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as hawthorn, bugleweed, motherwort and lemon balm. Inclusion of healthful foods like oats
and food rich in calcium, magnesium and vitamin D may help in preventing the problems
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism refers to the state of over activity of thyroid gland in the body. It is a condition in
which the thyroid gland produces excess thyroid hormone and is also sometimes referred to as
thyroid hormones in the blood stream. Thyroid gland is a critical organ of the endocrine system
which has a shape like a butterfly and is responsible for secreting essential hormone into the
blood. These hormones hormone play a significant role in keeping the body energized and
ensures overall growth and smooth functioning of various critical processes and metabolism of
the body.
Thyroid Hormones
Thyroid gland produces hormones which include tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3,
T4 hormones regulate body metabolism. The quantity of thyroid hormones in the blood
determines the metabolic rate. Pituitary gland located in the brain, regulates the production of
According to the university of Maryland medical center, thyroid hits more women as compared
Graves’ disease: Graves’ disease is an autoimmune inflammatory disease and is the most
eyelids along with swelling and erythema. Graves’ disease is caused by the release of excess
thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland. This happens because of the antibodies present in the
blood stick to particular activating sites on the gland which triggers the growth of thyroid gland
Toxic nodular goiter: Another reason for hyperthyroidism to occur is the gradual growth of
lumps or nodules in the thyroid gland. These lumps lose their regulatory mechanism and boost
the activity of thyroid gland resulting in excess secretion of the thyroid hormone into the blood.
may also be a cause of hyperthyroidism. This condition also known as thyroiditis can cause
Excess of iodine: Ingestion of excess iodine intentionally or inadvertently from various sources
such as disinfectants and X-ray contrast mediums can also lead to hyperthyroidism in
vulnerable individuals.
Symptoms Of Hyperthyroidism
Thyroid hormones contribute significantly in the rate of the processes running in the body.
Excess thyroid hormone has a tendency to accelerate the functions of the body.
Due to the enlarged thyroid gland, people suffering from Graves ’ disease may experience
swelling in front of the neckline also known as ‘goiter’. Some patients may have raised upper
Individuals suffering from hyperthyroidism might also experience other symptoms such as
weakness in upper arm and thigh muscles, heart palpitation, nervousness, intolerance to heat,
increased sweating, trembling in hands, shortness of breath, anxiety, irritability, insomnia and
thin and fragile hair. Apart from these, some patients may also have repeated bowel
Women suffering from hyperthyroidism may experience irregular menstrual cycle with light
over-energized body. However, eventually the body breaks down with the persisting
Diagnosis Of Hyperthyroidism
an enlarged thyroid gland and fast running pulse. The patient might exhibit rapid reflexes and as
already stated, some abnormality in the eyes in case of Graves ’ disease. The physician would
also conduct lab test to confirm the level of tri-iodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and TSH. Tests
conducted on an over-active thyroid gland normally result in low level of TSH and high level of
thyroid hormone in the blood stream. In addition, the physician might also conduct a thyroid
Bugleweed: Bugleweed is a traditional anti-thyroid herb that works by reducing the output of
T4 hormone and slowing down the conversion of T4 into T3. This aids in inhibiting the
production of excess thyroid hormone by restricting the ability of thyroid stimulating antibodies in
Graves’ disease. A study conducted on patients suffering from hyperthyroidism suggests that
bugleweed may help in reduction of symptoms like restlessness, headaches and palpitations.
Oats: Oats are valuable in hyperthyroidism to combat the weakness and exhaustion caused by
the excess hormone secretion in the body. These excess thyroid hormones boost the metabolic
rate of the body and increase the activity of the sympathetic nervous system. This in turn adds
to the degree of stress and fatigue in the body. Oats have been traditionally considered as a
Avoid diet triggers: Certain foods which are a part of your normal diet may be the trouble
makers in hyperthyroidism. Stimulating foods such as caffeine, alcohol and other food items
like soy, corn and gluten based products are likely to cause problems. Encouraging the
inclusion of food items like fresh fruits, sea vegetables, brassica and raw cruciferous veggies in
Lemon balm: Another effective remedy for hyperthyroidism is lemon balm. Extracts from lemon
balm have a restrictive effect on TSH which obstructs the activation of the thyroid gland. This in
turn assists in reducing over secretion of thyroid hormone. Along with this, lemon balm works at
the ground level by detoxifying the body and strengthening the immune system.
attributing to its anti-thyroid activities. Motherwort has the qualities of a natural beta blocker and
helps in providing symptomatic relief from cardiac symptoms like palpitation and elevated heart
rate. Definitely, you cannot replace the commercial beta blocker with this but it is an effective
benefits. It has been trusted by both conventional as well modern studies for its positive effects
on coronary blood flow, energy utilizations, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. All
these factors make hawthorn a potent remedy for cardio symptoms implicated
in hyperthyroid conditions.
Calcium and vitamin D: Hyperthyroidism may have detrimental effects on the bone health and
may lead to thinning of bones. It becomes extremely vital to get that extra dose of calcium and
vitamin D on a daily basis to prevent your bones from the risk of osteoporosis. Discuss with your
physician regarding the dietary guidelines and about the requirement of additional calcium and
vitamin D.
Magnesium rich diet: Magnesium plays a key role in maintaining thyroid health particularly with
respect to the metabolism of iodine which is again critical for the body. A study conducted on
vegetables, nuts and seeds in the diet can greatly help to compensate for the deficit in the body.
Cut down on sugar and refined foods: Eliminating refined foods and sugar from their diet is
another thing from which the people suffering from hyperthyroidism can benefit from. Excess of
these foods will lead to a rush in the insulin and cortisol hormone which in due course will begin
to strain the adrenal glands and pancreas. Improper or weaker functioning of adrenal glands
may lead to weaker immunity which in turn can make way for autoimmune disorders such as
Graves’ disease.
Get proper sleep: This is yet another factor which contributes to the weaker adrenal glands.
Insufficient sleep can affect the adrenal activities which as mentioned already is not good for
hyperthyroidism. One should ensure to take enough sleep to keep the body and mind calm and
relaxed.
Kick away stress: Stress can aggravate any problem on this earth. Chronic stress can also
completely out of our lives, you should definitely make strong effort to keep a positive attitude
and handle stress in a constructive manner. A composed mind and body can go long way in
Regular exercise: Exercising regularly can help beneficially in hyperthyroidism. It keeps the
blood circulation healthy and ensures good cardiac and adrenal activity. Post medical advice,
you can engage in specific regime of cardiac exercise for better results.
Reduce exposure to environmental toxins: Certain environmental toxins can have negative
effects on the thyroid health. While you cannot totally change the exposure outside, go for
natural products while choosing household items to minimize the exposure at home.
In case you have been diagnosed with Graves’ disease then you may try soothing your eyes
using a cool compress, wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from harmful ultra-violet
radiations, keep your head elevated than the rest of your body to reduce the fluid accumulation
in the head. This would also alleviate the pressure on your eyes. These easy home remedies
can be utilized to bring relief from swelling and erythema or redness caused in Graves’ disease.
Do not miss or alter your thyroid medication without a discussion with you endocrine doctor.
Please be advised that these herbs are not recommended for emergency circumstances such
as thyroid storm occurrence. Depending upon the severity of the disorder, it becomes necessary
to take anti-thyroid medication and beta blockers on a provisional basis or longer. However, for
prolonged duration proper thyroid medication along with holistic and natural approach for
treating hyperthyroidism can go a long way and help lead a normal life.