Naturopath Thyroid disease
Hi, my name is Leah. I have had underlying thyroid disease (Graves disease) for 20 years. I understand the debilitating effect that a thyroid disease can have. 
Between a great doctor, an excellent specialist and my university studies, I have brought my thyroid into remission.
Since I started practising as a nutritionist and naturopath I have been able to help many other people with hyperthyroidism, graves disease, hypothyroidism or Hashimoto disease.
Thyroid
The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the base of your neck.
This small organ might seem inconspicuous, but its role in maintaining your overall health is nothing short of remarkable.
Often dubbed the body’s master regulator, the thyroid plays a pivotal role in controlling various essential functions, from metabolism to energy production. To truly grasp its significance, it’s crucial to delve into the intricate workings of this gland.
At its core, the thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, a network of glands that secrete hormones into the bloodstream, regulating various bodily processes.
The thyroid gland’s primary responsibility is to produce two key hormones: triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
These hormones are synthesized using iodine, a mineral derived from the foods we consume.
Once released into the bloodstream, T3 and T4 travel throughout the body, influencing metabolism, heart rate, body temperature, and even mood.
Essentially, the thyroid acts as the body’s internal thermostat, ensuring that the energy produced is distributed evenly and that each cell functions optimally.
The thyroid’s activity is controlled by another vital component, the pituitary gland, which produces thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When the levels of T3 and T4 drop, the pituitary gland signals the thyroid to produce more hormones, maintaining a delicate balance.
This intricate feedback system showcases the thyroid gland’s adaptability and responsiveness, allowing it to finely tune your body’s functions in response to various internal and external factors.
However, this delicate balance can be disrupted by conditions such as thyroid disorders, leading to a range of health issues.
Understanding the thyroid’s role is fundamental to appreciating the significance of its proper functioning and the impact it has on your overall well-being.
Common Thyroid conditions
- Abnormal thyroid function
- Goiter
- Graves Disease
- Hashimoto disease
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid Tumor
From a naturopathic perspective, understanding thyroid disorders involves delving into the intricate balance of the body’s natural systems and how they interconnect. Common thyroid disorders, such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, are often seen as manifestations of deeper imbalances within the body, rather than isolated issues with the thyroid gland alone.
Both hyper and hyper thyroids can be associated with Autoimmune disease.
Hypothyroidism, for instance, is often approached holistically by naturopaths. Instead of merely focusing on thyroid hormone replacement therapy, naturopaths explore the root causes, which can range from nutritional deficiencies, chronic stress, and autoimmune responses to environmental factors like exposure to toxins.
Naturopathic treatments may involve dietary changes, emphasizing nutrients essential for thyroid health such as iodine and selenium. Stress-reducing practices like meditation and acupuncture are often integrated to regulate cortisol levels, which can impact thyroid function.
Additionally, herbal remedies like ashwagandha and bladderwrack are sometimes used to support thyroid function naturally.
Hyperthyroidism on the other hand, is often approached with a focus on calming the overactive thyroid.
Naturopaths may recommend dietary changes to avoid stimulating substances like caffeine and refined sugars.
Herbs such as lemon balm and bugleweed are traditionally used to regulate thyroid hormone production. Stress management techniques, including yoga and deep breathing exercises, are frequently recommended to restore balance to the entire endocrine system.
From a naturopathic standpoint, the goal of managing thyroid disorders is to address the underlying imbalances in the body’s systems.
By taking a comprehensive approach that considers the patient’s overall well-being, naturopaths aim to not only alleviate the symptoms but also promote long-term health and vitality, empowering individuals to actively participate in their healing process.
Naturopathic treatment for graves disease
Naturopathic treatment for hashimotos disease