While thyroid hormone replacement is the most commonly prescribed treatment for hypothyroidism, there are a number of natural supplements patients can take to help improve thyroid function and alleviate symptoms.
Glutathione
Most people only see Glutathione as a supplement to make their skin more radiant, but little know the real science behind it. It is because Glutathione is an antioxidant that prevents the body’s important cellular components to be damaged. In the case of Hypothyroidism, it strengthens the body’s immune system. Glutathione helps protect and heal thyroid tissue. There are numerous Glutathione products on the market such as tablets and even dextrose, but it is still better to get them from natural sources. Opt for foods such as broccoli, asparagus, avocado, grapefruit, peaches, squash, spinach, raw eggs, and garlic instead. Make sure to add them to your meals to help your body to produce Glutathione.
Vitamin B-Complex
A supplement commonly used for the nervous system is Vitamin B-Complex. This helps regulate neurologic function and hormonal balance, including the ones found in the Thyroid Gland. This is also a good supplement if you wish to cope with Hypothyroid-related disorders such as fatigue and stress. The role of Vitamin B-Complex is to make sure that your body’s nerve cells stay healthy. Lean meats and seafood are rich sources of B-Vitamins as well as leafy greens and whole grains. Try consulting your physician first to determine if you still need supplementary Vitamin B-Complex on top of your natural intake.
Omega-3
Commonly found in “Fish Oil”, Omega-3 is a fatty acid essential to the heart and thyroid function. It is said to lower the risk of anxiety and depression, symptoms also associated with Hypothyroidism. In the case of thyroid related problems, Omega-3 controls the immune system, which improves the ability of the body to respond to thyroid hormones. It also helps reduce inflammation which causes hypothyroidism. Although Fish Oil is the most common source of Omega-3, legumes such as walnuts, chia seeds, and flax seeds are also rich sources of this healthy fatty acid.
L-Tyrosine
This amino acid is used in the synthesis of T4 or the main thyroid hormone. Since this supplement is an amino acid, natural sources can usually be found in poultry and dairy. Chicken and Turkey meat are good sources of Tyrosine while yogurt and cottage cheese are good dairy sources. Legumes such as peanuts, almonds, lima beans can also be an option.
It is best to consult your physician first for any allergic reaction to food sources. Doctors might recommend you to take the amino acid in capsule form instead.
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