Hyperthyroidism – Medical/ Home/ Dietary Solutions

Hyperthyroidism (also be referred to as thyrotoxicosis) is a disorder in which the thyroid gland overreacts, producing excessive amounts of thyroxine.  This excess thyroxine alters most body functions. This condition can occur at any age. Women are the most affected by hyperthyroidism compared to men.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

• Graves’ disease- this is the commonest cause of hyperthyroidism. It is an autoimmune disease characterized by antibodies and immune complexes stimulation of the thyroid gland.
• Toxic multinodular and uninodular goiter- a single of multiple nodules within the thyroid gland becomes hyperactive thus producing excessive thyroxine.
• Positive family history
• Gender- Female sex are more predisposed to develop hyperthyroidism
• Other autoimmune disorders like vitiligo, diabetes mellitus type 1

Medical Treatment of Hyperthyroidism

The existing treatment options for hyperthyroidism include antithyroid medication, radioactive iodine, thyroidectomy and beta blockers.

• Antithyroid medications: Antithyroid medications are drugs administered to help regulate the production of T3 and T4 hormones by the thyroid. The two most common antithyroid medications are Methimazole and propylthiouracil
• Radioactive iodine: Radioactive iodine treatment is administered orally. This treatment aims at slowly destroying the thyroid gland. It helps reduce the hyperthyroid symptoms. It has been widely reported to be the best treatment option because it permanently cures hyperthyroidism
• Thyroidectomy: Thyroidectomy is the process of surgically removal of part of the entire thyroid gland. It is, however, limited to certain types of hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism requiring surgical operation includes larger and nodular-like thyroid goiters and grave’s disease that cause protrusion of the eyes
• Beta blockers e.g. propanolol is beneficial in treating symptoms like nervousness, palpitations, tremors and increase heart beat.

Alternative Approaches of Hyperthyroidism

Alternative medicine plays a crucial role in the holistic treatment of hyperthyroidism: Herbs, acupuncture, and body massage are commonly used.

• Herbs: Herbs strengthens the body system and reduces the stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid stimulating hormone. Beneficial herbs include Bugleweed, St John’s wort, motherwort, lemon balm, gypsywort, dried extracts such as teas, capsules and powders; tinctures such as alcohol extracts and glycerites such as glycerin extracts. The following drugs should be avoided: bladder wrack, panax ginseng and ashwaganda.
• Acupuncture: acupuncture has also been use effectively to provide and holistic therapy for thyroid disorders.

Home Remedies of of Hyperthyroidism

• Goitrogens like cabbage, broccoli, spinach and brussels sprouts inhibits the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. There are effective in reducing thyroid hormone synthesis.
• Sunflower seeds, brazil nuts and whole wheat bread are found to be rich in lithium and selenium. There modulates the thyroid glands by reducing the amount of thyroid hormones secreted.
• Patients with protrusion if the eyes, elevation of the head while sleeping and cold compress of the eyes, use of tinted sunglasses and methylcellulose eye drops provides relief
• Eat well, rest well and exercise adequately

Dietary Solution of Hyperthyroidism

People with hyperthyroidism are required to provide their bodies with nutritional support. This nutritional support helps the body to successfully handle stress. Besides, it provides nutrients to help reduce the occurrence of the disorder.

Supplements that can help support hyperthyroidism patients include soy extracts, whey protein, multi mineral and multivitamin complex, plant digestive enzymes, greens supplement, broccoli extract, valerian, calcium and magnesium. Additional beneficial nutrients include, curcumin, lithium, lecithin, oak bark and male fern

A healthy diet plan must include adequate protein, lots of fruits and green vegetables, healthy fats and water.

Vitamins and minerals for Hyperthyroidism

• Vitamin A with the exception of carotene: The body requires Vitamin A because an overactive thyroid gland increase the metabolic rate thus vitamins are needed to keep up with optimal functioning of the body.
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) and Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin): the functioning of thyroid depends on vitamin B2 and B6. Lack of these important vitamins causes the thyroid to malfunction. This follows the excessive stimulation of the thyroid and adrenal glands to secrete their hormones.
• Calcium, Vitamin C, E and D, selenium, Zinc and Magnesium, are important antioxidants that scavenges free radicals, neutralize antibodies an immune complexes. Tomatoes, strawberries, blue berries, oranges are rich sources of these vitamins and minerals.
• Omega-3 fatty acid boosts immunity. It also halts the progression of tissue inflammation and helps in the repair of overactive thyroid cells.