Home Remedies for Thyroid

In humans, thyroid health influences everything from metabolism to our body temperature. When the thyroid gland isn't working properly, it can lead to several health issues & can impact everyday living.

There are a number of home remedies & lifestyle changes to help manage thyroid issues. Knowing the role of the thyroid and its interactions with environmental and dietary factors helps individuals take active measures to maintain & improve thyroid health as well as quality of life.

What is a Thyroid?

The thyroid gland is a gland in the front lower portion of the neck. It's a butterfly shaped organ and a major component of the endocrine system. It produces hormones (thyroxine - T4 and triiodothyronine - T3) that manage many metabolic processes within the body.
These hormones control how fast the body changes food to energy. It directly influences heart rate, mood, muscle strength, body weight, etc. An imbalance of those hormones could trigger health conditions including hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) or hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid).

What Causes Thyroid?

Thyroid problems can be caused by many factors that interfere with the function of the thyroid gland. Management and treatment of thyroid issues require understanding their causes. The most prevalent causes of thyroid issues are given below:

Autoimmune Disorders: The most common cause of thyroid issues is autoimmune disease. In conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, the immune system attacks thyroid cells, which affects their ability to produce hormones. Hashimoto's typically leads to hypothyroidism, while Graves' disease can cause hyperthyroidism.
Iodine Intake: Both too much and too little iodine can lead to thyroid problems. To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland utilises iodine from the food. An iodine imbalance may interfere with this and lead to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Monitoring iodine intake through diet can help maintain thyroid health.
Genetic Factors: Genetics also influence thyroid health. A family history of thyroid disease raises the likelihood of similar issues. Genetic predispositions might influence the way the thyroid reacts to different internal and external stimuli and result in diseases.
Environmental Influences: Exposure to certain environmental toxins and chemicals (like pesticides and plastic additives) can interfere with hormone production in the thyroid gland. Reducing exposure to these toxins can help maintain thyroid function.

Home Remedies and Tips

Natural remedies can help manage thyroid health and alleviate symptoms. Given below are some of the common home remedies and tips for better thyroid health:

Aloe Vera Juice: Aloe vera helps balance pH levels and also supports detoxification processes in the body, which is great for endocrine health. Drinking aloe vera juice improves the digestion process and has anti-inflammatory effects, which could help reduce thyroid symptoms.
Flaxseeds: Flaxseeds have omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for thyroid health. They also contain lignans and antioxidants, which can regulate immune function and hormones. You can include ground flaxseeds or flaxseed oil in your everyday foods.
Essential Oils: Some essential oils (like frankincense and myrrh) can improve thyroid function and reduce inflammation. You can use it topically in diluted form (with carrier oil) or diffuse it into the air to create a calming environment and reduce stress.
Bone Broth: Consuming bone broth can provide minerals (like iodine, zinc, etc.) that support thyroid function. It also contains amino acids (like glycine and proline) that help build muscle, repair tissue, and improve digestion. All this indirectly supports thyroid health.
Turmeric: Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties. It can ease inflammation associated with thyroid conditions (particularly autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto's thyroiditis). Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, may also help protect thyroid cells through its antioxidant actions. You can add turmeric to smoothies, curries, etc. You can also mix turmeric in warm milk (also known as golden milk) and drink it regularly.
Guggul: Guggul is a resin that supports thyroid function and could promote the production of thyroid hormones. It's used especially in Ayurvedic medicine to increase the metabolism rate and assist thyroid function.
Ashwagandha: This adaptogenic herb is frequently prescribed for thyroid issues, including hypothyroidism. Ashwagandha helps normalise thyroid hormone levels through stress modulation and also supports adrenal health.
Green Tea: Rich in antioxidants, green tea supports overall health and can boost metabolism, which is often slow in hypothyroid patients. Green tea should be consumed in moderation. Excessive intake of green tea may interfere with iodine absorption and thus thyroid function.
Seaweed: Seaweed is a great source of iodine and is also great for thyroid health. You can add dried seaweed to soups or salads.

Lifestyle and Diet Recommendations

A healthy lifestyle is important for thyroid function and well-being. Simple changes in your everyday routines may positively impact your thyroid's health.

Regular Physical Activity: Engage in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise daily. Walking, biking, and swimming increase metabolism and improve energy levels.
Stress Management: Practice relaxation techniques to reduce stress levels. You can practice things such as yoga, meditation, etc.
Adequate Sleep: Sleep 7-9 hours daily to regulate thyroid function. Establish a regular sleeping routine in a restful environment.
Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day. It will support metabolic processes and detoxification. Aim for 8-10 glasses of water daily.

Diet for Thyroid

A balanced diet supports thyroid function and helps manage its symptoms. A proper diet provides the nutrition necessary for hormone production and maintaining balance.

Balanced Intake of Micronutrients: Ensure a diet rich in selenium, zinc, and iodine, which are needed to improve thyroid health. Foods like Brazil nuts (selenium), pumpkin seeds (zinc), and seaweed (iodine) are beneficial.
High-Fibre Foods: Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains with higher fibre content as they will help in metabolism and digestion. Fibre helps with weight maintenance and provides relief from a few symptoms of thyroid dysfunction.
Limited Processed Foods & Sugars: Focus on whole and unprocessed foods for better health. You should reduce the intake of processed and refined food items as they can negatively affect the metabolism of the body.
Goitrogen Awareness: Beware of food that contains goitrogens. It can disrupt thyroid function when consumed in high doses or raw. Goitrogenic foods like broccoli and Brussels sprouts should be cooked (and not consumed raw) to lessen their thyroid effects.
Iodine-Rich Diet: The production of thyroid hormone requires iodine. You can add seaweed, dairy, fish, eggs, and other food items that are rich in iodine to your diet.