Hypothyroidism is a serious condition characterized by very less or no thyroid hormone production. According to the American Thyroid Association, about 5% of the Americans are affected by hypothyroidism. Thyroid glands play an important role in the proper functioning of many organs in our body so, any disorder to these glands can result in serious affects. Except in very few cases, the treatment for hypothyroidism involves life long thyroid therapy.
What is Hypothyroidism?
It is a disorder in the thyroid glands located in the base of our neck, resulting in very less or no thyroid hormones. These hormones are very important for our body functions such as metabolism and growth. Hypothyroidism can affect an individual at any age, it can also affect the newborns, infants and children. According to experts, it is more common among females. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, depression and cold intolerance.
Diagnosis for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be suspected with continuous complaints of fatigue, constipation, flaky and dry skin, and cold intolerance. However, a blood test is required to confirm it. In hypothyroidism patients, thyroid hormones will be less but, in early hypothyroidism cases they can be normal. So, the main test for the detection of hypothyroidism would be the Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) test.
Hypothyroidism Treatment
Except in some rare cases, treatment for hypothyroidism requires life-long therapy. This therapy involves thyroid supplementation.
Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
There are few natural supplements that might help in improving your thyroid health, but you need to take a good multivitamin supplement to avoid any vitamin deficiency.
Iodine — Iodine is very important for proper thyroid gland functioning, Eating iodine rich food will boost your iodine levels. Iodine rich food include yogurt, fish, meat, eggs, radish, oatmeal, parsley and bananas.
Selenium — Selenium plays a vital role in the active functioning of the thyroid hormones. Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism are more likely to have selenium deficiency. Supplements can be used to keep Selenium under control.
Thyrosine — Thyrosine is required b the body to produce thyroid hormones from iodine, using a thyrosine supplement along with your diet to maintain the hormones.
