The thyroid gland is located just in front of the neck, and is right above the collarbone, and Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) is a condition in which your thyroid gland may not be producing enough of your body’s hormones.
Generally, this gland produces hormones which are responsible for regulating your body’s metabolic processes. When your thyroid does not produce enough hormones, the balance of the chemical reactions in your body may be affected causing some organs to malfunction.
Hypothyroidism usually affects women over 50 years old who may not notice their condition at the early stages until it causes health problems like obesity, joint pain, and heart disease. In others, hypothyroidism may also lead to infertility.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
Symptoms may vary among persons but the earliest signs of hypothyroidism are fatigue and sluggishness. You may also develop the following symptoms gradually:
- increased sensitivity to cold
- constipation
- pale, dry skin
- a puffy face
- hoarse voice
- an elevated blood cholesterol level
- unexplained weight gain
- muscle weakness
- unusually heavy menstrual periods
- brittle fingernails and hair
- depression
Causes of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism or the low production of thyroid hormones may be caused by the following factors:
Autoimmune disease
An autoimmune disorder (Hashimoto thyroiditis) causes the immune system to produce antibodies which attack the body’s tissues, including the thyroid gland. This affects the thyroid’s ability to produce hormones causing hypothyroidism.
Treatment for hyperthyroidism
Those who used to suffer from hyperthyroidism (the overproduction of thyroid hormone) may suffer from hypothyroidism after receiving anti-thyroid medication. The surgical removal of the gland and radiation therapy may also reduce hormone levels that can lead to permanent hypothyroidism.
Medication side effects
Some medications such as lithium which is used to treat certain psychiatric disorders can cause hypothyroidism.
Other less common factors of hypothyroidism are congenital disease, pituitary disorder, pregnancy and iodine deficiency.
Risk factors
The following factors increase your chances of developing hypothyroidism:
- heredity
- history of anti-thyroid treatment
- exposure of neck and chest to radiation
- thyroid surgery
Treating hypothyroidism the natural way
Early diagnosis and treatment improves your chances of full recovery from hypothyroidism and prevents serious complications. Like most conditions, hypothyroidism can be treated with natural methods using a healthy diet, mineral supplements, herbal remedies, and lifestyle changes.
Diet
While eating a balanced diet contributes to hormonal support, you should decrease your intake of certain foods which reduce thyroid activity, such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, soy beans, turnips and kale. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, sugar, excessive dairy products and refined foods while increasing your intake of foods that are rich sources of calcium and magnesium. You should also consume adequate amounts of essential fatty acids such as those found in fish, nuts and olive oil which help in regulating hormonal levels.
Supplements
If the cause of your hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency, taking iodine supplements may help treat it. Other mineral supplements that are used to treat hypothyroidism include selenium and tyrosine. Your health professional or naturopath may recommend the right supplement and dosage for you.
Herbal remedies
Kelp is known to support thyroid gland activity and is often prescribed for women who exhibit symptoms of hypothyroidism. Nettle is also a good herbal remedy because it provides sufficient iodine to fight hypothyroidism. In traditional Chinese medicine, cinnamon and aconite are often used to treat hypothyroidism.
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