How to treat hypothyroidism, beyond medication

Today, May 25, is World Thyroid Day.
This date aims to raise awareness among the population about the importance of proper thyroid function, prevent its diseases and give us an idea about the impact on the health of the population.
In today’s article we will try to give a non-drug approach to hypothyroidism, offering alternatives that could result in benefits.

Understanding a little more

The thyroid gland and its main product, thyroid hormone, play a very important role in human physiology. Hypothyroidism is a disease characterized by a defect in the production of thyroid hormones due to various disorders.

Thyroid hormones can significantly affect an individual’s quality of life.
While conventional medical treatments, such as hormone replacement therapy, are the primary focus for managing hypothyroidism, many people also explore non-medical treatments to relieve symptoms and improve overall well-being.
In this guide, we will attempt to provide an overview of several non-drug therapeutic interventions and lifestyle adjustments that may complement conventional medical care for hypothyroidism.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones and since these play a fundamental role in regulating metabolism, energy levels and various bodily functions are affected. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disorder in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Other causes include congenital hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency, and certain medications.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary widely and often develop gradually, making it difficult to diagnose the condition.
Common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss, depression, and joint pain.
If left untreated, hypothyroidism can lead to more serious health problems, such as infertility, heart disease, and even coma.

Causes of hypothyroidism

Below, we list the causes that could generate hypothyroidism most frequently:

• Autoimmune thyroiditis: The immune system can produce a reaction in the thyroid gland that results in hypothyroidism and, most often, goiter.
  Other autoimmune diseases may be associated with this disorder.
  Among the most common autoimmune thyroiditis are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Central or pituitary hypothyroidism: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) can be altered by any destructive disease of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
  This can cause damage to the cells that secrete TSH, which stimulates the thyroid to produce normal amounts of thyroid hormone.
• Congenital hypothyroidism: A baby may be born with an inadequate amount of thyroid tissue or an enzyme defect that does not allow normal thyroid hormone production.
  If this condition is not treated in time, delayed physical growth and/or intellectual disability can develop.
• Medications: Lithium, high doses of iodine, and amiodarone, an antiarrhythmic agent used for several types of heart arrhythmias, can cause hypothyroidism.
• Postpartum thyroiditis: 5% to 10% of women develop mild to moderate hyperthyroidism within several months after delivery.
  Hyperthyroidism in this condition usually lasts about a month or two.
  It is often followed by several months of hypothyroidism, but most women will eventually regain normal thyroid function.
  This condition can occur again with subsequent pregnancies.
• Radioactive iodine treatment: Hypothyroidism frequently develops as a desired therapeutic target after the use of radioactive iodine treatment for hyperthyroidism.
• Silent thyroiditis: Transient (temporary) hyperthyroidism can be caused by silent thyroiditis, a condition that appears to be the same as postpartum thyroiditis but is not related to pregnancy.
  It is not accompanied by a painful thyroid gland.
• Subacute thyroiditis: This condition can follow a viral infection and is characterized by painful enlargement and inflammation of the thyroid gland, resulting in the release of large amounts of thyroid hormone into the blood.
  Fortunately, this condition usually resolves spontaneously.
  The thyroid usually heals on its own for several months, but often not before a temporary period of hypothyroidism occurs.
• Thyroid surgery: Hypothyroidism may be related to thyroid gland surgery, especially if most of the thyroid was removed.

Goals of Non-Drug Treatment

It is important to note that non-drug treatments cannot cure hypothyroidism.
Instead, these therapies and lifestyle adjustments aim to:

– Controlling inflammation and autoimmune triggers associated with autoimmune diseases.

– Help increase thyroid hormone production.

– Manage symptoms and improve the overall well-being of the affected person.

Diet and nutrition

A well-balanced, nutrient-dense diet can help alleviate some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism and support overall health.
While a specific diet is not prescribed for hypothyroidism, certain dietary guidelines may provide benefits.

Following a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and complex carbohydrates can help maintain energy levels, maintain a healthy weight, and reduce the risk of developing other health problems.
The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists recommends a diet that emphasizes variety and moderation, without excessive consumption of any particular food group .
Also keep in mind that some foods can interact with thyroid function or with hormone replacement medications.

For example, soy and its derivatives inhibit the activity of thyroperoxidase, an enzyme necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid.
In addition, soybeans are known to produce estrogenic isoflavones.
Genistein, the main isoflavone in soy, also has a frank estrogenic effect in women.
Evidence from animal and human studies suggests a link between soy consumption and goiter, an activity independent of estrogenicity. https://doi.org/10.1289/ehp.02110s3349

The thyroperoxidase enzyme is also inhibited by nitrites present in sausages.

The pollutants that cause goiter are known as environmental goitrogens, and they can cause the condition by acting directly on the thyroid gland but also indirectly by altering its regulatory mechanisms and peripheral metabolism and excretion of thyroid hormones.
Goitrogens are naturally occurring compounds found in certain foods, such as cruciferous vegetables and soy products, that can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
While people with adequate iodine intake are usually not affected by goitrogens, people with iodine deficiency may experience worsening symptoms when they consume large amounts of goitrogen foods.
Cooking these foods can help reduce their goitrogenic properties. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0950-351X(88)80060-0

Coffee can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thyroid medications, so it is recommended to consume it several hours before taking the medication.
In addition, seaweed is high in iodine, which can affect thyroid function.
While avoiding these foods is not necessary, moderation is essential to avoid exacerbation of symptoms.

Gluten-free diet

Studies show that some autoimmune diseases could trigger or be precursors to others, thus generating a kind of vicious circle.
Gluten may play a key role, even if the person suffering from thyroiditis is not diagnosed as celiac.

Patients with Hashimoto’s disease can present with various clinical manifestations, but the high prevalence of undiagnosed celiac disease and the relationship between the two autoimmune disorders in these patients are striking.
Metagenomic and other studies in healthy and diseased individuals reveal that reduced biodiversity and changes in the composition of gut microflora are associated with a variety of inflammatory conditions, including asthma, allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, type 1 diabetes, and obesity

The relationship between these disorders is most often explained by molecular mimicry mechanisms, i.e., the emergence of self-reactive clones of T and B lymphocytes as a result of an immune cross-response to homologous bacterial or viral antigens.
Another explanation is that serum tissue transglutaminase immunoglobulin G (IgG) and gliadin immunoglobulin A (IgA) antibodies are significant predictors of antithyroid antibodies in patients with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu14091727

What about supplements?

While supplements cannot replace a well-balanced diet, they can help address common deficiencies associated with hypothyroidism.
It is essential to counsel patients before starting any supplement regimen, as some supplements can interfere with thyroid medications or cause other problems.
Some potentially beneficial supplements include:

• Vitamin B12.
  People with autoimmune thyroid disease may experience vitamin B-12 malabsorption, leading to symptoms such as fatigue.
  Supplementing with vitamin B-12 can help address this deficiency and improve energy levels.
• Zinc.
  Early research suggests that zinc supplementation may have an impact on thyroid function.
  However, more research is needed to establish the optimal dosage and potential benefits of zinc supplementation for hypothyroidism.
• Selenium.
  Selenium, often taken in combination with zinc, may support thyroid function by facilitating the conversion of the inactive hormone T4 into the active hormone T3.
  However, it is essential to ensure that selenium intake does not exceed the recommended daily amount.
• Herbs.
  While herbal remedies can’t treat hypothyroidism, some can help relieve symptoms or support thyroid function.
  Some potentially beneficial herbs include ashwagandha.
  Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), a nightshade plant commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine, has been shown to reduce thyroid hormone abnormalities in subclinical hypothyroidism in small human studies when taken at doses of 600 mg per day.
  However, it is essential to note that ashwagandha can also cause thyrotoxicosis, a severe form of hyperthyroidism, in some people. https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s11033-019-04721-x

Thyrovus from Rejuvenal is a supplement based on ashwagandha, guggul, iodine, zinc, selenium and Coleus Forskohlii and Vitamin D that contributes to thyroid function and can contribute to improving the production of thyroid hormones.

Effects of Acupuncture, Tai Chi, Meditation, and Yoga

There is limited research on non-conventional medicine and adjunctive therapeutic interventions as a treatment for hypothyroidism, as well as for other types of chronic disorders.
The term complementary implies that therapy is used in conjunction with conventional medicine and can include supplements, manipulative treatments (chiropractic, massage), exercise-based programs, and mind-body practices.

Some studies suggest that these types of practices can increase thyroid hormone levels and provide additional benefits, such as pain reduction, stress relief, improved muscle stiffness and joint stability, increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and mood balance.

• Acupuncture is a form of ancient Chinese medicine whereby fine needles are inserted into the skin at precise points (acupuncture points) to balance the flow of energy (qi) throughout the body.
  It is based on the theory that many different meridians run through the body and represent different organ systems, connected by these points.
  Stimulation of acupuncture points by puncture, pressure, or heat can treat or cure specific ailments caused by dysfunction along the meridians.
  DOI: 10.1016/j.jams.2014.02.007
  • Tai Chi is a traditional Chinese martial art practice that has been used for centuries to treat physical and mental well-being.
    The term refers to the concept of yin and yang, which incorporates complex and disciplined movements to achieve dynamic balance, along with breathing and meditation.
    Tai Chi has been studied extensively for many medical conditions. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28661865/
  • Yoga is an ancient meditative and spiritual practice from India that has evolved in recent years into a popular physical and relaxation exercise.
    It involves a series of movements coordinated with breathing and meditation, focusing on the mind-body connection.
    Based on these principles, yoga can improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism.
    Randomized trials of yoga often incorporate meditation into practice to assess the effects of these interventions on PD symptoms, although meditation has not been studied independently.
    In addition, one study compared the beneficial effects of yoga and physical exercise on mood and anxiety.
    The focus was on the fact that the activity of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-ergic acid is reduced in mood and anxiety disorders.
    DOI: 10.1089/acm.2010.0007

Conclusion

In this article, based on scientific texts, we have only exposed various practices that can be beneficial for those who suffer from hypothyroidism.

Coinciding with the commemorative date of the thyroid, from Salengei we have tried to make a list that not only provides solutions based on supplements, but also on practices and lifestyle modifications.

Let’s remember that we are biopsychosocial beings and our body needs tools beyond those we can suggest through our products.
The spiritual sphere and the practice of physical activities should be one more link that leads us towards beneficial results in pursuit of health.