Natural Treatment For
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Here are some general guidelines;
- Up your intake of iodine-rich foods such as Japanese sea vegetables e.g. nori, wakame, kombu and arame. Thyroid hormones contain iodine making this a critical mineral for normal thyroid activity.
- Cook your brassica vegetables for six to seven minutes. These vegetables contain ‘goitrogens’ which prevent the use of iodine. Goitrogens are found in broccoli, sweet potato, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, brussel sprouts and mustard greens. Cooking inactivates the thyroid inhibiting effect.
- Choose traditional soy products. In Asia, small amounts of traditional soy foods are consumed. This includes tofu, natto, miso, tempeh, and boiled soy beans (edamame), rather than the large amounts of refined and unfermented soy products that are now found in our Western supermarkets.
- Eat selenium-rich foods such as asparagus, Brazil nuts, grains, garlic and mushrooms. Selenium assists activation of thyroid hormones.
- Eat foods that provide a plentiful supply of zinc such as oysters and pumpkin seeds. Zinc is a necessary nutrient to assist healthy thyroid activity.
- Avoid trans fats or ‘plastic fats’ found in margarine, TV dinners, bakery foods, commercially prepared snack foods and deep fried food. These very unhealthy fats are very damaging to the thyroid cell membranes.
Supplements & Thyroid Gland Problems
- A good quality multivitamin and mineral formula containing vitamins A, B complex, C, E, magnesium and manganese. These are all important for thyroid gland function.
- Iodine is necessary for the formation of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), two principle hormones secreted by the thyroid gland.
- L-tyrosine (together with iodine) produces thyroid hormones that control the body’s metabolism. A deficiency of tyrosine leads to hypothyroidism and low adrenal function.
- Zinc is essential for successful conversion of T4 to active T3.
- Selenium assists in removing toxins from the body and is essential for conversion of T4 into T3. Many agricultural areas are extremely deficient in selenium, so supplements are highly recommended.
- Coenzyme Q10 assists with energy production and cell function.
Herbs & Thyroid Gland Problems
- Bladderwrack is a herb traditionally used for an under active thyroid gland. It contains high amounts of iodine which may be responsible for stimulating production of thyroid hormones.
- Bacopa is a herb that stimulates thyroid gland function and is also used for memory and concentration problems.
- Withania, Licorice, Codonopsis and Siberian Ginseng provide adrenal stress support and promising results for healthy thyroid gland hormones.
Other Natural Treatment For Thyroid Problems
- Homoeopathic medicines prescribed by your homeopath or naturopath can have positive effects on your thyroid gland balance.
- Acupuncture can help balance hormones and facilitate the free flow of energy through the body.
- Aromatherapy can assist and support the reproductive system, and gently contribute to rebalancing your hormones.
More Tips For Healthy Thyroid Function
- Exercise can help stimulate your metabolism, improve your stress coping mechanism and improve mood health and heart health.
- Since stress affects the adrenal glands, and since poor adrenal gland functioning can affect the thyroid gland, stress management is essential in the overall treatment of thyroid gland problems. Meditation, yoga, tai chi, reading a book, going for a walk or doing something you find relaxing should be incorporated into your daily life.
- Make sure your liver function is in tip-top shape for thyroid hormone metabolism. Your Naturopath will be able to assist in boosting your liver function through diet, supplements and herbs.
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