Thyroid Health from a Naturopathic Perspective

Discover how thyroid disorders can be addressed naturally and get to know more about the proper functioning of this gland. Let’s begin.

The thyroid gland is an essential organ of the endocrine system, located in the front of the neck, just above the clavicle. This gland produces and stores essential hormones that regulate every cell´s function in our bodies, this is called metabolism. Thyroid hormones help control heart rhythm, blood pressure, body temperature, the speed at which we transform food into energy, and aid in child development and growth.

The most recent research in Australia has shown that around 14% of older Australians suffer from a clinically relevant thyroid disorder with 4% having an undiagnosed thyroid disorder.  National studies in 2004 have shown that approximately 50% of Australian children and a similar percentage of pregnant women suffer from iodine deficiency.  More recent smaller studies have shown that approximately 10% of pregnant women in Australia suffer from mild hypothyroidism (subclinical) secondary to autoimmune thyroid disease.  Thyroid cancer also appears to be on the increase, With 2014 thyroid cancer research showing the previous 10 years of thyroid cancer affecting an increase of 84% in women and 48% in men

Thyroid Disorders explained

There are different thyroid diseases with distinctive symptoms. Hyperthyroidism is an overactive thyroid that will raise the metabolic rate. This can result in abnormally rapid heart rate (tachycardia), hypertension, feelings of worry or anxiety, restlessness, sudden weight loss, hair loss, and heat sensitivity. In contrast, in hypothyroidism, the metabolic rate is decreased. The clinical symptom picture is one of sluggishness, including lethargy, tiredness, slow nutrient turnover with resultant weight gain, and cold intolerance. Other specific thyroid disorders can cause swelling or goitre, and even thyroid cancer.

The significant problem for patients is that many assume their thyroid is running fine since a TSH blood test came back normal. On these grounds, the thyroid dysfunction gets discarded, and the search for the cause of their symptoms will continue, unsuccessfully. Herein is the big issue. On the other hand, allopathic treatments for this pathology impact other tissues, causing osteoporosis and cardiovascular diseases such as atrial fibrillation and heart failure. [1][2]

The Naturopathic Approach to Thyroid Disorders

Naturopathy, or natural medicine, is one of the most meaningful branches of complementary and alternative medicines (CAMs) The basic philosophical premise in Naturopathy is that there is an inherent healing power in nature and every human being. Hence, the fundamental function of the physician is to bring forth this natural healing potential. [3] In “The Textbook of Natural Medicine” (Murray 1) we can read the seven fundamental principles of naturopathic medicine as follow:

The healing power of nature (vis medicatrix naturae)

1. First, do no harm (primum non nocere)
2. Find the cause (tolle causam)
3. Treat the whole person
4. Preventive medicine
5. Wellness
6. Doctor as teacher

Herbal medicine and Homeopathy, are natural treatments indicated for women who are in the climacteric stage and suffer from hyperthyroidism because it regulates hormonal function, and there is notable clinical improvement accordingly to Dr. Castro Pérez published cases [4] In her paper conclusions, she tells us: “Homeopathy offers us a wide range of medicines that can achieve positive results, in the short and long term, with the benefit of avoiding diseases such as osteoporosis and cardiovascular disease” A combination of various natural medicines and following healthy lifestyle recommendations from your therapist will deliver safe definitive results without unwanted side effects

In India, Dr. Gowda and colleagues from the Division of Yoga and Life Sciences at Swami Vivekananda Yoga Institute, published in 2017 in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine one remarkable experience using a combination of natural therapies and Yoga. The patient was Mr. SAG. A 50-year-old male with a sedentary lifestyle was diagnosed with hypothyroidism, obesity, Type-2 diabetes mellitus, and hypertension in 2013. His main distresses were uncontrolled weight gain, generalized weakness, fatigability, and bilateral knee pain for 4 years. An IYN -Integrated Yoga and Naturopathy- treatment was administered for 6 weeks at the residential integrative medical facility in Bangalore between October and November 2015. The naturopathic therapies included a combination of, herbal remedies, therapeutic fasting, and a calorie-restricted diet with a focus on detoxification and massage. Plus a tailored Yoga exercise program and educative lectures in healthy life habits. Following the intervention, all allopathic medicine prescriptions; thyroid activity raising drugs, anti-hypertensive, oral hypoglycemic, and pain killers were not required to be continued and were dropped. His knee pain was minimized on discharge. He had an improved feeling of wellness and overall functional health. All his parameters were within the normal range at the 12-week follow-up, as he had incorporated the lifestyle program into his daily routine. [5]

The scientific support for the philosophical and therapeutic foundation of natural medicine has evolved remarkably over the past 35 years. Concepts that were once considered “quaint” at best are now recognized as fundamental to good health and the prevention and treatment of disease. Much of the current interest in diet and lifestyle in conventional medicine came to be, through the influence of naturopathic physicians. A professionally prescribed diet combined with herbal therapy and healthy lifestyle changes will provide your body with the tools it needs to correct imbalances and eliminate thyroid problems. Or any health problem whatsoever. You will quickly feel energized and well again, allowing you to continue living your life with vigour, a good attitude, and a great body image.

All indications and guidelines to follow can be easily arranged during your naturopathic consultation.

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