Thyroid problems are becoming more and more common nowadays. Millions of people all around the world suffer from either an underactive or overactive thyroid gland.
This can cause imbalances in the body, lead to weight gain or loss, and make you feel fatigued or anxious.
The good news is that there are natural remedies you can try to alleviate thyroid problems. These remedies may not work for everyone, but they are definitely worth a try – especially if you are looking for alternatives to conventional medicine.
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a great natural remedy for thyroid problems because it contains medium-chain fatty acids that can help improve thyroid function. These fatty acids can help increase metabolism and boost energy levels in the body.
Therefore, incorporating coconut oil into your diet may help you lose weight and improve your overall health. You can use coconut oil in your cooking or add it to smoothies.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb that has been used for centuries to treat various health conditions. It has been shown to improve thyroid function by reducing cortisol, a stress hormone that can interfere with thyroid hormones.
In a 2014 pilot study, researchers found that ashwagandha root extract improved thyroid function in people with subclinical hypothyroidism. This means that ashwagandha may be useful for people who have mild thyroid imbalances.
3. Selenium
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for proper thyroid function. It is required for the conversion of T4, a less active thyroid hormone, to T3, a more active thyroid hormone.
Therefore, if you have a selenium deficiency, you may have an underactive thyroid gland. To increase your selenium levels, you can eat brazil nuts, which are a rich source of selenium.
You can also take selenium supplements, but it is important not to take too much as this can be harmful to your health.
4. Iodine
Iodine is a mineral that is crucial for thyroid function. It is required for the production of thyroid hormones. If you have an iodine deficiency, you may have an underactive thyroid gland.
Therefore, it is important to consume enough iodine in your diet. You can do this by eating iodine-rich foods such as seaweed, fish, and dairy products. If you have a severe iodine deficiency, your doctor may prescribe iodine supplements.
5. Yoga
Yoga is a wonderful way to alleviate stress, which can interfere with thyroid function. Stress can trigger the release of cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with thyroid hormones.
Therefore, by practicing yoga regularly, you may be able to improve your thyroid function. Some yoga poses that can be particularly beneficial for the thyroid gland include shoulder stand, plow pose, and fish pose.
Conclusion
Overall, there are several natural remedies that can help alleviate thyroid problems. However, it is important to remember that these remedies may not work for everyone.
Therefore, it is important to consult with your doctor before trying any natural remedies for thyroid problems.
In addition, it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly. These lifestyle factors can also have a positive impact on thyroid function.