Natural Treatment and Cause of Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is the thermostat of the body. It produces hormones that work to keep our metabolic rate stable and keep energy-producing processes in balance. The thyroid is essential in protein synthesis, growth, temperature regulation, and oxygen consumption of cells. If the thyroid is deficient, the rest of the body functions poorly. With low thyroid, cholesterol can shoot up to dangerous levels.

Hypothyroidism is a health problem that occurs due to underactive thyroid gland. Due to hypothyroidism the metabolism rate of the body gets affected as metabolism is controlled mainly by the help of thyroid gland. Under-active or hypothyroid conditions can cause low energy.

Symptoms associated with hypothyroidism are fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, puffy face, hoarse voice, cramping of muscles, sudden weight gain, depression and brittle fingernails and hair.

Causes for Hypothyroidism

Some causes of low thyroid besides inheritance are : iodine depletion, x-rays or low dose radiation, pituitary and thyroid malfunction, air and environmental pollutants, overuse of diet pills and other drugs, and vitamin A, E, and zinc deficiency. 

Many times it is caused by lifestyle factors such as poor eating habits, lack of sleep, not handling stress well. Other times it can be environmental toxins causing or contributing to such a condition.

Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism

• The enzymes from live foods help the body to maintain proper metabolism. Foods that heal include sprouts, salads, raw vegetables, and thermos cooked grains to retain enzymes which heal and feed the glands.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots, and dark green vegetables. 
• Iodine rich foods that nourish the thyroid are: fish and sea vegetables such as kelp. Seaweeds are very nourishing to the glands.
• Zinc and copper are important in helping the body make thyroid hormone. 
• Foods rich in zinc are : beef, oatmeal, chicken, seafood, dried beans, bran, spinach, seeds, and nuts. 
• Foods rich in copper are : organ meats, eggs, yeast, legumes, nuts, and raisins.
• The amino acid tyrosine is helpful. Tyrosine is found in beef, chicken, and fish. Soy should be only used in small amounts.
• Meditation and visualization using colour therapy may be helpful. Visualize a beautiful blue light and feel the colour into the thyroid area. Blue is a very soothing and healing colour. It stables our energy.
• Aerobic exercise such as jumping or fast walking may enhance our nutritional program and help to strengthen the thyroid. Exercises regularly help us to improve our blood flow which will help supply the cells in your body with fresh nutrients and oxygen while burning off toxins.

Effect of Coconut Oils on Hypothyroidism

When the oils are stored in our tissues, they are much warmer and more directly exposed to oxygen and so their tendency to oxidize is very great. These oxidative processes can damage enzymes and other parts of cells, and especially their ability to produce energy. The enzymes which break down proteins are inhibited by unsaturated fats; these enzymes are needed not only for digestion, but also for production of thyroid hormones, clot removal, immunity, and the general adaptability of cells. 

Since the unsaturated oils block protein digestion in the stomach, we can be malnourished even while “eating well.” There are many changes in hormones caused by unsaturated fats. Unsaturated oils block thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone. 

Coconut oil has ability to prevent weight-gain or cure obesity by stimulating metabolism. It is quickly metabolized and functions in some ways as an antioxidant.

Coconut oil is saturated and very stable. Coconut oil does not require the enzyme stress that vegetable oils do, preventing T4 to T3 hormone conversion, not only because it is a stable oil, but also because it is processed differently in the body and does not need to be broken down by enzyme dependent processes as do long chain fatty acids. Also, since the liver is the main place where damage occurs from oxidized oils that cause cell membrane damage, and since the liver is where much of the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place, eliminating long chain fatty acids from the diet and replacing them with medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil can help in rebuilding cell membranes and increasing enzyme production that will assist in promoting the conversion of T4 to T3 hormones.

There are many natural remedies that can help in preventing, controlling and treating Hypothyroidism.

• Iodine : Iodine is essential to ensure proper functioning of thyroid gland. The iodine level of our body can be increased by including natural sources of iodine in our diet. Some of natural sources of Iodine are yoghurt, fish, meat, eggs, seafood, potato, radish, bananas, oatmeal and salt.
• Ginger : Ginger is a good source of zinc, magnesium and potassium and its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help in improving the functionality of thyroid. Fresh ginger root slices can be added to soups and other dishes or used as ginger herbal tea. Herbal tea with ginger is beneficial for thyroid functioning.
• Coconut Oil : Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids which help in improving the functionality of thyroid. It also boosts the body metabolism rate. Coconut oil is a saturated fat that we can consume by adding it to milk. 
• Primrose Oil : Primrose oil is rich in amino acids which nourish the thyroid gland. This oil can help in improving the functionalities of thyroid gland and it also remove the problems associated with hypothyroidism such as hair loss and heavy menstrual flow.
• Black Walnut : Black walnut is a good source of organic iodine. Black walnut which is also rich in magnesium helps in improving the functionality of thyroid gland.
• Flax Seeds : Flax seeds contain a good amount of omega 3 fatty acids which are essential for smooth functioning of the thyroid gland. Take a tablespoon of ground flaxseeds and have with water every day on empty stomach. We can also consume a teaspoon of flax seed oil daily to improve the functionality of the thyroid gland. 
• Nettle Herb : Nettle herb is a rich source of iodine. Nettle herb is good to balance the thyroid with both under and over activity. Nettle can be used to make an herbal tea which can be consumed three times a day. We can use nettle oil for gently massaging the neck area. This will encourage production of thyroid.

For proper functioning of thyroid gland, it is important to expose your body for twenty minutes daily to early morning sunrays. This helps us to maintain the vitamin D level of our body which plays a important role in maintaining healthy immune function and calcium metabolism.

The use of "toning" or singing the tone of G may also help to balance and stimulate the throat area. 

Precautions for Hypothyroidism

• Avoid refined foods, saturated fats, sugars, and white flour products. If the thyroid problem is severe it is then good to avoid brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, kale, mustard greens, peaches and pears as they have anti-thyroid substances and may suppress the thyroid function.
• Carbohydrates other than those contained by potatoes and whole wheat products should be avoided. Cakes, pastries, sweets and other calorie rich items should be avoided.
• Certain food items containing preservatives, white flour products and stuffs high on sugar should be avoided by thyroid patients.
• Beverages including coffee, tea, carbonated drinks and alcohols should be avoided by patients afflicted with thyroid disorders. In its place herbal tea may be an alternative option.

Natural Remedies for Diabetes

Diabetes is among the most common disorders in the world today. Diabetes is a lifestyle disease caused when either levels of insulin drop in body or body cells resist insulin. Insulin is a hormone which lets blood sugar/glucose go inside body cells. Therefore its deficiency leads to increased blood sugar level in blood stream and keeps body cells deprived of energy. 

Here are a few natural remedies that can be helpful in reducing the sugar levels in a diabetic patient :

Fenugreek : Fenugreek seeds are rich in sugar-lowering properties. Fenugreek helps to reduce the insulin dependency when taken in regular intervals. A teaspoon-full of seeds should be soaked in a glass of water over night and the water along with the seeds should be drunk on empty stomach. This treatment is recommended for 2 – 3 times per week. 

Cinnamon : Cinnamon has beneficial anti-diabetic properties. It is recommended to take half spoon of cinnamon powder everyday to get the desired effect. It can also be chewed in its natural form instead of being made into a powder.

Jamun : The leaves of the Jamun tree are useful in reducing the sugar levels. 100 grams of this fruit consumed per day to maintain the blood glucose levels. Jamun fruit is considered as an effective medicine for diabetes considering its effect on pancreas. The seeds too can be dried, powdered and had with water twice a day.

Bitter Gourd : Bitter gourd is an ancient remedy to treat diabetes at home. It can be taken in the form of juice, or cooked and fried and consumed with food daily. The best effects can be gained when taken on empty stomach every morning.

Garlic : The chemical Allicin in garlic is believed to have hypoglycemic effects. Garlic has the cholesterol-reducing effect as well as anti-diabetic effect too.

Aloe Vera : Aloe Vera is well known for its hypoglycemic characteristics. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that promote wound healing. It is best taken with buttermilk to improve the taste. 

Neem : Neem has anti-diabetic properties as well. It has been found to reduce insulin requirements by up to 50%. 

Holy Basil : Basil leaves bring about a significant reduction in the blood glucose level. It is recommended to extract the juice from Holy Basil leaves and consume it. This leaf also has anti-stress, anti-asthmatic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, gastric anti-ulcer, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, anti-tumor, anti-mutagenic and immuno-stimulant properties. 

Lady's Finger : Lady's Finger helps to slow down the absorption of glucose from the intestine. It is rich in soluble fibers. You can soak one lady's finger slit in the middle in a glass of water overnight and consume it on an empty stomach. Done over a month, it reduces the blood glucose level to a great extent. 

Fig Leaves : Figs leaves are believed to have anti-diabetic properties that help them to reduce the sugar levels in the blood. Fig leaves can be directly chewed on an empty stomach, or the leaves can be boiled in water and the water can be drunk like tea. 

Grape Seed Extract : Grape seeds are a rich source of vitamin E, flavonoids, linoleic acid and oligomeric proanthocyanidins. It proved that they can be used in treating diabetes. The grape seeds are ground and placed in capsules; the person can take up to 300mg per day to reduce the blood sugar levels. 

Indian Gooseberry : Indian Gooseberry is rich in vitamin C also has hypoglycemic properties. The seeds of this fruit are also taken in ground and powdered form which has much slower effect in reducing the blood glucose levels. 

Beans : Beans help to slow down the digestion process thereby preventing the rise in blood glucose level. 

Soy : Soy contains isoflavones that help to reduce blood sugar levels while keeping the body well nourished. It also prevents the accumulation of fat as it gives very little calories. 

Papaya : Papaya has natural blood sugar controlling capability that helps to control diabetes. It is also a rich source of vitamin C and anti-oxidants along with carotenes and flavonoids.

Guava : Guava has high vitamin C and fibre content that helps diabetics to reduce the sugar concentration in the blood. However, a recent study has shown that having guava with its skin can heighten the blood sugar levels, so make sure you peel off the skin before consumption.

Mango : The leaves of the mango tree are believed to have anti-diabetic properties. It helps to reduce the intestinal glucose absorption, which is the reason behind its anti-diabetic effect. 

Almonds : Almond is rich source of calories and protein. Regular consumption of almond can keep diabetes in control. It also improved LDL Cholesterol levels substantially in pre-diabetes adults. 

Vinegar : Vinegar helps diabetics to reduce the sugar concentration in the blood. Two spoons of vinegar before food helps in the reduction of glucose influx. 

Oysters : Oysters is a rich source of zinc and they help to promote wound healing in diabetics. It is advisable for diabetics to include oysters in their diet for better wound healing capability. 

Olive Oil : Olive oil have beneficiary effects such as reducing the cholesterol and triglycerides level in the blood. It also helps to reduce blood sugar level.

Black Coffee : Studies have shown that black coffee without sugar cuts the risk of Type 2 diabetes.

Green Tea : Green Tea is also helpful in reducing the blood sugar and insulin levels in the body.

Vitamin C : 600mg of vitamin C daily can help to normalize the blood glucose levels. Foods rich in vitamin C should be consumed daily by chronic diabetics. 

Chromium : Studies have found that diabetics have lower levels of chromium in their bodies. Chromium is a mineral which facilitates metabolism and improves response of body cells towards insulin.

Magnesium : Magnesium is a mineral found in green leafy vegetables, seeds, nuts, whole grains etc. It is essential for more than 300 biochemical reactions in body. The mineral also helps in regulating blood sugar levels and facilitating normal functioning of muscles, nerves, heart etc. However, magnesium must be taken in appropriate quantity as high levels of magnesium could cause, diarrhea, nausea, weakness of muscle, irregular heart rate.

Zinc : Zinc is a mineral which helps in production and storage of hormone insulin. It found that people suffering from type 2 diabetes had low levels of zinc in their bodies. Zinc is found in egg yolk, oysters, ginger root, liver of beef, almonds, chicken, walnut etc.