30-05-2012, 02:45 PM
Natural Treatments for Hypothyroidism
There are steps that you can take to make your condition manageable at home. Try some of these suggestions to help you cope more effectively:
• 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
• Try to maintain a positive ‘can-do’ attitude
• Eat a healthy well-balanced diet
• Include lots of salt water fish, shellfish and sea weed in your diet as these are rich in iodine – essential for healthy thyroid functioning
• Avoid cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, kale) as these contain a natural thyroid blocker
• Try to do regular physical activity or exercise
• Take and adjust your medications as necessary
• Have your hormone levels monitored on a regular basis
• Perform a daily thyroid self-massage. To massage the thyroid gland; gently stroke up and down the sides of the trachea (also known as windpipe).
Natural Diet for Hypothyroidism
The thyroid gland needs an array of nutrients to function optimally. Add essential fatty acids to your diet. Cold water fish such as salmon and cod as well as flaxseed, walnuts and almonds are great sources. Another option is to take a daily supplement such as fish oil. Seaweed, chlorella and algae should also be consumed frequently. They are rich in iodine and essential nutrients that maintain thyroid function balance.
Another important thing to keep in mind when it comes to a natural diet for hypothyroidism is that there are also foods that actually slow down thyroid function. These include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soy, beans, and mustard greens. Also, take care to avoid overly processed food and limit dairy, sugar, artificial sweeteners, caffeine, and alcohol intake. Natural remedies and herbs can also be used to support optimal thyroid function. Bladder wrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a natural source of iodine, essential for healthy thyroid function. Shilajeet-Asphaltum puniabiunum is one of India’s most prized herbs and is considered a ‘wonder drug’ by many due to its high mineral content. Makandi (Coleus forskohlii) has been studied extensively for its use in supporting thyroid function. Clinical trials have shown that forskolin (a chemical found in coleus) may help to support thyroid hormone secretion.