Avoid Pills! Reverse Thyroid Problems Naturally With Specific Nutrients And Herbs

Last updated on 15 JAN 2018

Taking thyroid medication isn’t always the best option when it comes to dealing with the symptoms of thyroid issues. Sometimes the fatigue is just too much to handle, even when you’re faithful to your medication. Let’s not forget about the coarse hair, weight gain, and several other side effects that come with taking your thyroid medication. Find out how you can reverse thyroid problems naturally without side effects.

Fortunately, there is another route you can take. The following natural remedies can help control the severity of your thyroid symptoms:

The Gluten–Thyroid Connection

Hormones send messages and oversee regulation of the body, which ultimately determines how each cell functions. For hormones to be utilized within the body, it needs to be attached to a corresponding receptor site found on the membrane of each cell.

There are two types of receptor sites found within each cell of the body: Vitamin D and Thyroid receptor sites.

Each cell in the body depends on your thyroid. Your overall thyroid function can impact your health in several ways. If your thyroid hormones aren’t optimal, it’s likely your health isn’t optimal either.

Gluten May Trigger An Attack On The Thyroid

Approximately 20 million Americans have hypothyroidism—which means low thyroid function. One in every eight women will struggle with thyroid issues in their lifetime. Nearly 90% of all thyroid issues are autoimmune with the most common being Hashimoto’s.

Almost all low-thyroid issues are usually autoimmune and it’s ideal to look at the triggers occurring causing an attack on the thyroid. Gluten is one of the main triggers.

When gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye) runs through the gut lining into the bloodstream, your immune system will label the gluten as an invader and cause destruction. The issue here is that the immune system mistakes the thyroid for gluten, causing it to become attacked.

Celiac disease isn’t the only need to commit to a gluten-free lifestyle. If you suspect gluten intolerance, you could benefit yourself and your body by giving it a try for 3-6 months. During that time frame, you will be able to notice many positive changes.

Quick Note: Other food sensitivities can contribute to your immune system attacking your thyroid as well. For example, some people may have issues with dairy, eggs, rice, or other food sensitivities. It’s ideal to get a full panel run to check so you can adjust your nutrition accordingly.

Related reading: Comprehensive guide to doing an elimination diet correctly to stop inflammation.

Stay Away From Goitrogens

Goitrogens are naturally-occurring chemicals that are consumed in medication or foods. Unfortunately, these chemicals can impact how the thyroid functions.

Some of the chemicals and compounds can cross-react with your thyroid gland or your thyroid peroxidase (TPO), which is the enzyme that’s responsible for adding iodine during thyroid hormone production.

Which Foods Contain Goitrogens?

• Gluten
• Soy
• Bok choy
• Cabbage
• Radishes
• Turnips
• Rutabaga
• Broccoli
• Mustard (including mustard greens)
• Cauliflower
• Brussels sprouts
• Kohlrabi
• Kale

Note: Just because foods are considered goitrogenic, it doesn’t mean you should completely avoid them. It’s best to make sure these foods are fully cooked and not eaten in raw form. However, be sure to eat in moderation.

Avoid These Hormone Disruptors That Are Detrimental To Your Thyroid Health

Hormones control each function of the body. Unfortunately, several hormone disruptors plague the body each day without you even realizing it. Below are some hormone disruptors to keep in mind.

Hormone Disruptor: Bisphenol-A (BPA)

BPA is all around but there are certain things you can do to limit your exposure. BPA is in everything, from food cans, plastic bottles, water pipes, plastic bowls, and even cell phone protectors.

Although you can purchase BPA-free items in your home, you are still exposed to it when you leave the house. For example, store receipts have a coat of BPA on them. Research has revealed that people who handle receipts have traces of BPA in their urine up to a few hours later.

BPA exposure can lead to endocrine issues, obesity, breast cancer, and other conditions. Whenever possible, choose BPA-free items and always use glass whenever you can.

Hormone Disruptor: Arsenic

Arsenic is an element that is found in the deep portion of the earth’s crust. However, it can be released through industrial activities and seep through water sources. Arsenic exposure can lead to immune system suppression, insulin resistance, and other endocrine issues.

Hormone Disruptor: Fluoride

Fluoride is an endocrine disruptor and it can wreak havoc on the thyroid if you are exposed to it daily. It’s vital to know where you’re getting fluoride exposure.

The dentist’s office isn’t the only place you’re receiving exposure from it. Fluoride is in your drinking water and toothpaste as well.

Dr. Amy Meyers revealed that a large-scale study indicated that rates of hypothyroidism in areas that had added fluoride in the water system were doubled in comparison of those without added fluoride to the water.
Other sources of fluoride:

• Nonstick cookware
• Plastic containers
• Chewing tobacco
• Certain medications (always check labels)
• Some teas (usually black and red)
• Preservatives in food

How To Reverse Thyroid Problems Naturally

Certain supplements have been shown to help with thyroid conditions. But, before taking any supplements, be aware of these 10 habits that you’re doing that may make your thyroid condition worse.

The following are some supplements that can help to regulate your thyroid functions.

Vitamin D

Most people are deficient in vitamin D. This vitamin is a vital regulator of your immune system. When your vitamin D levels are out of balance, the immune system can’t function correctly.

If you carry the gene for Hashimoto’s and you are deficient in vitamin D, you can turn that gene on and your immune system can start attacking your thyroid.

Your current doctor may not check your vitamin D when they run your thyroid panels so make sure to be your own advocate and ask for them to include that in your next blood panel.

Selenium

Selenium deficiency isn’t a common issue in healthy adults. However, it’s this type of deficiency that is likely to be found in adults who have digestive health issues that cause poor absorption of nutrients.

Although selenium deficiency isn’t considered an illness by itself, it can allow the body to become more susceptible to illnesses because of its role in the immune system.

Having proper selenium nutrition supports and balance thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism, protecting the thyroid gland from damage resulting from excessive iodine exposure.

Selenium is critical for the conversion of T4 to T3. Before you take selenium supplements, it’s important to check your levels to make sure you don’t get too much selenium.

Omega-3

If you suffer from brain fog, Omega-3 could help. The DHA component of fish oil is a potent nutrient that supports the brain; it’s critical for optimal brain function.

Balanced thyroid levels are key to having healthy cognitive health and a healthy brain. A study conducted by the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro revealed that fish oil helps optimize thyroid function hormones within liver cells to burn fat.

So, not only can you receive improved brain function from omega-3 but you can ideally give your liver a boost to burn fat if you’re having issues losing weight.

Herbs For Thyroid Health

Aside from the supplements listed above, herbs are an effective and all-natural approach to combating pesky thyroid symptoms as well. Check out this list of 14 herbs that can help to restore energy, reverse disease, boost immunity, lower cholesterol, combat stress, as well as other impressive benefits.

About Sara Ding

Sara Ding is the founder of Juicing-for-Health.com. She is a certified Wellness Health Coach, Nutritional Consultant and a Detox Specialist. She helps busy men and women identify their health issues at the root cause, in order to eliminate the problems for optimum physical/mental health and wellbeing.

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