Thyroid disease
The thyroid gland, consisting of two large lobes at the base of the throat,
produces hormones essential for the proper functioning and maintenance
of all the cells in the body. If it releases too much thyroid hormone-a
condition known as hyperthyroidism-the body runs too fast, comparable to
an overheated engine. Conversely, if it secretes too little-a
disorder called hypothyroidism-the body metabolism can become sluggish.
Symptoms of either condition can appear very quickly, or they may develop
gradually, often mimicking long-term mild depression.
Most cases of thyroid disease result from an autoimmune disorder, in
which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. Genetic
factors, hormonal disturbances elsewhere in the body, surgery, radiation, or
medications are other possible causes. Insufficient amounts of
iodine in the diet can also lead to
hypothyroidism.
Supplements and herbs
The supplements listed here may be beneficial for those with thyroid
disorders, including people already taking conventional drugs. But always
check with your doctor first, because some of these nutrients may alter
your prescription drug dose. It may take a month or so to notice benefits.
Vitamin C and the
B complex vitamins are important in the
treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. They play key roles in
improving the overall function of the immune system and thyroid gland.
Individuals with a sluggish thyroid may need additional supplements,
but only under a doctor's supervision. If the condition is caused by an
iodine deficiency, kelp (which contains a
good amount of iodine) can be used as a complement to conventional
treatment. Your doctor may also recommend the amino acid
tyrosine;
like iodine, it is another key component of thyroid hormone. Extra
zinc
(take with copper when using long term, because zinc inhibits copper
absorption) may be necessary as well to help boost thyroid function.
Those with hypothyroidism may also benefit from long-term use of forskolin, an extract of
Coleus forskohlii, an herb used in traditional Indian
medicine that stimulates the release of thyroid hormone.
Homeopathy
Take the remedy once daily in the 30c, or twice daily in the
6c or 12c. If
the remedy helps, but does not cause permanent change, other avenues
need to be investigated, including food allergies, heavy metals, etc.
- Iodum
Hyperthyroid, goiter, exopthalmos. Emaciation, though strong appetite.
Atrophy of many glands: lymph nodes, breasts, testes, ovaries, thymus.
Palpitations and pulsations in various areas. Very hot, craves open air.
Restless, excitable, angry and impulsive. Hurried, impatient, talkative.
Worse: warm room, heat. Better: eating, cold, violent exertion, if busy.
- Lachesis
Rushes of blood, hot flashes, palpitations,
hypertension. Easy bleeding.
Hyperthyroid, thyroiditis, goiter. Constricted throat, difficult swallowing.
Can't tolerate touch of collar or necklace. Warm-blooded. Toxic feeling.
Intense, talkative. Suspicion, jealousy, broken heart. High sex drive.
Worse: after sleep, heat, sun, left side, pressure, alcohol,
menopause.
- Lycopus
Hyperthyroid, enlargement, exopthalmos; associated heart, lung troubles.
Violent, rapid palpitations. Heart pain, easy bleeding,
hemorrhoids.
Constricted chest, short of breath. Choking on lying. Averse to smell of food.
Nervous, hurried, trembling, weak; mind constantly wanders.
Insomnia.
Worse: motion, exertion, heat, after sleep, towards sunset, at menopause.
- Nat mur
Hyperthyroid, thyroiditis, goiter, exopthalmos. Great weakness,
exhaustion. Dry skin, mouth but oily face. Weight loss. Few heart symptoms.
Frequent migraines with light flashes, palpitations, fluttering of heart.
Grief, loss, suppressed emotions. Seeks solitude, avoids consolation.
Worse: heat, sun, 9-11a.m., mental work. Better: cool, open air, fasting.
- Spongia tosta
Swollen, hardened thyroid; exopthalmos, sticking pain, tension on motion.
Palpitations with anxiety, faintness, suffocative attacks around midnight.
Stitching pains, constricted chest, asthma with goiter. Barking
cough.
Hot flushes. Swelling of testes. Fearful, anxious, despair. Averse to work.
Pain on touch, pressure. Worse: after first sleep, before or during menses.
What else you can do
- Regularly check the area of your neck just below the Adam's apple for
any bulging, which may be a sign of thyroid problems.
- If you have an overactive thyroid, eat plenty of raw cruciferous
vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale,
cabbage, and
collard greens, which contain a natural thyroid blocker. Avoid iodized salt
and iodine-containing foods, including saltwater fish and shellfish.
- If you have an under active thyroid, stay away from cruciferous vegetables
and eat iodine-rich foods.
How much to take
-
- Vitamin C
- 1,000 mg a day.
Useful for both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
- Vitamin B complex
- 1 pill each morning for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Look for a B-100 complex with 100 mcg
vitamin B12
and biotin; 400 mcg folic acid; and 100 mg all other B vitamins.
- Kelp
- 10 grains of powdered kelp a day.
Should supply 300 mcg iodine.
- Tyrosine
- 1,000 mg L-tyrosine a day.
After 1 month, add a mixed amino acid complex.
- Zinc / Copper
- 30 mg zinc and 2 mg copper a day.
Add copper only when using zinc longer than 1 month.
- Forskolin
- 50 mg twice a day.
May lower blood pressure; don't use with prescription
blood pressure drugs. Standardized to contain 18% forskolin.
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