Alternative Medicine and Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormones by the thyroid glands. The severity of this disease varies, and the symptoms differ according to age group. Only a blood test can determine whether you have hypothyroidism, as moderate symptoms are often mistaken for signs of other diseases.

There are alternative methods of treating hypothyroidism. The most common treatment is the implantation of an armour thyroid, which is a desiccated natural thyroid manufactured from the glands of a pig. Another method is the use of Thyrolar, the synthetic T4/T3 combination drug. Adding Cytomel, synthetic T3, to the body is another treatment as is adding Levothyroxine, synthetic T4, to the body.

The ideal treatment is the replacement of a natural human thyroid, but this option is currently unavailable, so as of the moment, armour thyroid works best for most patients. Thyrolar might be a necessary option for patients who do not want to have animal parts implanted in them due to religious beliefs or other factors.

Observing the nutrition in your diet can be an alternative. Foods that suppress the thyroid function like broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava, and mustard greens should be avoided. The intake of refined foods, dairy products, wheat, caffeine and alcohol should also be regulated if it cannot be avoided. Supplements like iodine and tyrosine, basic multivitamins C, E, and B, beta carotene for vitamin A, vitamin D (for areas that are not sunny), L-tyrosine and calcium can be very helpful. Try to consume iodine-rich food such as seafood, shellfish, and organic vegetables. Soy and isoflavone-rich foods should be avoided.

Herbs in the form of capsules, powders, or teas can be taken. Some herbs you can use are kelp, bladderwrack, Irish moss, and guggul. Acupuncture and neural therapy are also alternative methods to treat hypothyroidism.

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