Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in your neck, just above your collarbone. It is one of your endocrine glands, which make hormones.Thyroid disorders can range from a small, harmless goiter (enlarged gland) that needs no treatment to life-threatening cancer. The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal production of thyroid hormones.Thyroid problems include
- Goiter - enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Hyperthyroidism - when your thyroid gland makes more thyroid hormones than your body needs
- Hypothyroidism - when your thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormones
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid nodules - lumps in the thyroid gland
- Thyroiditis - swelling of the thyroid
Causes of hyperthyroidism
All types of hyperthyroidism are due to overproduction of thyroid hormones, but the condition can be caused in several ways:
Toxic adenomas. Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance. Some goitres may contain several of these nodules.
Subacute thyroiditis. This is where inflammation of the thyroid causes the gland to ‘leak’ excess hormones, resulting in temporary hyperthyroidism. The condition generally lasts a few weeks, but it may persist for months.
Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland. In rare cases, hyperthyroidism can also be due to these causes.
Causes of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, by contrast, stems from an underproduction of thyroid hormones. Since your body's energy systems require certain amounts of thyroid hormones, a drop in hormone production leads to lower energy levels. Causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Hashimoto's disease. In this autoimmune disorder, the body’s own immune system attacks thyroid tissue, leading to reduced thyroid hormone.
- Removal of the thyroid gland. The thyroid may be surgically removed or chemically destroyed as a treatment for hyperthyroidism.
- Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide. Cold and sinus medicines, the heart medicine amiodarone or certain contrast dyes given before X-rays may expose you to too much iodine.
- You may then be at greater risk of developing hypothyroidism, especially if you have had thyroid problems in the past.
- Lithium. This drug has also been linked to hypothyroidism.
SYMPTOMS OF THYROID
- Nervousness and tremor: These symptoms, along with agitation, can signal an overfunction of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism).
- Mental fogginess and poor concentration: Mental functioning can be affected both hyperthyroidism (elevated levels of thyroid hormone) and hypothyroidism (too low levels of thyroid hormones). While sluggishness and depressed mood are often associated with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism can also lead to a reduced capacity for concentration.
- Menstrual changes: Hypothyroidism is sometimes associated with excessive or prolonged menstrual bleeding, while hyperthyroidism can be characterized by scanty or reduced menstrual flow.
- Feeling bloated: Fluid retention is often a sign of an underactive thyroid gland.
- Racing heartbeat: An increased heart rate (tachycardia) and palpitations can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
- Aches and pains: Muscle aches and pain can accompany different types of thyroid problems.
- Weight gain: A modest amount of weight gain often accompanies conditions in which thyroid gland activity is lower than normal.
- High cholesterol levels: An increase in blood cholesterol levels can occur in individuals with hypothyroidism.
- Heat intolerance: People with an overactive thyroid gland often complain of intolerance to higher temperatures.
- Feeling cold: Conversely, those with an underfunctioning thyroid may feel constantly cold.
TREATMENT FOR THYROID NATURALLY
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that help improve thyroid functioning. It will also stimulate metabolism and boost energy. Plus, it will help raise the basal body temperature which is important for those dealing with low thyroid function.
- Use coconut oil for cooking. Always use extra-virgin organic coconut cooking oil.
- You can also add two tablespoons of coconut oil to milk and drink it in the morning along with your breakfast every day. You can also add it to your smoothies.
2. Kelp
Kelp is a brown seaweed rich in iodine and other minerals. It is useful for those suffering from hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency. However, this remedy is not recommended for those suffering from autoimmune thyroid problems or else it may worsen the condition.
So, do consult your doctor before taking kelp supplements to check if it is suitable for you and find the correct dosage specific to your condition.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may also help deal with this thyroid disorder. It is believed that it aids detoxification, restores acid alkaline balance, facilitates weight loss, and helps regulate hormones and improve their energy metabolism.
Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and others.
- Add two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
- Mix in a little honey.
- Drink this solution daily on a regular basis.
4. Fish Oils
Fish oils are considered good for increasing thyroid hormone uptake and maintaining healthy thyroid function. Being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they also fight inflammation and increase immunity.Take fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners. The general dosage is up to 3 grams per day.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease. Exposure to early sunshine is a good way to generate the vitamin D required by the body.
So, expose your body to early morning sunrays for about 15 minutes daily. This will also help maintain healthy immune function and calcium metabolism.
Those suffering from hypothyroidism can make it a habit to wake up in the morning and do some healthy exercises (stimulates the thyroid gland), such as walking outdoors. You’ll get the early sunshine as well as benefit from the physical exercise.
6. Guggul
Guggul comes from the gum resin of an Indian tree called Commiphora Mukul. Research indicates that its active compounds called guggulsterones may help in the treatment of hypothyroidism by stimulating thyroid function. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and cholesterol-lowering benefits.
You can take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor. Generally, it is taken in doses of 25 mg three times a day. When taking this herb, be sure to monitor your T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels as it stimulates the conversion of T4 into its more active T3 form.
Caution: Guggul may interfere with estrogen, birth control pills, beta-blockers and other medications.
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