Introduction
With an underactive thyroid (med. hypothyroidism), too little thyroid hormone (thyroxine) is produced. This can be due to an insufficiency, i.e. a production weakness of the thyroid gland itself, or to a functional disorder of the pituitary gland. The therapy usually consists of a lifelong supply of the hormones through tablets. Another cause of hypothyroidism can be an iodine deficiency, which can be alleviated by an increased intake of iodine with food.
Therapy options
The most important therapy options are listed below and then discussed in detail. – Iodine tablets
- L-thyroxine as hormone replacement
- Homeopathic accompanying therapy
- Change of diet and household remedies
- Salts
Iodine deficiency is a possible cause of hypothyroidism. The hormone of the thyroid gland, thyroxine, needs several iodine molecules to be produced.
If there is too little iodine in the thyroid gland‘s storage, not enough thyroxine can be produced and released. An iodine deficiency is unlikely but possible due to the addition of iodine, for example in table salt. An additional intake of iodine can therefore be a supportive measure to treat hypothyroidism or even the first measure taken for treatment.
Iodine tablets can initially or additionally remedy a latent iodine deficiency. This topic might also be of interest to you: Thyroid medicationL-thyroxine is used when the blood level of the body’s own thyroxine (T4) is too low. It is similar to the molecular structure of the thyroid hormone of the same name and replaces it accordingly, triggering the same effects in the body as the hormone itself.
The use of homeopathic remedies is based on the symptoms and personal characteristics, which together form the so-called “drug picture”. Each homeopathic remedy has a drug picture which indicates that the person needs the remedy in question. There are several drug images that include hypothyroidism.
If, in addition to thyroid disease, heart, stomach and spine weakness is also noticeable, potassium carbonicum in potency D12 should be tried. If inertia and willingness to sacrifice are noticeable in the person and there is also an appetite for sweets and protein-containing foods, Calcium carbonicum Hahnemanni can help. Of this, 5 globules of the potency D12 should be taken three times a day.
If the person concerned also feels restricted in his or her mental abilities and feels, for example, that he or she is not (or no longer) able to think so quickly, the remedy Barium carbonicum can help. Also here the potency D12 with the dosage of 3 times 5 globules per day is suitable. If, in addition to hypothyroidism, a chronically elevated blood pressure occurs, the homeopathic Lespedeza Sieboldii, also in the above-mentioned dosage and potency, should be used.
In addition to paying special attention to the iodine content of foods, the intake of certain vitamins should also be taken into account in the diet. Especially vitamins A, C, D and B12 can alleviate the symptoms of an underactive thyroid: While vitamin A can reduce sensitivity to light, vitamins C and D support the immune system, among other things. Vitamin B12 is important for the formation of red blood cells (erythrocytes).
As a result, these substances can help to feel more vital and to perceive the symptoms of hypothyroidism less strongly. While vitamins A and D are fat-soluble substances and are therefore mainly found in fatty foods such as vegetable oils, avocado or fish, citrus fruits are a good supplier of vitamin C. Vitamin B12 is mainly contained in animal products such as eggs and milk, but can also be supplied as a food supplement. Another aspect that should be considered in nutrition is the sufficient intake of magnesium.
This trace element must be taken in with the diet of all people, but in the case of hypothyroidism, the intake may not be sufficient for the requirements due to the deteriorated metabolism. In addition, the thyroxine prescribed in the course of the therapy favours both the excretion of magnesium and its absorption into the cells, which can lead to a slight deficiency in the blood. Foods that count as sources of magnesium include legumes, linseed, sunflower and pumpkin seeds.
In addition to homeopathic remedies, a conscious lifestyle and certain home remedies can also influence the course and degree of hypothyroidism. Such methods include, for example, the diet described above, which pays increased attention to the intake of certain vitamins and magnesium. A balanced diet and exercise also prevents weight gain, which is often caused by poor metabolism and appetite.
Increased appetite (especially for carbohydrates) and a worsened metabolism almost always occurs in the case of an underactive thyroid. In the long term, however, the prescription of a drug therapy can help to alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism and should be considered especially in the case of more serious clinical pictures. Conscious lifestyle or even homeopathic or alternative medicine therapies can then be used in addition to these medications.
The medications that replace a messenger substance, in this case a thyroid hormone, are available only on prescription. They are therefore not available without a doctor’s prescription. This is due to the fact that the thyroid gland is subject to a regulatory cycle that can be severely disrupted by the improper use of such tablets.
Iodine tablets, on the other hand, are not subject to prescription but can be bought in pharmacies, for example with the active ingredient potassium iodide. These supply the body with the element iodine, which can be excreted by the body in case of oversupply. Since iodine is fat-soluble and not water-soluble, however, excretion is difficult for the body.
Therefore, a warning must also be given against overdosing on iodine tablets – although they are readily available. If one wants to treat hypothyroidism with salts as a supportive measure for medical therapy, salts containing iodine are recommended. These are for example Arsenum iodatum (No.
24) and Kalium iodatum (No. 15). The iodine is supposed to stimulate the thyroid gland to more activity.
For dosage the potency D6 or D12 is recommended. Of these, 3 to 5 tablets per day can be taken until the symptoms improve. However, a specialist should be consulted for a more precise dosage. If there is no improvement in symptoms after a few weeks, the dosage or remedy should be changed or adjusted.