How to Use Holistic Medicine to Treat Thyroid Disorders

Disorders in the thyroid develop when the thyroid gland has problems producing hormones that play a crucial part in regulating your metabolism. There are 2 main disorders: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroidism, there's a lack of the thyroid hormone in the blood. In hyperthyroidism, there's too much thyroid hormone. Follow these steps to learn how to use holistic medicine to alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders, including fatigue and difficulty regulating body temperature.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Money for treatment
• Computer with Internet access

Take the Holistic Medicine Approach

1. Confirm with a physician that you have a thyroid disorder prior to beginning any treatment.
2. Read and research thyroid disorder symptoms so you can choose the best way to treat and minimize them. Start by reading "Thyroid Balance: Traditional and Alternative Methods for Treating Thyroid Disorders," which is available at Amazon.com (see Resources below).
3. Add nutrients like iodine to your diet. If you have hypothyroidism, iodine will help replenish your thyroid hormone.
4. Take vitamin C, vitamin E and calcium to help reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
5. Incorporate omega-3 fatty acids and other foods, like broccoli and kale, that help depress the thyroid. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in salmon and are immune system boosters.
6. Prevent symptoms of inflammation caused through hypothyroidism by taking herbal supplements like quercetin.
7. Use licorice as another option to treat inflammation. Licorice root contains glycyrrhizin, an anti-inflammatory.

Practice Yoga

8. Learn the techniques of yoga. Read how yoga can help those with thyroid conditions at Thyroid-Info.com (see Resources below). The article recommends DVD's to get you started.
9. Use yoga to increase your energy levels and to help you with symptoms of hypothyroidism.
10. Reduce stress and alleviate nervousness with daily yoga, particularly if you suffer from hyperthyroidism.
11. Give your body newfound flexibility with yoga. This can benefit both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
12. Try a shoulder stand pose. It's particularly good for thyroid-related disorders.

Tips & Warnings

• Some thyroid disorders are permanent. Others can be reversed. For the best results, treat thyroid disorders as soon as symptoms appear.
• The costs of holistic treatments for thyroid disorders are usually inexpensive.
• Neglect of thyroid problems can result in heart disease. See your physician immediately if symptoms of fatigue, fluid retention, diarrhea or weakness worsen.
• Before you start any alternative medical technique, be aware that many have not been scientifically evaluated. If you decide to try holistic medicine, keep your doctor informed about the folk medical technique you undertake.