Low thyroid function
I have slightly low thyroid function, what can be done with natural therapy to normalise thyroid function?
Functions of the thyroid gland
The thyroid is a gland located just at the base of the neck (below the Adams Apple) and the hormones it produces set the resting rate of energy production (metabolism) and also influences the nervous system. Low thyroid function (hypothyroidism) is an underactivity of the thyroid gland due to insufficient production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: hair loss and brittle hair, constipation, cool and dry skin, irregular periods in women, lethargy, listlessness, drowsiness, intolerance to the cold, weight gain, pale face and low basal temperature in the morning.
Causes of Hypothyroidism:
The common causes of hypothyroidism include:
- Genetics (hereditary)
- Pituitary tumours or Hashimotos Disease
- Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
- Insufficient thyroid medication
- Surgical removal of thyroid (thyroidectomy)
- Stress
- Dietary deficiency of Iodine, Selenium and Vitamin D
- Excessive consumption of Cobalt and Flouride
Medical treatment of Hypothyroidism:
Medical treatment of hypothyroidism is by thyroid hormone (Thyroxine) and is needed on an ongoing basis to return thyroid function to normal. Yearly regular medical check ups are performed to investigate levels of thyroid hormones, to determine any changes in dosage. If the medication is too strong it may result in osteoporosis or irregular heartbeats.
Complications if Hypothryoidism is not addresed:
Further complications may arise if the condition is not treated appropriately, some of these are:
- Heart problems leading to heart failure due to enlargement of the heart or hypertension and high cholesterol.
- Mental health instability (depression, sadness, low self-esteem, concentration problems and confusion, apathy and low libido.
- Further complications of thyroid disorders such as thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), Hashimotos (autoimmune condition causing excessive activity of the T cells), Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
- Pregnancy complications causing birth defects to the brain, heart and kidneys of the infant.
- Osteoporosis
- Chronic constipation
- Impaired kidney function
- Premenstrual tension and low libido
- Muscle weakness, back aches and muscle cramps
- Fatigue and very low energy levels
Some important considerations for the health of the thyroid are:
- The trace mineral Selenium (at least 200mcg/ day) is important as an anti-inflammatory and nutrient for the health of the immune system.
- Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism due to a dietary insufficiency in the Western diet. This important mineral is found in seafood, seaweed (including kelp, bladderwrack, or dulce) and Celtic Sea Salt. The recommended daily intake (RDI) for Iodine is 250mcg/ day. Iodine is required by humans for the synthesis of thyroid hormones (triiodothyronine/T3 and thyroxine/T4).
- Exercise is important for maintaining sufficient hormone levels (30 minutes daily at least 5 times/ week.
- Herbs to support thryoid function: Astragalus, Coleus, Reishi Mushrooms, Codonopsis, Watercress, Horny Goat Weed, Cinnamon, Blue Flag, Horsetail.
- Check for food sensitivities such as gluten. Food intolerances may be a contributing factor to the underlying autoimmune condition. I suggest a visit to your GP to enquire into having an allergy test to determine trigger foods that may initiate inflammatory responses.
- A liver function test and a full blood test to determine nutritional status is also advisable.
- Please see a Naturopath to have a full case history taken as it is important to assess overall health and they will be able to provide the ongoing support that this condition requires.
- Take extra anti-oxidants to help reduce excessive free radicals which are produced by the inflammation and cellular disregulation and contribute to further malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.
- Many individuals with hypothyroidism exhibit low levels of Zinc, it is therefore recommended to perform a Zinc Status test (a health food store may be able to help you do this test). Zinc restores function to the thyroid and foods which are high in Zinc are pepitas (pumpkin seeds), red meat, nuts, sunflower seeds, oysters and grains. The recommended daily intake of Zinc is 15mg.
- Sunlight is believed to stimulate the functioning of the thyroid gland (10 minutes/ day is all that is needed).
- Spicy foods such as ginger, chilli and capsicum help to stimulate metabolism and switch on the thyroid gland.
- The amino acid Tyrosine is beneficial for thyroid function by stimulating the production of thyroid hormones. Foods which are high in Tyrosine are cheese and dairy foods, spirulina, pork, yeast and tuna. The recommended daily intake of this amino acid (in hypothyroidism) is 500-1000mg/ day. This amino acid is available from the brand Nutralife in health food stores.
- Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, soya beans are implicated in hypothyroidism as they have the ability to block the production of thyroid hormones.