Hypothyroidism – Diet and Medical Plants that Help

Nearly everyone of us knows someone who is suffering from a thyroid disease, women are above-average more likely to be affected than men. Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid produces less thyroid hormones needed for metabolism, energy and other functions in the body. This can have a significant impact on your health and well-being. Sometimes this condition remains undiscovered or is confused with other diseases because the symptoms are likely to be linked to other medical issues. A very common cause of hypothyroidism is the Hashimoto disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the immune system attacks the thyroid. Once discovered, symptoms of hypothyroidism, can be eased with the right foods and herbs. Which symptoms could you show when suffering from a hypothyroidism?

Possible symptoms of hypothyroidism could be

• Fatigue and tiredness
• Constipation or low bowel movement
• Weight gain without eating more
• Irregular periods
• Low libido
• Fertility issues
• Swollen eyelids
• Hair loss
• Brittle hair and nails
• Dry, itchy skin
• Water retention

Chinese medicine and naturopathy offer effective solutions. All the listed symptoms are possible with hypothyroidism and according to Chinese medicine, belong to a kidney yang and spleen yang deficiency with the exception of hair loss which shows a blood/yin deficiency.

A kidney and spleen yang deficiency means not enough fire – warmth – in the body. An easy and very efficient way to build up more warmth in the body is to eat more cooked meals. It takes time, but after applying these nutritional tips for several months you should feel warmer, have a better digestion, more energy and less water retention.

The best foods for easing symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Legumes (if you can digest it well): black and green beans, adzuki beans, lentils;
• Seaweeds: kelp, nori, kombu and wakame;
• Grains: wild rice, brown rice, oats, spelt;
• Fruits: dates, cherries, coconut, figs, mulberry, rasberry, blueberry;
• Meat: non-hormonally treated meats esp. animal kidneys, bone broth;
• Shellfish and fish: oysters, clams, lobster, crayfish, calamari, salmon;
• Nuts and seeds: walnuts, black sesame seeds, chestnuts;
• Vegetables: parsnip, carrot, beetroot, corn, leek, chives, scallions, cabbage, winter squash, pumpkin, shitake, mushrooms;
• Herbs and spices: parsley, anise, ginger, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, basil, rosemary, dill, caraway, cumin;
• Others: yams, ginger root, turmeric, wheat germ, wheatgrass, coconut oil, sprouted seeds;

Millet is often advised not to eat as it contains contain goitrogens which could interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Many people suffering from hypothyroidism find relief in their symptoms when eating a gluten free diet.

Implementing the right diet will help you feel better and prevent symptoms getting worse. Herbal plants can support the process and are an efficient aid in your healing journey.

Stay connected and drop by on FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM.

The most powerful herbs for treating hypothyroidism

• Echinacea – Improves the immune system function.
• Ashwagandha – Helps to balance hormones, to boost endurance and to respond better to stress. It is said to help combat inflammation and to improve your immunity.
• Licorice – May help to lower levels of cortisol and to increase energy.
• Motherwort – Can help to reduce heart palpitations, hot flashes, anxiety and hypersensitivity of the skin.

Besides eating the right foods and taking powerful herbs for the thyroid, the cooking method and some general lifestyle adaptions can be made for improving your condition.

General advices for hypothyroidism:

• Eat a cooked breakfast like a porridge.
• Eat a cooked lunch and if possible dinner as well.
• Stews, soups and dishes from the baking oven should be eaten often.
• Reduce cold drinks, sugar and cow milk products.
• Don´t consume ice-cold drinks and ice-cream.
• Reduce raw foods esp. tomatoes, avocados, cucumbers, watermelon and tropical fruits as they produce a lot of cold.
• Don’t drink juice fruits.
• Reduce coffee and alcohol.
• Do without convenience foods.
• Take warm baths and make sure your feet are always warm.
• Exercise moderately.
• Check your iodine levels regularly.
• Verify that your body has enough zinc, selenium, vitamin B12, vitamin A and iron.

If you take levothyroxine medication, make sure to leave 4-6 hours between the intake and vitamin products that contain ferrous sulphate (iron) and calcium carbonate. The reason for that is it may interfere with the absorption of the medication. The same applies for consuming espresso, high fibre foods and soy products.

Healing exclusively with nutrition and herbs is not possible when suffering from a severe under function of the thyroid. They will however, help lower the intake of your medications or to support other natural medicine therapies. With the right foods and herbs you can stimulate the self-healing powers and assist your body. You can achieve better results by getting in contact with a health consultant who helps you decide which foods and herbs are the best for your individual case.

Also read this highly relevant article that talks about the numerous benefits of turmeric and how it can support a healthy thyroid gland. Read here.

How would it feel to free yourself from your symptoms?  Ready to change and invest time and energy to get to the root of your problem? Then book your session now. I am looking forward to meeting you.