Thyroid Disease (Hypothyroidism)

The THYROID GLAND

  1. The thyroid is a small gland in the neck that produces and secretes thyroid hormones. 
  2. Thyroid hormones play an important role in regulating the body’s metabolic rate.
  3. The thyroid hormone has  effect on almost every cell of the body including the functioning of the digestive system, heart, muscles, bones, brain, reproductive system, etc.

WHAT IS HYPOTHYROIDISM (UNDERACTIVE THYROID)

When the Thyroid gland produces less thyroid (T3 and T4) it is called Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).

An underactive thyroid is one of the most commonly seen hormonal disorders. 

Causes of Hypothyroidism

Autoimmunity, genetic tendencies, and iodine deficiency are leading etiological factors for an underactive thyroid. At an early stage, an underactive thyroid may not show significant signs or symptoms, but, if it’s left untreated, it may lead to various health issues, such as obesity, constipation, joint pains, infertility, heart diseases, depression, etc.

Homeopathic Treatment of Underactive Thyroid:

As the name suggests, in underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormones called thyroxine due to various reasons. In such a case, there can be two major treatment options.

  1. Providing supplements to the body in the form of external thyroid hormone (thyroxine). 
  2. Strategic treatment protocol by providing medicines that stimulate the thyroid gland to secrete adequate thyroid hormones naturally (Homeopathy)

As per the conventional method, the supplement of thyroid hormone is given to the patient externally in the form of thyroxine. In this mode of treatment, the body gets used to external hormones and stops producing its very own hormone in the required quantity. 

While treating an underactive thyroid, it is important to understand that since there is an inability or sluggishness of the thyroid gland, the treatment should focus on stimulating the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone adequately, rather than simply supplying deficient Thyroxine hormone through external means. Homeopathy works on the same principle. 

Duration of treatment:

The total length of treatment varies from case to case, depending on the following factors:

  • Duration of Underactive Thyroid (We are able to produce best results in the cases up to three years duration)
  • Extent of dysfunction (Levels of TSH and T3, T4 hormones)
  • Concurrent thyroid supplement.( Patients who are on thyroid supplement for more than 2 years respond slow)
  • Age of the patient: Our experience is that that patients below 45 respond better.

Results are observed within four to six months whereby TSH levels reduce. Patients who are on thyroid supplement may take time to reduce the supplement (Thyroxine), keeping a watch on the thyroid hormone levels.

Treatment of Underactive Thyroid is long term.

Why homeopathy for Underactive Thyroid?

  1. Fundamentally, it has to be understood that homeopathic treatment aims at stimulating the Thyroid gland to produce its own thyroid hormones.
  2. External supply of the hormone is not the treatment but an arrangement. We are trying to correct the internal imbalance. This is possible in many cases if not all.
  3. If achieved successfully, a lifelong need for thyroid supplement may not require.

How Homeopathy works for Hypothyroidism

  • Homeopathic treatment has excellent results in early cases of Underactive Thyroid
  • Those patients on thyroid supplement for more than three years  and who are taking higher doses of thyroxine  are seen to need  longer treatment duration.
  • The treatment works if the thyroid gland has some inherent capacity to get activated.

Supportive Treatment (Diet, Lifestyle, & Exercise) for Underactive Thyroid:

If proper treatment for an underactive thyroid is augmented with diet and other measures, it can help to restore the thyroid function and help to minimize symptoms.

Food to avoid:

  1. Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, spinach, cabbage, cauliflower etc)
  2. Soyfood
  3. Food that contains gluten (Wheat, maida, bakery products, pasta, macaroni, etc.)
  4. Highly processed food and fatty food
  5. Red meat,
  6. Coconut,
  7. Alcohol,
  8. Food with preservatives, excess table salt,
  9. Canned aerated drinks,
  10. Shellfish, etc. 

Food to include:

 1. Fresh green vegetables and fruits (except Cruciferous vegetables)

2. Gluten-free grains and seeds (rice, quinoa, flaxseeds, chia seeds, etc.), sprouts, pulses, skimmed milk, etc. in your diet. 

3. Adequate water intake: Drink adequate water and other liquids (like buttermilk, juices, soups, etc.)

4. Healthy lifestyle: Regular exercise, yoga, and meditation can prove beneficial.