Natural Ways to Treat Thyroid Problems
Typically, if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, you’ll be prescribed levothyroxine. This is a synthetic replacement of the hormone that your body is struggling to produce, or produce in adequate quantities.
For some this is good enough. However, for many, it’s not. Firstly, this could be because levothyroxine provides you only with T4 hormones. We’ve explained previously why you may benefit from T3 if you are still symptomatic, or because your body is finding it difficult to convert T4 into T3.
Additionally, many experience side effects from medications. Furthermore, some just want to be able to take a more natural approach to their health. So, if you’ve got thyroid difficulties, what natural ways are there that might help?
Natural thyroid medication
Before artificial thyroid medications were manufactured, those with hypothyroidism were treated with natural porcine desiccated thyroid. That treatment still exists today. In some countries, such as the UK, it isn’t readily prescribed and you’ll need to buy it independently. There are several different reputable brands of natural thyroid medication, including Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid.
In our blog, we discuss more about what natural thyroid treatment is. With all types of natural thyroid medication, you benefit from both the T3 and the T4 hormones. This can help many people experience fewer symptoms.
Reduce stress
Thyroid difficulties may be linked to stress due to an overproduction of cortisol. By taking steps to reduce stress in your life, you may be able to gain greater control over your thyroid problems.
Consider selenium
Selenium is a trace element which we can provide at International Pharmacy, but which is also found in some foods. It is linked to thyroid hormone metabolism. Although you can get selenium naturally through your diet in things such as Brazil nuts, turkey, tuna and grass-fed beef, it can be difficult for some people to get enough, especially if they suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Cut out sugar
You’ve no doubt heard it recommended for other health reasons, but we need to pay attention to sugar and thyroid difficulties too. Sugar causes inflammation throughout the body. Long term inflammation is linked to a range of different diseases.
Chronic inflammation can make it a slower process for the body to convert its T4 hormones into T3 – the type of thyroid hormone which is more accessible for use. Without enough T3, your symptoms can worsen. Natural thyroid treatments, such as Armour Thyroid and NP Thyroid can help a lot, but so can reducing the sugar in your diet.
It’s not easy cutting out sugar, but if you’re having thyroid difficulties, you may well find that it is worth it.
Vitamin B12
When it comes to the B vitamins, B12 can have a positive effect on those with thyroid problems. It’s a bit of a vicious circle. With low thyroid hormones, your bodily B12 levels can drop. Up the B12 and you can at least help some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as tiredness.
Vitamin B12 is available in a range of goods such as tuna, cheese, peas, milk, asparagus, beans, eggs and sesame seeds. For most people they can get enough in their diet if they include these foods. However, some may need to supplement this. Chat with your GP about getting your B12 levels checked before taking a supplement.
Probiotics
We’re only really just beginning to understand the link between gut health and our overall health. We know they are connected; we just don’t yet know all the details. However, there is an established link between small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) and hypothyroidism.
Probiotic supplements are readily available and provide your gut with the good bacteria it needs. The idea is to rebalance your gut. You can also get probiotics in your diet, most easily with fermented foods such as kombucha and sauerkraut, as well as in natural yoghurts.
Go gluten-free
A gluten-free diet is suggested as a solution for many different health problems. However, interestingly, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness has found that it’s not unusual for someone with thyroid disease to also have celiac disease. More research is needed, but it’s an interesting area worth investigating.
For the moment, it’s not specifically recommended that those with thyroid difficulties follow a gluten-free diet. However, anecdotally, many do find that removing wheat and gluten from their diet has helped to alleviate some of their thyroid symptoms.
Zinc
Some research has shown that taking zinc has been helpful with improving both thyroid function and hormone levels, most specifically in overweight females. Like B12, it may be worth considering taking a zinc supplement, but chat to your doctor first.
Treating Thyroid Treatment the Natural Way
For many with thyroid problems, they want to try natural alternatives to synthetic thyroid medication and that’s understandable. However, do be aware that this should be done with the support of your GP. Realistically, natural thyroid medication will bring far more benefits than dietary changes, or adding in a supplement. For a natural option; this is your best solution.
At International Pharmacy we supply natural thyroid medication around the world. Browse our brands of natural thyroid treatment, and benefit from both T3 and T4 hormones, and hopefully alleviate many of your symptoms.