Isn’t it frustrating how often the first course of action suggested to treat troublesome symptoms is prescription medication? Sometimes, conventional health care practitioners present it as the only option. But that’s simply not the case, especially when addressing thyroid imbalances. Most recent studies show how plants, herbs and minerals can help strengthen our thyroid health. Additionally, the stories I hear directly from women who are feeling better without prescription medication illustrate how beneficial natural remedies can be. These natural thyroid solutions have proven to work time after time for the women I see at my clinic.
Let me tell you about Bonnie, a young woman who was diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism in her early 30’s. Her complaints of dry, itchy skin and weight gain had at first seemed unremarkable. Bonnie lived in a northern state, so she was accustomed to both dry skin during the winter months and gaining some weight when the cold weather decreased her activity level.
When Bonnie’s itching became unbearable, she knew something was wrong. She wasn’t unfamiliar with hypothyroidism; her mother had long ago been diagnosed with hypothyroidism and had been taking prescription medication for years. But even with the medication, she still experienced some symptoms.
When Bonnie learned her thyroid health wasn’t perfect, her numbers were in the upper range of normal. For her, prescription medication as her first option did not satisfy her. Instead, she chose to consider a natural approach. She did her own research, with the support of her practitioner, she then decided to begin taking natural supplements. Within six weeks, Bonnie was starting to find relief.
Maybe you, like Bonnie, have decided to do some research to see if natural treatments can bring some relief. Nature can often provide you the best possible support – and I can help you take a closer look at how.
How Plants and Minerals Help Support Your Thyroid
Your thyroid – often called the master gland – plays a part in almost every other system in your body. These other bodily systems, in turn, affect your thyroid. As a result, symptoms of thyroid imbalance may begin when your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones, or when there are imbalances in other body processes that interfere with your thyroid. Your adrenal health is an especially important piece of this puzzle.
Depending on your unique requirements, specific plants and minerals may:
- Increase your energy levels (fatigue and weight gain are the chief complaints I hear related to thyroid issues).
- Help maintain thyroid hormone regulation.
- Help support healthy thyroid cell metabolism.
- Provide support without requiring prescription medication for the remainder of your life.
Even if you are taking prescription medication for hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid), obtaining additional support through plants and minerals may be an excellent option for your body. It might even lead to a decrease in the amount of prescription medication you need.
Natural Thyroid Solutions
The complex link between the bodies’ systems is why natural support is so important for anyone concerned about their thyroid health. Iodine and selenium, both trace minerals, are the most well-known natural remedies, but other options may be beneficial too.
Many plants and minerals have the ability to adapt in order to provide support for your body; they can copy what your body does naturally when it is working at its best. This is known as the “adaptogenic effect.” It allows your body to use what it needs, even if you don’t recognize exactly what is wrong.
Apothecary: Your Natural Thyroid Support
Discover several unique all-natural remedies in my all-natural apothecary. It’s important to work closely with your practitioner, so always discuss any natural remedies you are taking, check in regularly, and report any changes.
And while natural supplements can work wonders, remember to take good care of yourself overall. Eat natural and healthy foods, exercise regularly and manage your emotional stress. Take time for yourself each day, even if it’s only a few minutes to practice deep breathing or simple stretches.
A Lifetime of Feeling Better
I caught up with Bonnie again not long ago. She’s so relieved that she doesn’t need to take prescription medicine to feel better. And she is encouraging her mother to incorporate nutritional supplements into her regimen, hoping the additional guidance will help her manage her symptoms. Bonnie also reports that in addition to experiencing relief from her dry skin, itching and weight gain, she has more energy, both at work and in her exercise routine.
We know that everyone has different symptoms and your body has a unique make-up that impacts what it can tolerate. That’s why it is vital for you as an individual to understand all your options – especially the natural ones. That way, you can decide what is best for you. For many women, nature’s remedies offer a good first step!
