Natural Thyroid Remedies

Over 5 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism and related forms of thyroid dysfunction, and many of these people may not even be aware of it.

Thyroid dysfunction is commonly distinguished by either over or under production of the thyroid hormone. The focus of this articles is on natural remedies for an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism).

Symptoms of hypothyroidism include chronic fatigue, weight gain or difficulty losing weight, hair loss or coarse, dry hair, dry and rough skin, intolerance to cold, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased sex drive, memory loss, depression and irritability, constipation, and muscle cramps. Not all symptoms are always present.

Hypothyroidism is often diagnosed with a blood test. Doctors will test to check TSH levels (the thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland) and T4 levels (the main thyroid hormone). Some doctors, however, prefer to take a more holistic approach, and are able to diagnose based on symptoms.

There are chemical, synthetic treatments that can be used to restore healthy thyroid functions, such as Synthroid and Levothyroxine.

Some doctors and patients prefer to use a form of natural thyroid hormone extracted from pigs and cows, since it’s the closest to the human thyroid hormone and contains both T4 and T3 thyroid hormones.

Armour, a natural thyroid is available by prescription. T-100 is another brand of natural thyroid that can be obtained through holistic professionals. Regular use of natural thyroid can help to restore deficient iodine levels, while also stimulating the thyroid to produce hormones, thereby treating hypothyroidism.

Naturopaths have long recognized that there are very effective herbal remedies that can help to promote healthy thyroid functioning and restore thyroid health.

Kelp, Licorice, Saw Palmetto and Ginger have also been known to stimulate the thyroid to release thyroid hormones and are therefore considered beneficial in the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Thyromine, a natural thyroid supplement from Pacific Naturals is becoming increasingly popular as an alternative, herbal remedy for hypothyroidism.

It's important to remember that even natural thyroid treatments need to be taken under the guidance of your health care practitioner.