The One Herb To Avoid If You Have Hypothyroidism
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When trying to manage your underactive thyroid, herbal remedies have a lot of merit in helping to manage some of the side effects associated with hypothyroidism. The question is: are some herbal remedies better than others at helping you find relief?
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If you have unrelenting fatigue, find yourself out of breath with even light exercise, or have moderate weight gain, regardless of how much you exercise, it may be time to get your TSH, T3, and T4 levels checked at your primary care office.
An underactive thyroid is a common problem that can affect men and women equally, up to 15 per cent of the population.
Simple treatment with Levothyroxine, a synthetic product of the thyroid molecule, is traditionally the “gold standard” when it comes to relieving your symptoms, but medication has its shortcomings.
Patients can look for alternative remedies to avoid these unpleasant sensations.
Natural options provide an alternative without the same risks.
Be aware, however, that not all herbal remedies are feasible with an underactive thyroid.
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A Herb To Avoid When Diagnosed With Hypothyroidism
When managing your underactive thyroid, either through the hypothyroid diet or herbs, some of the herbs for hypothyroidism are contraindicated by the medical community due to their adverse effects on thyroid function.
When you realise you have a thyroid problem, you should avoid all herbal kelp preparations due to the high iodine levels found in this product.
One seaweed tablet contains 225 micrograms of iodine, 115 per cent of the daily iodine recommendation.
If a patient suddenly floods their body with high levels of iodine, patients can inadvertently give themselves Grave’s disease, predispose them to thyroid cancer, or lead to permanent hypothyroidism after their thyroid gland becomes overworked.
One study was able to quantify just how dangerous kelp can be when it comes to your underactive thyroid.
It involved having 36 healthy adults with normal thyroid levels participate in specific diets with no seaweed, low-dose seaweed, or high-dose kelp.
A low dose of kelp was determined to be two kelp tablets per day (230 per cent of the daily recommendation) and a high dose was classified as four tablets per day (460 per cent of the daily recommendation).
After four weeks, the researchers determined that both low-dose kelp and high-dose kelp caused an increase in TSH levels.
This measurement is used to test your thyroid function, and low TSH levels are associated with hyperthyroidism, while high levels equate to hypothyroidism.
These kelp pills transformed healthy people into hypothyroid patients.
In a follow-up investigation carried out two weeks after the diet, the researchers found that those who took only low doses of seaweed returned to normal TSH levels, but those who took high levels of the medication now had deficient TSH levels.
This is indicative of their hypothyroidism changing to hyperthyroidism, a phenomenon known as the Wolff-Chaikoff effect.
A Herb To Help With Your Underactive Thyroid
A herb to consider when dealing with an underactive thyroid was covered in a previous post about essential oils that are good for your underactive thyroid, and that is peppermint.
Peppermint is another compound that not only helps increase energy levels in patients who are fatigued, but it also targets metabolism.
The thyroid hormone is thought to be responsible for about 20 per cent of your metabolic function and if it’s not working properly, you’re only running at “half capacity.”
Peppermint was tested on athletes to determine if there was an increase in their performance after a 10-day trial and the researchers found that after consumption, the athletes had improved breathing rates, were able to generate more energy and had more endurance due to this herbal supplement.
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Final Thoughts
When it comes to hormonal balance, thyroid hormones should get special attention as they control our body’s metabolism, where everything starts.
The use of drugs to treat an underactive thyroid, despite being widely available, should be avoided when possible as they have many side effects and can be the cause of further imbalances in the body.
Phytotherapy can be of great aid in such cases but all the information and advice must be provided by professional practitioners.
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FAQs
Why should I avoid herbal kelp preparations if I have hypothyroidism?
While herbal remedies can be helpful for managing hypothyroidism symptoms, herbal kelp preparations should be avoided due to their high iodine content. Excessive iodine intake can lead to complications such as Graves’ disease, thyroid cancer, or permanent hypothyroidism. It’s important to be cautious with iodine supplementation, especially when dealing with thyroid issues.
How does peppermint help with hypothyroidism?
Peppermint can help with hypothyroidism by targeting metabolism and increasing energy levels. Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in metabolic function, and when thyroid function is impaired, it can lead to reduced energy levels and metabolic rate. Peppermint supplementation has been shown to improve breathing rate, energy generation, and endurance in individuals with hypothyroidism.
Can I rely solely on herbal remedies to manage hypothyroidism?
While herbal remedies like peppermint may offer some relief for hypothyroidism symptoms, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for comprehensive management. Herbal remedies should complement traditional treatments rather than replace them entirely. Additionally, individual responses to herbal remedies may vary, so personalized guidance from a healthcare provider is essential for safe and effective management of hypothyroidism.
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