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Tuesday, January 6, 2015



HYPOTHYROIDISM NATURAL SOLUTIONS


WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM


Hypothyroidism is a condition where there is a decrease in the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. Hypothyroidism is also referred to as Hashimoto's and it is an Autoimmune Disorder. Hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men. When the thyroid gland is attacked by the body's own immune system thereby destroying it or stopping it from producing necessary thyroid hormones then it is known as Auto-Immune Disorder. The TSH hormone(thyroid-stimulating hormone) produced by the pituitary gland is necessary for regulating the production of thyroid hormones. A TSH reading is necessary to detect the presence of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism may be a result of thyroidectomy (partial or full thyroidectomy). This results in permanent hypothyroidism which can be balanced by thyroid hormones supplementation.


THYROID GLAND

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck region. It's one of the important glands of the endocrine system. The thyroid gland is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones T3 and T4. The thyroid gland regulates the body temperature, metabolism, heartbeat and also monitors the calcium levels in our body. It is also necessary for the production of energy which is very much essential in our day to day activities.


CAUSES OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

There are a number of factors that cause hypothyroidism.

1. Treating the thyroid gland with Radio Active Iodine due to Graves or hyperthyroidism

2. Lack of Iodine in the diet

3.Thyroiditis which is due to the inflammation of the thyroid gland usually an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimotos. When the body's own immune system attacks the thyroid gland thereby destroying it from producing thyroid hormones then it is known as Hashimotos. First, a person may become hyperthyroid where there is an increase in the production of thyroid hormones followed by hypothyroidism.

4. If the pituitary gland is damaged due to radiation, surgery, accident then it may not be able to instruct the thyroid glands to produce necessary thyroid hormones.

5. Consuming lots of uncooked foods which are known to be goitrogenic like cabbage, cauliflower, kale, peanuts, radishes, cauliflower, corn, etc

6. Exposure to chemicals and toxins like pesticides, insecticides, etc.

7. Hereditary factors, age, and menopause increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism.


8. Increased consumption of soy or soy-based products.


SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

1. Fatigue

2.Weight gain

3. Fogginess

4. Depression

5. Insomnia

6. Irregular Menstrual cycles

7. Low body temperature

8. Vitamin D deficiency

9. Anemia

10. Slow reflexes

11. Arthritis




ALLOTPATHIC TREATMENTS


Synthroid or Levythroxine hormone supplements are usually recommended to treat hypothyroidism. There is no cure in allopathy for hypothyroidism and lifelong treatment with these thyroid hormone supplements is needed. Cytomel is prescribed to some patients who don’t feel normal after taking the only T4 hormones. Desiccated thyroid also is known as armor thyroid which is obtained from thyroid glands of pigs are prescribed for some patients who do not feel normal with the above said synthetic hormone treatments as it contains both T3 and T4.  But in spite of all these treatments, there are many patients who suffer from symptoms like fatigue, insomnia, depression, brain fog, menstrual irregularities, etc.



Ayurveda, Homeopathy, Sujok therapy, Shiatsu, Reiki, Acupuncture, Acupressure, etc are some of the alternative therapies and treatments available to treat hypothyroidism naturally. These natural treatments take a very different approach to treat this disease by just not focusing on the particular gland or organ which causes this disease. Often a mind-body approach is used to treat the disease taking the whole body of a person into consideration.






TREATING HYPOTHYROIDISM NATURALLY

1. Regular practice of exercises like yoga, aerobics, walking, taichi, etc are necessary for the proper  functioning of thyroid glands
2.  Regular check-ups are necessary to monitor the thyroid hormone levels and also to correct the underlying deficiencies. Supplements may be needed to correct the deficiencies.
3.  Selenium plays a very important role in regulating the thyroid glands. Important sources of selenium are brazil nuts. But consuming more brazil nuts may induce selenium toxicity.
4.  Omega 3 supplements reduce inflammation as they contain ALA, EPA, DHA. Important sources of omega 3 are flax seeds, chia seeds, salmon fish oil, and walnuts.
5.  Vitamin C supplements are powerful antioxidants as they reduce free radical damage.
6.  Magnesium, calcium, and Iron supplements help to treat vitamin deficiencies.
7. Vitamin B supplements fight fatigue associated with thyroid problems especially vitamin B2, B3, B6, PABA, and B12.
8.  Evening primrose oil supplements reduce inflammation and reduce stress, pain associated with PMS and menopause. They contain an important compound called phenylalanine which is very effective in reducing pain and inflammations. EPO is  also rich in GLA (Gamma-Linoleic acid) and essential fatty acids. It keeps hair, skin, and nails soft as they contain omega 6 fatty acids.
9.  Detoxification plays a very important role in getting rid of chemicals, viruses, bacteria, fungi toxic metals, etc which may be one of the reasons for hypo or hyperthyroidism. Installing a water filter system eliminates all the chemicals present in water like fluoride, chlorides, bromides, mercury, which are known to deplete the iodine levels. Iodine is necessary for the proper conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.
10. Acupressure plays a very important role in treating thyroid problems as they clear all the blockages present in the glands and organs thereby restoring their function to produce the necessary hormones.
11. Practicing yoga mudras like ling mudra,shankh mudra, prana mudra, and Gyan mudra improves the thyroid function as it balances the five elements present in our body namely water, fire, air, space, and earth.
12. Drinking plenty of water eliminates toxins accumulated in the body. Eating fiber-rich foods with lots of fresh fruits and vegetables avoids constipation improves gut health as they provide roughage. Refined flours, sugary foods, carbonated drinks, MSG’S should be avoided
13.  Getting adequate sleep is necessary to reduce stress levels. Meditation relaxes the nerves and brain and creates a calming effect. Prayers and meditation help mentally as well as spiritually.
14. Reading lots of books related to the disease provides information about the alternative treatments, remedies available to treat the disease as it enriches the knowledge.







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