Natural Herbs for Thyroid
Acting as the body's internal thermostat, the thyroid gland secretes hormones that control how quickly calories are burned and converted into energy. Because the thyroid gland is responsible for controlling many aspects of your metabolism, a disorder of the thyroid can produce symptoms in almost every system of the body.
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Thyroid Imbalances
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When the thyroid becomes overactive, it is referred to as hyperthyroidism. This condition causes symptoms such as hair and weight loss, insomnia and fatigue, digestive disturbances, hand tremors, nervousness, heart palpitations and heat intolerance. Also called thyrotoxicosis, the most common form of hyperthyroidism is called Graves' disease.
A far more common thyroid condition occurs when the thyroid is underactive. This condition is called hypothyroidism. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid include a slow heart rate, weight gain, painful menstrual periods in women, muscle cramps or weakness, dry and scaly skin, hair loss, migraine, constipation, depression, slow speech and intolerance to cold.
Herbs to Increase Thyroid Function
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No herbs have been shown to be effective against an overactive thyroid. However, to treat the more common case of an underactive thyroid, there are a few herbs that might help.
Taking up to 12 capsules daily of Norwegian kelp might help improve thyroid function. Sea kelp contains high levels of iodine, which is helpful in stimulating thyroid function.
Goldenseal is another herb that targets an underactive thyroid. However, when taking goldenseal, do not take for more than one week at a time and do not take it if you are pregnant or allergic to ragweed.
Extracts of mugwort and genetian are helpful for hypothyroidism. Black cohosh and bayberry also help balance the thyroid. Taking the homeopathic remedy called Calcarea carbonica might work as well.
Dietary Recommendations
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Avoid processed and refined foods such as sugar and white flour to help increase thyroid function. Foods that should be eaten in moderation include broccoli, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, spinach, turnips, radishes, peaches and pears because they have been known to further suppress thyroid function.
To increase thyroid function, some recommended foods include fish or chicken, whole grains and seeds, cheese, milk, egg whites, prunes, parsley, potatoes and molasses.
Supplementing the diet with zinc, vitamins C, E and B, and the amino acid tyrosine can be used as an alternative to taking direct supplements of thyroid hormone.
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