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Hypothyroidism Natural Remedies

Is there a natural remedy for hypothyroidism?
(11 May 2010)

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce thyroxin in adequate quantities, resulting in symptoms like obesity, slow heartbeat, frequent headaches, swelling of the eyes, increased sensitivity to cold, hair loss, brittleness of nails, dryness and roughness of the skin, decreased libido, occasional pain in the muscles, constipation followed by diarrhea, fatigue, irritability and depression. There could be a variety of reasons for such faulty functioning of the thyroid gland. Liver disorders, insufficient production of digestive enzymes, excessive stress, allergy to certain food items, exposure to environmental toxins, deficiency of iron and vitamin B in the diet, lack of physical exercise and excessive stress are among the more common causes of hypothyroidism.


It may also result from an autoimmune reaction of the body and is to some extent determined by heredity too. Ailments like diabetes and irregularities in the function of the pituitary gland may also cause hypothyroidism. Exposure to radiation as part of cancer treatment or surgical removal of the thyroid gland may also lead to this problem. Women in the age group of 30 to 60 are most commonly affected by this condition.

There are certain dietary precautions that you should follow in order to prevent and treat hypothyroidism. Stay away from Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnip, radish, soy products, kale and millet. These cause impediments in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland in the raw form, and even when they are cooked, they should be eaten only sparingly. You should also consume natural sources of iodine and selenium in the quantity prescribed by your doctor. While iodine is abundantly present in foods like parsley, bananas, potatoes, yoghurt and fish, you should eat mushrooms and sea fish like tuna, cod, shrimps and salmon in order to make up for the deficiency of selenium in your diet. In addition, also eat lean meats, dairy products, wheat and oats in order to stimulate the production of thyrosine which is a chemical that plays a crucial role in ensuring that the thyroid gland functions normally. It is also advisable to eat small meals at regular intervals rather than a few big meals throughout the day. Include plenty of grains and pulses, fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet. Using coconut oil for cooking food is also known to be of help in treating hypothyroidism naturally. You should also drink three or four cups of herbal tea made by boiling two teaspoons of the herb bladderwrack in a cup of water.
answered by G R on 11 May 2010, 12:25:36

 

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