The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland found behind the neck area. It is adjacent to the smaller parathyroid glands. The thyroid is shaped like a small butterfly having two halves. The hormones released by this gland are the two hormones, tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These two hormones influence body functions such as physical growth, metabolism, organ function, fertility and body temperature. The thyroid monitors the metabolism of every cell of your body.
There are basically two kinds of thyroid malfunctions. They are called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. If you have hyperthyroidism, the thyroid is overactive. An underactive thyroid, on the other hand, causes hypothyroidism. The subject of this article will focus on hypothyroidism.
How can this condition be treated effectively? Specifically, what kinds of herbal treatments are available and are herbs a better remedy for hypothyroidism than prescription medicine?
Remember, hypothyroidism is caused by an underactive thyroid. Underactive thyroids do not produce enough of the natural occurring hormone called thyroxine. Because of this lack of thyroxine, the body becomes deficient in iodine. It is not known for certain what causes the thyroid hormone to become imbalanced. Some doctors believe it could be tied in with menopause. Women more than men experience a thyroid disorder sometime in their lives. It is common for women to have thyroid imbalance during the pre-menopausal and post menopausal years. The symptoms women experience are usually those of fatigue, hoarse voice, mood swings, weight gain or weight loss, sleep problems, irregular menstrual periods and forgetfulness.
There are known herbs and herbal treatments that have helped tremendously with hypothyroidism. However, first and foremost, it is important to see a good doctor or endocrinologist. It is essential that the problem be treated correctly.
It is best for a doctor to give a proper diagnosis. He can then prescribe the right level of medication in treating the disorder. He will most likely recommend you follow a proper diet. The third level of help would be trying herbal remedies. At any rate, always follow the doctor’s advice about treatment, especially herbal treatment.
One well known herbal treatment for hypothyroidism is Ashwagandha root also known as Indian ginseng. Ashwagandha stimulates thyroid function by increasing the concentration of serum T4, i.e. thyroxine.
Kelp, a type of seaweed, is extremely good for thyroid function. It is a source of iodine, the mineral needed for thyroid hormone synthesis. Dulse, another kind of seaweed and also rich in iodine, can help as a supplement in treating hypothyroidism. In Turkey, walnuts are used as remedies for several glandular disorders, including hypothyroidism. It has been proven that the fresh juice of green walnuts more than doubled the levels of thyroxine. If you like walnuts, and also suffer from thyroid imbalance, try including them in your diet and see the results.
Another treatment may be more popular and easier to find. It is called Thyroid Assist and it is 100% effective in relieving the symptoms of this disorder. This remedy contains a blend of herbal extracts that have been known to boost thyroid function naturally by increasing metabolism and helping with weight loss. The product can be found in most Natural Food Stores and Co-Ops.
Regardless of whether you use medication vs. herbal treatment or both, it is important to seek proper care. If a particular thyroid condition goes without a doctor’s attention for too long, the results could be serious. Seeking medical care is essential. Therefore, having a routine check up and lab work could then help provide a diagnosis along with treatment and correcting the thyroid disorder. If you have any of the symptoms outlined in this article, find a doctor and make an appointment.