Hypothyroidism

Description

Hypothyroidism is caused by a reduced production of the thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

Signs and symptoms: Hypothyroidism is a very common but often overlooked condition with signs and symptoms that include fatigue, weight gain, slowed heart rate, constipation, irritability, breathing difficulties, depressive disorders, slowness or even slurring of speech, drooping and swollen eyes, swollen face, repeated infections, elevated allergic reactions, headaches, hair loss and brittleness, female problems (such as heavy menstrual flow, painful cramps, and premenstrual tension), decreased immune functioning, and calcium metabolism difficulties. In children, hypothyroidism can also retard normal development and growth. If undiagnosed and untreated, hypothyroidism may cause or bring on many other recurring or otherwise non-problematic health problems.

Cause: Hypothyroidism can be caused by food allergies, extra stress, toxins in the environment, insufficient exercise, vitamin B deficiencies, insufficient iron, lack of digestive nutrients, liver disease, hormone imbalances and foreign organisms. These factors all must be screened for and addressed before lasting relief can be achieved.

Sulfa drugs, lithium, synthetic estrogen, and antihistamines can exacerbate hypothyroidism signs and symptoms. In addition, if you’re on thyroid medication, increase calcium supplements to reduce the chance of bone reduction.

Low thyroid function may also be due to Hashimoto’s disease, a condition in which the entire body becomes allergic to its own thyroid gland and forms antibodies that attack it, thus decreasing thyroid hormone output.

Caution: If you suspect you, or someone in your care is suffering from Hashimoto’s disease, consult a physician immediately.

Natural Cures

Broda Barnes Home Thyroid Test: This simple test was developed by Broda Barnes, one of the first physicians to recognize the widespread occurrence of thyroid problems. Place the thermometer by the side of the bed before you go to sleep. In the morning before getting up from bed, lay still and place the thermometer under your underarm for fifteen minutes, then check your temperature. A temperature below 97.5°F may indicate a problem with the thyroid gland. Take your temperature in this manner for 3 days, (Do not perform test during menstrual cycle) and calculate the average temperature. If it is consistently low, it is an indicator that you may possess hypothyroidism. The lower your body temperature is, the more likely you are to have hypothyroidism.

Diet: Consume an organic, whole-foods diet, emphasizing foods that are naturally full of iodine such as fish, kelp, and vegetables with roots such as potatoes and carrots. Also, improve your daily intake of vitamin B-complex with raw seeds and nuts. Vitamin A is also recommended and can be found in green and yellow vegetables. Avoid foods that slow the production of thyroid hormone, such as cabbage, brussel-sprouts, collard greens, broccoli, turnips, yams, spinach, apricots, and pears.

Herbs: Mild cases of hypothyroidism can be helped by herbal bitters such as gentian or mugwort, while bowel problems attributed to reduced thyroid function can be enhanced by yellowdock, butternut, or cascara sagrada. St. John’s Wort can also be helpful.

Homeopathy: Taking calcium carbohydrate once per day is very useful for treating hypothyroidism as well as improving overall thyroid performance.

Hydrotherapy: Hydrotherapy is the application of water, ice, steam and alternating hot and cold temperatures to maintain and restore health. Remedies include full body emersion, steam baths, saunas, sitz baths, colonic irrigation and the application of hot and/or cold compresses. Hydrotherapy is effective for treating an array of conditions and can easily be used in the home as part of a personal-care program. Many Naturopathic Physicians, Physical Therapists and day spas use hydrotherapy as part of their treatment. We recommend several at-home hydrotherapy remedies. Please seek the advice of an alternative healthcare practitioner prior to undergoing these types of procedures to make sure they are right for you.

-Purified water is essential for any hydrotherapy remedy. Remedies involving purifying bath water offer clear instructions and recommendations.

Lifestyle: Normal aerobic exercise can play an important role in helping to control thyroid hormone production.

Nutritional Supplementation: Organic thyroid glandular extracts can help restore normal thyroid function, but should only be used under the guidance of your physician. Other useful nutrients include vitamin A, vitamin B-complex, EFA’s, iodine, algae, calcium, magnesium, and zinc oxide.

Alternative Expert Care: If your symptoms continue despite following the remedies listed above, seek the help of a competent health professional. The following professional therapies have all been shown to be useful for treating hypothyroidism: Acupuncture, Biofeedback Training, Cellular Therapy, Detoxing Therapy, Environmental Medicine, Homeopathy, Magnetic Area Therapy, Naturopathic Medicine, Osteopathy, Qigong, Chinese Medicine and Yoga. (See Glossary for descriptions of these Alternative Therapies.)