Natural Treatments For Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is an autoimmune disorder. In this disease, antibodies attack healthy thyroid tissue and hamper the function of the thyroid gland. When the thyroid gland is not producing an adequate amount of certain hormones, then you can start experiencing a host of unwanted symptoms, such as depression or anxiety; dry skin; constipation and bloating; brain fog; sensitivity to cold; weight gain, and fatigue. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the most common cause of hypothyroidism.

In the United States is noticed that Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is caused by 90 – 95% of hypothyroidism cases. Even when Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is treated with medication, its symptoms can significantly affect your quality of life. Many studies are shown that diet and lifestyle modifications can drastically improve symptoms in addition to standard medication. For many people, the advantages of adopting a natural thyroid treatment plan outweigh the disadvantages. But, if you had surgery to remove your thyroid, then a natural thyroid treatment plan is not for you.

In this case, you should talk with your doctor before you adopt a treatment plan. If you suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, then talk with your doctor before you start using some of the below-mentioned home remedies, so you will know that they will not cause you some side effects.

Here are some home remedies for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis:

Gluten-free diet:

One of the most important things for many people who suffer from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is to adopt a gluten-free diet. Many studies are shown that a significant number of people who have thyroid disease have also celiac disease. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder. In this disorder, gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestines. There are not enough scientific studies that support a gluten-free diet for the treatment of thyroid disease.

But, many people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and hypothyroidism have said that they feel better after removing wheat and other gluten-containing foods from their diet. Some prepared gluten-free foods are not healthy, so you should always check labels before you buy some food.

Probiotics:

There are some studies in which are studied the links between hypothyroidism and small intestine problems. It was found that gastrointestinal motility is most commonly seen in people with hypothyroidism and it can cause small intestine bacterial overgrowth and it can lead to GI symptoms, such as diarrhea. Probiotic supplements have live helpful bacteria and they can keep your stomach and intestines healthy. Some of the best foods which have probiotic bacteria include yogurt, some cheeses, kombucha, and kefir.

Vitamin B:

When you take some supplements, then they can have a positive effect on your thyroid health. Low thyroid hormones can affect the levels of Vitamin B12. You can take some Vitamin B12 supplements to repair some of the damage caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Also, Vitamin B12can help you with the tiredness which is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Also, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is affecting your Vitamin B1 levels. You can add more B vitamins from foods, such as eggs, milk, cheese, tuna, sesame seeds, asparagus, peas, and beans.

Generally, Vitamin B12 is safe for most healthy people at recommended levels. You should talk with your doctor about the recommended dosage of Vitamin B12, so you will know that it will not cause you side effects.

Sugar–free diet:

It is a known fact that sugar and processed foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body. Inflammation can slow down the conversion of T4 to triiodothyronine or T3, which is another thyroid hormone. Also, sugar is boosting energy levels in short term. When you eliminate sugar from your diet, then it can help you to regulate your energy levels. Also, when you remove sugar from your diet, it can help your stress levels and your skin. It may be not easy for you to eat sugar–free diet, but it can have many health benefits for your thyroid health.

Grain-free diet:

We know that gluten is one of the biggest autoimmune and allergen culprits, but it is not the only one. You should look for other foods which can act like gluten in your body and lead to gut inflammation. Two of these food groups are dairy products that are pasteurized/homogenized and regular unsprouted grains. In the past centuries, dairy foods were eaten raw. Ancient cereals were easier to absorb and provided more absorbable nutrients because they were soaked, sprouted, and fermented. Nowadays, this practice has been lost, and refined or bleached flours are consumed in higher quantities than ever before.

Bone broth:

This remedy can help to heal the gut lining by providing l – glycine, l – proline, amino acids, and collagen, and nutrients, such as silicon, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. You can try some homemade bone broth to use in stews and soups or you can have bone broth as a snack because it is rich in nutrients.

Sprouted seeds and beans and legumes:

You can consume chia seeds, hemp, and flax, because all of them provide ALA, which is a type of hormone–balancing Omega – 3 fat. Legumes and beans are rich in fiber and minerals.

Seaweed:

It is a natural source of iodine, which can help to prevent deficiencies, which disturb thyroid function.

Coconut oil:

This type of oil provides medium-chain fatty acids in a form of capric acid, lauric acid, and caprylic acid, which support a healthy metabolism, increase energy, nourish the gut and fight fatigue.

Wild-caught fish:

This type of fish provides anti-inflammatory Omega – 3 fatty acids EPA/DHA which are essential for hormone balance and thyroid function.

Fresh vegetables and fruits:

They are rich in antioxidants, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Fiber has many health benefits for your fight against Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It can help to support a healthy weight, balance blood sugar levels improve heart health, and help with digestive health. Antioxidants and other foods fight against inflammation and can help to prevent deficiencies.

Reduce and manage stress:

In some studies are shown that stress can increase your risk for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Experts noticed that reduction in stress levels can have a positive therapeutic effect in autoimmune disease patients. It has been found that people who suffer from autoimmune symptoms report uncommon emotional stress before disease onset. Stress can trigger alternations in the production of neuroendocrine hormones. It can contribute to immune dysfunction by increasing cytokine production.

Doctors are warning their patients that stress management should be considered in all multidimensional treatment approaches to resolving underlying causes of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and other disorders. There are different things that you can do to lower your stress level. You can take detox baths with Epsom salt, regularly do adaptive exercises (like weight – training, Pilates, yoga, and barre), read spiritual growth books, spend time outdoors and foster good relationships.

Selenium:

This is a trace element that plays a part in thyroid hormone metabolism. There are many foods that have selenium as their components, like grass-fed beef, Brazil nuts, turkey, and tuna. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis often reduces the body’s selenium supply. It has been shown that supplementing this trace element can help to balance thyroxine or T4 levels in some people. You need to talk with your doctor about how much selenium you need to consume, so you will know that you are not taking it in excessive amounts.

Adaptogenic herbs:

It has been proven that Ashwagandha can help to reduce thyroid and adrenal issues by boosting the ability to cope with stress and balance hormones. In many medical studies are shown that Ashwagandha can help to balance thyroid hormone T4, which is critical if you are going to overcome Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or hypothyroidism. Also, there are other adaptogenic herbs that work in similar ways, such as reishi mushrooms, maca, ginseng, and Rhodiola.

Chasteberry:

This is a commonly used treatment for female hormone imbalances, such as menopause symptoms, PMS symptoms, and sometimes even infertility. In some cases, it can cause minor side effects, like a dry mouth. The chaste berry is a well-tolerated method of balancing female hormones, which in turn can help in the treatment of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

References:

1. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. https://www.healthline.com/health/chronic-thyroiditis-hashimotos-disease. Published January 22, 2018
2. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/120937-overview. Published March 25, 2020
3. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Overview. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hashimotos-thyroiditis/hashimotos-thyroiditis-overview. Published April 8, 2020
4. Hashimoto Thyroiditis. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/health-library/diseases-and-conditions/h/hashimotos-thyroiditis.html.