The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ about two inches in length that is located in the front of your neck. Although the thyroid is small in size, it affects nearly every organ in the body. It is the major gland in the endocrine system and regulates carbohydrate and fat metabolism, cholesterol levels, the heart and nervous system, body temperature, brain development, menstrual cycles and more.

Hypothyroidism, also called low thyroid, occurs when one’s thyroid gland stops producing or secreting enough hormones to maintain normal body functions. The condition of Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism often resulting in weight gain.

The condition can also directly affect your mood and increase depression, fatigue and muscle pain. If left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause very serious complications to the heart, nerves or reproductive system. That’s why having a healthy thyroid is so essential. While you would always wants to consult with a doctor in regards to health questions and thyroid imbalances, complementary treatments alongside conventional treatments can have many positive outcomes. However, please consult your physician before attempting alternative treatments.

First, Let’s look at diet. It’s important to focus on ample amounts of good quality protein. Protein carries your thyroid hormone to all of your tissues and eating it with each meal helps to normalize your thyroid function. Along with protein make sure you are eating enough healthy fat, as fat is needed for your thyroid hormones as well as to help balance hormones.

Whenever possible, try to eliminate or greatly reduce caffeine, sugar and grain-based carbohydrates. Focus on getting lots of trace minerals and phytonutrients in your diet such as iodine from real food sources such as sea vegetables, cod, shrimp, turkey and eggs to name a few. Please note that sea salt usually does not contain iodine as compared to iodized salt. Be sure to get enough Vitamin D, Omega 3′s and probiotics. Almost 1/4 of your thyroid function relies on the supply of healthy gut bacteria so it is critical to replenish your good bacteria in your gut from fermented foods and probiotics. Also, whenever possible go 100% gluten-free as the molecular composition of the thyroid tissue is very similar to gluten. Thus, eating gluten can cause the body to attack the thyroid in an autoimmune attack. An autoimmune attack can also happen from eating any inflammatory foods you are allergic to. There is a strong correlation between both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and celiac disease. A scientific study written in the European Journal of Endocrinology confirmed the presence that patients with thyroid disorders had an increased risk for celiac disease.

You want to be careful not to overdo raw goitrogens in foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, strawberries, peaches, etc. Goitrogens are substances that reduce the overall functioning of the thyroid gland by disrupting iodine intake which can result in a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid.

It’s highly recommended that you eat oily fish twice a week or take an omega supplement. A 2010 study published in the “Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry” found that eating oily fish may improve metabolic factors related to low thyroid. Grill or bake the fish to retain the nutrients. Or, instead of consuming fish directly, you can take a high-quality fish oil with ample amounts of EPA and DHA essential fatty acids. I personally use the supplement, xEO Omega daily, which contains a proprietary blend of anti inflammatory essential oils such as frankincense, clove (the #1 antioxidant on earth!) and thyme to name a few. It also contains Vitamin D, Vitamin E and astaxanthin, a powerful antioxidant in a capsule form that enhances lipid bioavailability in the digestive tract.

Fluoride hinders the thyroid’s ability to function at peak ability. Fluoride which is found in almost all conventional store bought toothpaste can reduce the function of the thyroid. It’s a good idea, also, to check and see if your tap water is fluoridated. Whenever possible use coconut oil instead of vegetable oil for your cooking and baking needs. Coconut oil does not go rancid at high temperatures like olive and other oils, as it is heat stable (same for ghee and butter) and used by some with low thyroid function to boost metabolism.

Coconut oil is a saturated fat made up primarily of medium chain fatty acids. These fatty acids are known to promote weight loss and help to rebuild cell membranes and increase the production of enzymes that assist in helping the conversion of thyroid hormones for us by the body (T4 to T3). Additionally, Coconut oil raises body temperatures by increasing the body’s metabolic rate. I like to buy my coconut oil from Tropical Traditions.

Often times there is a direct connection between one’s adrenal glands and thyroid. The adrenal glands are mainly controlled by the sympathetic nervous system. The thyroid is influenced by the parasympathetic nervous system. Those that have hypothyroidism are generally in a parasympathetic state, thus their sympathetic nervous system becomes weakened. For adrenal fatigue, my best friend swears by the combination of 2 drops of clove and 2 drops of rosemary essential oils over her kidneys. Rosemary essential oil stimulates the adrenals and kidneys and helps with exhaustion. Clove essential oil also helps stimulate these organs, but is great as well for hypothyroidism and thyroid dysfunction.

In regards to essential oils, there are many fabulous testimonials from those that healed their hypothyroidism using essential oils in addition to diet and supplements. A well known protocol for helping to reverse hypothyroidism is:

10 drops Myrrh, 10 drops Lemongrass, 2-3 drops Clove, and 2-3 drops Peppermint in a roller ball. Roll directly on thyroid area several times a day at first until you get results. Depending on symptoms, results could be more energy, hair and nail improvement, better sleep, etc. Continue to use once or twice a day untill you feel you are functioning normally, and then once in a while when you feel the need. However, do not stop any thyroid medication without the consent of your doctor.

A report from the Journal of Psychiatry Research verified the results of lavender and rosemary essential oils to reduce stress by increasing free radical scavenging activity and decreasing cortisol levels. Aromatically, diffusing energizing essential oils in a room diffuser can help energize the body, combat fatigue or sluggishness that often times goes along with low thyroid function. Great energizing essential oils are cinnamon, eucalyptus, lemon, lime, grapefruit, rosemary and peppermint. Placing 4 drops of rosemary essential oil in a room diffuser helps to stimulate energy and combat fatigue or sluggishness associated with low thyroid. Essential oils of lemon, citrus, peppermint or eucalyptus also promote energy, boost your mood and reduce fatigue. Add three to five drops of the chosen oil to your diffuser, one to three times a day.

In conclusion, it’s essential to keep your thyroid healthy through your diet and eating ample amounts of EPA and DHA fatty acids from fish,  flax seed and/or supplementation. Make sure any fish or flax seed oil supplements you take are pure and free of heavy metals, toxins, etc and will be easily absorbed by the body. Fermented cod liver oil is also an excellent supplement to incorporate into your diet. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, it’s even more important to take care of yourself by planning appropriate meals, going gluten-free [or eliminate most gluten], reducing fluoride and using pure, therapeutic grade essential oils such as clove, lemongrass, myrrh and peppermint which are some of the best ones for supporting optimal thyroid health.

Your thyroid and your whole body will thank you for taking these important steps to improve your health!

This post is linked to Fresh Bites Friday, Simple Meals Friday, Pennywise Platter, Tasty Traditions, Wildcrafting Wednesday, Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways, Real Food Wednesday, Healthy 2 Day Wednesdays, Cast Party Wednesday, Waste Not Want  Not Wednesday, Allergy Free Wednesdays, Tuesday Greens, Traditional Tuesdays, Eco Kids Tuesday, Handmade Tuesday, Titus 2sday, Hearth & Soul Hop, Slightly Indulgent Tuesday, SaltTree Social, Fat Tuesday, Better Mom Mondays, Weekend Whatever Link-up and Feature Friday. 

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