This original work was done by, Dr. Josh Axe. Please note that this research, article or information can be linked directly to him at: www.DrAxe.com

Every week I get questions about hormone imbalance and a slow metabolism.  These are conditions that are chronically plaguing both men and women all across America. What causes most of these issues? Problems with the thyroid.

And here I am going to tell you the best natural remedies and natural cures for the thyroid.

Did you know that according to the United States National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health, an estimated 27 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease? Not only that but 13 million of these sufferers are currently undiagnosed. Additionally, the risk of thyroid disease increases as you age and women are seven times more likely than men to be diagnosed with thyroid issues.

The thyroid is a small gland which can be found in the middle of the lower neck that produces a hormone that impacts each and every cell, organ and tissue in the human body. The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating body temperature and the heart rate as well as the production of protein and controlling the rate of your metabolism.

The causes of thyroid issues can be varied, but the 4 most common causes are:

1. Toxicity: Radiation and Heavy Metal exposure

2. Deficiency: In Iodine and Selenium

3. Food Intolerance: Gluten and A1 Casein Allergy

4. Hormone Imbalance – High Cortisol from stress, too many carbs, too little fat in diet.

In just a minute I will discuss the top ways to cure your thyroid problem but let’s first see if you potentially have a thyroid problem.

An underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism, is when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone and an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, is when the vital gland produces too much of the needed regulatory hormone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

• Extreme fatigue
• Depression
• Forgetfulness
• Weight gain

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• Irritability
• Nervousness
• Muscle weakness
• Unexplainable weight loss
• Vision and eye issues
• Sleep disturbances and problems

Although these are the symptoms associated with thyroid issues, either type of thyroid problem is very difficult to diagnose without a proper urine or blood test.

Dr. Brownstein says, “The commonly used iodine spot skin test is useless. It’s better to get a “spot urinary iodine test” – which test your morning urine to see how much iodine is present. Or, you can take a “24 hour iodine loading test” – which gives you a pretty good idea how much iodine has been excreted and retained. Bottom line: get tested and consult a qualified, holistic medical professional.”

According to Dr. Datis Kharrazian, 90% of people with hypothyroidism have Hashimoto’s, an autoimmune hypothyroid condition, whereby the immune system attacks thyroid tissue. Therefore, to cure thyroid disease, or any autoimmune condition, you have to get to the source of the imbalance; not suppress the symptoms as is done with medication.

Most often thyroid conditions are treated with pharmaceutical’s like Synthroid, which have damaging side effects to your overall health.  The great news is there are all-natural remedies that can help support thyroid function!

So lets talk about the top 7 things you MUST do to cure your thyroid for good.

Thyroid Cures

Here are the 8 Secrets to fixing your thyroid issues:

1. Go Gluten and A1 Casein FREE – the most common allergies and food intolerances today are from wheat and dairy products because of the hybridized proteins of gluten and a1 casein.  These proteins can cause “Leaky Gut” which in turn will cause inflammation of the thyroid and effect it’s function.  Follow a grain-free diet or at least go gluten free.  Then only consume dairy products that come from A2 cows, goat milk, or sheep milk.

2. NO BPA – Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastic bottles and can disrupt your endocrine system and effect your thyroid.  I recommend only drinking out of glass, stainless steel, or BPA free plastic bottles.

3. Check Your Iodine Levels – If they are low use a kelp or organic liquid iodine supplement.

4. Heavy Metal Detox – I recommend using a combination of Milk Thistle, Turmeric, Chlorella, and Cilantro to detox these harmful metals from your cells and organs.

5. More Selenium – Make sure you’re getting enough selenium in your diet but also don’t go overboard.  Some of the best selenium containing foods are brazil nuts, salmon, sunflower seeds, beef, mushrooms and onions.

6. Adaptogen Supplements – Can lower cortisol levels and improve thyroid function like Ashwagandha and Tulsi.

7. Silver Fillings Removal – if you have amalgam fillings talk with a DAMS mercury safe dentist about proper removal.

8. Lower Carbohydrate Intake – Lower your intake of sugars and grains and replace them with healthy fats.  Most women especially consume far too many carbs which increase estrogen and negatively effect the thyroid.  Instead consume healthy fats that will balance hormones, like: coconut oil, coconut milk, avocado, grass-fed beef, wild salmon, chia, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds.

Sources:

• http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-events-education-media/about-hypothyroidism/
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2012/may-04a.html
• http://www.mayoclinic.org/medical-edge-newspaper-2011/jun-03b.html
• http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15543918
• http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-events-education-media/about-hypothyroidism/