Hypothyroidism is a condition which is characterized by thyroid hormone deficiency in the body. It is mainly caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, leading to damage of the cells which are used in the production of the essential hormone. Sometimes, medical treatments such as radioactive iodine therapy may also cause the diseases, especially when the thyroid gland is disturbed during the process. Hypothyroidism also occurs when the pituitary gland does not produce sufficient Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
Are You Suffering From Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is more widespread than most people think. This is because while some hypothyroidism patients show symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, muscle cramps, constipation, decreased libido, depression and abnormal menstrual cycles, others do not show any of these symptoms. The disease goes unnoticed in these cases. There are however accurate thyroid function tests that can be used to diagnose hypothyroidism so that appropriate treatment procedures such as administration of synthetic thyroid hormone can be applied. This condition is common among women aged 60 years and above.
Hypothyroidism and weight gain
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormone which controls the body metabolism. Perhaps that is why hypothyroidism patients normally have low body metabolism-related problems. Remember that the Basal Metabolism Rate affects your ability to burn calories, and that is why this hypothyroidism leads to weight gain and increased weight loss difficulties. Precisely, high fat metabolism rate is a sure weight loss process, but it only occurs when sufficient thyroid hormone is produced.
Natural Remedies
Prevention is said to be better than cure, but preventing an underactive thyroid is not easy. Fortunately, there are various pharmacological and non-pharmacological remedies for hypothyroidism. Here are a few natural methods of treating hypothyroidism that you can take advantage of to help you speed up your thyroid gland and shed those unwanted pounds
- Check your iodine and selenium levels. Make sure that you have enough iodine and selenium in your diet. Remember that iodine and selenium deficiencies are major causes of hypothyroidism. Additionally, ensure that you take foods rich in iron, Omega-3 fatty acids, Thiamin B1, Riboflavin B2, Magnesium, zinc, copper and Manganese. Overall, ensure that you take the right proportions of all the nutrients that help in supporting proper thyroid function
- Detoxification. Toxicity is also a leading cause of hypothyroidism, and one natural way of keeping it at bay is to take lots of milk thistle, Chlorella, Turmeric and Cilantro, among other detoxifying agents. You may also need to remove the silver fillings in your teeth.
- Avoid gluten and A1 Casein, as these are likely to cause inflammation in the thyroid gland. You also need to avoid Bisphenol A which affects the endocrine system
- Reduce carbohydrate intake and up protein intake instead. Replace excessive intake of sugars and grains with healthy fats. Too many carbohydrates affect the thyroid gland.
- Take adaptogen supplements. These improve thyroid function.
- Relax and avoid stress
Indeed, there are several remedies for hypothyroidism, but beginning with these natural ones, you will be in the pink of health before you realize it. You will be able to shed those unwanted pounds easily and your overall health status will improve greatly.
References
http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone
http://www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/home/ovc-20155291
http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3139/13-Ways-to-Treat-Hypothyroidism-Naturally.html
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