Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism, Natural Cures, Herbal and Dietary Management

Hyperthyroidism is a condition that results from the overproduction of thyroxin hormone by the thyroid gland. This condition is best diagnosed by a doctor so that relevant treatment can be recommended. I addition to professional treatment, the use of various home remedies for hyperthyroidism goes a long way in managing the condition. These include natural home treatments, herbal alternatives, supplements and appropriate dietary combination. we delve into the details of these below.

Home Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism refers to a condition in which the thyroid, a butterfly shaped gland found in the front part of the neck, becomes over active. This gland regulates the energy and metabolism levels in the body. With the hyper-activity, it produces too much thyroxin hormone which is the condition known as hyperthyroidism. Some of the common causes for it include Grave’s disease, thyroid gland inflammation, hormonal imbalance as well as nodules and lumps in the thyroid.

Hyperthyroidism is eight times more common in women than it is in men but anyone can get it. Symptoms can appear as early as in the age of 30s but is most common after the age of 60.

The condition is best diagnosed by a doctor after which treatment will also be offered. This will help a lot in the long term management of the condition. Together with the home remedies for hyperthyroidism as adjunct treatment, you can manage the condition. These though should be used with caution especially by women during pregnancy and in children.

What are the Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid?

Now that we know what hyperthyroidism is, what are some of its symptoms? According to mayoclinic.com, the symptoms of an overactive thyroid gland can be confused with those of other illnesses making it hard to diagnose. A person suffering this condition will experience a wide variety of symptoms including:

• A rapid heartbeat, irregular heartbeat or pounding of the heart.
• Increased appetite
• bulging eyes
• Sudden loss of weight despite a constant or increased consumption of food.
• Anxiety, nervousness and irritability
• Trembling of the fingers and hands.
• More frequent bowel movements
• Sweating and difficulty in sleeping
• Enlargement of the thyroid gland also known as goiter
• Thinning of the skin, fine and brittle hair

Natural Treatment and Home Remedies for Thyroid Problems

Natural thyroid support is a great way of helping patients ease the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. This involves both dietary and lifestyle adaptations to help restore the normal functioning of the gland. Some of the natural treatments you can try include:

Omega-3 Fatty Acids Hyperthyroidism Natural Treatment

When the body fails to get enough fatty acids, it is likely to suffer hormonal imbalance. When it is in plenty, essential fatty acids act as building blocks for various hormones that are responsible for the proper functioning of the immune system and growth of cells.

To prepare your body to respond appropriately to thyroid hormones, increase your omega-3 fatty acids intake. Some of the home remedies for hyperthyroidism from which you can achieve this include consuming more fish, walnuts and flaxseeds and other well known sources.

Soy Products Home Remedy for Hyperthyroidism

According to sciencedirect.com, research shows that moderate concentrations of soy sterols can help to ameliorate hyperthyroidism. However, in higher concentrations, the same may have adverse effects on the consumer.

Proteins also help in transporting thyroid hormones to various body parts. Where you cannot tolerate soy products, other home remedies for hyperthyroidism substitutes include quinoa, nuts, eggs legumes and fish.

Berries Home Remedies for Hyperthyroid

Cherries, strawberries, raspberries, black and blue berries contain antioxidants and are also rich in vitamins. This gives them the ability to reduce inflammation in the thyroid gland thus bringing down the hyperactivity within the gland. Indulge in a serving of berries each day.

Sea Vegetables Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

These home remedies for hyperthyroidism are a good source of iodine which is important in the overall health of the thyroid. Since the iodine found in them is natural, it plays a great role in normalizing disorders of the thyroid. Other important components contained in sea vegetables include B Vitamin, vitamin K, iron, calcium and magnesium.

Use vegetables such as hijiki, arame, nori, sea palm, and kombu in sauces, soups, pizzas salads and casseroles. They are available in dried form at grocery stores.

Cabbage

Goitrogens are elements that work to reduce the thyroid hormone. There are plenty of these in cabbage. This makes cabbage consumption an important element in the cure for hyperthyroidism. Incorporate as much as you can I your diet.

Broccoli

This simple food is known as a part of the effective home remedies for hyperthyroidism that can help to reduce the amount of thyroid hormone produced and is a part of the goitrogen family of foods. This cruciferous vegetable contains elements that help in restraining excessive production of hormones in the thyroid.

People with the disease should consume uncooked broccoli as often as they can to reap maximum benefits. Also to be tried are other cruciferous vegetables such as rutabaga, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, turnips, kale, radishes and mustard greens.

Increased Physical Activity Treatment for Overactive Thyroid

A sedentary life is not favorable for anyone more so if you are suffering hyperthyroidism. The condition tends to be aggravated by stress as well and thus the need to relax through exercise. It is therefore advisable to increase your physical activity to help with the condition. A regular exercise schedule helps in boosting oxygen in the body and thus keeps the thyroid in better shape.

Herbal Remedies for Hyperthyroidism

Other than the natural remedies discussed above, there also are herbal alternative home remedies for overactive thyroid glands. These can be used to alleviate the signs of the condition. Below are some of these.

Lemon Balm Hyperthyroidism Home Treatment

This contains phenolic acids, flavonoids and other compounds that are useful in regulating thyroid function. This herb normalizes an overactive thyroid by blocking antibodies’ responsible for stimulating thyroid glands leading to Grave’s disease.

Add two tablespoons of the balm into a cup of boiling water. In case this mixture is too strong, you can start off the dosage in smaller quantities like half a teaspoon and increase it gradually. Let this steep for up to five minutes, strain and drink after it has cooled down. You can take this up to three times each day.

Bugleweed

This herb works great in managing mild hyperthyroidism by reducing production of hormones by the thyroid glands. It helps to lower thyroid activity as well as impair thyroid hormone synthesis.

Use half a teaspoon of bugle weed to make a cup of tea by adding it to boiling water. Let it steep for around five minutes before straining and allowing it to coll. Take a cup of this once each day. You could also take the remedy in tincture form. Consume between two to six milliliters each day.

This remedy is not recommended for breast feeding and pregnant women and people with hypothyroidism.

Motherwort

This remedy is known to be a natural beta-blocker. It is known to control palpitations and a high heart rate. In addition, it is also a known anti-thyroid activity and beneficial for people suffering the hyperthyroid disease.

Make some tea using the remedy by steeping half a teaspoon in a cup of boiling water. Allow it steep for five minutes before straining and cooling. Take it up to three times in a day. Motherwort herb is to be avoided by people taking sedating medication.

Siberian Ginseng

This herbal remedy helps in boosting the health status of the thyroid. It helps in nourishing the thymus gland and generally supports the good health of the thyroid.

Chinese and Korean ginseng are to be avoided.

Black Walnuts

This simple home remedy for hyperthyroidism is a great source of manganese and iodine. These minerals have a great role in the nourishment of thyroid glands. They help to enhance their function. Consume more walnuts to help in managing an overactive thyroid.

Prunella Vulgaris

This plants flowers have been used for long by the Chinese as a remedy for neck nodules. According to metagenetics.com, it has been shown that it contains both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties which are great for alleviating the condition’s symptoms. Prunella vulgaris is also said to suppress production of thyroxin hormone.

Eleuthero

This herb plays a great role in the strengthening of weak adrenal glands. This will help in improving immunity and protect the body against autoimmune diseases such as Grave’s disease which is a major cause of hyperactive thyroid.

Indian Gooseberry

Also known as amla, the Indian gooseberry is known to treat a lot of health problems, hyperthyroidism included. This remedy has ameliorating effects on the thyroid which plays a great role in controlling the thyroid hormones production. To reap benefits from it, make a paste of amla and honey and consume it the first thing in the morning. This should be before taking breakfast.

Overactive Thyroid Diet

In addition to the use of home remedies for hyperthyroidism, consumption of the correct diet is an important aspect in its management. Start by having goitrogenic foods. These will help in blocking the secretion of excess hormones and thus settling down the overactive thyroid. Use the foods mentioned above to manage the condition.

In addition to these, get a well-balanced diet. Include vitamins and minerals in your foods. To help in offsetting the increase in metabolic activities, you may want to have consume more nutrients. Getting nutrients in sufficient amounts goes a long way in boosting your immune system.

Have a lot of fruits and vegetables in your diet as well. Hyperthyroidism can alter calcium metabolism as well as cause zinc deficiency. Make conscious efforts to consume foods highly rich in these minerals.

Foods to Avoid for an Overactive Thyroid

Persons with hyperthyroidism are advised not to take food with too much iodine as the condition can be caused by too much of this in the body.

Avoid iodized salt, sea salt and dairy products. Also stay away from red meat, refined foods such as sugar, pasta and white bread. Switch to vegetable or olive oil as opposed to using cooking fat.

To avoid trans-fatty acids, refrain from indulging in French fries, onion rings and margarine. Keep watch of what you consume and avoid diuretic beverages such as coffee, carbonated beverages and alcohol.

Natural Supplements Remedy for Hyperthyroidism

At times, it may not be possible to get all necessary nutrients. If you are having problems with this, talk to your doctor and see in you can explore nutrient supplements. These will be tailored to suit your various nutrition needs. Among the supplements that may be offered as suggested by nationalnutrition.ca include:

• Soy extract
• Broccoli extract
• Magnesium supplements
• Whey protein
• Valerian
• Multivitamin, Vitamin B complex and multi-mineral complex
• Evening primrose oil and Green supplements
• Plant digestive enzymes

The dosage and usage for any of the above supplements for use as home remedies for hyperthyroidism should be as directed by your physician.

Resources

Sciencedirect.com: Soy Sterols in the Regulation of Thyroid Functions

nationalnutrition.ca: Overactive Thyroid

Mayoclinic.org: Hyperthyroidism