Originally published December 12 2008
Controlling Hypothyroidism Naturally
by Jo Hartley
(NaturalNews) Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. This condition is a result of a dysfunction of the thyroid gland. The bad news is that there are many reasons that the thyroid can become impaired. The good news is that there are natural and effective options for combating hypothyroidism.
The thyroid is made up of two lobes connected together in the front of the neck. The hormones produced by the thyroid gland control the body's metabolic rate. When the thyroid gland does not function properly, every organ of the body can be affected. An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) creates a general depression of the cellular systems and thereby creates a situation of oxidative processes in the body. These systems are necessary for energy production. An underactive thyroid will cause the metabolic activities in these cells to go down. When this occurs, metabolic wastes then filtrate into the organs and this causes them to become sluggish.
This condition will leave a person feeling tired and low on energy. As one's metabolism slows down, weight gain and constipation often occur. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, lack of energy, inability to tolerate cold temperatures, menstrual irregularities, depression, sluggish reflexes, hair loss, dry skin, brittle nails, and puffy eyes. Usually symptoms start slowly and it is easy to miss connecting these symptoms to a thyroid imbalance.
A common cause of hypothyroidism is an inflammation that damages the thyroid tissue. This damage causes the body's immune cells to attack the thyroid and this then leaves them incapable of producing enough hormones.
If the thyroid gland is removed then the body is unable to produce any thyroid hormone. If the thyroid is partially removed, it may be able to produce enough thyroid hormone for some time, but eventually it will become overworked and will stop producing.
Hypothyroidism is common in post-partum women and is often misdiagnosed as post-partum depression. Some medications can also cause thyroid dysfunction.
Recommendations for Fighting Hypothyroidism Naturally
�Eliminate saturated fats from your diet. Saturated fats inhibit thyroid function.
�Reduce or eliminate altogether your soy consumption. Soy is known to depress thyroid function and can cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland in healthy people.
�Alkalinize your body. This is an effective way of preventing thyroid dysfunction.
�Vitamin B3 has been shown to lower thyroid hormone levels.
�Strive to balance estrogen levels because estrogen inhibits the thyroid gland.
�Women should consider a hormonal balancing program with progesterone cream to restore a healthy balance.
�Gentian can normalize the function of the thyroid gland.
�Eat kelp and other sea vegetables that are high in iodine. Iodine is necessary for producing the thyroid hormone.
�Radishes can help keep thyroid hormones balanced.
�If depression is an issue, try St. John's Wort. It is a natural mood elevator.
�Chronic constipation can be alleviated by adding additional dietary fiber to your diet.
�Consider supplementing with zinc and selenium. Severe zinc or selenium deficiencies can cause decreased thyroid hormone levels.
�Coconut oil stimulates the thyroid gland and may help those suffering from hypothyroidism.
About the author
Jo Hartley
Wife, Mother of 8, and Grandmother of 2
Jo is a 41 year old home educator who has always gravitated toward a natural approach to life. She enjoys learning as much as possible about just about anything!
http://loftymatters.com - Current Events
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