The thyroid is a gland located at the front of the neck, below the larynx and near the trachea. Shaped like a butterfly, it is part of the endocrine system that produces hormones controlling many body functions. “These are thyroxine or T4 (inactive form) and tri-iodo-thyronine or T3 (active form), synthesized from iodine from our diet“explains Doctor Laure Martinat, anesthetist-resuscitator and naturopath.
Also read: Hypothyroidism: causes, symptoms and natural treatments
The thyroid gland is a very important gland because the thyroid hormones play a role on the global scale of our organism. “She will intervene in multiple functions : development of the central nervous system, bone metabolism, energy metabolism, cardiac function, growth and development, fertility…“. We speak of hyperthyroidism when the blood levels of T3/T4 are abnormally high on a long-term basis. This excessive production of thyroid hormones generally increases the metabolism and therefore produces a wide variety of symptoms.
What is hyperthyroidism?
L’hyperthyroidism is a very common disease linked to hyperactive functioning of the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone is produced in excessive quantity leading to an increase in the basic metabolism and the vital functions of the organism. Laure Martinant reminds us, “The causes of hyperthyroidism are variable. We have the autoimmune hyperthyroidism for example such as Graves’ disease or postpartum thyroiditis, which mainly affects young women. There are also the hypersecreting thyroid nodules which preferentially affect the elderly, especially women as well”. There are also drug causes with excessive intakes of iodine, amiodarone (an antiarrhythmic drug) interferon (an immunomodulating drug).
Again, the symptoms are very variable and depend on the intensity of the hyperthyroidism:
- Cardiovascular symptoms : tachycardia with palpitations, sometimes associated with an increase in blood pressure;
- weight loss, even though the patient describes an increase in appetite;
- Thermophobia : the patient is still extremely hot;
- Neuropsychic disorders : anxiety, fatigue, nervousness, agitation, sleep disturbances;
- Sometimes hand tremors or loss of muscle mass;
- In rare cases of hyperthyroidism, serious heart complications may appear and/or reveal the disease: heart rhythm disorders such as atrial fibrillation, heart failure.
The doctor will ask for a first blood test with dosage of the TSH, gland regulator thyroid helping to ensure the correct balance of hormones which is done through a blood test. This first examination will be completed in order to detect the causes of hyperthyroidism: a search for specific antibodies (to detect a possible Graves’ disease), neck ultrasound to visualize the thyroid (looking for nodules) or a scintigraphy… The doctor can also prescribe additional tests to assess the impact of hyperthyroidism : cardiovascular check-up, ophthalmological check-up, renal check-up, etc.
Also read: Thyroid disorders: what if it was endocrine disruptors?
Can hyperthyroidism be prevented?
Hyperthyroidism as such cannot be prevented, certain factors can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid : “Overall, it should be remembered that the thyroid is a system with fine, tight regulation and which is sensitive to disturbances. We try to avoid exposure to the whole family of endocrine disruptors found in food or cosmetics., advises the specialist. Likewise, the thyroid is a stress-sensitive gland. “It is necessary to fight against daily stress factors that will disrupt its proper functioning.“.
Some nutrients can also play a key role in the prevention of hyperthyroidism:
- Products low in iodine that help reduce thyroid hormones (egg white, fresh fruit, oats, honey);
- cruciferous vegetables which prevent the thyroid from using all the iodine available in the body (cabbage, broccoli, bamboo, arugula);
- Foods rich in iron since low iron levels are associated with hyperthyroidism (red meat, dried beans, nuts);
- Le sélénium “takes part in the synthesis and activation of thyroid hormones, it protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress, not to mention its fundamental role in the good health of the immune system”. Seafood, fish, meat, eggs or lentils are rich in it;
- Lfoods rich in vitamin D and calcium which protect the bones often weakened by hyperthyroidism (salmon, almond, prune, white beans, dairy products, in reasonable doses).
What are the natural treatments for hyperthyroidism?
There are natural treatments that can help in case of thyroid pathology but it is “imperative to follow the advice of a health professional because the balance of thyroid function is very fragile“. Close monitoring of the functioning of the thyroid is indeed necessary and this does not replace medical care.
Plants are allies to help treat hyperthyroidism. In aromatherapyit is “l’myrrh essential oil which is an excellent thyroregulator“, making it possible to slow down the activity of the thyroid gland. herbal medicinethe lemon balm can be used as an infusion because it would increase the effect of these hormones, the lycope (which allows you to decrease the volume of the thyroidregulate heart rate and blood pressure and reduce fever) and grémil (naturally slows down the synthesis of thyroid hormone) in mother tincture for example.
In case of hyperthyroidism, it is interesting to turn to plants which will have a more symptomatic and thus help to treat the symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism. We can cite for example:
- l’shell marjoram essential oil is known to be calming, rebalancing nervous, anxiolytic and cardiovascular.
- l’hawthorn helps regulate heart rate.
- in gemmotherapyle bud macerate linden is a sedative and calming.
Also read: Which plants to boost and treat your thyroid?
Thanks to Dr Laure Martinat, anesthetist-resuscitator, naturopath, phyto-aromatherapist and author of the book Immunity, infectious diseases and convalescence: strengthening your health naturally Quintessence Editions
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