Thyroid Disorder: Signs, Symptoms, Causes, Treatments

Our hormones are responsible for the communication between all bodily systems, so it is of high importance to always treat hormonal imbalances on time.

Thyroid issues are the most common endocrine disorders and lead to a dysfunction of the hormone messengers. Over 4.6% of the U.S. population suffers from the most dominant thyroid disorders, hypothyroidism hyperthyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the condition of an underactive thyroid gland, characterized by symptoms such as:

• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Slow metabolism and constipation
• Brain fog

Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, occurs as a result of a hyperactive thyroid gland, leading to too high levels of thyroid hormone in the blood, and is characterized by:

• Anxiety, nervousness
• Accelerated metabolism
• Muscle weakness
• Troubles sleeping

Sometimes, thyroid disorders occur when the body’s immune system mistakes thyroid glands cells and their enzymes as attackers to the system, and this hypothyroidism type is also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Hyperthyroidism can be a result of the development of nodules on the thyroid that will grow and boost the input of the thyroid hormone.
These disorders are diagnosed by conducting a blood test, and the usual treatment involves the prescription of a synthetic hormone,  levothyroxine, and other anti-thyroid drugs.

Due to the integrated nature of the endocrine system, one should also test the sex hormones when suspecting a thyroid disorder.
The thyroid gland requires certain nutrients in optimal levels in the body, such as selenium and zinc, so one can successfully treat these disorders by optimizing their amounts in the system.
Making dietary changes is your first line of defense in treating thyroid disorders. Therefore, in the case of hypothyroidism, you should increase the intake of the following foods:

• Legumes
• Eggs
• Grass-fed meats
• Nuts and nut butters
• Avocados
• Ghee
• Fish
• Yogurt
• Cottage cheese
• Coconut milk
• Flax seeds
• Asparagus
• Mushrooms
• Spinach
• Garlic
• Sesame seeds
• Swiss chard
• Summer squash
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Grapefruits
• Peaches

On the other hand, these are the best foods you can consume to naturally address hyperthyroidism and relieve its symptoms:

• Millet
• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Radish
• Turnips
• Brussels sprouts
• Watercress
• Mint
• Peaches
• Mustard
• Oregano
• Sweet potatoes
• Almonds
• Spinach
• Basil
• Marjoram
• Pears
• Rosemary