Hypothyroidism Natural Treatments

The thyroid gland releases two thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. The pituitary gland releases TSH, which regulates T3 and T4. TSH is considered the overall indicator of thyroid health. Normal TSH levels are 0.3 to 3.3, with optimal levels at 1 to 2. A patient with hypothyroidism has TSH levels elevated above 3.3.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include dry skin, fatigue, poor memory, low libido, heavy periods, difficulty losing weight, gaining too much weight, anxiety, poor temperature regulation and depression. Thyroid disorders are so common that some doctors recommend anyone suspected of having depression have thyroid levels monitored to rule out hypothyroidism before beginning an antidepressant.

Armour Thyroid

• Conventional prescriptions for replacing low thyroid levels are Synthroid and Levothroid. Both are synthetic replications of T4. Armour thyroid replacement is dessicated pig hormone, so it contains T3 and T4. Many patients find it more effective than the synthetic T4 replacements. It costs about the same, is easy to obtain and is usually covered by insurance.

Natural Treatments

• Natural alternatives for hypothyroidism include iodine, kelp, bladderwrack and coconut oil. If using iodine to boost thyroid productions, you should also supplement with tyrosine. Iodine requires tyrosine to convert to thyroid hormone. Selenium is an excellent supplement regardless of the choice of treatments, because T3 requires selenium to convert to T4.

Food

• Some foods are goitrogenic and should be avoided or only consumed in small quantities by those with low thyroid production. These include rutabaga, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, kale and soy. Foods that are high in iodine are beneficial for hypothyroidism and include yogurt, eggs, seafood, oatmeal, potatoes and bananas.