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16 Home Remedies for a Sluggish Thyroid

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Suffering from a sluggish thyroid? These home remedies for a sluggish thyroid can help!

If you're suffering from a sluggish thyroid, there are dozens of home remedies and supplements that claim to help reset a sluggish thyroid and return your body to its ideal state. But not all home remedies for a sluggish thyroid work. What does reset a sluggish thyroid? According to research, the following remedies for a sluggish thyroid will help kickstart your sluggish thyroid and get your metabolism working once again.

16 Home Remedies for a Sluggish Thyroid

Use these home remedies to reset a sluggish thyroid and get your metabolism working in high gear once again.

Fish Oil

Fish oil is essential for almost all human health. Most Americans get far too little fish oil, which is rich in omega 3 fatty acids that are not only good for the brain but also necessary for the thyroid to function properly. Fish oils can increase the thyroid hormone update and maintain a healthy thyroid. Most doctors recommend taking up to three grams of omega 3 fatty acids per day. More than that could be harmful to your health. Make sure any fish oil supplements you take are of high quality. The least-expensive fish oil supplements may not contain only fish oil and could have detrimental effects on your health.

Coconut Oil

Just like fish oil can boost your thyroid function, coconut oil can also have benefits. Coconut oil is filled with medium-chain fatty acids that work to improve your thyroid function. Coconut oil boosts energy levels, increases metabolism, and stimulates the production of thyroid hormones.

Additionally, coconut oil also increases your basal body temperature, which can improve thyroid function. You can use coconut in place of any other oil while cooking. Some individuals even add a teaspoon of oil to their morning smoothies or coffee to kick their metabolism and thyroid into high gear the moment they wake up.

Kelp

Kelp is a plant high in iodine that can boost the body's natural thyroid hormone levels. If you are low in iodine, kelp is an excellent natural source of the mineral. However, too much kelp can be dangerous. If you plan to eat a lot of kelp, keep an eye on your iodine levels to avoid iodine toxicity.

Gluten-Free

If you have Hashimoto's disease, your body may mistake gluten for thyroid tissue. Gluten has a similar molecular profile to thyroid tissue, which the body is confused by if you have Hashimoto's disease. If you have Hashimoto's and eat gluten, your body may have a stronger autoimmune response that attacks gluten and causes chronic inflammation. However, since thyroid tissue is so similar in structure to gluten, it may attack your thyroid as well, which causes a host of problems. If you have Hashimoto's disease or suspect you might have it, avoid gluten to kickstart your thyroid again.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D deficiency causes a large number of problems aside from a reduced immune system and weaker bones. A lack of vitamin D has also been associated with autoimmune diseases. Some research suggests that autoimmune problems can be triggered or worsened by a lack of vitamin D. Some researchers have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune-related thyroid problems. Exercising outdoors in the sunlight is one of the best ways to reset your thyroid as it exposes your body to vitamin D and boosts the metabolism with exercise. If you have a sluggish thyroid, make it a point to exercise outdoors during the day at least three times a week.

Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar regulates hormones and boosts the metabolism, according to some research. The vinegar is also beneficial for reducing blood sugar and promoting healthy blood circulation. You can take advantage of this healthy supplement by taking two tablespoons of apple cider vinegar once a day. Add a bit of warm water and honey to your vinegar to make it easier to drink. Additionally, raw, organic vinegar will have greater benefits than pasteurized vinegar.

Ginseng

Just like apple cider vinegar, ginseng is known for its ability to stimulate the thymus and adrenal glands. These two glands work together to support the function of your thyroid gland. You can take up to 200 mg of ginseng twice daily before meals. Ginseng will support other home remedies for improving your thyroid function.

Gum Guggal

Gum Guggul is the resin of a tree native to India. This resin contains compounds known as guggulsterones, which stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. According to health guidelines, it is easiest to take gum guggal in supplement form up to 25 mg three times a day. Continue to have your thyroid hormone levels tested every few months while supplementing with gum guggal. It may be possible to take too much gum guggul and change your underactive thyroid into a hyperactive thyroid, which is also bad for your body. When taking gum guggal, keep a close eye on your thyroid hormone levels.

Ginger

Ginger is not only an immune booster and inflammation fighter, but it is also high in zinc, potassium, and magnesium. These three minerals are essential for thyroid function. Without these nutrients, your body has a harder time producing thyroid hormones. Add fresh ginger to soup, drinks, tea, and recipes. When possible, add ginger. You can also make ginger tea by steeping fresh ginger in hot water for about five minutes. Drink two or three cups daily for maximum benefit.

B Vitamins

B vitamins are essential to your body's health, but many Americans are low in B vitamins in general. Some research suggests that individuals with sluggish thyroids are typically lower in B vitamins than is ideal. You can reduce symptoms of a sluggish thyroid by eating more B vitamins, particularly B6, B9, and B12. Individuals who are low in vitamin B12 are more likely to have a sluggish thyroid, according to research. B vitamins can be found in seafood, vegetables, and sea vegetables. Avoid cruciferous vegetables (like broccoli), as these contain compounds known as "goitrogens," which can make it harder for your body to absorb nutrients and will make it harder to reset a sluggish thyroid.

Evening Primrose Oil

Evening primrose oil is often used by midwives to encourage labor for overdue babies, but it has more uses than that. For men, and women who are not pregnant, evening primrose oil is effective at boosting antioxidants that fight inflammation and increasing thyroid hormones. Evening primrose oil is high in GLA acid, which fights inflammation, reduces hair loss, and even lessens menstrual flow and cramping.

Relaxation

A high level of stress can destroy your hormones. Hormones control almost every process in the body, including your metabolism and thyroids. Thyroids produce hormones that regulate appetite, metabolism, and other functions in the body. If you are stressed, you cannot function at optimal levels. Your sleep will be worse, your hormones will be out of whack, and you will be more likely to gain weight and have a slow metabolism. By creating a relaxation routine to follow every night before bed, which can be as simple or complicated as you like, you can help eliminate stress hormones that interfere with other issues. A nightly routine of a cup of hot tea (or a glass of wine), a warm bath, relaxing music, and a good book can help eliminate stress and promote a healthy thyroid.

Protein

Your metabolism requires protein to work efficiently. Some people who are interested in improving their health delete most meat-based meals from their diet, which has many benefits, but if you cut out too much protein, you can really slow your thyroid and metabolism. If you eat more meatless meals than meat-filled meals, one easy home remedy for a sluggish thyroid is to add a little extra protein in your diet. Add a source of protein at every meal, such as by adding a few eggs to breakfast, adding some nuts at lunch, and adding a healthy protein at dinner, like fish or beans. Organ meats are also excellent sources of protein and other vitamins that boost thyroid function.

Iodine

Iodine is essential to thyroid function. Without enough iodine, your thyroid cannot function. Many health professionals will prescribe iodine treatments for a sluggish thyroid, but if you take too much, that can also cause problems. According to The American Thyroid Association, the optimal intake for iodine is between 150 and 300 μg per day. More than that could cause iodine toxicity which could make thyroid problems worse. Do not start taking an iodine supplement without first testing your blood to determine if you are low in iodine. If you are low, supplements can help regulate your thyroid hormones.

Boost Glutathione

Glutathione is a type of antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Although it targets the immune system, Glutathione can also boost thyroid function. According to Harvard Health, Glutathione is one of the necessary compounds for fighting Hashimoto's disease. In addition to boosting the immune system and benefiting your thyroid, it can also diminish the autoimmune response and lessen autoimmune disorders. To boost thyroid function, you can eat foods containing Glutathione or take a Glutathione supplement. You can find Glutathione in peaches, avocado, spinach, squash, garlic, grapefruit, eggs, and asparagus. Your body also makes Glutathione on its own given the right nutrient balance in the diet.

Avoid Goitrogens

Goitrogens are a compound found in some foods that interfere with the correct functioning of the thyroid. In small amounts, and in the diet of a person with a healthy thyroid, Goitrogens will not cause any problems. However, if you have a sluggish thyroid, you may want to avoid eating a lot of foods with Goitrogens, as it could slow your thyroid even further and make it harder to return to optimal levels.

Foods with Goitrogens
  • Soybeans
  • Watercress
  • Peanuts
  • Cauliflower
  • Brussels sprouts
  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli

Treat Thyroid Problems at Home

There are dozens of home remedies for thyroid problems and other medical issues. Not all home remedies are effective, but according to research, the above home remedies to boost thyroid function are backed by science and have a good chance of being successful. If you have a sluggish thyroid or suspect you might, consult with a doctor to see if starting any of these thyroid home remedies is right for your condition.

Sources


http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/for-borderline-underactive-thyroid-drug-therapy-isnt-always-necessary-201310096740

http://www.webmd.com/women/hypothyroidism-underactive-thyroid-symptoms-causes-treatments

http://wellnessmama.com/14892/boost-thyroid-function/

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