Natural Way to Control Hyperthyroidism

Introduction

Traditional treatments for hyperthyroidism, which is more prevalent in women than men, may carry notable side effects or result in lasting harm to the thyroid gland. Fortunately, there are numerous alternative options available. Enhancing thyroid function and addressing hyperthyroidism through natural remedies involves:

• Making dietary adjustments, like adopting a gluten-free diet.

• Incorporating specific supplements such as selenium, probiotics, and vitamin D.

• Utilizing herbs like bugleweed and lemon balm.

What Is Hyperthyroidism?

The thyroid in the front of the neck produces thyroid hormones crucial in regulating various bodily functions, such as energy production and digestion. Hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid, occurs when the thyroid gland produces excessive thyroid hormone. The primary cause of hyperthyroidism is often an autoimmune condition known as Graves' disease. While less common than other thyroid issues, approximately one in 200 Americans is affected by Graves' disease. It is noteworthy that a majority of individuals with thyroid conditions, including hyperthyroidism, are women.

What Are the Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism?

Signs of hyperthyroidism include:

• Faster heart rate or palpitations.

• Unexplained weight loss.

• Feelings of anxiety.

• Increased bowel movements or diarrhea.

• Changes in menstrual patterns.

• Muscle weakness or trembling.

• Swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter).

• Excessive sweating or clammy skin.

• Erectile dysfunction or reduced libido.

• Graves’ ophthalmopathy involves eye symptoms like bulging eyes, tearing, dryness, irritation, puffy eyelids, inflammation, light sensitivity, blurred vision, or pain.

• Thick, red skin, typically on the shins or tops of the feet (Graves’ dermopathy).

Doctors usually diagnose hyperthyroidism through:

• Blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels.

• A radioactive iodine uptake test.

If the blood test reveals low TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) and high free T4 thyroid hormone, it indicates hyperthyroidism. Elevated thyroid antibodies, including thyroid-stimulating immunoglobulins (TSI), thyroid peroxidase (TPO), or thyroglobulin (TG) antibodies, may lead to a diagnosis of Graves’ disease. The radioactive iodine test helps rule out other conditions like thyroid nodules, toxic multinodular goiter, or thyroid cancer. However, this test has potential side effects, so discussing it thoroughly with the doctor before undergoing it is important.

What Are the Natural Treatment Options for Hyperthyroidism?

The treatment of hyperthyroidism aims to achieve two key objectives:

• Halt the harmful effects of excessive thyroid hormone.

• Resolve the root causes to prevent the recurrence of symptoms.

Conventional hyperthyroidism treatments, while attempting to fulfill both goals, often overlook the common underlying factor of autoimmunity. Primary treatments involve anti-thyroid medications like Methimazole or beta-blockers, which mitigate symptoms but do not substantially address the root causes of excess thyroid hormone.

Secondary conventional treatments, like radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid surgery, permanently halt thyroid hormone production by damaging or removing the thyroid gland. However, this approach leaves individuals hypothyroid, necessitating lifelong T4 replacement therapy, and fails to address the underlying autoimmunity.

Fortunately, natural remedies for hyperthyroidism offer a promising alternative. They match the effectiveness of conventional treatments while presenting fewer risks, consequences, and side effects. Furthermore, these natural remedies are expected to target fundamental issues such as autoimmunity and other root causes associated with hyperthyroidism.

How Does the Diet for Hyperthyroidism Relate to the Gut-Thyroid Connection?

Studies suggest a robust link between the gut's well-being, thyroid function, and the likelihood of autoimmunity. Improving gut and immune health is crucial, and a significant step towards achieving this is adopting a healthy diet. Intestinal permeability, commonly known as leaky gut, is suspected to play a role in developing autoimmune diseases. Imbalanced gut bacteria and certain foods, such as gluten, can increase intestinal permeability.

While most studies on thyroid health and diet have focused on how various foods affect an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), some findings are relevant to autoimmune hyperthyroidism. Research suggests that an anti-inflammatory diet can reduce thyroid antibodies. For instance, a gluten-free diet has been shown to lower thyroid antibodies in women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Moreover, there is a connection between a gene linked to Graves' disease and celiac disease, implying that gluten sensitivity could play a role for certain individuals with Graves' disease.

A simple yet effective approach to improving gut and thyroid health and addressing autoimmunity is adopting an anti-inflammatory, whole-food diet that is gluten-free, nutrient-dense, and rich in healthy antioxidants, such as the paleo diet. The paleo diet has demonstrated its ability to reduce inflammation by minimizing exposure to foods that may trigger an immune response.

What Supplements Are Beneficial for Managing Hyperthyroidism Naturally?

Supplements show promise as natural remedies for hyperthyroidism, serving various roles such as:

• Reducing thyroid antibodies.

• Blocking excess thyroid hormone action.

• Lowering thyroid hormone levels.

• Alleviating hyperthyroid symptoms.

• Preventing relapse.

Below are given some supplements commonly considered for hyperthyroidism:

• Selenium: Individuals with Graves' disease often have lower selenium levels. Selenium supplementation has been linked to reduced antibodies and symptoms of Graves' disease. Higher selenium blood levels may decrease the relapse rate of Graves'.

Selenium can mitigate eye complications associated with Graves' and those resulting from radioactive iodine treatment.

• L-Carnitine:

1. An amino acid supplement that rapidly reduces or prevents hyperthyroid symptoms.

2. Demonstrated positive effects on weakness, fatigue, palpitations, insomnia, and other symptoms.

3. Safe for pregnant women with Graves' disease.

4. It has not been shown to affect thyroid hormone levels.

• Lemon Balm & Bugleweed:

1. Herbs like lemon balm and bugleweed have shown potential in reducing hyperthyroid symptoms.

2. Bugleweed was as effective as beta-blockers in protecting the heart from hyperthyroidism-induced damage.

3. Both herbs may block or decrease thyroid-stimulating hormone and reduce T3 and T4 hormone levels.

• Short-Term Iodine:

1. Excess iodine may trigger hypothyroidism, but short-term iodine use could help control hyperthyroid symptoms.

2. A small study suggested that potassium iodide reversed hyperthyroidism in some patients, although the effect wasn't permanent.

• Probiotics:

1. Despite their seemingly unrelated nature, probiotics play a role in thyroid health.

2. Thyroid patients often exhibit gut imbalances, including SIBO, leaky gut, low stomach acid, celiac disease, and gut infections.

3. Some studies highlight a strong association between H. pylori infection and Graves' disease.

4. Considering these supplements, especially selenium and L-carnitine, in hyperthyroidism treatment plans may offer potential benefits. However, consulting with the healthcare provider before incorporating new supplements into the regimen is essential.

Conclusion

In conclusion, hyperthyroidism, more common in women, often poses challenges with conventional treatments, which may lead to lasting thyroid damage. However, natural remedies, including dietary changes, supplements, and herbs, provide effective alternatives with fewer risks. Addressing the underlying autoimmunity associated with hyperthyroidism is crucial for long-term wellness. Additionally, an anti-inflammatory diet, such as the paleo diet, can enhance gut and thyroid health. The use of supplements like selenium, L-carnitine, and herbal remedies like lemon balm and bugleweed shows promise in reducing hyperthyroid symptoms and preventing relapse.