Natural Treatment of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where the thyroid is underactive and does not make enough thyroid hormone. If you suspect that your thyroid hormone levels are low or if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, then you may be interested in treating it either naturally or with a thyroid hormone medication.

When your thyroid levels are low, you may feel fatigued, have rapid weight gain, acne, dry skin and be sensitive to cold or heat. If left untreated, you could experience hoarseness, swelling of the face, hands and feet, thinning hair or eyebrows, and/or painful salivary gland spasms. Do not leave an underactive thyroid untreated. You could be at risk of a myxedema coma, which can cause mental deterioration, hypothermia, heart failure and respiratory failure.

If you have the symptoms of hypothyroidism and your blood tests come back normal, your doctor may order an ultrasound. An ultrasound may reveal nodules or other changes that could be causing your symptoms. If thyroid hormone levels are simply low, then your doctor may prescribe a thyroid replacement hormone.

The thyroid uses iodine to produce the two thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T4 must be converted into T3 to give cells energy. If you tell your doctor that you prefer natural treatments, they may prescribe a medication made from a pig thyroid that contains T3 and T4 hormone. Have your hormone levels checked regularly to make sure that you’re not just building up T4 levels, but that you are actually converting them into T3.

If you had a partial thyroidectomy or still have your thyroid, talk to your doctor about nourishing the thyroid and immune system to get them to their optimal states. You may still find it necessary to take prescription replacement hormone medications during the time that you are getting your body healthy, because it can take a long time, months or even years. Once you are healthy, you can find out if it is possible to get off of the medication by slowly lowering your dosage.

Supplementing for your immunity and your thyroid will help you avoid the side effects of taking hormone replacement drugs. It can also help your thyroid medication do its job properly and can relieve symptoms that persist after thyroid hormone levels are normal.

The thyroid is a complex part of an intricate system. Immune responses have to work in harmony with hormonal systems for everything to run smoothly. Autoimmune disease is linked to hypothyroidism. Therefore, it is very important to support the immune system with a lot of extra vitamin C. A strict regimen of selenium, beta-carotene and vitamin E, and vitamin C regulates and calms the immune response. (Note: Vitamin C and selenium should not be taken within about an hour of each other.) Your doctor may also recommend taking CoQ10.

It is important to eat organic and non-processed foods if you have hypothyroidism. Hormones, antibiotics and pesticides in food alter your thyroid and immune system function. Exercise, relaxation, whole grains, garlic, broccoli, ocean fish, and probiotics all help build a healthy immune system and thyroid.

Talk with your doctor about which vitamins and supplements are best for you. The daily requirements are usually much higher for someone with hypothyroidism. Many popular brands do not have the absorbability that you need. When you buy vitamins, look for the best. To get enough vitamin C into your diet every day, consider vitamin C powder. It is easier to take, less expensive when taking high doses, and it is easier on the teeth and stomach than chewables.