Thyroid is a small gland present at the base of the neck in the shape of a butterfly. It secretes thyroid hormones that are responsible for metabolism, growth and maintaining body temperature. Any imbalance in the function of thyroid disturbs the major body functions. There are two types of thyroid disorders based on the hormonal secretion. They are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism results from the low activity of thyroid gland. In this condition, the thyroid does not secrete enough thyroid hormones called thyroxine. It slows down the body functions and energy giving rise to many diseases. Hypothyroidism also occurs when pituitary glands or hypothalamus not stimulating the thyroid. There are varied causes which lead to hypothyroidism.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
● Autoimmune diseases.
● Hyperthyroidism treatments.
● Medications.
● Iodine deficiency.
● Pituitary disorder.
● Pregnancy.
● Improper development in babies. Sometimes, babies are born without a thyroid.
● Heredity. These causes give rise to show signs and symptoms which are on body and mind levels.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
● Obesity.
● Unhealthy skin and hair.
● Low libido.
● Unable to tolerate cold.
● Depression.
● Constipation.
● Fatigue.
● Muscle aches and muscle cramps.
● Abnormal menstrual cycles.
● Memory loss. These causes and symptoms may sound normal, but these lead to dangerous complications. The diseases may rise slowly or show up when untreated.
● Heart problems.
● Mental health issues.
● Peripheral Neurotherapy.
● Myxedema.
● Infertility.
● Birth defects.
● Goiter.
The complications are quite dreadful to imagine. No wants to have these diseases, as they have both short term and long term health issue. Modern medications and treatments make us dependent. The side effects are also quite dangerous. The best thing to do in this case is home remedies to control and enhance thyroid functions. Various Ayurvedic and natural therapies are available to treat severe thyroid disorders.
Home remedies for Hypothyroidism
Coconut oil
Coconut oil has medium chain fatty acids. It helps in improving thyroid function, stimulate metabolism and boost energy. It will also balance the basal body temperature that is important for healing hypothyroidism.
● Take two tablespoons of coconut oil and add it to milk. Drink it every day in the morning.
● Include extra virgin oil for cooking. You can also add coconut oil to smoothies. Apple cider vinegar Apple cider vinegar is one the best healer for many diseases. It contains compounds that aids detoxification, handles weight loss, regulates hormones, restores acid-alkaline balance and enhances energy metabolism.
● Take two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar.
● Add it to a glass of warm water.
● Add a little honey and drink the liquid.
Apple cider vinegar also deals with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. Ginger Ginger contains many nutrients that enhance body mechanisms. It has ample amounts of magnesium, potassium, and zinc. They are a good source to heal hypothyroidism. Anti-inflammatory properties of ginger also enhance thyroid function.
● Take fresh slices of ginger.
● Add it to water and boil under low heat.
● Steep the liquid for 5 minutes.
● Add honey, stir it and drink the tea.
You can also add ginger to foods and take the benefits. Evening primrose oil Evening primrose oil is rich in gamma linoleic acid (GLAs). It has anti-inflammatory properties which increase levels of thyroid hormones. It also relieves from hypothyroidism issues like hair loss and high menstrual flow. Take 2-8 grams of primrose oil every day. However, it is better to consult a doctor or specialists for the doses. Siberian ginseng Siberian ginseng is one of the most effective herbs for hypothyroidism. It stimulates adrenal and thymus glands for the proper functioning of thyroid gland. It also alleviates fatigue. Consume extract of 100-200 mg Siberian ginseng twice in a day. It is better to take before breakfast and before lunch. Hyperthyroidism In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid glands produce excess thyroid hormones.
Causes of hyperthyroidism
● Graves disease.
● Thyroid tumor.
● Thyroid nodule.
● Goiter.
● Abnormal TSH secretion.
● Excess intake of iodine.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism
● Hair loss.
● Heart palpitations.
● Emotional instability.
● Sweating and tremors.
● Insomnia.
● Increased heart rate.
● Frequent bowel movements.
● Weight loss.
● Feeling hot or warm.
● Muscle weakness.
Home remedies for Hyperthyroidism
Lemon balm Lemon balm contains phenolic acids and flavonoids. They regulate the thyroid functions. Lemon balm also normalizes thyroid by reducing the levels of TSH. It blocks the activity of antibodies which stimulate thyroid gland resulting in Graves’ disease.
● Take two tablespoons of lemon balm.
● Add it to a cup of boiling water and steep for 5 minutes.
● Strain the liquid and drink it thrice in a day.
● Motherwort Motherwort is a natural beta-blocker. It controls palpitations and high heart rate. It contains anti-thyroid activity, which is very effective to lower the thyroid levels to normal.
● Take a cup of boiling water and steep 1 ½ teaspoon of motherwort. ● Steep it for 5 minutes, strain and then cool.
● Drink it thrice in a day. If you are on sedating medications it is better to avoid motherwort. Sea vegetables Sea vegetables are rich in iodine, the main mineral for thyroid health. These balance and normalize thyroid disorders. It also helps in treating obesity and lymph system congestion. They are also a good source for B-vitamin folate, vitamin K, iron, calcium, and magnesium.
● Kombu, kelp, hijiki, nori, arame and sea palm are few of the sea vegetables.
● These vegetables are used in food dressing, salads, and curries. Mix Indian gooseberry Indian gooseberry has ameliorating effects on thyroid glands. It helps in controlling the production of thyroid hormone.
● Take powder of Indian gooseberry and mix it with honey.
● Make it a thick paste and eat every day before breakfast. Berries Berries have standard amounts of vitamins and antioxidant elements. It helps in reducing the inflammation of thyroid glands.
● Blueberries, blackberries, cherries, and strawberries are few of the effective berries.
Conclusion Thyroid disorders are very dangerous. Imbalance of thyroid secretion can damage the entire body functions. It is important to understand the symptoms and take care before it becomes severe. Home remedies are the best as they bring the thyroid levels to normal. Unlike the normal medications, where they only increase or decrease the thyroid levels. That may also lead to over decrease or over increase, leading to thyroid imbalance. A wise decision is to take home remedies which are simple, effective and without many side effects.
