Before we start with the home remedies for hyperthyroidism, I need to tell that you MUST consult a doctor for a proper diagnosis of this condition. Home remedies can be used only as an additional treatment.
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The thyroid, which looks like a butterfly, is a chief gland located right below the Adam’s apple. Hyperthyroidism is the condition in which the thyroid is overactive and produces excessive amounts of the thyroxin hormone.
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According to the American Thyroid Association,
“The term hyperthyroidism refers to any condition in which there is too much thyroid hormone present in the thyroid. In other words, the thyroid gland is overactive. Another term that you might hear for this problem is thyrotoxicosis, which refers to high thyroid hormone levels in the blood stream, irrespective of their source.”
Causes of hyperthyroidism
Some of the most common causes of hyperthyroidism include,
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland
- Abnormal secretion of TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormones
- Autoimmune disorder called Graves’ disease
- Excessive intake of iodine
- Benign lumps in the thyroid
- Benign nodules in the thyroid
Hyperthyroidism is a disorder that can affect anyone; however, it occurs 8 times more often in women than in men. The symptoms can start developing as early as in your 30s, but it is more common in women who are over 60 years of age.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism
Some of the most common symptoms that indicate one has hyperthyroidism are,
- Drastic weight loss
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Changes in menstrual cycle
- Fatigue
- Weakness in the muscles
- Insomnia or difficulty in sleeping
- Excessive perspiration
- Swelling at the base of the neck
- Irregular heartbeat
Though there are so many indicators of hyperthyroidism, yet it is very difficult to diagnose the problem, quickly.
However, an early diagnosis makes the healing process easier. According to the American Thyroid Association,
“The diagnosis of hyperthyroidism will be confirmed by laboratory tests that measure the amount of thyroid hormones— thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3)—and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. A high level of thyroid hormone in the blood plus a low level of TSH is common with an overactive thyroid gland. If blood tests show that your thyroid is overactive, your doctor may want to obtain a picture of your thyroid (a thyroid scan). The scan will find out if your entire thyroid gland is overactive or whether you have a toxic nodular goiter or thyroiditis (thyroid inflammation). A test that measures the ability of the gland to collect iodine (a thyroid uptake) may be done at the same time.”
You can control your condition with medications, supplements and by making changes to your lifestyle. Hyperthyroidism can also be healed with natural remedies. But, like I mentioned before, you NEED to consult a doctor and not self-treat alone.
10 Home remedies for hyperthyroidism
Here are the top 10 home remedies that can help cure hyperthyroidism.
1. Bugleweed
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Bugleweed is a herb that can help with acute hyperthyroidism. It is also called Lycopusvirginica, and reduces the production of the hormone that causes hyperthyroidism.
According to a few studies, bugleweed decreases the TSH levels, which further impairs the synthesis of the hormone. Furthermore, bugleweed helps reduce the levels of T4, while blocking the conversion of T4 into T3.
Remedies
- Prepare yourself a cup of bugleweed tea by adding a teaspoon of the herb in a cup of boiling water.
- Let it steep for 10 to 15 minutes.
- You should take this tea once every day, for desired results.
A word of caution: You should not use this herb if you have hypothyroidism. Also, if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding, avoid bugleweed.
2. Lemon Balm
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Melissa officinalis, or lemon balm, can normalize the production of thyroid hormone by reducing the levels of TSH. Lemon balm is an herb that contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and other compounds that are beneficial to everyone, in general, and hyperthyroid patients, in particular.
Lemon balm blocks the antibodies from stimulating our thyroid gland, which in turn, prevents the Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease is a common form of hyperthyroidism, for your information. To restore the thyroid hormone production to normal levels, you should drink lemon balm tea every day.
Remedies
- Boil a cup of water.
- Add a tablespoon of lemon balm to this water.
- Now let the herb steep for about 5 minutes at least.
- After that, strain the water and drink it.
- You should drink the lemon balm tea three times a day for best results.
You should start the remedy with lesser dosage, say about half a teaspoon of lemon balm. You can then gradually increase the amount to two tablespoons.
3. Motherwort
This herb is kind of a natural beta-blocker. It is also called Leonurus cardiaca, which helps control high heart rate or tachycardia and regulates palpitations.
Motherwort has an anti-thyroid effect on the thyroid gland, in the sense that it controls the production of the thyroid hormone and helps those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism.
Remedies
- In a cup of boiling water, add half a teaspoon of motherwort.
- Let the herb sit for five to ten minutes.
- Now, strain and let the water cool.
- You should drink this tea about three times, a day.
A word of caution: If you have any kind of sedating medications, you MUST NOT take this drug.
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4. Broccoli
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Broccoli contains compounds such as isothiocyanates and goitrogens. These make the vegetable a great remedy for hyperthyroidism by stopping the thyroid from producing too much of the hormone.
Remedies
- If you are suffering from the condition., you should take as much raw broccoli as you can.
- Apart from broccoli, you can also take other cruciferous veggies such as Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, turnips, mustard green, radishes, and rutabaga.
5. Soy products
Protein helps transport thyroid to different tissues of the body, and hence, soy products which are great sources of protein, can help fight hyperthyroidism.
According to research, moderate concentration of soy can improve hyperthyroidism. Also, eating soy products benefits health, in general.
If soy products are not an option to you, you may include other protein rich products in your diet. Some of these are nuts, eggs, farmed fish, legumes and quinoa.
6. Omega-3 Fatty Acids
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Sometimes, if your body does not get enough omega-3 fatty acids, then you might suffer from hyperthyroidism. These fatty acids control the immune function and cell growth, and are essential building blocks of the hormones which facilitate the regulation.
Remedy
- Increase the omega-3 fatty acids intake in your diet, slowly. Eat fish, grass-fed animal products and walnuts. Flaxseed is also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Sea Vegetables
Since sea vegetables are a rich source of iodine, they are very good for the health of your thyroid. Sea veggies contain natural iodine, which can normalize most thyroid-associated disorders. These disorders include obesity, lymph system congestion and the like. Since these veggies have a good amount of vitamin K, B-vitamin folate, calcium, iron and magnesium, they are also very good for general health.
Remedies
- You can try kelp, kombu, hijiki, arame, sea palm, nor, among other sea vegetables to cure your hyperthyroidism. They are most of the time available at the groceries in dried form.
- You can eat them by first crushing, chopping and crumbing them to form a mix. You may cook them into soups or sauces or eat them with rice and salads. You may also use them as toppings for your home baked pizzas.
8. Cabbage
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Cabbage or the King of Vegetables is one of the most useful foods when it comes to treatment of hyperthyroidism. The dietary goitrogens that cabbage is filled with makes it a great remedy to reduce thyroid hormone production.
Remedy
- Every day, have a portion of cooked cabbage with your meal.
9. Berries
Berries being a rich source of vitamins can help reduce the inflammation in the thyroid gland. Also it has numerous antioxidant properties which help fight the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
Remedy
- Include berries in your regular diet. There are a number of berries that you can choose from: Blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries and so on.
10. Indian Gooseberry
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Amla or the Indian gooseberry treats a number of health conditions, and hyperthyroidism is one of them. The ameliorating effects that amla has on the thyroid gland helps keep the production of thyroid hormones under control.
Remedies
- Begin by grinding some Indian gooseberries into powder.
- Now mix the powder with some pure honey to form a thick paste.
- Every morning, take a tablespoon of this paste before you eat your breakfast.
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There are a number of foods which can help you naturally suppress the production of thyroid hormones, thereby treating hyperthyroidism. In addition to this, limit your intake of dairy products since they hinder the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Also limit your caffeine intake to manage your hyperthyroidism.
That is a wrap on home remedies for hyperthyroidism. Did you find this guide helpful? Let us know in the comment section below.
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