The Problem of Thyroid and its natural remedies

The thyroid gland through the hormones it produces influences almost all of the metabolic processes in the body. The problem of the thyroid disorders can range from the smallest, harmless goiter that is the enlarged gland that needs no treatment to the life-threatening problem of cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve the abnormal production of the thyroid hormones.

Too much thyroid hormone results in a condition which is commonly known as hyperthyroidism. Insufficient hormone production leads to the hypothyroidism. Although the effects can be quite unpleasant or uncomfortable, most thyroid problems can be managed quite well if properly diagnosed and treated. So, in a sense if you take the proper and due care, you can be fine in no time, so don't worry, having said so, let us look at the causes of this disease, to understand the remedies for the same in a better way.

Causes of the Thyroid Problems

All the types of hyperthyroidism are due to an overproduction of the thyroid hormones, but the condition can occur in the following several ways:

The Foods that Help or Hurt Your Thyroid :

• The Graves 'disease: The production of too much amount of the thyroid hormone.
• The Toxic Adenomas: Nodules that develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete the thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance; some goitres may contain the several number of these nodules.
• The Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to sort of "leak" out the excess hormones, resulting in the temporary hyperthyroidism that generally lasts for a few weeks but may persist even for months.
• The Pituitary gland malfunctions or the cancerous growths in the thyroid gland: Although they are quite rare, hyperthyroidism can also develop from these causes.

Hypothyroidism, by the contrast, stems from an underproduction of the thyroid hormones. Since your body's energy production requires a certain amounts of the thyroid hormones, a drop in the hormone production leads to a lower energy levels.

Causes of the hypothyroidism include:

• The Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: In this the autoimmune disorder, the body attacks the thyroid tissue. The tissue eventually then dies and stops producing the hormones.
• Removal of the Thyroid Gland: The thyroid sometimes may have been surgically removed or chemically destroyed.
• Exposure to the Excessive Amounts of Iodide: Cold and the sinus medicines, even the heart medicine amiodarone, or the certain contrast dyes given before some of the X-rays may expose you to too much amount of the iodine. You may be at greater risk for the development of the hypothyroidism if you have had the thyroid problems in the past.
• Lithium : This drug has also been implicated or attributed as a cause of hypothyroidism.

Untreated for long periods of time, the hypothyroidism can bring on a sort of myxoedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal form of a condition that requires immediate hormonal treatment.

Hypothyroidism poses a special kind of danger to new-borns and infants. A lack of the thyroid hormones in the system at an early age can further lead to the development of the cretinism (mental retardation) and also the dwarfism (stunted growth). Most infants now have their thyroid levels checked routinely soon after the birth. If they are having hypothyroid, the treatment begins immediately. In the infants, as in adults, hypothyroidism can be due to these following causes:

• A condition of pituitary disorder
• A condition of defective thyroid
• The lack of the gland entirely

The Hypothyroid infant is unusually:

• inactive ,
• is quiet,
• has a poor appetite, and
• Sleeps for excessively long periods of time.

The Cancer of the thyroid gland is quite rare and occurs in about only 5% of thyroid nodules. You might have one or more of the thyroid nodules for several number of years before they are determined to be actually cancerous.

People who have received the radiation treatment to the head and neck earlier in life, possibly as a form of remedy for acne, tend to have a higher-than-normal rate of risk of developing thyroid cancer.

Some of the common symptoms which are associated with hypothyroidism are :

• fatigue,
• dry skin,
• puffy face,
• hoarse voice,
• muscle cramping,
• sudden weight gain,
• increased sensitivity to cold,
• constipation,
• depression and
• Brittle fingernails and hair.

Here are the top 10 home remedies for hypothyroidism

1. Start using the Coconut Oil

The Coconut oil contains the medium-chain fatty acids that help in improving the thyroid functioning. It will also stimulate the metabolism and also boosts energy. Plus, it will also help raise the basal body temperature which is quite important for those dealing with the low thyroid function.

• Use the coconut oil for cooking. Always use the extra-virgin organic coconut cooking oil.
• You can also add around two tablespoons of the coconut oil to the milk and drink it in the morning along with your breakfast almost every day. You can also add it to your different smoothies, which basically would mean taste and health in one glass.

2. Start using Kelp

Kelp is a sort of a brown seaweed rich in the iodine and other minerals. It is useful for those suffering from the hypothyroidism due to the iodine deficiency. However, this remedy is not recommended for those suffering from the autoimmune thyroid problems or else it may worsen the condition. So, do consult your doctor before taking the kelp supplements to check if it is actually suitable for you and find the correct dosage specific to your condition.

3. The Apple Cider Vinegar

The Apple cider vinegar may also help to deal with this thyroid disorder. It is believed that it aids the following as well:

• detoxification,
• it also restores the acid alkaline balance,
• facilitates the weight loss, and
• helps regulate hormones and
• Improve their energy metabolism.

Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for the other health problems like:

• diabetes,
• high blood pressure,
• high cholesterol

How to use:

1. Add around two tablespoons of the organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
2. Mix in a little bit of honey.
3. Drink this solution daily on a regular basis, without a fail.

4. Have the Fish Oils

The Fish oils are also considered good for increasing the thyroid hormone uptake and also helps in maintaining the healthy thyroid function. Being rich in the omega 3 fatty acids, they also help to fight the inflammation and further increases the immunity. Take the fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking the blood thinners. The general dosage is up to around 3 grams per day.

5. Have more of Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency has been also associated with several number of these autoimmune diseases, including the thyroid disease, itself. Exposure to the early sunshine is a good way to generate the vitamin D which is required by the body. So, expose your body to the early morning sunrays for about 15 minutes on a daily basis. This will also help you to maintain a healthy immune function and also a good calcium metabolism.

Those suffering from the hypothyroidism can make it a habit to wake up in the morning and do some form of the healthy exercises (which stimulates the thyroid gland), such as some amount of walking outdoors. You'll get the early sunshine as well as the benefit from the physical exercise.

6. Googol All the Way!

Guggul comes from the gum resin of an Indian tree which is commonly called as the Commiphora Mukul. I was reading a few articles and I found that research indicates that its active compounds called the guggulsterones may help in the treatment of the hypothyroidism by stimulating thyroid function. Plus, it has also got some amazing anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and cholesterol-lowering benefits.

You can take this herb in the supplement form after consulting your doctor. Generally, it is taken in doses of around 25 mg three times a day, it is quite beneficial. When taking this herb, be sure to that you monitor your T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels as it stimulates the conversion of the T4 into its more active T3 form.

Caution: Guggul may interfere with the estrogenic, birth control pills, beta-blockers and even other medications. Always consult a doctor first and then take it.

7. The Evening Primrose Oil

The evening primrose oil is another great and significant ingredient that can help you battle with the hypothyroid. Being high in the gamma linoleic acids (GLAs), the primrose oil offers the anti-inflammatory benefits and also helps in increasing the levels of the thyroid hormones. At the same, it can further relieve the problems associated with the hypothyroidism, such as the hair loss and the heavy menstrual flow.

The general recommendation for taking the evening primrose oil is two to eight grams consumption on a daily basis. Consult your doctor to find out the suitable dosage as per your body's needs.

8. Have Ginger

The ginger is a good source of the following:

• zinc,
• magnesium and
• potassium, and
• Its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help to improve the thyroid functioning.
• The fresh ginger root slices can be added to the soups and other dishes.
• Another option is to drink around two or three cups of the hot ginger tea. To make this herbal tea, add some amount of the fresh ginger slices to a cup of the boiling water. Steep for around five minutes, and then add some amount of honey to it.

9. The Siberian Ginseng

The Siberian ginseng is very useful for the stimulating of the adrenal and thymus glands, which support the functioning of the overall thyroid gland. This herb will also help alleviate the fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of the hypothyroidism.

Take around a dose of 100 to 200 mg of the Siberian ginseng extract twice daily, before breakfast and once before lunch. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting a supplement to this regimen.

10. Go for B Vitamins

When dealing with the hypothyroidism, take adequate amounts of the B vitamins including vitamins: B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and also B12 to help reduce the symptoms. The B vitamins are vital for healthy thyroid function. Moreover, as I was reading I found that researchers suspect that those suffering from the hypothyroidism may also be suffering from the vitamin B12 deficiency.

So, make the whole grains and the fortified cereals an important part of your daily diet. Plus, it is also advisable to include the fresh vegetables and the sea vegetables in your regular diet. Avoid having the cruciferous vegetables such as the broccoli and kale because they contain the goitrogens. Goitrogens are having the anti-nutrients properties that interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland.

It's always a good idea to be healthy and what best way than applying some quick, effective and natural remedies. I truly hope that you eat a good balanced meal, exercise regularly for at least 30 mins and take into consideration the above tips. It is also imperative to note that everyone is different and it is quite likely that your condition is quite serious , in such cases don't hesitate to show a doctor, immediately as he would be able to guide you better as per your body's needs