The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the throat that regulates the metabolic functions of the body. It dictates growth and development, and how the body uses energy. It determines the pace at which cells work. Thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism and goiter can result in fluctuations in weight and difficulty with weight loss. Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid. The thyroid does not produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4.) Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid where a person has difficulty keeping weight on. When an Iodide deficiency exists the thyroid can become enlarged, which is called a goiter. Iodine is the principal building block for thyroid hormones, therefore an iodine deficiency should be ruled out right away. Common symptoms are fatigue, drastic weight change, digestion problems, muscle weakness, body aches, sensitivity to extreme temperatures, and thinning hair. Causes of thyroid dysfunction are iodine deficiency, autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease, inflammation, pituitary or hypothalmus problems.

Conventional medical treatment for thyroid problems are medication to regulate thyroid gland function, supplementing hormones, or surgery. Most patients will use those medications for life. For anyone wishing to treat thyroid imbalances naturally, here are some suggestions:

Herbal Remedies for Thyroid Care

• Ashwagandha– Has been proven to heal thyroid and adrenal issues
• Black Pepper- Contains piperine which helps lower levels of thyroid hormones
• Bladderwrack– Rick in iodine which the thyroid needs
• Bugleweed– Decreases thyroid hormone levels
• Commiphora Mukul Tree– Guggulu the resin from the tree trests hypothyroidism
• Custard Apple Seeds– Contains quercetin which helps lower levels of thyroid hormones
• Echinacea– has been used to heal both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism
• Indian Gooseberry– Reduces elevated thyroid hormone levels in blood
• Nettle Leaf– Has been used to help both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism
• Orange Peel– Contains antioxidant components that help hyperthyroidism
• Selenium– Powerful antioxidant-like functions. Helps balance hormones
• Siberian Ginseng– Stimulates thyroid to help hypothyroidism

Homeopathy for Thyroid Problems

• Amyl Nitrosum– For thyroid symptoms
• Calcarea Carbonica– For hypothyroidism where there is excessive weight gain
• Conium Maculatum– For hyperthyroidism with depression
• Ferrum Iodatum– For enlarged thyroid gland, palpitation of heart and excessive nervousness
• Ferrum Metallicum- For enlarged thyroid, protruding eyes, nervousness, tremors and sweats
• Graphites– For hypothyroidism who are very obese and sensitive to cold
• Lachesis Mutus– For hyperthyroidism with extreme heat
• Lodium– For hyperthyroidism with quick weight loss
• Lycopus Virginicus– To remedy exophthalmic goiter
• Natrum Muriaticum– Helps manage hypothyroidism and depression, also thinning hair, helps hyperthyroidism with irritability, also helps goiter
• Phosphorus– For hyperthyroidism with extreme sensitivity and hair falling out
• Sepia Officinalis– Helps patients who are weak with hypothyroidism
• Spongia Tosta– For enlarged thyroids
• Sulphur– For exophthalmic goiter
• Thyroidinum– Stimulates the functioning thyroid gland, for puffy face and weight gain

Foods and Supplements for Thyroid Health

• B Vitamins- B12 and thiamine are important for thyroid function
• Blueberries- Loaded with phytonutrients and antioxidants for thyroids in oxidative stress
• Brazil Nuts- Loaded with selenium which protects against inflammation and is used in T4 to T3 conversion
• Coconut Oil- Contains medium-chain triglycerides which help cells immediately
• Garlic- Strengthens immune function which is beneficial for anyone with Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Disease or any type of auto-immune thyroiditis
• Maca Root– A powerful adaptogen that helps balance and restore sex hormones
• Mango Peel- Mango peel helps treat stimulate an underactive thyroid gland
• Muskmelon- Has compounds that stimulate thyroid gland to treat hypothyroidism
• Mussels- A great source of zinc, magnesium, selenium and iodine which are good for thyroid
• Probiotics– Critical for leaky gut syndrome, thyroid problems have been linked to leaky gut.
• Proteolytic Enzymes– Reduce inflammation. Bromelain can benefit thyroid health
• Seaweed– Best source of iodine which is essential for thyroid health