12 Natural Remedies For Hypothyroidism And Prevention Tips
Hypothyroidism may occur when the body cannot produce enough of the thyroid hormone. The condition may manifest as fatigue, tiredness, confusion, and weight gain. While a proper diagnosis and treatment are important, certain natural remedies for hypothyroidism may help you deal with it better. The thyroid hormones are important in one’s overall growth and development. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with medication. Along with that, the following remedies can also help restore your thyroid functioning. Continue reading to know more.
In This Article
Home Remedies For Hypothyroidism
1. Essential Oils
a. Rosemary Oil
Rosemary oil exhibits strong anti-inflammatory properties (1). Hence, massaging it on the thyroid pressure points may help regulate the secretion of thyroid hormones.
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of rosemary oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix three to four drops of rosemary oil with a tablespoon of coconut oil.
- Apply this mixture to the thyroid acupressure points ( the base of the throat, the medial aspect of the lower leg, and below the feet).
- Massage gently for a couple of minutes and allow the oil to be absorbed by the skin.
- Alternatively, you can also add a few drops of rosemary oil to your bath and soak in it for 15 to 20 minutes.
- You can also apply rosemary oil to your scalp if your hair is thinning as a result of hypothyroidism.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
b. Frankincense Oil
Frankincense oil exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. It also stimulates digestive and brain functions (2). Thus, frankincense oil may help treat symptoms of hypothyroidism like inflammation and stomach problems.
You Will Need
- 3-4 drops of frankincense oil
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Mix a few drops of frankincense oil with coconut oil.
- Apply the blend to the base of the throat, below the feet, and other acupressure points for thyroid.
- Apply this mixture to any topical inflammation as well.
- You can also consume a drop or two of food-grade frankincense oil.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this once a day.
Note: If one essential oil does not work within 3-4 weeks, discontinue it and try another oil. However, do not use too many at once or use them indefinitely.
Related: 14 Home Remedies For Digestive Problems And Prevention Tips
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties (3). Ashwagandha is also known to increase thyroid levels (4). Hence, it may help in balancing the thyroid hormones.
You Will Need
500 mg ashwagandha capsules
What You Have To Do
Consume 500 mg of ashwagandha capsules daily after consulting your doctor.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this supplement 1-2 times a day or as directed by your doctor.
3. Minerals
Hypothyroidism is caused due to the deficiency of iodine and a few other significant minerals (5). Taking supplements may restore the mineral levels in your body.
You Will Need
A well-absorbed, low potency liquid mineral supplement containing the 9 minerals (iodine, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, boron, copper, chromium, manganese, and magnesium) that are necessary for producing thyroid hormones.
What You Have To Do
Consume the liquid mineral supplement daily after consulting your doctor.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this supplement daily. This is a long-term therapy to keep the thyroid healthy.
4. Flaxseeds
Flaxseeds are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acid called alpha-linolenic acid (6). Anecdotal evidence suggests that omega-3s may induce the production of thyroid hormones.
You Will Need
- 1 tablespoon of powdered flaxseeds
- 1 glass of milk or fruit juice
What You Have To Do
- Add a tablespoon of powdered flaxseed to a glass of milk or fruit juice. It is best to grind frozen flaxseeds immediately before using them.
- Mix well and consume it.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this solution 1-2 times a day.
Note: Do not consume more than two tablespoons of flaxseeds daily, as consuming more flax seeds may have reverse effects. Store the seeds in a cool place as they turn rancid quickly.
5. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids (7). These may help in speeding up sluggish metabolism caused by hypothyroidism.
You Will Need
1-2 tablespoons of 100% virgin coconut oil
What You Have To Do
- Consume coconut oil daily, either directly or by adding it to your foods.
- You can also substitute your cooking oil with coconut oil. However, non-heated coconut oil is more beneficial.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this 2-3 times a day.
Related: 25 Benefits Of Coconut Oil, Types, How To Include In Your Diet
6. Ginger
Ginger exhibits powerful anti-inflammatory properties (8). These properties may help relieve hypothyroidism and its symptoms.
You Will Need
- An inch of ginger (finely chopped)
- 1 cup of water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Add an inch of ginger to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Allow it to cool down.
- Add a little honey to it and drink it immediately.
- Alternately, you can add minced ginger to the foods or simply chew on small bits of ginger.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 3 times a day.
7. Kelp
Kelp is a kind of seaweed that is rich in iodine (9). Supplementing with kelp may help in inducing the production of thyroid hormones (10).
You Will Need
Kelp Supplement with 150-175 micrograms of iodine
What You Have To Do
Consume this kelp supplement after consulting your doctor.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this once a day for a few weeks or months.
8. Guggul
Guggul is a resin produced from the guggul plant. The guggulsterone in guggul may help fight hypothyroidism by regulating the thyroid function and treating the symptoms (11), (12).
You Will Need
25 mg of guggul supplementation
What You Have To Do
Consume guggul supplements daily after consulting a naturopathic doctor.
How Often You Should Do This
Consume this 3 times a day.
9. Bladderwrack
Bladderwrack is a type of seaweed that is rich in iodine (13). Thus, it may help in treating hypothyroidism.
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of bladderwrack herb
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Add two teaspoons of bladderwrack herb to a cup of hot water.
- Allow it to steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and allow the tea to cool a bit.
- Add a little honey and consume it immediately.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2 times a day.
10. Vitamins
Vitamin B12 stimulates the function of the thyroid gland (14). Vitamin C helps fight oxidative stress (that can worsen hypothyroidism) with its antioxidant properties (15). Thus, vitamin B12 and vitamin C may help in treating hypothyroidism.
You Will Need
Vitamin B12 and Vitamin C-rich foods (leafy vegetables, fish, meat, eggs, and dairy products).
What You Have To Do
Consume these vitamin-rich foods.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this regularly.
11. Black Walnut Hull
Black walnut hulls contain vitamins and minerals like iodine, zinc, magnesium, B-vitamins, and vitamin C (16). This may help in treating hypothyroidism and its symptoms caused due to iodine deficiency.
You Will Need
- 2-3 drops of black walnut hull extract
- 1 glass of water
What You Have To Do
- Add two to three drops of black walnut hull extract to a glass of water and mix well.
- Consume this solution.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
12. Nettle
Nettle is a rich source of nutrients like vitamin A, vitamin B6, calcium, iron, magnesium, and iodine (17). Hence, it may help in treating hypothyroidism.
You Will Need
- 2 teaspoons of stinging nettle tea
- 1 cup of hot water
- Honey
What You Have To Do
- Add two teaspoons of nettle tea to a cup of hot water.
- Steep for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Strain and allow it to cool a bit before adding honey.
- Consume the tea while it is still warm.
How Often You Should Do This
Do this 2-3 times a day.
Related: How To Use Nettle To Promote Hair Health
In addition to the natural remedies, you should also follow the diet guide mentioned below for faster recovery.
Diet Guide
Foods To Consume
- Eggs
- Meat
- Fish
- Vegetables (cruciferous vegetable can be consumed but in small amounts)
- Fruits, like bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and berries
- Gluten-free grains and seeds, like rice, quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds
- Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Water and non-caffeinated drinks
- Brazil nuts are good sources of selenium and iron, which help to maintain good thyroid function.
- Home-made yogurt is a good source of probiotics that help in maintaining good gut ecology.
- Eating garlic can also help to get rid of various yeast thriving in the intestine.
Foods To Avoid
- Foods that contain gluten like bread, pasta, cereals, and beer.
- Soy foods like tofu, soy milk, and soybeans.
- Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and cabbage, which contain goitrogensi XGoitrogens are substances that are responsible for goiter. It disrupts thyroid hormone production. with thyroid blocking properties.
- Some fruits like peach, pears, and strawberries also have goitrogens.
- Caffeine and alcohol.
If you are at risk of developing hypothyroidism or have it already, follow the prevention tips listed below to avoid the recurrence of the condition.
Prevention Tips
- Get yourself screened for hypothyroidism every 5 years, typically beginning when you cross 35 years.
- Get screened during and after pregnancy
- Quit smoking.
- Avoid consuming alcohol and caffeine.
- Keep yourself stress-free.
- Drink filtered water.
- Avoid consuming deep-fried foods.
- Consume iodine-rich foods.
- Keep your weight under control.
- Do aerobic exercises, strength training, and yoga. Exercises can help by boosting your mood, relieving fatigue and stress, aiding weight loss, and increasing your energy levels.
- Good sleep is very important in optimizing thyroid function as it regulates the stress hormone cortisoli XA stress hormone found in animals, often considered to be a natural alarm system. It is known as hydrocortisone when used in medication. . Sound sleep ensures hormonal balance, repairs and relaxes tissues, and promotes body healing.
There are various causes that may lead to a drop in the secretion of thyroid hormones. Listed below are some of the major causes of hypothyroidism.
What Causes Hypothyroidism?
- Yeast overgrowth – A condition of excess yeast produced in the intestines after taking antibiotics. Yeast toxins are known to block the thyroid.
- Chlorine in drinking water may block the thyroid.
- Fluoride in toothpaste and fluoridated water may block the thyroid.
- Autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis that attacks the thyroid gland.
- Other autoimmune disorders like type 1 diabetes, multiple sclerosis, celiac disease, vitiligo, etc.
- Undergoing radioactive iodine treatment or radiation therapy for the neck.
- Certain medications like amiodarone, lithium, interferon alpha, and interleukin 2.
- Mineral deficiency: Iodine, selenium, zinc, molybdenum, boron, copper, chromium, manganese, and magnesium.
- Pregnancy
- Defect in the thyroid gland
- Damaged or dysfunctional pituitary gland
- Disorder of the hypothalamusi XThe hypothalamus is a component of the brain. It consists of several small nuclei that carry out a wide range of functions.
- Age (older individuals are at higher risk)
The common signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism are listed below.
Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- A decrease in sweating
- Slowed heart rate
- High blood pressure
- Stiffness and pain in the joints
- Thinning and dry hair
- Impaired memory
- Menstrual changes or fertility issues
- Muscles aches and tenderness
- Sensitive and puffy face
- Prematurely graying hair
Stylecraze SaysStaying hydrated and using a rich emollient moisturizer can help manage dry skin in hypothyroidism. Also, prefer products that have shea butter, glycerin, and hyaluronic acidi XHyaluronic acid is a polysaccharide molecule (an essential part of a connective tissue). It is also known as hyaluronan. that can effectively combat skin dryness.
Thyroid Level Chart
The two major thyroid hormones secreted by the thyroid glands are called T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These hormones regulate the human body’s metabolism, temperature, and also the heart rate.
Another hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the pituitary gland in the brain, and this hormone is responsible for controlling the secretion of thyroid hormones.
A blood test that measures the TSH levels is used to determine the status of the thyroid hormones. A high TSH level indicates a deficiency of thyroid hormones, so the thyroid must be stimulated to produce more. Normal TSH shows that the body’s thyroid hormones are in the right range. Low TSH levels show that the body is producing thyroid hormones in excess.
- Normal TSH level ranges from 4 – 4.0 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter)
- TSH levels of 2.5 or less are considered ideal, while 5 – 4.0 mIU/L is considered “at risk.”
- TSH High levels above 4 mIU/L are considered high, and below 0.4 mIU/L are considered low.
Did You Know?You should get your thyroid levels tested at least twice a year if you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism. This must be done even if the levels are normal after administering the medicine. This avoids overdosage/ inadequate dosage of the medicine.
When hypothyroidism remains undetected and thus untreated for a long time, it may result in the following complications.
What Happens When Hypothyroidism Is Left Untreated?
- Goiter – enlargement of the thyroid gland
- Heart problems
- Mental health problems
- Peripheral neuropathy, which may result in damaged peripheral nerves
- Infertility
- Myxedema (Coma) – in rare cases
Infographic: Exercising With Hypothyroidism: Tips To Remember
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition that develops when your body can’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This can result in fatigue, weight gain, and muscle aches. A combination of diet, exercise, and treatment can help manage the condition. We have compiled a list of tips to keep in mind when exercising with hypothyroidism. Check out the infographic below to know more!
A lack of thyroid hormone production in the body may lead to hypothyroidism. Classic symptoms of this condition include weight gain, fatigue, mood instability, skin and hair issues, confusion, and menstrual issues. Overgrowth of yeast, exposure to chlorine or fluoride, certain autoimmune disorders, mineral deficiencies, and even pregnancy are among the causes that may lead to an underactive thyroid. An untreated underactive thyroid may pose serious health risks, so it is essential to monitor your thyroid hormones regularly, especially if you are above 35 years or relate to one or more of the symptoms or signs of hypothyroidism. While conventional medications and therapies are available for treating this condition, you can also apply certain home remedies to stimulate thyroid hormone production in some cases. Ginger, flaxseed, essential oils like rosemary and frankincense, mineral and vitamin-rich foods or supplements, and a few varieties of seaweed are common natural remedies that may help with hypothyroidism.