Natural remedies and home treatments may help a person manage hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid. These include dietary changes and vitamin supplements.

Hypothyroidism typically requires someone to take medications to replace the hormones that an underactive thyroid does not produce.

There is limited research on alternative supplements to treat hypothyroidism. However, some people may wish to consult a doctor to see whether they may benefit from home remedies to treat hypothyroidism symptoms alongside taking medication.

Read on to learn more about home remedies for hypothyroidism and how a person can incorporate them into their treatment plan. This article also addresses whether medical treatments are necessary for hypothyroidism and answers some frequently asked questions about the condition.

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According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), selenium is a trace element, meaning only a small amount of it is present in the body. The substance helps regulate thyroid hormone metabolism.

To get more selenium, a person can try eating foods containing it, such as:

  • Brazil nuts
  • seafood such as tuna and sardines
  • organ meats
  • muscle meats
  • cereals

The optimal level of selenium to take will vary for each individual. A person’s doctor can advise on how much selenium they need to aim for each day.

However, it is important to note that more research with larger studies is necessary to determine optimal intake levels for selenium.

People with hypothyroidism may have low levels of vitamin B12 due to the inflammatory action where the stomach absorbs vitamin B12 from food. This can result in the destruction of receptors.

This can lead to lowered levels of vitamin B12.

Consuming more dietary sources of vitamin B12 may help. Some sources include:

  • fish
  • meat
  • poultry
  • eggs
  • dairy
  • fortified breakfast cereals
  • fortified nutritional yeasts

According to older research from 2014, there may be links between hypothyroidism and issues with the small intestine. The research showed that bacterial overgrowth can occur due to gastrointestinal (GI) hypomotility in hypothyroidism. This in turn can cause chronic GI symptoms, including diarrhea.

Probiotic supplements contain live bacteria that can help safeguard a person’s intestinal and stomach health by increasing the bacterial diversity of their microbiome. Probiotics are available in powder or capsule form.

To increase their intake of probiotics, a person can also try eating fermented foods containing probiotic bacteria, such as kimchi and kefir.

Most people who have hypothyroidism will treat the condition with a hormone-replacing drug called levothyroxine. This typically comes in the form of tablets, which a person takes every day.

An individual’s doctor can advise on which medications are suitable for them.

Here are some frequently asked questions about hypothyroidism.

Can I treat myself for hypothyroidism?

Dietary changes and vitamin supplements may help with managing hypothyroidism. However, doctors recommend people avoid attempting to treat their hypothyroidism at home without medical supervision.

What helps get rid of hypothyroidism?

It may not be possible to cure hypothyroidism. However, with the right treatment plan, a person can manage their symptoms.

What foods help heal hypothyroidism?

Foods that can help relieve symptoms of hypothyroidism include foods containing selenium, such as Brazil nuts and some seafood. Reducing inflammation by avoiding processed foods or foods high in sugar may also help.

Some home remedies and natural treatments may help a person manage symptoms of hypothyroidism. These include reducing their intake of sugar and processed foods and getting more vitamin B12 and selenium.

Most people require medication for hypothyroidism. It is best to contact a doctor for advice before making any changes to a treatment plan for hypothyroidism.