Natural Cures and Alternative Treatments for Hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease

Thyroid problems are common, particularly in women; An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can have a significant impact on health, as the thyroid is the master gland of metabolism. An overactive thyroid can cause metabolism to speed up in the body causing diarrhea, weight loss, hair loss, heart palpitations and many other symptoms.

There are three main treatments for hyperthyroidism – antithyroid drugs, radioactive iodine (RAI) and surgery (partial or total thyroidectomy). However, none of these treatments is 100% effective and they all have other negative effects on the body. Most patients, for example, will be hypothyroid for the rest of their lives after RAI treatment or thyroidectomy.

Still, there are some cures and natural remedies that can alleviate the symptoms of hyperthyroidism and have been shown to have a positive effect, without all the negative consequences of conventional medicine.

lemon balm – Lemon balm lowers TSH levels and has been used to treat Graves’ disease. The rosmarinic acid in lemon balm appears to bind to thyrotropin (TSH) and prevent it from connecting with the gland. This action is relatively weak, but I guarantee that it will calm you down, help your insomnia and reduce your stress. And it is harmless.

L-carnitine – effectively inhibits the activity of excess thyroid hormone and reduces the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Studies dating back to the 1960s in animals and recently in humans suggest that the amino acid L-carnitine blocks the effects of excess thyroid hormone in some body tissues. L-carnitine does not affect the thyroid gland itself, but it effectively reduces the symptoms of hyperthyroidism in the autoimmune hyperthyroid disorder of Graves’ disease.

flax seed oil – is the most abundant vegetable source of omega-3 fatty acids, omega-3 alpha-linolenic acid. The seeds and oil of the flax plant contain substances known to promote good health. Flax seed oil is good for: the circulatory system, the immune system, the reproductive system, the nervous system, and especially if you have thyroid eye disease, which is one of the symptoms of Graves’ disease and hyperthyroidism.