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Are you experiencing symptoms you can’t figure out? Unexplained weight loss, irritability, or physical systems you can’t explain? The source may not be what you think - if typical treatments aren’t working, you may be experiencing an overactive thyroid. Today we will take a look at hyperthyroidism treatments which may help with some of these symptoms, by getting to the root of the issue. What Is Hyperthyroidism? The thyroid gland produces hormones which regulate nearly every other system in your body. When this important gland is overactive and produces too much of the hormone thyroxine, this is known as hyperthyroidism. The bad news is that this condition can be very serious if no action is taken.The good news is that, in most cases, it does respond well to treatment. Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism The symptoms of hyperthyroidism are similar to those of many other conditions, which can make diagnoses difficult. These include: • weight loss (sometimes despite an increased appetite) • heart issues including rapid or irregular heartbeat or palpitations (feeling your heart beating) • irritability or anxiety • changes to the menstrual cycle • fatigue • difficulty sleeping • sweating • thinning skin • brittle hair Hyperthyroidism can also cause your thyroid gland to swell, leading to a goiter. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and cannot pinpoint the cause, or treatments which would regularly help are not working, you may have an issue with your thyroid that needs to be addressed. Causes Of Hyperthyroidism There are number of reasons you may be experiencing hyperthyroidism. Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid), Graves’ disease, or Plummer's disease may be potential culprits. Graves’ disease, or Graves’ ophthalmopathy can cause swollen, red, or dry eyes. It is an autoimmune disease which can result in your thyroid being stimulated to produce too much thyroxine. Plummer's disease (sometimes called toxic multinodular goiter) is characterized by an enlargement of the thyroid gland, resulting in a goiter. Thyroiditis (sometimes called subacute thyroiditis) is when the thyroid gland becomes inflamed after pregnancy or viral infection.Like Graves’ disease, thyroiditis is an autoimmune condition. This inflammation can result in excess thyroid hormone entering the bloodstream. Naturopathic Treatments For Hyperthyroidism There are a number of ways to manage hyperthyroidism with naturopathic treatments. Let’s take a look at some of these natural treatments now. 1. Eat a Hyperthyroid Diet There are certain foods to eat which can help to improve thyroid function. A first step in managing hyperthyroidism naturally is to ensure you are getting lots of the following in your diet: ● Bone broth: this helps to heal leaky gut syndrome, which can worsen the effects of hyperthyroidism ● Green juices: think of foods like kale, spinach, and spirulina ● Anti-inflammatory herbs: basil, oregano, and rosemary have anti-inflammatory properties and can help to improve thyroid function; ginger can also boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. Ensure you are getting mostly whole foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, and lean protein. 2. Avoid the Following Foods While you are looking carefully at the foods you are consuming, there are also foods to be aware of to avoid. If you have hyperthyroidism, here are foods to avoid: ● Gluten ● Dairy products ● Seafood, poultry, and beef ● Egg yolks ● Sugar ● Artificial dyes and flavouring Avoiding these foods is especially important in managing hyperthyroidism caused by an autoimmune condition. 3. Supplement With L-Carnitine A 2014 case study in the journal Hormones showed L-carnitine to be effective for managing a Graves’ disease patient, without the need for anti-thyroid drugs. L-carnitine is an amino acid which occurs naturally in the body, but can also be found in weight-loss supplements. It acts by preventing thyroid hormones from entering cells, and may work to reverse the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. 4. Avoid Foods Rich In Iodine Maintaining balance when it comes to iodine is important for managing thyroid health. Too much iodine can lead to hyperthyroidism, however too little is not good either. Some medications may contain iodine, which can lead to the formation of a goiter. If you are worried about having too much iodine, or that you may be on medications which increase the amount of iodine in your body, discuss this with your doctor or naturopath. 5. Supplement With B-Complex Vitamins A side effect of hyperthyroidism is often B-12 deficiency, which can lead to weakness, dizziness, and fatigue. It should be kept in mind that while a B-12 supplement, or B-vitamin complex can help with the symptoms of B-12 deficiency, it will not work as a treatment for hyperthyroidism itself. Contact Nardini Naturopathic Are you worried about hyperthyroidism? Do you eat a diet which includes many of the foods listed in this article as foods to be avoided, or are you experiencing symptoms you can’t explain? Nardini Naturopathic can help. I can work with you to find the right natural treatments for you, to bring your thyroid function to a normal level - contact me, Dr. Pat Nardini, today to set up an appointment.