Note: Do consult your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment of this condition. Use home remedies just as an adjunct treatment.
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland is underactive. It affects the body’s metabolism rate, which is controlled primarily by the thyroid gland.
Some of the common symptoms associated with hypothyroidism are fatigue, increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, dry skin, puffy face, hoarse voice, muscle cramping, sudden weight gain, depression and brittle fingernails and hair.
Many natural remedies can help control this health problem.
Here are the 10 home remedies for hypothyroidism.
Contents
1. Coconut Oil
Coconut oil contains medium-chain fatty acids that help improve thyroid functioning. It will also stimulate metabolism and boost energy. Plus, it will help raise the basal body temperature which is important for those dealing with low thyroid function.
- Use coconut oil for cooking. Always use extra-virgin organic coconut cooking oil.
- You can also add two tablespoons of coconut oil to milk and drink it in the morning along with your breakfast every day. You can also add it to your smoothies.
2. Kelp
Kelp is a brown seaweed rich in iodine and other minerals. It is useful for those suffering from hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency. However, this remedy is not recommended for those suffering from autoimmune thyroid problems or else it may worsen the condition.
So, do consult your doctor before taking kelp supplements to check if it is suitable for you and find the correct dosage specific to your condition.
3. Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar may also help deal with this thyroid disorder. It is believed that it aids detoxification, restores acid alkaline balance, facilitates weight loss, and helps regulate hormones and improve their energy metabolism.
Apple cider vinegar is also beneficial for other health problems like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and others.
- Add two tablespoons of organic apple cider vinegar to a glass of warm water.
- Mix in a little honey.
- Drink this solution daily on a regular basis.
4. Fish Oils
Fish oils are considered good for increasing thyroid hormone uptake and maintaining healthy thyroid function. Being rich in omega 3 fatty acids, they also fight inflammation and increase immunity.
Take fish oil supplements after consulting your doctor, especially if you are taking blood thinners. The general dosage is up to 3 grams per day.
5. Vitamin D
Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with several autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease. Exposure to early sunshine is a good way to generate the vitamin D required by the body.
So, expose your body to early morning sunrays for about 15 minutes daily. This will also help maintain healthy immune function and calcium metabolism.
Those suffering from hypothyroidism can make it a habit to wake up in the morning and do some healthy exercises (stimulates the thyroid gland), such as walking outdoors. You’ll get the early sunshine as well as benefit from the physical exercise.
6. Guggul
Guggul comes from the gum resin of an Indian tree called Commiphora Mukul. Research indicates that its active compounds called guggulsterones may help in the treatment of hypothyroidism by stimulating thyroid function. Plus, it has anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and cholesterol-lowering benefits.
You can take this herb in supplement form after consulting your doctor. Generally, it is taken in doses of 25 mg three times a day. When taking this herb, be sure to monitor your T3 and T4 thyroid hormone levels as it stimulates the conversion of T4 into its more active T3 form.
Caution: Guggul may interfere with estrogen, birth control pills, beta-blockers and other medications.
7. Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is another great ingredient that can help hypothyroid patients. Being high in gamma linoleic acids (GLAs), primrose oil offers anti-inflammatory benefits and helps increase the levels of thyroid hormones.
At the same, it can relieve problems associated with hypothyroidism, such as hair loss and heavy menstrual flow.
The general recommendation for taking evening primrose oil is two to eight grams daily. Consult your doctor to find out the suitable dosage for your case.
8. Ginger
Ginger is a good source of zinc, magnesium and potassium, and its powerful anti-inflammatory properties can help improve thyroid functioning.
- Fresh ginger root slices can be added to soups and other dishes.
- Another option is to drink a two or three cups of hot ginger tea. To make this herbal tea, add some fresh ginger slices to a cup of boiling water. Steep for five minutes, and then add some honey to it.
9. Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng is very useful for stimulating adrenal and thymus glands, which support the functioning of the thyroid gland. This herb will also help alleviate fatigue, one of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Take a dose of 100 to 200 mg of Siberian ginseng extract twice daily, before breakfast and before lunch. Be sure to consult your doctor before starting a supplement regimen.
10. B Vitamins
When dealing with hypothyroidism, take adequate amounts of B vitamins including vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B7, B9 and B12 to help reduce the symptoms. B vitamins are vital for healthy thyroid function.
Moreover, researchers suspect that those suffering from hypothyroidism may also be suffering from vitamin B12 deficiency.
So, make whole grains and fortified cereals an important part of your diet. Plus, include fresh vegetables and sea vegetables in your regular diet. Avoid cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli and kale because they contain goitrogens. Goitrogens are antinutrients that interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Expert Answers (Q&A)
Answered by Dr. Tharsan Sivakumar, MD (Endocrinology)
Can a person suffer from both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism?
An individual can, during a period of time, convert from hyperthyroidism to hypothyroidism and vice versa, but it is quite rare to experience both conditions simultaneously. This has been reported in rare cases, however. One case report supports this condition: (1)
Most people who experience hypothyroidism develop it because of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which involves the production of thyroid autoantibodies directed against one’s own thyroid. While Hashimoto’s thyroiditis typically causes hypothyroidism, it can at some periods of time also cause Hashimoto’s toxicosis which is a type of hyperthyroidism, but this hyperthyroidism is typically transient. People with hypothyroidism can also develop other types of hyperthyroidism, and vice versa.
Does hypothyroidism have any effect on the mood and personality of a person?
The typical mood change caused by hypothyroidism is sadness or depression. Hypothyroidism can also lead to fatigue, which can also affect people’s mood.
What dietary changes should be made when suffering from hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism patients living in developed countries do not require any specific dietary changes. Nevertheless,since the production of thyroid hormones depends on iodine, which the body does not make, it is essential for the patients to take an adequate amount of iodine in their diet.
Iodine is found naturally in soil and seawater and is available in some foods such as dairy products, seafood, meat, eggs, and some breads. Most people in developed nations get enough iodine from these foods and from iodized table salts. An exception to this rule might be pregnant women who may need supplementary iodine which is included in prenatal vitamins.
Worldwide, however, there are at least 30 countries which are iodine-deficient (2)
How does untreated hypothyroidism of the mother affect the fetus during pregnancy?
The fetus does not have a thyroid gland and therefore does not produce its own thyroid hormone during most of the first trimester. During most of this trimester, the fetus derives all of its necessary thyroid hormone from the mother. For this reason, it is especially important that in the first trimester, the mother’s hypothyroidism is treated. It is however important to treat hypothyroidism not only during the first trimester, but throughout the pregnancy.
Even mild hypothyroidism can cause adverse gestational outcomes such as pre-term delivery, low birth weight, fetal death and impair the intellectual development of the baby. (3)
Can hypothyroidism reduce a woman’s fertility or increase the chances of miscarriage?
A Cochrane review of published scientific studies in 2019 was unable to draw a conclusion on whether it is a fertility and/or miscarriage benefit by supplementing women who are subclinically (borderline) hypothyroid, or frankly have normal thyroid function but with positive thyroid autoantibodies (increasing the future risk of thyroid dysfunction) because of the low quality of the studies available. (4)
However, because of the possible benefits and considering the low risk for side effects, supplementation is sometimes recommended by medical guidelines in these women.
With respect to women who have overt (as opposed to borderline) hypothyroidism, it is more established that it can affect fertility rates and increase the risk of miscarriages. Women who are hypothyroid may not produce enough Luteinizing Hormone (LH) which is involved in the mid-menstrual cycle surge of hormones which signal the ovaries to release an egg. Without this signal, ovulation may not occur which will impede conception.
In a study where, approximately 24% of infertile women were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, researchers found that over 76% of these women could conceive within six months to one year after getting their hypothyroidism treated. (5)
Is it possible to check one’s thyroid at home?
It is not possible to check your thyroid levels at home by yourself. You will need a blood test. The easiest way for most people is to ask their healthcare providers to do a simple blood test to check their levels.
Is it possible to cure hypothyroidism permanently?
There is no way to cure hypothyroidism permanently, however, sometimes people who have hypothyroidism to regain normal thyroid function either temporarily or permanently depending on a number of factors such as the cause of the hypothyroidism and the residual thyroid function remaining or by correcting other illnesses or factors contributing to their hypothyroidism.
What is the best possible way to treat hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is generally a disorder which is easy to diagnose and treat with a low risk for side effects leading from such treatment. It is important to follow up regularly with your healthcare provider so that they can determine whether it is appropriate to screen you for thyroid dysfunction. If your general practitioner has difficulty getting your thyroid levels balanced, then you may possibly benefit from seeing an Endocrinologist, a specialist in thyroid disorders.
About Dr. Tharsan Sivakumar, MD, FRCPC: Dr. Sivakumar is the Director of the Institute of Diabetes & Endocrinology, and the President-Elect of the AACE (American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists) Canadian Chapter.
He is board certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine in Endocrinology, Diabetes & Metabolism, as well as Internal Medicine. He is also a diplomate of the American Board of Clinical Lipidology.
In addition, he is certified by the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada in Internal Medicine as well as Endocrinology and Metabolism.
His areas of clinical and research interest include diabetes, lipidology, and general endocrinology. He has a number of publications in prominent peer-reviewed medical journals.
Resources:
- Sivakumar T, Chaidarun S. Resistance to thyroid hormone in a patient with coexisting Graves’ disease. Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20151830. Published February 2010.
- Pearce EN, Andersson M, Zimmermann MB. Global iodine nutrition: Where do we stand in 2013? Thyroid : official journal of the American Thyroid Association. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23472655. Published May 2013.
- Shan Z, Teng W. Thyroid hormone therapy of hypothyroidism in pregnancy. Endocrine. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31617164. Published October 2019.
- Akhtar MA, Agrawal R, Brown J, Sajjad Y, Craciunas L. Thyroxine replacement for subfertile women with euthyroid autoimmune thyroid disease or subclinical hypothyroidism. The Cochrane database of systematic reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31236916. Published June 25, 2019.
- Verma I, Sood R, Juneja S, Kaur S. Prevalence of hypothyroidism in infertile women and evaluation of response of treatment for hypothyroidism on infertility. International journal of applied & basic medical research. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3657979/. Published January 2012.
it is really helpful article and thankyou very much for such an informative article.
it is really a useful and informative article and thankyou verymuch for such an article.
KINDLY SUGGEST A DIET FOR LOW BLOOD PRESSURE PLUS THYROID PATIENT
Diet for thyroid
This information was very helpful
Excellent web site, made a list of all the remedies I need. Here’s hoping to a better me. Thank you.
above info is a great help to fight with hypothyroidism. i wish something can cure this fully..
Thank you very much for making this blog. I relaly identify with your situation, got diagnosed hypo over 7 years ago and am struggling since. Weight is the biggest problem for me as I’m a very healthy eater and relaly loved my clothes which no longer fit! I’m trying to bring myself to pack them away but cant give up. Struggling at the acceptance stage! we share the exact same weight stats too which is relaly interesting, I hope you are feeling better on your current regime, do you take synthetic or dessicated thyroid supplements now? I’m trying to give the natural dessicated method a go as the synthetic has not helped my last symptom, inexplicable weight gain.
Hi Erna,
Sorry to hear about your problems. I too discovered my hypothyroidism at 45. However I have never let that interfere with my fitness. I am maintaining my weight for last 25 years – before HYP and after HYP
Hypothyroidism(HYP) is completely controlled by regular intake of medicines.
Do not succumb to self-pity. HYP can only create maybe a difference of 3-5% weight at max.
So get going and keep moving. Get a proper diet and exercise plan and defeat all the diseases that are trying to defeat you!
Thank u cheering me and encourage
Thank you so much for such wonderful home remedies.
Good information.
Very good home remedies I now understood better .
Can you pls give some more details how to use those different I teams which they mentioned above
Helo Mr Chandra You may try some local herbs at MARWAR area
Medical studies indicate that increasing iodine can actually be harmful, especially for people with Hashimoto’s disease. Eliminating caffeine and gluten in mydiet has made a cosiderable difference in managing my hypothyroidism.
Question for T.Suter: You said you eliminated caffeine and gluten from your diet. How long did it take for you to see the results? and did you change anything else about your diet?
THANK YOU FOR GUIDING US IN EASY WAY OF TREATMENT I AM ALSO WANT TO KNOW THESE TIPS IN HINDI LANGUAGE
thannx..
n
nice n helpful post
very informative.i suffer with hashimosis
Very useful information for thyroid patient.
I am desperate to combat the sudden hair loss with Hypothyroidism – I am definitely going to try Evening Primrose Oil – Thank you.
I am having eye brow hair loss and will be trying Udo’s oil (contains evening primrose) or just evening primrose itself. I also take a thyroid glandular by Swanson.
the article is really impressive & i think we should give it a real trial for the above mentioned serious complication.
Iodine is not ideal for those who are hypothyroid with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis as it will speed up the destruction of the thyroid gland. Also, flaxseed is counterindicated in hypothyroid patients due to its estrogenic effects on the body (similar to soy), which further suppresses thyroid function. A better approach would be to eliminate wheat and eat a diet designed to heal the gut, which is so important to a healthy thyroid and immune system.
I used to take eltroxin 0.1 g daily. Since 2 months stopped it as my TS went below 0.3. Coincidentally, I started adding fresh ginger to tea, steeping it for about 5 mins. The hoarseness of my voice has disappeared and my TSH are normal. Thanks to ginger!
I was particularly interested in your advice on the amount of flaxseed to take each day .I have hypothyroidism and was a little concerned to hear that flaxseed should be avoided .I have 35g of raw oats with 20mg of cracked flaxseed every day for breakfast for lowering my cholesterol ..I can happily continue with my said breakfast ..Thanks
Not sure what you mean since there was no advice on Flaxseed in this article.
Thanks a lot .very helpful & informative.
Hi… thnx for da info… need some more advic..m a 27yr gal.. m suferng frm hypothyroid since wen i ws 15 yrs old.. i do tak medicin regulrly.. bt ihv many problm due to ds.. i m unble to tolrat cold… anyth to overcom cold.. 2ndly i hv wrinlkes on hands foot & neck.. extrmly dry flaky skin evn in sumers.i feel inferirty complx due to ds.. i dnt feel lyk getng maried evn..xtrmly tired aall tym..footache n muscle ache.. hair hv becom dry.. dulln fall lyk anyth.. it seems lyk whole beauty z tarnishng… i feel lyk getn old bfr tym.. plz tell me som way out.. i feel so deprsdd dt in such a young age m sufrng frm ds. Pls note i do tak medicn stil i sufr frm ds problms
Very useful & informative .Thanks a lot.
coconut oil is best remedy for hypothyroidism
Nice suggestion n v helpful because I am having thyroid
thanks a lot,for easy home remedies that can prevent and cure important diseases at home without much money and time
Thank you 10 remedies..
Very helpful home remedies…and easy ones too..
Very good article for hypothyroidism
Excellent remedies for thyroid
Excellent and eye opener
Thank u very much for the home remedies on hypothyrodism.I would try the apple cider on my daily diet.more power Godspeed
Thank you, I will try some of these remedies.
Thanks, I will try some of the remedies
Wow Super information. Home remedies help who already tried existing system. It is Harmless.
Useful information
Thank you for help me
Thank you very much for giving valuable advice.
Thank you For helping people by giving such a nice advice by this many people with get rid of thyroid
I was diagnose to have thyroid problem, thank for the info”
Nice tips.
Unique.but I think flex seeds and ginger and swarn gugul are using along with kachnor gugul in thyroid.but take all medicines under consult of ayurvedic drs.coconot oil useful.need more rearch in herbs.
Thanks for giving information
Thanks & do want to know more about the healthy diet & remedies to tackle the health of mine. Once again thanks,
Thank you for this, it’s very helpful.
Thanks for z highlights wich are educative.
thanksss for give us best homy treatment
This info was so very helpful thank u wise ppl
This seem to be very useful home remedies and others also sharing useful tips and experience.
Thanks to all
This was a great article to read, but I was actually initially confused by the fact that the article is divided up into 3 different pages! Almost didn’t catch those arrows.
Thank you for writing the article and taking the time to list out all those helpful ingredients and the studies, I know it is very beneficial to me. I’m currently taking the natural supplement Thyromate and was looking to see what else I could also supplement with, since it’s really made a difference with me since I started taking it (which really makes a lot of sense now too having read your article, since it has so many of those ingredients), and want to continue to see even greater benefits. Your article was really informative, and I will definitely try out the Guggul that you mentioned too!
Hope
Thanx so much , I have same problems as commented by Sadia, thanx I will try these home remedies
Thank you for this info. I’ve been 10 yrs searching on my symptoms
I finally found a answer. I will try all the things in your article .
Tkz fr hlp.itz realy useful
Many thanks for the source…
Very good very helpful thank you foe the source
Very helpful thank you for the source good
I used to sleep whole day even though I feel tired
I was diagnosed to hypothyroid but I have symptoms of hyperthyroid. My doctor prescribed levothyroxine but I’m afraid I’ll lose more weight. I was thinking about getting a second opinion. Please advise me. Thanks.
My doctor prescribed levothyroxine and I am gaining weight.
I was diagnosed with hypothyroid but my symptoms are hyperthyroid. I’m losing weight, high energy and I was wondering if I should get a second opinion. I would appreciate your suggestions. Thanks.
Hi
I am 26 years old and my weight is only 42kg. please refer home remedies and techniques how I will gain weight within a month.
thanks
I will try at least one OR two home remedies. result will be checked after lab result.
Thanks for the information
Thank you for the information. I’ve been on the meds four years and I keep on getting fat and sluggish plus all the other symptoms. I’m exhausted. I also want to share that the medication and a good diet don’t cure this disease in everybody. A reliable herbalist told me it’s possible to replace the medication for a natural iodine source; to slowly lower the synthetic medication as I start ingesting algae supplements. It’s very dangerous to stop talking the synthetic med all at once. So the switch has to be very slow into the algae. I’m gonna order the algae and start giving it a chance.
Buy collagen, for your wrinkles, this helps to firm up skin. But try to buy the one that is natural. If you go to any health food store, you can find out which one is natural, don’t buy it with them, but buy it from ebay, much cheaper.