Reversal of Hypothyroidism Naturally based on Integrative medicine, Naturopathy, Functional Nutrition, Therapeutic Yoga, Mindfulness, and Lifestyle interventions.
Today, we discuss ‘Reversal of Hypothyroidism naturally through Naturopathy, Functional Nutrition, Therapeutic Yoga, Mindfulness, and Lifestyle interventions.’
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is an endocrine gland, and it produces and secretes its hormones, T3 is Tri-iodothyronine, and T4 is thyroxine, directly into the blood. These hormones play a major role in metabolism, which means how you break down your food and how energy is released. In addition to that, it helps maintain body temperature, manage gut motility, heart rhythm, ovarian and testicular function, hair growth, etc.
Thyroid dysfunction refers to the abnormal functioning of the thyroid gland, which can be an excess or deficiency of thyroid hormones. Here, we discuss the deficiency of thyroid hormone called hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism can be primary, the problem being in the thyroid gland itself, or secondary, the problem may be in the hypothalamus, the part of the brain that releases TRH, or the pituitary gland, which secretes TSH that controls thyroid production and secretion.
Common Symptoms
Weight gain
Hairfall
Lack of energy
Cold intolerance
Constipation
Dry skin
Primary hypothyroidism is a deficiency in producing and/ or secreting thyroid hormones due to an abnormality in the gland itself.
What causes Hyopthyroidism?
1. Nutritional deficiencies
The first and foremost cause is the nutritional deficiencies that can completely cause thyroid deficiency
Iodine deficiency
If iodine is deficient in food, then the hormones T3 and T4, which have iodide groups attached to them, are not produced, leading to reduced serum levels of T 3 and T4.
Here blood picture shows low T3 and T4 but high TSH.
Selenium deficiency
Selenium deficiency reduces thyroid hormone synthesis by impairing selenoprotein function, which is responsible for the conversion of T4 to T3.
Iron deficiency
Iron is required for the initial two steps of thyroid biosynthesis as these two steps depend on the iron-containing enzyme, thyroid peroxidase (TPO). In conditions where iron is low, thyroid synthesis is affected, which may lead to hypothyroidism.
2. Inflammation
Inflammation of the thyroid gland may happen because of a condition called Leaky gut, wherein the lining of the digestive tract becomes leaky and allows toxins to pass through. Toxins can be undigested food, chemicals secreted by microorganisms, or toxic chemicals ingested. This can leak into the blood, triggering the immune system to attack. This leads to autoimmunity towards the target organ, the thyroid gland. Antibodies are produced against the gland, leading to a high titre in blood. This in turn causes inflammation, damaging the cells, causing a deficiency of hormones, a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
3. Chronic Stress
When there is chronic stress, the adrenal glands become hyperactive, initially causing elevated blood cortisol levels. This leads to an increased conversion of T3, the active form, to reverse T3, the inactive form. This, in turn, causes deficiency. Chronic stress can also affect the cortisol rhythm, causing a decrease in cellular response to thyroid hormones.
4. Gut dysbiosis
In certain conditions, there is an overgrowth of bad microbes in the gut, making the gut lining inflamed, and the tight barrier preventing microbial toxins from spilling into the blood becomes compromised. Toxins enter the blood via the leaky gut, and this leakage can trigger thyroid damage, leading to a deficiency of hormones.
5. Metabolic distress
High insulin resistance can cause a decrease in the sensitivity of thyroid receptors, and hypothyroidism can worsen insulin resistance. Hence, there is a vicious cycle where Hypothyroidism impairs glucose metabolism and insulin resistance, worsening hypothyroidism.
Reversing Hypothyroidism in Naturopathic Medicine, Functional Nutrition, Therapeutic Yoga, Mindfulness, and Lifestyle interventions depends on
● Root cause analysis – Finding the underlying causes and correcting them.
● Improving digestion, absorption, assimilation, and elimination through gut reset
● Addressing metabolic dysfunctions, improving insulin sensitivity
● Balancing hormones and regulating their functions
● Managing stress and calming down the nervous system
● Minimizing exposure to inflammatory toxins, upon exposure activating detox pathways
● Correcting gut dysbiosis through gut cleanse
● Addressing nutritional deficiencies
● Regulating the immune system, addressing chronic stress and trauma response
The focus is to bring about a homeostasis, “SAMATVAM” in body, mind, and soul. This is achieved by focusing on the underlying causes of hypothyroidism and supporting recovery through naturopathy treatment, medical yoga therapy, and everyday lifestyle practices.
If you experience any of these symptoms and don’t know where to find solutions then please book a consultation.