6 Herbs That Help Keep the Thyroid in Tip-Top Shape
The thyroid gland is small, but it plays roles in many different functions of the body. Those with an underactive thyroid may gain weight, have mental fogginess and be tired a lot. Those with an overactive thyroid may lose weight and muscle mass, experience insomnia and have a rapid heart rate. Both conditions need to be controlled or else they can significantly impact a person’s life. Here are 6 herbs that help keep the thyroid in good shape!
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Flax-Seed - Flax seed is a very rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and these are very important for a healthy thyroid gland. Flax seed oil and regular flax seeds may help those with underactive thyroid to get the condition under control.
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Eleuthero - This herb affects the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which helps the body to adapt to stressful situations. Eleuthero also provides immune system support. For people with adrenal problems, which is common in people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, eleuthero is a very beneficial herb.
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Echinacea - This is very popular herb, and is responsible for enhancing the immune system function. Many people with Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis can benefit from Echinacea, since it can help improve their immune system health.
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Bugleweed - Bugleweed is an effective remedy for treating the hyperthyroidism. This remedy is used especially in the case whenever you’re experiencing the symptoms like palpitations, weight loss, shortness of breath, anxiety and shaking along with the problem. It works well to reduce the amount of hormone that is produced by the thyroid. Bugleweed has lithospheric acid that decreases the levels of certain hormones in which thyroid hormone thyroxine (T3) is also included in it.
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Bladder wrack - This herb is for people with hypothyroidism. Taking this herb, along with other herbs and supplements, plus incorporating other lifestyle factors, can help restore the health of someone who has hypothyroidism. This can mean that some people who have been taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone may eventually be able to stop taking these drugs with the help of this herb (under the supervision of their medical doctor of course).
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Ashwagandha - Yet another adaptogenic herb for people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, ashwagandha has many different benefits. Ashwagandha helps the body to cope with stress by affecting the HPA-axis, and is also beneficial for the immune system. It also has some other benefits as well, as it has some anti-inflammatory effects, and is also used as a tonic for children.
Of course you should always check with your physician before starting with vitamins and herbs. Make sure there are no interactions with any of your medications.
