The second excerpt in this post comes from The Natural Remedies and Cure website. The full article can be found at: http://www.natural-cure-remedy.com/hypothyroidism.html
Help for Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid disorders are very common, and with appropriate treatment, troublesome hyperthyroidism symptoms can be alleviated, balanced and treated. There are a number of treatment options for hyperthyroidism and because everyone is different, it is important to explore the options that work for you.
There are various treatments available for hyperthyroidism. The aim of these treatments is todecrease the amount of thyroid hormone made by the thyroid gland so that excess amounts do not get into the bloodstream.
The most common conventional treatments include radioactive iodine, betablockers, anti-thyroid medications and surgery (thyroidectomy).
Alternative treatments offer a wide variety of methods to help maintain balance in the body, for example homeopathy, acupuncture, physical medicine and massage. They have been used for centuries, and now more than ever before, the Western community is embracing this holistic approach of healthcare.
This holistic approach addresses not only the symptoms of hyperthyroidism, but they address the root cause and underlying problems and can help provide all-round support and natural health.
There are a number of herbal and homeopathic ingredients which may be of assistance without the negative side effects of prescription drugs. Some commonly used herbs traditionally used to calm the overactive thyroid include bugleweed (Lycopus virginica), lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and motherwort (Leonuris cardica).
Natural remedies can also be investigated as part of a broader treatment plan. It is best to discuss these options with your doctor or consult a homeopath or naturopath for advice. Also, it is important to incorporate a healthy diet, exercise, meditation and other mind-body therapies to get the maximum benefit.
Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Below are some supplements that might help improve your thyroid health. Always remember to also include a good multivitamin supplement to make sure you are not deficient in any vitamins.
Iodine -- You can increase your iodine intake through diet and kelp supplementation. Kelp is rich in iodine and is very affordable. I buy it in tablet form with 225 mcg. of iodine per tablet. I had low levels of iodine because I didn't like to salt my food. Now I use natural sea salt that doesn't have iodine in it and so I supplement with kelp tablets. There used to be plenty of iodine in vegetables and fruits but the soil is very iodine depleted in most areas today. Foods that contain iodine are yogurt, eggs, meat, fish and other seafood, radish, parsley, potatoes, oatmeal and bananas.
Selenium -- Many people diagnosed with hypothyroidism were found to be selenium deficient. Selenium is required to convert the T4 thyroid hormone to the active T3 form. As an example, the selenium containing enzyme type-I-iodothyronine-deiodinase is important for the conversion of T4 to T3. So selenium deficiency can reduce the activity of the thyroid hormones.
Tyrosine -- Tyrosine is an amino acid needed by the body to manufacture thyroid hormones from iodine. And so the use of tyrosine as a dietary supplement increases production of thyroid hormones.
Thyroid Glandular -- Thyroid glandular supplements have been used since the beginning of thyroid treatment. Usually it is only sold through your practitioner or by prescription (like Armour) but there are some over-the-counter thyroid glandular supplements available.
Bladderwrack -- Bladderwrack is a seaweed that is a rich source of iodine. Traditionally it has been used for weight loss and hypothyroidism. The low incidence of goiter in maritime people has been attributed to the iodine in bladderwrack. It also contains the minerals potassium, magnesium, calcium, iron, zinc, etc. Bladderwrack is thought to stimulate the thyroid gland increasing metabolism.
Coconut Oil -- Below are two articles about coconut oil and how it benefits the thyroid. They also talk about why coconut oil helps you lose weight as well.Coconut Oil and Thyroid Functioning
Thyroid Health and the Coconut Diet