Although many thyroid problems require medication to return hormone levels to normal, alternative remedies might restore the thyroid to its full function or keep the thyroid healthy.

Proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle hold the promise of reversing thyroid dysfunction, including low levels of thyroid hormones, when symptoms are caught early enough, according to Marcelle Pick, an obstetrical-gynecologic nurse practitioner, in an article for Women to Women.

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However, check with your doctor if you suspect thyroid disease or other thyroid problems. Medication or medical treatment may be necessary to avoid serious health issues. Symptoms of an underactive thyroid may include fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, and forgetfulness. Symptoms of an overactive thyroid include irritability, weight loss, sleep disturbances, vision problems, and heat sensitivity.

A natural treatment for thyroid issues includes a diet high in B vitamins. Foods include whole grains, fish, vegetables, nuts, and seeds, according to Pick. Exercise helps maintain an adequate supply of blood to cells and tissues. Exercise 30 to 60 minutes a day four or five days a week. Breathing exercises and visualization, in which you imagine yourself in a calm place, help you to relax and avoid stress.

Alternatives methods to treat thyroid problems also include acupuncture, biofeedback and homeopathic medicine.

Replace unhealthy fat in the diet from meats and dairy products with healthy fats, advises MindBodyGreen. Fats are necessary to help the body produce energy, and unsaturated fats help keep fat and cholesterol levels in balance, which avoids an imbalance in hormone levels, including thyroid hormones. Healthy fats include olive oil, avocados, oily fish, nuts, and flax seeds. Choose low-fat dairy products when selecting yogurt or milk.

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Include protein from nuts, beans, fish, and lean or organic meat. Avoid hormonal imbalances from sugar and caffeine. Stick to whole grains, and avoid processed grains that rob food of nutrients.

Glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, builds up the immune system to combat Hashimoto’s disease, a cause of underactive thyroid when the gland doesn’t produce enough hormones for the body. The antioxidant can be found in a variety of vegetables, fruits, and herbs, including asparagus, broccoli, avocado, squash, grapefruit, and garlic.

Probiotics, found in yogurt, sauerkraut, and other foods, help balance the bacteria in your body. The thyroid depends on healthy bacteria. You can also use probiotic supplements.

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