Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones to keep the body functioning normally.
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped endocrine that is located in the lower front of the neck. The thyroid function is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and carried to every tissue in the body. Thyroid hormones also help the body use energy, stay warm and keep the brain, heart, muscles and other organs working as it should.
Natural remedies for hypothyroidism include:
– Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids that help in better functioning of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil, specifically when taken in a non-heated form, helps with weight loss, increases metabolism and balances body temperature.
Unlike other types of oils, coconut oil has high content of saturated fat (healthy). With the right combination of exercise and the proper balanced diet, coconut oil could be good for thyroid glands.
– Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar helps in balanced production and expression of hormones. It improves metabolism and helps to alkalize the body environment.
Apple cider vinegar helps regulate body fats, wash away toxins from the body, and absorption of nutrients. Apple cider vinegar can be added to water along with honey and can be taken every morning.
– Ginger
This is one of the easiest home remedies for thyroid as it is easily available. Ginger is rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium and helps combat inflammation- one of the primary causes of thyroid issues. It is easiest to have ginger tea. It can also be used as an essential oil. If ginger is mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, for example) it can be applied to the body. Ginger oil can also be used via essential oil diffusers.
– Vitamin B
Vitamins help to fight the underlying causes for thyroid problems. Vitamins from the ‘B’ family are essential for proper thyroid function. Vitamin B12 is especially instrumental in helping people with hypothyroidism. Including eggs, meat, fish, legumes, milk, and nut in daily diet might help with a steady supply of Vitamin B.
Since the diet may not be able to meet the daily requirements, taking supplements will help.
– Vitamin D
Deficiency of vitamin D can lead to thyroid problems. Since the body can produce it only when exposed to the sun, ensure that you get a minimum of 15 minutes of sunlight daily. This will also lead to better calcium absorption and good immunity.
Some foods that are rich in Vitamin D are fatty fishes like salmon and mackerel, dairy products, orange juice, and egg yolks. If Vitamin D levels in the body are very low, supplements will be necessary. However, one must be cautious and consult with a doctor about dosage because too much vitamins in the body can be harmful.
– Almonds
Most nuts are beneficial to the body in some way or the other. Almonds are best suited for proper thyroid expression. They are a good source of protein, fiber, and minerals.
Almonds have selenium that is thyroid healthy nutrient. It is also very rich in magnesium that can keep the thyroid gland working very smoothly.
– Dairy Products
Milk, cheese, and yogurt are very beneficial for thyroid as these are high in iodine, the mineral that is essential for proper thyroid functioning. Consuming dairy products will also help with increasing vitamin levels which in turn will help with thyroid problems.
– Beans
Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fiber, protein, essential minerals and vitamins. Beans are rich in antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. Since beans are also very high in fiber, it helps with constipation which is a common side effect of hypothyroidism. Eating beans regularly has been shown to improve thyroid function.
– Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are rich in good fatty acids that are good for the heart and the thyroid. They help in the production of the thyroid hormones. Rich in magnesium and vitamin B12.
– Iodine Supplements
Another thing that works in improper thyroid functioning is taking iodine supplements. This becomes more important for those who are vegetarians. These supplements restore the balance of iodine in the body and help with thyroid health.
– Regular Exercise
This is one of the most important and most overlooked aspects of maintaining good thyroid functioning. Medicines and natural remedies are fine but it has to be teamed up with proper exercise. Regular exercise helps with proper hormonal balance and leads to better weight management that helps with dealing with thyroid problems.
Foods to eat:
1. Foods rich in iodine
• Cheese
• Milk
• Whole eggs
2. Foods rich in selenium
• Chicken
• Oatmeal
• Shrimps
3. Foods rich in Zinc
• Oysters
• Legumes
• Beef
• Yoghurt
