of subclinical hypothyroidism.

A common symptom of this disorder is a basal temperature (measured upon waking up, before getting out of bed) below 36.6°C. Subclinical hypothyroidism can affect 2-10% of the population.

Natural treatment of subclinical hypothyroidism

Diet

In cases of subclinical hypothyroidism, diet can help prevent hypothyroidism from developing fully. For this, it is convenient to consume foods that provide adequate amounts of iodine (150 to 200 µg daily).

The dressing with iodized sea salt and the consumption of small amounts of algae It is usually enough to reach the recommended dose, but it should not be exceeded because it could achieve the opposite effect to the one desired (the thyroid could stop secreting hormones).

On the other hand, a moderate consumption (no more than one daily serving) of foods that, although they can be very healthy, contain goitrogens. If consumed in excess, these compounds can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis.

Foods with goitrogens are cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), cassava, sweet potatoes, peanuts, and unfermented soybeans. Cooking sprouts significantly reduces goitrogen activity.

In addition to iodine, the thyroid gland needs several nutrients to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). You can get them from food or through nutritional supplements.

Selenium. It is necessary to transform T-4 into T-3, which is the active form. A Brazil nut provides 100 µg, twice the amount needed per day. In case of suffering from Hashimoto’s disease, it is advisable to double the dose.Zinc. As you get older, you are more likely to suffer from a deficiency of this mineral. 11-30 mg daily are needed. Pumpkin seeds are a good vegetable source.Vitamins C and E. They protect the tissues of the thyroid. Vitamin C is found in fresh fruits and vitamin E in nuts and seeds. The recommended doses are respectively 100-1,000 mg and 15 mg.Tyrosine. It is an amino acid necessary for the formation of thyroid hormones. The body can synthesize it, but you can also find it in almonds, pumpkin and sesame seeds.Other nutrients. The B vitamins, vitamin D, vitamin A, and copper are other nutrients that are also involved in the production of thyroid hormones.

Physical exercise to stimulate the thyroid

Much of the benefits that physical exercise produces in all people may be due to the fact that stimulates the thyroid. Doing physical exercise is always recommended, but it is even more so in people who follow a hypocaloric diet to lose weight, since it can counteract the decrease in metabolic activity that they experience.

Although people with hypothyroidism often feel tired and sore, Mayo Clinic endocrinologist John C. Morris says they can stimulate their thyroid with the combination of low-impact aerobic activity (walking, swimming, yoga, tai chi) with resistance exercises, such as those made with weights, machines and elastic bands.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine

According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) patients with hypothyroidism suffer from a yang deficiency that can be treated with acupuncture and different mixtures of medicinal plants depending on the symptoms.

Homeopathy

“Sweet medicine” can also help. Although the best results are achieved with personalized treatment, a study published in the British Homeopathic Journal shows that treatment with three granules of Iodum 6C every 8 hours increased the levels of T3 and T4 by 20 and 5%, respectively.

Algae and stimulating plants

kelp (Saccharina latissima). It is a magnificent supplement rich in iodine. The best way to consume it is as a component of a low sodium vegetable salt.fucus (fucus vesiculosus). Sargassum or fucus is an algae that is taken as a supplement in capsules. It is an excellent source of iodine. You can take 100 mg, 3 times a day.gugulon (comniphora mukul). The resin of this plant improves the performance of the thyroid. A usual dose is 400 mg of extract, 1 to 3 times a day, according to medical indication.Ashwagandha (Whitania somnifera). This plant is capable of increasing the thyroid hormones T-3 and T-4. Ashwagandha root has a general endocrine stimulating effect.

Other natural therapies

Hydrotherapy: alternately applying cold (1 minute) and hot (3 minutes) packs to the neck and throat stimulates the functioning of the thyroid gland. The application is repeated 3 times, and can be done two or three times a day.

Therapeutic massage: It acts on the circulatory and lymphatic systems, which favors the arrival of nutrients and the exit of toxins. A physiotherapist can choose the most appropriate techniques. In addition, the reflexology foot massage can be done by yourself: work the point located between the bases of the big toe and the second toe.

Meditation: Practicing mindfulness for 20-30 minutes a day balances the nervous system, which in turn influences the hormonal system. During meditation you can visualize how the thyroid is filled with stimulating energy.

Breathing exercises: Yogic breathing techniques reinforce the effect of the postures and stimulate the nervous and endocrine systems. The techniques surya bheda (single nostril breathing), anuloma viloma (alternate breathing) and ujjayi (victorious breathing) are indicated.