Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is not making or releasing thyroid hormones. A slow acting thyroid can effect the rest of the body causing a lack of energy, heart function, appetite, sleep, digestion and even hair and nail growth. (1)
For my article on Hashimoto’s and low thyroid check it out here.
The thyroid gland is considered a master gland and is located at the base of your neck, described as a butterfly shape. It helps produce some hormones that control the process of turning nutrients from food into energy. They also help give your liver break down cholesterol that circulates through the bloodstream. Some noticeable signs of hypothyroidism (low thyroid levels) are:
- moodiness
- cold sensitivity
- puffy face
- concentration issues
- fatigue
- slow metabolism resulting in weigh gain
- anxiety
- low immunity
- trouble sleeping
- infertility
- menstrual changes
- constipation
- hair loss
- muscle aches and tenderness
- more frequent cold and flu
Please check with your doctor if you suspect low thyroid levels so they can run a blood test that can determine your T4 (thyroxine) and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). If you have hypothyroidism then your TSH levels will be high. Sometimes however, your thyroid can still be producing enough hormones even if your TSH levels are high. In that case you might have mild hypothyroidism that can definitely progress to a more advanced stage of hypothyroidism if not attended to properly.
Dietary Changes
An anti inflammatory diet, a Whals diet or a Mediterranean diet is usually recommended for low thyroid function.
Making sure that food has enough vitamin D, iodine and selenium which are mainly found in plant products.
Foods that are great to consider are:
- wild caught fish
- coconut oil
- probiotic rich foods
- high fiber foods
- bone broth
- fruits and vegetables
Foods to avoid are:
- broccoli
- cauliflower
- cabbage
- kale
- tap water
- gluten
- sugar
- refined flour products
There is a lot of great resources for diet plans online one of them is this article from Healthline which includes a sample week of foods.
Supplements
In looking at different supplements that can help thyroid function, I found a variety to choose from. The ones that I’d consider looking into are Fish Oil, since the fatty acid is crucial for thyroid health, and vitamin B12 which is important for neurological function and hormonal balance.
Essential Oils
The best oils to use for thyroid health include:
- Frankincense
- Lemongrass
- Myrrh (contraindicated in pregnancy)
- Peppermint
- Clove (contraindicated in pregnancy)
Frankincense is used as antibacterial, antimicrobial, antiseptic, restorative that contains monoterpenes which can help reprogram cellular memory.
Lemongrass is know for its analgesic, diuretic, anti fungal, digestive, anti-infectious functions that help the thyroid drain out of toxins such chlorine and fluoride.
Myrrh (contraindicated in pregnancy) is an anti fungal, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, expectorant that helps relieve stress and support the thyroid.
Peppermint is an analgesic, antibacterial, circulatory, stimulant that naturally soothes and energizes the gland.
Clove (contraindicated in pregnancy) is a natural antioxidant that helps protect the thyroid gland. It is an anti fungal, analgesic, carminative, spasmolytic that has phenols which can improve cell-to-cell communication in the body.
The ratios to use for these are:
10 drops of Frankincense
12 drops of Myrrh
12 drops of Clove
12 drops of Lemongrass
10 drops of Peppermint
Mix everything together in a 10ml bottle and apply around 3-5 drops mixed with 5ml(1 teaspoon) of carrier oil (such as coconut oil) directly to the thyroid gland daily.
A Note on Pregnancy
If you are pregnant it is important to note that low thyroid levels can naturally happen because that is where the baby is getting their own hormones. It is a big risk in pregnancy to not take care of thyroid levels because it can cause serious birth defects in babies and preterm birth or miscarriages. Your doctor will most likely monitor your thyroid levels very closely and if you do get on medications those levels should be checked regularly and the medication dosages should also be adjusted according to the thyroid levels. Talk with your OB or midwife about incorporating any dietary changes or supplements you can use alongside medications to see if you levels increase naturally.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is very gentle and safe to use even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
They are often effective in the early stages of the condition and should, in my opinion, be given a fair trial before more drastic forms are considered.
The remedies are often not taken for the rest of your life but instead until symptoms are back to normal again.
The top two remedies that come to mind are Bromium and Lycopodium. Other remedies are Calcarea Carbonica and Spongia tosta, often if the first two are given a good try and not working the other two will help out.
Do not hesitate to visit the online wellness clinic for more support if you need it.
Final thoughts
Hypothyroidism is a common type of thyroid malfunction which is often characterized by low thyroid production.
The thyroid itself is not able to produce the hormones for the body to stay healthy.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune disease that is commonly talked about together with low thyroid function, but if you have low thyroid levels it does not mean that you have Hashimoto’s.
Check out the article on Hashimoto’s here.
There are many different lifestyle choices you can make to help support your thyroid naturally mainly focusing on your gut health then supporting your body with natural herbs and supplements.
If you need more guidance in this area do not hesitate to reach out and visit the online wellness clinic.
God bless you and yours,
Krystina
