Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder that results from deficiency of thyroid hormone. The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland that controls the way the body uses energy. This means that it control almost every organ in your body including the way your heart beats. The American Thyroid Association has stated that roughly 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. The study also pointed out that women are 5 to 8 times more likely to suffer from this condition than men. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism usually vary from person to person, depending on the severity of the hormone deficiency. Common symptoms that most patients suffering from this condition usually show include: constipation, weight gain, muscle weakness, a puffy face, an increased sensitivity to the cold, fatigue, impaired memory, a slower heart rate, thinning hair and depression, among any others. The good news is that hypothyroidism can be treated naturally by following a few simple steps. In this article we are going to give you tips to help treat hypothyroidism naturally.
1. Increase your protein intake
Various clinical studies have shown that protein helps boost thyroid function. According to experts, it does so by encouraging the release of the thyroid hormone, a factor that helps treat hypothyroidism. In addition to green leafy vegetables and meat, including more potatoes, nuts, beans and cheese in your diet is a good idea to supplement your protein intake. If you decide to go via the route of using a protein powder, be very careful of many supplement companies that do not offer quality products. Use online educational resources to find the best protein powder that is fit to suit your dietary needs.
2. Avoid gluten
Gluten is a protein found in wheat and grain and is usually not well digested. It is estimated that approximately 90% of all patients suffering from hypothyroidism in the United States also suffer from an autoimmune condition. An autoimmune condition, commonly known as Hashimoto, is usually caused by antibodies attacking the thyroid and resulting in thyroid destruction. Various clinical research studies conducted by independent institutions have proven that gluten plays a huge role in driving the antibody attack against your body. When you consume gluten, the protein portion of the gluten known as gliadin normally enters the bloodstream via the gut. Your body will then trigger a self-defense mechanism by creating antibodies to counter gliadin in a process known as the molecular mimicry. This is what usually results in antibodies damaging the thyroid gland. With this in mind, know that every time you consume gluten, you are actually triggering your body to produce antibodies that can end up damaging your thyroid’s ability to function properly.
3. Increase iodine intake
Iodine is an essential trace element that is crucial to the body. Your thyroid glands actually require iodine in order to produce thyroid hormones. This means that if you have deficiency in iodine, then the chances of suffering from hypothyroidism are high. Your body does not have the ability to make iodine so you need to ensure you are getting enough from your diet to enable your body to make enough thyroid hormone. In the early 1990s, iodine deficiency was the leading cause of hypothyroidism. The introduction of iodized salt virtually eliminated this problem.
4. Eat natural diet
Did you know that the food that you include in your diet plays a critical role in treating hypothyroidism? By eliminating foods such as gluten and including food that have been scientifically proven to help boost the production of thyroid hormone, you can help treat this condition naturally. A diet that is low in nutrient-rich foods increases the risk for thyroid disorders. Some of foods that are highly recommend include: fresh fruits, vegetables, foods that are rich in omega-3, foods that are rich in healthy protein as well as high-fiber foods. A few great examples include spinach, fish, nuts, fortified dairy products, whole grains, seaweed and beans. Including these foods in your diet can definitely play a key role in supercharging your thyroid function.
5. Watch your oils
Not all oils are good for you if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. There are some oils that you need to avoid while there are a few that you need to boost the production of the thyroid hormone. Most of the oils that we use to cook foods can have a negative effect on the thyroid and can even cause thyroid disease. A good type of oil to use as a substitute is coconut oil. Coconut oil has the ability to help people with low thyroid function because it can raise your basal body temperatures while stimulating your metabolism and also boosting energy. Hypothyroidism is a serious health condition that need to be treated as soon as possible. It can leave you feeling sluggish and also slow your ability to maintain a healthy weight if you do not learn how to manage it. The good news is that this condition can also be treated naturally by following the simple tips mentioned above.
