Is it possible to treat hypothyroidism naturally

Thyroid hormone helps the body make energy, metabolize, regulate temperature, and keeps the brain, heart, muscles, and other organs working as they should. Experts believe that between 40 and 60 percent of people with thyroid disease do not know they have it. Low thyroid hormone can also cause more serious symptoms like difficulty sleeping, changes in menstruation, or gastrointestinal symptoms. Because symptoms of hypothyroidism can resemble those of other diseases and vary widely from person to person, patients may not recognize them as a problem warranting exploration or treatment.

Typically, blood tests are used in the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Three measurements are often considered: free thyroxine T4 and free triiodothyronine T3 , both produced by the thyroid itself, and thyroid-stimulating hormone TSH, also called thyrotropin , produced by the pituitary gland to regulate the thyroid. While many doctors follow the current TSH reference ranges for diagnosis 0. A blood test measuring thyroid antibodies, anti-thyroid peroxidase anti-TPO , and anti-thyroglobulin anti-TG is used to confirm or rule out autoimmune thyroid disease causing hypothyroidism.

Naturopathic doctors treat hypothyroidism from the root of the problem. There are two main types of hypothyroidism, with numerous contributing factors:.

Elevated levels of anti-TPO antibodies are found in approximately five percent of adults and 15 percent of older women. Individuals with other autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes , celiac disease , and rheumatoid arthritis have a higher prevalence of autoimmune thyroid disease. The current conventional medical treatment for hypothyroidism is daily thyroid hormone supplementation with synthetic levothyroxine T4 , liothyronine T3 , or natural desiccated thyroid T4 and T3 to correct low levels.

For some, the medication can create a yo-yo-ing of symptoms while trying to find the correct dosage. Naturopathic doctors are trained in the pharmacological treatments commonly prescribed by conventionally trained MDs, and in some states, prescribe pharmaceuticals when necessary. However, NDs rarely use medication as a standalone treatment. NDs individualize hypothyroid treatment, often combining diet, supplementation, botanical medicine, and conventional pharmaceuticals as needed.

Quiz on Thyroid. Feeling tired or depressed is a common enough complaint, particularly among women. Paying attention to the thyroid might do them a world of good. This quiz on the thyroid is intended to educate those who want to learn Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland makes excessive thyroid hormone. Grave's disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. A new non-invasive method to distinguish thyroid nodules from cancer by combining photoacoustic PA and ultrasound image technology with artificial intelligence has been devised by scientists.

Every women should be aware of thyroid disorders. Creating awareness on thyroid disorders about the nature, prevalence and symptoms of the condition, can help in early diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Interesting Facts About Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid cancer is the most rapidly increasing cancer in the US. For even more benefits, you can try meditation or a yoga class. Certain low-impact, energy-boosting routines, such as tai chi, can also help.

While certain dietary and lifestyle measures can help you lose extra pounds and maintain a healthy weight, there really is no such thing as a specific diet or best lifestyle for hypothyroidism. Managing stress , exercising regularly, and keeping hypothyroidism-friendly foods in mind can help improve your health; ultimately, following tried-and-true health advice and your medication schedule will all work in your favor.

Additional reporting by Melinda Carstensen. By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: January 25, Medically Reviewed. Antioxidants Antioxidant -rich fruits and veggies are known to help fight disease, 5 but having hypothyroidism means you have another reason to load up on these superfoods. Or load up on foods high in vitamin B poultry, fish, and meat are all good sources. Cruciferous Vegetables You may have read that green, leafy veggies like kale, bok choy, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts can make hypothyroidism worse.

Foods With Excess Sodium People with hypothyroidism are at an increased risk for high blood pressure, and many processed foods those found in the frozen-food aisle, plus French fries, potato chips, and the like can contribute to high blood pressure because of their high salt content. According to the Mayo Clinic, 11 in addition to soy, these include: Walnuts Cottonseed meal Iron supplements or multivitamins with iron Calcium supplements Also, be mindful of taking antacids with magnesium or aluminum, cholesterol-lowering drugs, and some ulcer medications, as these may affect absorption of your synthetic thyroid replacement.

Editorial Sources and Fact-Checking. Iodine Deficiency. American Thyroid Association. Thyroid Issues? Cleveland Clinic. September