Is There Any Science-Backed Permanent Treatment for Hyperthyroidism?
When the body produces too much thyroid hormone, hyperthyroidism develops. An overactive thyroid is another name for these thyroid problems. It affects the thyroid gland, a gland in the throat that secretes a variety of vital hormones.
Hypothyroidism & Hyperthyroidism
Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are not the same things. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland underperforms, whereas hyperthyroidism defines an overactive thyroid.
Hypothyroidism has quite different symptoms and treatments than hyperthyroidism. Throat tumours, Graves' disease, too much iodine, and other diseases can all induce hyperthyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism causes the following symptoms
Here are a few thyroid symptoms:
- palpitations in the heart
- blood pressure that is too high
- slimming down
- increased desire to eat
- irritability trembling and shaking
- irritable menstruation
- tiredness
- thinning hair
- increased sweating
- diarrhoea
- issues with sleep
Thyroid gland swelling can also be caused by hyperthyroidism. Antithyroid medications, which stop the overproduction of thyroid hormone, are commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism.
If antithyroid medicines fail to improve the condition of the thyroid gland, radioactive iodine may be used to treat hyperthyroidism. The thyroid gland may be surgically removed in some situations or there might be thyroid hormone replacement.
Some natural hyperthyroidism remedies, in addition to medical treatment, may be beneficial. While they shouldn't replace any drugs recommended by a doctor, they may make hyperthyroidism symptoms simpler to manage. Consult your doctor before adding anything to your treatment regimen.
Best foods to treat thyroid
A nutritious thyroid diet is one method to manage hyperthyroidism.
Before beginning medical treatment for hyperthyroidism, your doctor may recommend a low-iodine diet. This improves the treatment's effectiveness.
A low-iodine diet implies avoiding the following foods, according to the American Thyroid Association:
- a lot of poultry or beef, and a lot of grain goods (such as bread, pasta, and pastries)
- yolks of eggs
- Additionally, soy products such as tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, and soybeans should be avoided. This is because, according to studies from 2006, soy can interfere with thyroid function.
More on iodine avoidance
It's also crucial to avoid additional iodine in addition to the meals listed above. Even if it isn't listed on the label, iodine can be present in herbal supplements. It's important to remember that even if a supplement is accessible over the counter, it might still harm your body.
Consult your doctor before using any supplements. Balance is crucial when it comes to iodine. Don't take any iodine supplements unless your doctor tells you to.
L-carnitine
L-carnitine is a natural vitamin that may help relieve the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. L-carnitine is an amino acid derivative found in the human body.
It can also be present in meals such as meat, fish, and dairy. Learn more about the advantages of L-carnitine.
Thyroid hormones are prevented from accessing some cells by carnitine. According to a study, L-carnitine helps correct and prevent hyperthyroidism symptoms such as heart palpitations, tremors, and exhaustion.
While this research is intriguing, more research is needed to determine whether L-carnitine is an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Bugle-weed
Bugleweed is a plant that has been used to treat heart and lung ailments in the past. Bugleweed is a thyroid suppressant, meaning it inhibits thyroid gland function.
Unfortunately, there isn't enough data to determine whether or not it is a successful treatment for hyperthyroidism.
If you decide to take a herbal supplement like bugleweed, make sure to follow the manufacturer's dosage and frequency recommendations and consult your doctor before starting anything new.
B-12 or B-complex vitamins
There's a risk you're deficient in vitamin B-12 if you have hyperthyroidism. A vitamin B-12 shortage can cause weariness, weakness, and dizziness.
If you are deficient in vitamin B-12, your doctor may recommend that you take a B-12 supplement or receive a B-12 injection.
While vitamin B-12 supplements can assist with some of these symptoms, they are not a cure for hyperthyroidism.
Although B-12 and B-complex vitamins are available over the counter, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting a new supplement regimen.
Selenium
According to research, selenium can be utilised to alleviate hyperthyroidism symptoms. Selenium is a trace mineral found in water, soil, and foods such as nuts, fish, cattle, and wheat.
Thyroid eye disease (TED), which can be treated with selenium, is linked to Graves' disease, the most prevalent cause of hyperthyroidism. But keep in mind that TED does not affect everyone with hyperthyroidism.
Other research has found that selenium isn't an effective treatment for hyperthyroidism on its own. Overall, the findings are contradictory.
Before taking a supplement like selenium, talk to your doctor. There are some potential side effects, and selenium shouldn't be taken with certain medications.
Lemon balm
The plant lemon balm, which belongs to the mint family, is suggested to be a Graves' disease treatment. Theoretically, this is because it lowers thyroid-stimulating hormone levels (TSH).
However, there isn't enough evidence to back up this allegation. There isn't enough information to say whether lemon balm works to cure hyperthyroidism.
Lemon balm can be taken in the form of tea or as a supplement. As a stress-reduction approach, sitting down with a cup of lemon balm tea may be beneficial.
Essential oils of lavender and sandalwood
While many people swear by essential oils for managing hyperthyroidism symptoms, there isn't enough evidence to back up this claim.
Lavender and sandalwood essential oils, for example, might help you relax and feel less anxious. This could help you deal with anxiousness and insomnia, which are both hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Aside from that, there isn't enough evidence to suggest that essential oils can aid with hyperthyroidism treatment.
Glucomannan
Glucomannan is a dietary fibre that comes in the form of capsules, powders, and tablets. It's usually made from the konjac plant's root.
One interesting study shows that glucomannan could help persons with hyperthyroidism lower their thyroid hormone levels, but further research is needed.
Take Away
Hyperthyroidism usually necessitates medical therapy and ongoing monitoring by a physician. These natural therapies can help you manage your symptoms and can be used in conjunction with thyroid medication, but they cannot take its place of it. Self-care and stress management, as well as eating healthily and exercising, can all assist. Thyroid function can be restored to normal with medicine and a healthy lifestyle.