Alternative Treatments for Hypothyroidism
Natural Remedies for Managing Thyroid Disorders
Sep 9, 2008
The most commonly prescribed treatment for hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, is Synthroid. Synthroid is a synthetic thyroid hormone designed to replace or increase thyroid hormone (thyroxine) levels. Unfortunately, synthetic thyroid replacements have many side effects that may go undiagnosed by doctors.
Side Effects of Synthroid
- Increased appetite or weight loss
- Hyperactivity, anxiety, or irritability
- Emotional changes
- Insomnia/sleepiness
- Seizures
- Heart palpitations, rapid heart rate (tachycardia)
- Heart failure or heart attack
- Difficult or painful breathing
- Weakened or broken bones
- Hair loss
- Menstrual problems or fertility problems
Because many of the side effects of Synthroid develop over a period of years or are symptoms of other issues (like depression, anxiety and insomnia), patients may not connect the side effects to the drug itself. More serious side effects like tachycardia or seizures may even be linked to the sudden onset of another medical disorder, and patients are prescribed additional medications.
Natural Remedies
There are many natural remedies for treating hypothyroidism which can reduce or even eliminate the need for synthetic thyroid. Some of these treatments include:
- Acupuncture:a Chinese medical treatment that pierces peripheral nerves with fine needles. Hypothyroidism patients have found relief of symptoms with acupuncture, which focuses on treating the kidney meridian in order to increase metabolism and the production of thyroid hormones.
- Iodine: an essential element that assists the thyroid in producing thyroid hormone. By increasing iodine intake, patients have seen an increase in the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). Kelp, when taken in pill or powder form, is a naturally-occurring source of iodine, as is sea salt.
- Bladderwrack: a seaweed rich in iodine, bladderwrack (fucus vesiculosus) has long been used as a natural remedy for increasing thyroid function. Bladderwrack is also rich in potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, and zinc. This seaweed can be taken in pill or powder form or dissolved in tea. California’s Ocean Harvest Sea Vegetable Collective harvests bladderwrack from the Pacific Ocean and sells it by the pound.
- Selenium: Many hypothyroid patients have been found to have deficiencies in this trace mineral. High amounts of selenium have been found in Brazil nuts and walnuts, although these nuts should be eaten in moderation, as the levels of selenium in each may vary. When taken in pill form, the recommended daily allowance for adults is 60 micrograms a day.
- Virgin Coconut Oil: a saturated fat made up largely of medium chain fatty acids, or triglycerides (MCTs). MCTs are known to speed metabolism, promote weight loss, and raise basal body temperatures. Coconut oil can be bought in most health food stores and can be eaten alone or added to smoothies, desserts or other food.
- Diet:modifying your diet is an important step toward assisting healthy thyroid production. Fats, sugars, sodium chloride, red meat and eggs should be limited. Patients who have switched to a raw food diet, a diet consisting of uncooked vegetables, fruits, nuts and seeds, have seen increased thyroid production in as little as 3-4 weeks.
Making Gradual Changes
It’s important to make the shift to natural thyroid treatments gradually. Discuss the options with your doctor and develop a treatment plan. Schedule regular blood tests to make sure that there are adequate amounts of TSH in your bloodstream. While total natural replacement may not be possible, feeling better, naturally, is a worthwhile goal.
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