The goal of natural remedies or alternative medicine is to fix the root cause of the thyroid problem and doing it without any side effects.
Thyroid problems sometimes start as the result of poor diet, stress and some missing nutrients in your body. So, refining your diet and taking herbal supplements are two ways you can fix your thyroid condition.
Selenium
Selenium has a role to play in metabolism of thyroid hormone. But during hypothyroidism, the supply of this element gets restricted. Restoring its supply helps in balancing thyroxine, or T4 levels.
Some foods that contain selenium are:
- Brazil nuts
- Tuna
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Ham
- Eggs
- Oatmeal
- Whole wheat bread
Sugar-free diet
Sugar and processed foods can lead to increased inflammation in the body which can slow down the conversion of T4 hormone into T3 hormone and this can make your symptoms and thyroid disease worsen.
Also, sugar leads to short lived boosts of energy, so its elimination from diet may help in a more consistent and sustained energy level.
It’s not easy to adopt a sugar-diet, but its benefit to your thyroid health may be worth it.
Vitamin B
Taking certain vitamin supplements can have a positive effect on your thyroid health as low thyroid hormones affect your body’s vitamin B-1 and B-12 levels. Consuming vitamin B-12 can help with the tiredness that thyroid disease can cause. You can add more B vitamins to your diet through foods like:
- Peas and beans
- Asparagus
- Sesame seeds
- Tuna
- Cheese
- Milk
- Eggs
Probiotics
Studies have found that in certain cases, thyroid disorder ultimately leads to chronic GI or Gastro Intestinal issues such as diarrhea.
Probiotic supplements contain live helpful bacteria that can help in keeping your stomach and intestines healthy.
Other than supplements, fermented foods such as kefir, idli, paneer and yogurt, all these contain useful probiotics.
Gluten-free diet
Lastly, adopting a gluten-free diet can prevent people having hypothyroidism from developing a digestive disorder known as Celiac disease, in the small intestine.
Research doesn’t currently support a gluten-free diet for the treatment of thyroid disease. However, many people with hypothyroidism do feel better after removing wheat and other gluten-containing foods from their diet.