Combating Hypothyroidism Naturally
By Dr. Rita Louise
When someone is
experiencing hypothyroidism the thyroid gland is
impaired, producing too little thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism is due primarily to a dysfunction of
the thyroid gland itself. If the thyroid gland is
removed, obviously, the body is unable to produce
any thyroid hormone. If the thyroid is partially
removed, it may be able to produce enough hormones
for a while, but over time it can become overworked
and burn out. But the thyroid can also become
impaired for many other reasons.
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Deficiencies of thyroxin (the hormone
produced by the thyroid) leave the body feeling tired and run down. As
the metabolism slows down, weight gain and constipation are often
experienced. Other symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, lack of
energy, intolerance to cold temperatures, menstrual irregularities,
depression, sluggish reflexes, hair loss, dry, coarse skin, brittle
nails and puffiness around the eyes. Typically symptoms present
themselves slowly and often evade detection.
The most common cause of hypothyroidism
is inflammation that damages the thyroid tissue. This damage causes the
body’s immune cells, which normally fight infection, to attack the
thyroid and leave them incapable of producing enough hormones.
Hypothyroidism is often seen in
post-partum women and is often mistaken for post-partum depression.
Medications, such as Lithium also cause thyroid dysfunction. While
rare, disorders to the pituitary or hypothalamus glands in the brain can
also lead to this and other hormonal imbalances.
Recommendations For
Wellness
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Reduce soy consumption. Soy can
depress thyroid function and has been shown to cause goiters (an
enlargement of the thyroid gland) in healthy individuals.
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Alkalinize the body! This may help
to prevent thyroid dysfunction in the first place.
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Get rid of the saturated fats from
your diet. Saturated fats have been found to inhibit thyroid
function.
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Work to balance your estrogen
levels. Estrogen slows down the thyroid gland.
-
Eat organically raised meats to
avoid meats that are loaded with added hormones that have been
introduced to increase the weight of livestock prior to sale.
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Begin a hormonal balancing program
using progesterone cream to help bring your body back into balance.
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Vitamin B3, (niacin), which is
often taken to reduce cholesterol levels, has been shown to also
lower
thyroid hormone levels.
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Gentian is known to normalize the
function of the thyroid gland.
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Incorporate kelp and other sea
vegetables that are high in iodine. Iodine is needed by the body to
produce thyroid hormone.
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Radishes have historically been
used to treat thyroid problems and have been known to keep the
levels of thyroid hormones balanced.
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If depression due to hypothyroidism
is a problem, try taking St. John’s Wort to help elevate your mood.
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Chronic constipation can be
addressed by adding additional dietary fiber such as psyllium to
your diet. Herbal laxatives, such as cascara sagrada or Nature’s
Sunshine’s LBS II can also be used as required.
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Try supplementing with zinc and
selenium. Studies indicate that severe zinc or selenium
deficiencies can cause decreased
thyroid hormone levels.
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Coconut oil stimulates the thyroid
gland and is a good choice for those suffering from an under active
thyroid.
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One of the most effective
supplements for hypothyroidism is desiccated thyroid gland that
comes from pigs. It was used long before synthetic forms of thyroid
medications became available and is processed by the body more
naturally.
© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer
2005. All rights reserved.
Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita
Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books "Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4" and
"The Power Within". It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and
clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help
you bring health, healing and wholeness back into your life. Medical
Intuition & Energy Medicine Certification training classes are now
forming. Visit
http://www.soulhealer.com
or call
(972) 475-3393 for more information
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