Natural Thyroid Remedies

The thyroid gland, situated in the front portion of the neck, produces two hormones which perform a very important function; regulating the body's metabolism. Besides maintaining a normal metabolic rate, it keeps the body temperature within the normal range. However, occasionally, thyroid problems occur that may trigger malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The most commonly diagnosed thyroid problems in men and women alike are hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism is a term used to describe an overactive thyroid gland in which there is excess production of the thyroid hormones. On the other hand, hypothyroidism means under active thyroid gland wherein the body fails to produce the required quantity of hormones, leading to health problems.

Natural Thyroid Remedies

Hyperthyroidism

Diet
The food that a patient chooses in his diet can play a very important role to restore normal functioning of the gland. Certain foods have been beneficial to restrict the production of hormones. Vegetables that are known to decrease hormone production include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and kale. Eating these vegetables raw is considered to be more effective to bring the desired results. On the whole, diet high in proteins, vitamin A and C, that includes intake of foods like eggs, milk, sprouted pulses and fruits like mango and papaya can help to reduce effects of hyperactive thyroid gland.

Herbs
There are quite a few herbs known to stop overproduction of thyroid hormones. Their intake can play a crucial role to correct overactive thyroid gland. Motherwort, bugleweed and lemon balm are available at various drugstores in pill form that promote normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism

Diet
Taking a diet rich in iodine is the key to treat under active thyroid glands. The patient has to include certain foods that can stimulate thyroid glands so that they produce the two hormones in adequate amounts. Of course, staying away from the vegetables mentioned above is a must to cure hypothyroidism naturally. If hypothyroidism is the result of iodine deficiency, which is very rare, then consumption of seafood and iodized salt is one of the best natural remedies for thyroid problems. Diet high in fiber and foodstuffs like walnuts and brazil nuts, can also help to increase thyroid function.

Herbs
Use of herbs that stimulate thyroid function is a natural way to cure underactive thyroid gland problems. Hypothyroidism due to deficiency in iodine is treated with seawood kelp supplements as the herb is high in iodine. To promote proper absorption of iodine that is consumed in the form of seawood kelp supplements, it is essential to have foods high in vitamin E. A tea made from any one of the herbs like oatstraw, horsetail, alfalfa and gotu kola are helpful to treat low thyroid function. In order to increase thyroid hormone production, use of herbs such as coleus foreskohlii is also useful.

Acupuncture

This form of treatment has been quite effective to reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Acupuncture involves insertion of needles into specific locations on the body, referred as acupuncture points. Developed in China, thousands of years ago, this technique has evolved on the basis that energy flows freely in our body through a network of channels known as meridians. According to traditional Chinese theory, any obstruction along these pathways can disrupt free flow of energy, causing health problem. As aforementioned, in this procedure ,needles are pricked at the chosen points on the body, so as to restore normal flow of energy.

Yoga

Yoga, too has proved to be beneficial to eliminate thyroid problems. Yoga for thyroid disease is the right approach to treat this condition. Yoga postures that stretch the neck, help to stimulate thyroid function. 'Sarvagasana', 'Naukasana' and 'Yashtikasana' are some of the yoga postures, useful to treat hypothyroidism. Deep relaxation techniques as well as 'Pranayama' are recommended to treat hyperthyroidism.

Although these remedies are capable enough to eliminate symptoms of thyroid diseases, one must first consult a well qualified doctor or a herbalist to know about the exact dosage of these herbs. Overdose can bring unpleasant side effects, thus defeating the purpose of using these natural treatments.