Hypothyroidism is often called underactive thyroid or low thyroid. It is a common disorder of the endocrine system in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone.
The purpose of thyroid hormone is to focus on the body’s metabolism, and when that is hit, it results in a slow metabolism. Slow metabolism affects the growth, development and many cellular processes which can have an adverse effect on your body.
Reason to Be Affected By This Disease
- The increasing age
- Due to problems with the thyroid gland.
- Due to some problem in the brain or pituitary gland.
- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis- In countries with enough iodine in the diet, the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune condition Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- Hormone imbalances
- Gut inflammation (leaky gut syndrome)
- Increased amount of drugs
- Treatment of hyperthyroidism Interactions of certain medications
- Treatment for thyroid tumors
- Iodine deficiency/ poor diet – Worldwide, too little iodine in the diet is the most frequent cause of hypothyroidism.
- Family History/ Genetics
- High levels of emotional stress
- Inactivity and lack of exercise
- Pregnancy
- Old age
- Radiation and postpartum thyroiditis.
In Western countries, hypothyroidism occurs in 0.3–0.4% of people. Hypothyroidism is more common in women than men.
Worldwide, about one billion people are estimated to be iodine deficient; however, it is unknown how often this results in hypothyroidism.
Symptoms and Signs of Hypothyroidism
Symptoms
- Fatigue
- Feeling cold
- Poor memory and concentration
- Constipation, dyspepsia
- Weight gain with poor appetite
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarse voice
- In females, heavy menstrual periods (and later light periods)
- Abnormal sensation
- Poor hearing
Signs
- Dry, coarse skin
- Cool extremities
- Myxedema (mucopolysaccharide deposits in the skin)
- Hair loss
- Slow pulse rate
- Swelling of the limbs
- Delayed relaxation of tendon reflexes
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Pleural effusion, ascites, pericardial effusion
- Delayed relaxation after testing the ankle jerk reflex is a characteristic sign of hypothyroidism and is associated with the severity of the hormone deficit.
When Left Untreated
- It can cause many health problems including obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.
- During pregnancy, it can lead to delays in growth and intellectual development of the baby, which is called cretinism.
The diagnosis of hypothyroidism, when suspected, can be confirmed with blood tests measuring thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroxin levels.
Prevention at the population level has been with the universal salt iodization.
What You Eat Matters
By eating certain foods, you can limit some mild hyperthyroidism symptoms. I will show you seven foods that may help ease hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Fruits and Vegetables
These are high in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants that are necessary for combating free-radical damage and lowering inflammation. They are nutrient-dense and should make up a significant portion of a healthy diet, since they support digestive health, brain function, heart health, hormone balance and a healthy weight.
People with hypothyroidism may have digestive difficulties, so aim for 30–40 grams of fiber daily.
In addition to a high-fiber diet helping with digestive health, it improves heart health, balances blood sugar levels and supports a healthy weight by making you feel fuller.
Some natural ways to increase fiber intake include eating more fresh vegetables, berries, beans, lentils, and seeds.
For example, berries are bursting with antioxidants, which keep your immune system strong. From strawberries to blueberries to raspberries they can boost your health.
Eat a serving of berries every day.
Vitamin D and Omega-3s
Salmon contains vitamin D—an essential nutrient that works with calcium to prevent bone loss.
Salmon and wild-caught fish also carry a mega dose of omega-3 fatty acids that keep you healthy. Your body doesn’t naturally produce these fatty acids, so you have to get them from food.
If you don’t like fish, get your:
- Vitamin D from eggs and mushrooms
- Omega-3s from walnuts, olive oil, and flaxseed oil.
Eat foods with these nutrients daily for thyroid health.
Bone Broth
Beef and chicken stock contain the amino acids l-proline and l-glycine, which can help repair the digestive lining and improve hypothyroidism. Bone broth also contains numerous essential minerals that nourish the digestive tract and prevent deficiencies like calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and silicon.
Bone broth has been shown to improve energy and fight fatigue, increase immunity, and lower pain in the muscles and joints.
Probiotic-Rich Foods
These include kefir (a fermented dairy product) or organic goat’s milk yogurt, kimchi, kombucha, natto, sauerkraut and other fermented veggies.
Probiotics help create a healthy gut environment by balancing micro flora bacteria, which reduces leaky gut syndrome, nutrient deficiencies, inflammation and autoimmune reactions.
Seaweeds
They are some of the best natural sources of iodine and they help prevent deficiencies which disturb thyroid function.
Kelp, nori, and dulse are the best choices. Look for dried varieties of these at health food stores and use them in soups, with tuna fish or in fish cakes.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil provides medium-chain fatty acids in the form of caprylic acid, lauric acid and capric acid that may help to improve your metabolism, increase energy and fight fatigue.
Coconut oil is easy to digest, nourishes the digestive system and has antimicrobial, antioxidant and antibacterial properties that suppress inflammation.
Sprouted Seeds
Flax, hemp, and chia seeds provide ALA, a type of omega-3 fat that’s critical for proper hormonal balance and thyroid function.
Adequate levels of fats in your food support a healthy mood and brain function while helping to lower inflammation. Eating plenty of healthy fats also stabilizes blood sugar levels and can help you stay at a healthy weight.
Natural Treatments
Kanchanara – Bauhinia veriegata (purple mountain ebony) is mainly useful for functioning of the thyroid.
Other herbs like jatamansi, Brahmi Guggulu, shilajit, Gokshura, punarnava are some of the other useful herbs.
You can try this home remedy which may help your problem. Make a fine paste of vegetable jalakumbhi (Pistia Straticies) to be applied over your neck to reduce the swelling.
Clean water helps to hydration and digestive function while preventing fatigue and moodiness. For prevention of constipation, low energy, and sugar cravings, drink at least eight ounces every two hours.
What other foods and natural treatments do you consume for your thyroid?
Share your thoughts in the comment section below.