The thyroid is one of the essential glands that lie in the front of the windpipe and has two side lobes. It provides energy to every organ in the body, controls the functioning of your heartbeat, and how the whole digestive system works. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the glands fail to make an ample amount of thyroid hormone for the smooth running of the body.
Most common in women, there are several genetic, nutritional, and immune-related causes responsible for the condition.
Check what licensed naturopathic doctors (NDs) have in their toolbox if you’ve recently been diagnosed with the condition. The NDs follow a safe and effective approach to treat the condition of hypothyroidism following therapeutic nutrition and botanical medicine to replace what your body isn’t producing on its own. Naturopathic medicine has been quite effective in helping return the body’s functionality and address the underlying cause of the disease
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The symptoms of Hypothyroidism can be hard to identify at an early stage. Weight gain and fatigue are early signs of the problem common for most of the illness. You may not realize that these changes are related to your thyroid condition until and unless more symptoms appear, such as depression, constipation, feeling cold, dry skin, muscle weakness, dry, thinning hair, impaired memory or slowed heart rate.
If you suspect any such symptom is the result of a thyroid problem, visit a nearby doctor immediately. A regular blood test report would be enough for the doctor to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
What causes Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism may be due to some of the factors listed below. Naturopathic doctors treat hypothyroidism by performing the best techniques and therapies to treat the root cause of the problem.
Autoimmune Thyroid Disease (Hashimoto’s), a form of thyroid inflammation 5-8 times more common in women. This form of hypothyroidism is caused by the patient’s immune system. The immune system damages the gland and affects the production of thyroid hormones. Also, known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, it is more likely to develop if you have other autoimmune disorders, such as vitiligo, type 1 diabetes, lupus, or autoimmune hepatitis. Studies have shown that people with low levels of thyroid hormones contribute to other health problems such as high cholesterol that can lead to heart disease. The enlarged thyroid, called a goiter, is the common sign of Hashimoto’s disease.
Central or Pituitary Hypothyroidism, an insufficient thyroid gland stimulation often caused by diseases of the pituitary, environmental and nutritional factors including vitamin and mineral deficiencies, high cholesterol levels, elevated estrogen, or gastrointestinal system inflammation. Thyroid surgery and radioactive iodine treatment might also cause hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism — Naturopathic Treatments
Daily thyroid hormone supplementation with synthetic levothyroxine (T4), liothyronine (T3), or natural desiccated thyroid (T4 and T3) is the current conventional medical treatment exercised by trained and licensed doctors. Though, Naturopathic doctors prescribe pharmaceuticals only when required. NDs believe in treating the root cause of the problem. For treating Hypothyroidism, controlling the inflammation, and eliminating autoimmune triggers is the main aim of Naturopaths.
The Naturopath addresses lifestyle and environmental factors to check on the reasons responsible for not producing enough thyroid hormone. In this blog, we have discussed some of the naturopathy treatments to treat Hypothyroidism.
Botanical Herbs
Several non-toxic plants help our body resist the stress of all kinds, balance out dysfunction, strengthen and build muscle, relieve rheumatoid arthritis, and regulate metabolic processes. Ashwagandha is one such herbal medicine that is quite effective and may improve thyroid levels. Though, we recommended consulting your healthcare practitioner before taking ashwagandha. Other botanical herbs include gum guggul.
Supplementation
Naturopathic doctors check on the nutrient deficiencies responsible for hypothyroidism. Doctors accordingly suggest supplements such as Vitamin B-12 (improve cellular response + boosts energy production), Selenium (helps reduce thyroid antibody levels in patients with Hashimoto’s disease), and Zinc.
Diet Therapy
Following a healthy diet helps improve thyroid condition. Diet Therapy in Naturopathy is one of the best and suitable treatments to decrease inflammation and balance immunity in thyroid patients. We have listed some of the essential nutrients suggested by experts that must be added to the Thyroid patient’s diet plan.
- Avoid a low-sodium diet and follow a vegan diet. Iodine is necessary for thyroid patients in order to work properly and produce enough hormones. Add Seaweed, or macroalgae to your diet plan.
- Low-fat Yogurt and dairy products
- Brazil nuts
- Eggs
- Chicken and Beef
- Fish or Shellfish
- Berries
- Vegetables like cauliflower, Broccoli, Bok Choy and kale
- Soy
Fasting Therapy in Naturopathy
Fasting Therapy can further help eliminate toxins and identify food triggers responsible for autoimmune response in Hashimoto’s patients.
Conclusion
Naturopathic doctors practice natural home remedies and therapies to address the underlying root causes of the disease. They focus on a healthy diet plan, exercises, practicing self-care, and stress management therapies to help support the body to restore healthy function.