Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition when the thyroid gland does not produce the desired amount of hormones. This is due to a protein deficient diet or other lifestyle related problems. The common symptoms of this deficiency disease are fatigue, insomnia, weight gain, depression, memory loss, dry skin, brittle and dry hair, thickened tongue, constipation, and light or no menses.

One of the main causes of hypothyroidism is the lack of iodine in the body and extreme cases of this deficiency can even result in Goiter. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can result in increased cholesterol levels in the blood causing choking of the arteries leading to fatal results. An early treatment of this condition is required, based on its diagnosis.

Causes

• Result of previous or currently ongoing inflammation of the thyroid gland
• Total masses of thyroid producing cells are not enough to meet the needs of the body

Symptoms

• Fatigue
• Dry hair
• Weakness
• Weight gain
• Hair loss
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Decreased libido
• Cold intolerance
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Muscle cramps and frequent muscle aches

Treatment

Kelp:
An herb rich in iodine, and is recommended to those who have an iodine deficient diet.

Bladderwrack:
Rich in iodine and recommended to early patients of hypothyroidism

Guggul and Irish moss:
Boil as tea, helpful in curing hypothyroidism as they have been found to boost the healing process and hormone secretion.

Ashwagandha root:
Boil and consume as tea. It stimulates thyroid gathering as it increases the concentration of serum T-4 in the body.

Coleus:
Use as diet aid, may incorporate in dishes or make as tea. Acts like Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH)

Ginger:
Boil around 50g of crushed fresh ginger in two cups of water and drink at least 2 times a day

Nettle leaf:
Boil as tea, it is also a source of calcium. Some people use it as a “pot” herb in the spring.

Other

Exercise regularly

Avoid herbs like bamboo, ginger, lemon balm, ginseng, wheat grass, astragalus and burdock it can decrease the rate of healing this ailment

Have a diet rich in proteins like seafood, organic vegetables and shellfish. Spinach, broccoli, mussels and cauliflower must be avoided as they can suppress the healing process, and cause complications in the treatment