Alternative Treatment for Thyroid Disease

The thyroid a gland that helps to control the metabolism by controlling hos the body utilized energy from the food we eat. A butterfly shaped bland located at the base of the front of the neck, the thyroid gland is essential for the for the functioning of the organs of the entire body. Thyroid conditions can usually be controlled by medication prescribed by a doctor, but there are some alternative treatments that may be effective. The treatment goal for conditions of thyroid is to reset metabolism to normal.

An under active thyroid, ,which slows down the body, is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, mental depression, sluggishness, cold feeling, weight gain, dry skin and hair, constipation and menstrual irregularities. When one has an under active thyroid a person has difficulty losing weight.

As over active thyroid, called hyperthyroidism, speeds up the body, Symptoms of an over active thyroid include muscle weakness, trembling hands, rapid heartbeat, fatigue, weight loss, diarrhea, irritability, anxiety, vision problems, menstrual irregularity, intolerance to heat, sweating and infertility. Complications of hyperthyroidism include congestive heart failure or osteoporosis.

Thyroid hormone levels can be diagnosed by a physician with a blood test. A physician can usually help to regulate the functioning of the thyroid with medication. If you are being treated by a doctor for thyroid conditions, it is important to discuss any alternative treatments with your physician. Alternative, or home remedies, for thyroic conditions include exercise, yoga, nutrition, vitamin supplements and herbal remedies.

Exercise can be excellent for helping to maintain good thyroid function. About 15 to 20 minutes of aerobic exercise each day can be excellent to help regulate thyroid function. For people who are able to do yoga positions, the shoulder stand position for about 20 minutes a day is believed to help stimulate thyroid function. A yoga instructor can instruct you for proper positioning to practice yoga safely.

Some foods may slow down the thyroid, so people with hypothyroidism should avoid them. These foods include cabbage, peanuts, peaches, rutabagas, radishes and soybeans. People with an overactive thyroid may wish to add these foods to the diet.

Vitamins that may help to boost the thyroid include Vitamin C, Vitamin E, riboflavin (Vitamin B2), niacin, pyridoxine (B6) and Zinc. People with a slow thyroid may use these vitamins to stimulate the thyroid.

Herbal remedies that may help relieve symptoms of hyperthyroidism include licorice, Valerian, skullcap and passion flower. Herbal remedies can be strong and have side effects, so an expert herbal practitioner should be consulted.

Information in this article is not intended as medical advice. If you have a medical condition, please consult a doctor.

Resources:

The Time Life Medical Advisor: The Complete Guide to Conventional and Alternative Treatments

National Institute of Health NIH

Personal experience

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