Thyroid Condition
Answered by: Susan Eagles
Question from: Tammy
Posted on: August 16, 1999

I have suffered from an underactive thyroid for 10 years. I had cancer when I was 20 and radiation destroyed my thyroid. For years my levels have been everywhere from underactive to overactive. But I have the same symptoms no matter what my tests say. I had to years of normal tests and I was normal also. But the levels messed up again. So here I am again stating over again. I would really love to be stable and normal. Is there any herbal medicines that could help me have a normal thyroid?

It is important that your condition is monitored closely, so I recommend that you consult with a holistic practitioner in your area as well as continuing to consult with your doctor.

Some general information for thyroid conditions:

Support for the liver, in the form of Dandelion root, taken regularly three times a day will help to stabilize hormones by improving the efficiency of liver metabolism and excretion.

In thyroid overactivity, causing such symptoms as nervousness, hunger and rapid heartbeat, a relaxing nervine herb such as Valerian is recommended.

Iodine-rich foods such as kelp seaweed promote thyroid hormones, and will help if your condition is aggravated by low iodine levels. In hyperthyroid, iodine rich foods will aggravate the condition and must be avoided.

Vegetables that have a negative effect on the thyroid and should be avoided are those in the cabbage family: kale, cauliflower, spinach, Brussels sprouts, turnip and beans.

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