Herbal supplements and thyroid
disease
There are two forms of thyroid disease:
Hyperthyroidism - overactive thyroid
Hypothyroidism - underactive thyroid
Your thyroid gland sits at the base of your throat and consists of two
large lobes. It produces hormones that are essential for the
proper functioning and maintenance of all the cells in your body.
When the thyroid gland secretes too much thyroid hormone, a
condition known as hyperthyroidism occurs. On the other hand,
when the thyroid gland secretes too little hormone, hypothyroidism
occurs. Hyperthyroidism affects more women than men
and women between the ages of
thirty
and fifty are most affected.
Hypothyroidism is much more common than hyperthyroidism.
The symptoms of these disorders can appear very quickly and often
mimics long-term depression. All of your body's processes
speed
up with hyperthyroidism and slows down with hypothyroidism.
Your
thyroid gland also acts as a built-in, natural thermostat, regulating
your body temperature and it controls how quickly your body burns
calories and uses up energy.
There are three forms of hyperthyroidism that all show several of the
same symptoms, the most common form is Graves disease.
Several types of hypothyroidism are known of which the most common is
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which the body
attacks the thyroid gland.
An abnormal immune response is thought to be the cause of thyroid
disorders. Your immune system produces antibodies that invade
and
attack your thyroid which then disrupts the normal functioning of the
thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism can also be caused by growths
or
tumors that form on the thyroid gland. Temporary
hyperthyroidism
is often caused by infection or inflammation of the thyroid gland and
certain prescription drugs. Smoking and a diet high in
unsaturated fats can also cause thyroid problems.
Symptoms
of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- A constant feeling of being
hot and an intolerance to heat
- Increased perspiration
- Insomnia and fatigue
- Irritability and nervousness
- Hair and weight loss
- Less frequent menstruation
and decreases menstrual flow
- Rapid heartbeat
- Hand tremors
- Increased bowel movements
Symptoms
of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Chronic fatigue
- Low body temperature and an
intolerance to cold
- Elevated cholesterol
- Easy weight gain
- Slow heartbeat
- Muscle weakness and muscle
cramps
- Painful and heavy
menstruation
- Fertility problems
- Dry and scaly skin
- Loss of appetite
- Hoarseness
- Slow speech
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Drooping and swollen eyes
Herbal supplements for
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Lemon balm is helpful to
stabilize an overactive thyroid. The recommended dosage is
300 - 500 mg three times daily. Steep 2 tablespoons lemon
balm in a cup of boiled water. Strain and cool, making sure
that you drink the entire cup during the course of one day.
- Green tea adds extra
antioxidant effects. Use 250 - 500 mg daily of
standardized extract, making sure that it is a caffeine-free product.
Avoid the following herbs:
Ashwagandha, bladderwrack and Panax
ginseng. These herbs
will further stimulate your overactive thyroid thereby making the
problem worse.
Herbal supplements for
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Green tea adds extra
antioxidant effects. Use 250 - 500 mg daily of
standardized extract, making sure that it is a caffeine-free product.
- Use Gugulipid standardized
extract 250 - 500 mg three times a day.
- Use 600 mg one to three
times daily of Bladderwrack.
- Use Coleus standardized
extract 50 - 100 mg two to three times a day.
To determine if you have a thyroid problem, your doctor will do a
simple blood test to measure the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH). This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and
helps
to regulate thyroid hormone production.
Vitamin C and B-complex vitamins are very important in treating both
hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. These vitamins work by
improving the function of your immune system and your thyroid gland.
Check for a vitamin B supplement that contains 100 mcg
vitamin
B12 and biotin, 400 mcg folic acid and 100 mg of all other B vitamins,
take one pill of this supplement daily. A dosage of 1 000 mg
vitamin C is recommended. Also important is vitamins A and E.
Take a mineral supplement daily that contains magnesium,
selenium, zinc and calcium.
An omega-3 fatty acid supplement will help to decrease inflammation.
Take 1-2 capsules daily.
For antioxidant support, take 25 - 50 mg of Alpha-lipoic acid twice
daily.
Kelp is one of the most beneficial herbal supplements used to treat
thyroid problems, especially if your thyroid disease is caused by an
iodine deficiency. Take 10 grains of powdered kelp daily
which
will supply 300 mcg iodine. Make sure that you check the
expiry
date of the kelp as the iodine content may decline with storage.
The amino acid L-tyrosine plays an important part in
maintaining
healthy thyroid function. Take 500 mg two to three times
daily. It is important that if you
are taking prescription thyroid hormone medication, to check with your
health care practitioner before adding an L-tyrosine supplement.
Do not take
L-tyrosine if you have high blood pressure.
Do not take an iodine supplement unless recommended and prescribed by
your health care practitioner.
Eating a healthy, balanced diet is key to treating both thyroid
disorders. Make sure that you drink plenty of water and start
with a mild exercise program.
Further recommendations
- There is evidence that soy
products interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone, so if you
are taking thyroid hormone
medication, talk to your doctor before consuming soy products.
- Eat
antioxidant foods, including fruits such as blueberries, cherries, and
tomatoes and vegetables.
- Avoid refined foods, such as
white breads, pastas, and sugar.
- Eat foods high in B-vitamins
and iron, such as whole grains.
- Use olive oil which is a
much healthier cooking oil.
- Avoid
alcohol, tobacco and caffeine.
- Eat
fewer red meats and more lean meats. Supplement your diet
with cold-water fish, or beans for
protein. Limit the intake of processed meats.
- Certain foods interfere
with thyroid function, these include broccoli,
cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips,
soybeans, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava, and mustard
greens.
- Your health care
practitioner might want to test you for certain food allergies, but you
can also try to eliminate foods that can cause allergies such as dairy
products, wheat, preservatives and chemical additives in food.
- Reduce
or eliminate trans-fatty acids.
Please consult your medical practitioner prior to using any herbal
medications should you be under their care.
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