Hypothyroidism is typically treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Of course, it’s important not to forget to take your prescription, as this could cause your negative effects to worsen.
In many cases, natural remedies have fewer side effects and work better for the rest of your life. Besides, natural remedies are accessible and, sometimes, cheaper than medications. Consider the following measures to alleviate your hypothyroidism symptoms.
Table of Contents
1. Soak Up a Healthy Dose of Iodine
Not receiving enough iodine in your diet might lead to hypothyroidism. Optimal thyroid function depends on adequate iodine intake. Though it is less common in the United States, iodine deficiency is still common worldwide and is regarded as the major dietary cause of hypothyroidism.
Since the body cannot produce iodine, it is essential to consume iodine-rich foods. You might want to zero in on sea veggies like kelp and seaweed. You can also obtain iodine from foods like iodized salt, seafood, and eggs.
2. Control your Anxiety
Chronic stress can negatively affect thyroid function. When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases the hormone cortisol. However, excessive cortisol can hinder hormone levels, making it harder for the gland to function normally; therefore, reducing your stress can assist you in repairing your thyroid. Meditation and other stress-reduction techniques can have profound effects.
3. Eat Sufficient Selenium
Maintaining adequate selenium levels is essential for avoiding and treating thyroid problems. Brazil nuts, lentils, and eggs are thyroid-healing foods containing this vital mineral. While selenium supplements are available, specialists suggest they are unnecessary.
4. Consume Zinc-Rich Foods
Similarly, because zinc controls the immune system and thyroid, a zinc deficit can expose you to the risk of hypothyroidism. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, zinc and selenium supplementation, as well as zinc supplementation alone, were found to improve thyroid function. However, supplementation is not required for the majority of the population. Oysters, pork, chicken, and organic meat are foods that contain zinc. Whole grains, beans, and nuts are examples of plant-based foods.
5. Focus on intestinal health
As experts understand the essential role of gut health and the microbiome, it becomes evident that the gut has a role in various health issues, including thyroid diseases. Because the bulk of the immune system sits in the gut, optimizing gut function via lifestyle changes is essential. Gut bacteria aid in converting T4 to T3, which is a necessary step for enhancing thyroid function.
You can enhance your gut health in numerous ways, including by taking probiotics. Avoid inflammatory foods, like refined sugars, dairy, and gluten, and incorporate gut-healing items into your diet.
6. Consider Integrative Medicine
As a natural treatment for hypothyroidism, integrative medicine involves a functional medicine approach to enhance your health. Experienced integrative practitioners utilize functional medicine to restore your vitality and enhance your thyroid function. They can help you address the fundamental cause of your thyroid problems, reverse the symptoms of an unbalanced thyroid, improve your overall health, and assist you in achieving and maintaining a healthy body weight.
7. Improve Your Sleeping Habits
Inadequate sleep can increase your body’s stress levels, so prioritizing excellent sleep is essential for restoring your thyroid’s health. One study published in the Annals of Occupational and Environmental Medicine indicated those night shift employees, who often have poorer sleep quality, are at a greater risk for developing thyroid problems than daytime workers. There are many techniques to improve your sleep, including establishing a bedtime regimen and reducing caffeine intake while awake.
8. Consider Purchasing Anti-Inflammatory Supplements
Any substance that helps reduce general inflammation throughout the body is beneficial. This includes omega fatty acids such as those found in fish oil, curcumin, the active element in turmeric, and vitamin D. However, before beginning any supplements to treat a thyroid condition, consult your health care practitioner regarding the dose and any interactions with other drugs you’re taking.
Bottom Line
While these eight strategies can help you keep your hypothyroidism in check, the list isn’t conclusive. However, this article has covered the most common and essential strategies. For instance, integrative medicine can control your hypothyroidism symptoms and improve your health outcomes in general since it targets your overall well-being.
