Thyroid hormones are produces by the thyroid gland and their main function is to regulate metabolism of the human body. Overproduction of thyroid hormones can cause hyperthyroidism and thyrotoxicosis.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism include anxiety, irritability, sleeping problems, heart beat problems, diarrhea, shaking of the hands and muscle weakness in thighs and arms. Patients having problem with overactive thyroid gland may also notice that their skin and hair has changed, becoming thin and breakable.
Supplements for Overactive Thyroid Gland
Specialists recommend certain supplements that might be helpful for people suffering from hyperthyroidism. The most praised are mineral and vitamin supplements.
Hyperthyroid patients are advised to take calcium, selenium and zinc supplements. Calcium would prevent the development of osteoporosis in Graves’ disease patients. The recommended dose of selenium is about 200 to 400 mcg per day, and 20 to 40 mg of zinc, also daily. There is a possibility of developing the copper deficiency and people using zinc are recommended to combine it with copper supplements.
Vitamins known to help managing the overactive thyroid are whole-food vitamins, especially anti-oxidant vitamins, vitamins B complex and omega 3 fatty acids. It is recommended to use about 2g of vitamin C, 400 to 800 IU (international units) of vitamin E and about 150mg of vitamin B complex every day.
Omega fish oils are also a necessity. Specialists agree that 2 to 3 or even 4g of omega 3 fatty acids will help your body fight against hyperthyroidism.
L-carnitine (2 to 4g of it every day) and coenzyme Q10 (50 to 100 mg a day) are also powerful anti-oxidants, helpful in overactive thyroid.
Herbs in Overactive Thyroid
Some of the plants are known to help people suffering from hyperthyroidism, blocking the receptors for TSH (the hormone which stimulates production of thyroid hormones) or inhibiting the conversion to active thyroid hormones.
Bugleweed (Lycopus spp), gromwell (Lithospermum officinale), lemon balm (Melisa officinalis), indian gooseberry (Emblica officinalis) and Harlequin blueflag (Iris versicolor) are the herbs helpful in overactive thyroid gland.
Additional Therapy for Overactive Thyroid
Specialists sometimes advise their hyperthyroid patients to try hydrotherapy. Cold packs applied to the thyroid gland, up to three times a day should ease the symptoms of overactive thyroid.
Patients are directed to make some changes in the diet. The recommended food is non processed organic food and organic diet, especially cabbage, broccoli, bok choy, cauliflower, turnips and Brussel sprouts.
Stress relieving techniques are proven to help many hyperthyroid patients. You might try breathing techniques, tai chi, yoga or biofeedback, or even good old walking. 20 minutes a day will do you good.
Your thoughts on this
Loading...