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Dr. Jared Hanson is a naturopathic doctor and licensed acupuncturist in New York City specializing in difficult cases of chronic conditions.To schedule an appointment with Dr. Hanson at his New York City location, e-mail drjaredhanson@gmail.com or call 917-607-5035.

Natural Treatment for Hypothyroidism

Homeopathy for Hypothyroidism

Often overlooked in the natural treatment for hypothyroidism, the appropriately indicated homeopathic remedy can often have a profound impact on the wellbeing of a patient with hypothyroidism. To select the remedy, your homeopath will ask you not only about symptoms associated with low thyroid function such as fatigue, but also about your entire health history and constitution.

Acupuncture for Hypothyroidism

Patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism in conventional medicine are usually described as having a qi deficiency by practitioners of Traditional Chinese Medicine. To address this energetic imbalance, certain acupuncture points may be selected which stimulate those organs that, in Traditional Chinese Medicine theory, produce or absorb qi, such as the Spleen.

Hydrotherapy for Hypothyroidism

Hydrotherapy, the use of water applications, can be a powerful tool to improve thyroid function. This includes constitutional hydrotherapy, applied to the whole body as well as local hydrotherapy to the thyroid gland. To incorporate local hydrotherapy into the natural treatment for hypothyroidism, use a small towel or washcloth wrung out and applied to the front of the neck. Dip the towel alternately in hot water, applied for three minutes, and cold water applied for 30 seconds. Repeat three times. An easy way to do constitutional hydrotherapy at home is to end all showers and baths with cold water for at least 30 seconds or if possible to alternate hot and cold water during your shower.

Nutritional Supplements for Hypothyroidism

Iodine and l-tyrosine are nutrients your body uses as building blocks to produce thyroid hormone. Selenium is a mineral your body needs to perform this function. Nutritional supplementation with these three nutrients is an important component in the natural treatment for hypothyroidism. Other important nutrients are zinc, copper, vitamin B12, folic acid, vitamin C and vitamin E. One important herb traditionally used in the natural treatment for hypothyroidism is the seaweed bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus).

Detoxification and Hypothyroidism

Chemicals in our environment can interfere with both our ability to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone and our cells’ ability to recognize the thyroid hormone we do have. The class of chemicals known as halogens is an important group of toxins that interferes with thyroid function. Due to their chemical similarity to iodine, a key component of thyroid hormone, they can disrupt iodine uptake and merabolism. Avoiding exposure to the halogens (fluorine, chlorine and bromine) is another important aspect to the natural treatment for hypothyroidism. To avoid fluorine, drink only filtered or spring water and do not use fluoride toothpaste. If possible have a water filter put in your shower. To avoid chlorine, minimize exposure to bleach and chlorinated water such as swimming pools. Bromine is used as a dough conditioner. Avoid breads and bread products. Instead use sprouted breads.

Lifestyle and Hypothyroidism

Several lifestyle interventions can be incorporated into the natural treatment for hypothyroidism. Primary among these is to adopt a regular exercise routine that includes vigorous activities. Getting adequate exposure to full sunlight, at least twenty minutes per day, is another key consideration. It is also important to avoid fasting or diets based on caloric restriction and to avoid overheated environments. Foods in the Brassica family have been shown to interfere with thyroid function, especially when eaten raw. Avoid a high intake of these. The brassica family includes turnips, broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, kale, mustard greens, radishes and horseradish.