Natural Ways to Treat Hyperthyroidism: Yoga, Diet, and More

The Bugleweed herb is also known as Leucopus virginica. It helps in treating mild hyperthyroidism. This herb specifically reduces the amount of hormones produced by the thyroid. Studies have shown that it helps in reducing the levels of TSH and thyroid hormone synthesis. Apart from this, it reduces the level of T4 and prevents the conversion of T4 to T3.

How to use Bugleweed –

• To make herbal tea, add one or half a teaspoon of Bugleweed to a cup of hot water. Now keep it boiling for a few minutes. After a few minutes, filter the mixture and keep it cool. Now use this mixture once a day.
• Apart from this, you can also take this herb with lemon balm and motherwort. This mixture will be highly effective for treating your hyperthyroidism.

Lemon balm is also known as Melissa officinalis. It is an herb that helps normalize thyroid by lowering TSH levels. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and other useful compounds that regulate the thyroid. It also inhibits the activity of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland and cause Graves’ disease, a common form of hyperthyroidism. Drink lemon balm tea to keep your thyroid activity at a healthy level.

How to use lemon balm –

• Mix two teaspoons of lemon balm in a cup of hot water.
• Let it boil for five minutes.
• Now strain this mixture and drink it three times a day.
• You can use this mixture in small doses. First, start with half, then one teaspoon, then gradually increase to two teaspoons

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The motherwort herb is also known as Leonurus cardiaca. It acts as a natural beta-blocker and helps in controlling tachycardia (high heart rate) and palpitations. The anti-thyroid activity present in it is extremely beneficial for people suffering from hyperthyroid conditions.

How to use motherwort -

• Put one or half a teaspoon of motherwort in a cup of hot water and let it boil for five minutes. After five minutes, filter this mixture and leave it to cool.
• Now drink this tea three times a day.
• Keep in mind that if you are taking any type of medicine, do not use this herb.

If your body is not getting enough omega-3 fatty acids, hormonal imbalances can occur including thyroid hormones. These essential fatty acids are the building blocks for hormones that regulate immune function and cell growth. You can increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet by eating more fish, flaxseeds and walnuts etc.

Broccoli is a cruciferous vegetable that contains substances called isothiocyanates and goitrogens that prevent the thyroid from making too many hormones. So anyone suffering from hyperthyroidism should try to eat as much uncooked broccoli as possible. Other cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, turnips, mustard greens and radishes are also helpful.

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Antioxidant-rich diets are helpful in controlling hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes the level of thyroid hormone to increase, which leads to increased free radical damage and oxidative stress in the body.

Antioxidants are beneficial for reducing oxidative stress. Add foods like vitamin C, vitamin E, beta carotene, selenium and magnesium to your diet. To get these nutrients, include fresh fruits and vegetables in your diet such as berries, grapes, tomatoes and bell peppers etc. You can also take a multivitamin. Also, do not forget to take more protein in your diet. An overactive thyroid causes your muscles to break down more easily. Protein especially increases muscle mass and strength.

You can add one or two tablespoons of whey protein powder to your diet to get protein. Also, include beans, nuts, nut butters, seeds and yogurt in your diet. You can also eat lean meats, cold-water fish and eggs but avoid red meat and processed meats.

Sea vegetables are a good source of iodine, an important mineral for thyroid health. The natural iodine in sea vegetables helps normalize thyroid disorders such as weight fluctuations and congestion in the lymphatic system. These vegetables also contain good amounts of vitamin K, B-vitamin folate, magnesium, iron, and calcium. Some of the sea vegetables that you can use in the treatment of hyperthyroidism are kelp, kombu, hijiki, nori, etc. These are usually available in the form of dried ingredients in stores. You can crush or chop these vegetables and use them in sauces, pizzas, rice, and salads.

Cabbage is one of the most useful foods used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Cabbage is high in goitrogens which help in reducing the production of thyroid hormones. Eat roasted cabbage for best results.

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Berries are rich in vitamins and various antioxidant properties which help in reducing the inflammation of the thyroid gland. You can eat different types of berries like blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries and others.

Amla treats many health problems including hyperthyroidism. Amla also helps in controlling the production of thyroid hormones. Make a thick paste by mixing Indian gooseberry powder with honey and eat it in the morning for breakfast. These are some foods that help in the treatment of hyperthyroidism and suppress the production of thyroid hormones. Also, try to limit the intake of dairy products and caffeine to prevent hyperthyroidism.

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Some home remedies may be helpful in reducing thyroid, although it is important to consult a doctor before trying them. Consuming iodine-rich foods, such as milk, yogurt, and fish, is helpful in maintaining the right thyroid levels. Herbs like ashwagandha and basil can help balance thyroid hormones. Consuming coconut oil can be helpful in increasing metabolism and controlling thyroid symptoms. Apart from this, yoga and pranayama, such as Sarvangasana and Ujjayi Pranayama, are considered beneficial in improving the health of the thyroid gland.