We call hyperthyroidism the condition characterized by an excessive increase in the activity of the thyroid gland; for this reason, it is also often called overactive thyroid. This overactivity causes a mismatch in somebody’s functions regulated by the hormones produced in this gland, which affects different physical and psychological symptoms.
In the following FastlyHealarticle, we will review the leading causes of hyperthyroidism and the symptoms as it manifests. We will explain to you the best home remedies to treat hyperthyroidism.
Table of Contents
Causes of hyperthyroidism
The thyroid gland is located in the frontal area of the neck. They fulfill the function of manufacturing the hormones that regulate our metabolism processes, such as weight loss and maintenance, temporary temperature control, menstrual cycles, or the way we the one that the body burns fat.
Hyperthyroidism is a pathology that appears when, for some reason, the thyroid gland produces many more hormones than it needs. Hyperthyroidism is usually a symptom of an underlying disease:
Graves-Basedow disease
This disease is the cause of most cases of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s defenses attack healthy tissue, leading to overactivity of the thyroid gland. Although it can also occur in men, it is more common in women, especially over 20 years of age.
Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis is an inflammation of the thyroid gland, usually resulting from a viral infection. This inflammation can lead to excess hormones that can end up in the bloodstream.
Thyroid nodules
Thyroid nodules are growths that grow on the glands. Depending on their nature, they can be cancerous or benign. As with other thyroid-related diseases, these are much more likely in women than men, especially as they are older.
Other causes of hyperthyroidism
Other causes can lead to hyperthyroidism; among them, the excess of iodine stands out, either by eating foods rich in this mineral or by taking medications or performing medical tests.
Although less common, testicular and ovarian cancer can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism
The changes produced by hyperthyroidism are global throughout the body; here are some of the most common symptoms :
- Little concentration
- Fatigue
- Go to the bathroom frequently
- The thyroid is visibly larger
- Hair loss
- Hands shake
- Very hot
- Increased appetite
- You sweat a lot more
- Irregular menstruation
- Nerves and anxiety
- Heart palpitations
- Insomnia
- Rapid weight loss or gain
Next, we will explain the best home remedies to treat hyperthyroidism .
Goitrogens for hyperthyroidism
Goitrogens are an unknown nutrient for the vast majority. However, it is a natural product that we can find in many foods, especially vegetables. This nutrient is an excellent home remedy for treating hyperthyroidism, slowing down the activity of the thyroid in several ways. On the one hand, they inhibit the body’s ability to absorb iodine and convert iodine into hormones; on the other, they can also make it difficult for this gland to release hormones. Here we explain which are the foods richest in goitrogens:
- Broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Berro
- Peach
- Pinions
- Radish
- Spinach
- Strawberries
- Turnips
It should be noted that these foods preserve the goitrogens in greater quantity if they are eaten raw, so if you want to use them as a home remedy to treat hyperthyroidism, it is better not to cook them.
Melissa, for overactive thyroid
Melissa, also called lemon leaf, is a plant in the same family as mint. Traditionally, it has been used as a home remedy to relieve anxiety, headaches, hypertension, and to treat hyperthyroidism.
Scientific studies that have been done have shown that lemon balm is capable of blocking the activity of hormone receptors that stimulate the thyroid gland. At the same time, it can inhibit the binding between antibodies created by Graves’ disease.
There are different ways to take advantage of the benefits of lemon balm for hyperthyroidism; capsules and infusions are the most used. Here we explain how to make lemon balm infusion, although we recommend that you consult a specialist about the dose you should take:
Ingredients
- Two tablespoons of dried lemon balm
- 1 cup of water
Preparation
Bring a bowl of water to a boil in a pot and pour in the two tablespoons of lemon balm. Let it mix for 5 to 10 minutes until you see that it has infused. Once the water has already tinted the color released by the lemon balm, pass it through a filter and let it cool a bit, and it will be ready to drink.
Fight hyperthyroidism with omega 3
Treatment for hyperthyroidism must regulate inflammation and keep the effects of anti-immunity caused by Graves’ disease at bay. Cell membranes are mainly composed of fatty acids, so these components also play a fundamental role in controlling inflammation.
The absence of fatty acids greatly hinders the task of restoring normality to the gland, something that can lead to even more inflammation; that is why among the natural remedies to treat hyperthyroidism, there must be an increase and control of the intake of fatty acids Omega 3 and Omega 6.
Do you know which are the foods rich in Omega 3 ? You can find them in large quantities at:
- Blue Fish
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Nuts
- Flax seeds
Omega 6, on the other hand, can be found in products such as:
- Eggs
- Cereals
- Vegetable oils.
However, you should know that, although both are important, omega three acids should always prevail over omega 6. A good diet against hyperthyroidism must consider the levels of both acids, ensuring that the latter never has more presence than the first.
A lifestyle suitable for hyperthyroidism
There are no miracles that cure hyperthyroidism, but you need to change your life, many little things that will make a big difference. Good lifestyle habits are essential and the best home remedy to treat hyperthyroidism. Below we will explain the two fundamental pillars that should govern your life:
Exercise
We are not talking about suddenly doing a marathon or crushing yourself every day in the gym; a healthy life involves exercising, but not excessively. Practicing moderate exercise regularly is one of the best ways to keep your body in shape. Going for an hour walk a day is a great exercise that will bring you numerous benefits.
Rest properly
Just as exercise will keep your body active and robust, rest is just as necessary so that you can recover and be at peak performance. During the night, the body continues to work, secretes hormones, and is freed of toxins from the body. Sleeping the necessary hours and sleeping correctly will do much more for your health.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Home remedies to treat hyperthyroidism, we recommend that you enter our Endocrine System category .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.