Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid or low thyroid. Hypothyroidism can be the result of iodine deficiency, medications, exposure to chemicals and toxins, surgery, and radiation, but the most common is a person’s own immune system attacking his own thyroid gland. The inflammatory process is known as autoimmune thyroiditis (also called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis). The cause is considered to be unknown, but as with other autoimmune diseases (type-1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, etc.), the animal based food with high protein is the likely source. 

 Hypothyroidism symptoms are many and most are very severe:

Infertility

Depression

Brittle nails

Skin problems

Thinning of hair

Dry eyes

Joint pain

Weight gain

Extreme tiredness

Amenorrhea

Foggy memory / forgetfulness

Low body temperatures

The list goes on.It is a common belief that once the thyroid tissue is destroyed it will not regrow and I know of no way to stimulate the remaining gland to work harder. However, the journey to healing can be uncomplicated and quiet enjoyable. 

There are a few factors to consider for those who wish to treat their thyroid dysfunction naturally and without medication.

 The longer you are on medication, the more your thyroid gland gets damaged and you might become dependent on the very meds that damaged it. 

If you have a thyroid disease and are on birth control, get off it as fast as you can–all long term pharmaceutical forms of birth control are dangerous and will make your condition worse, 

Was a part of your thyroid removed? While you can still largely improve your health with dietary changes, you might need some pharmaceuticals for the rest of your life.

If you were ever on antibiotics, birth control of any kind, or have/had GI problems, you should consider doing a probiotic treatment with more fermented food or in rare occasion vegan probiotic supplement may be required. Good gut flora is responsible for healthy thyroid function.

Make the following adjustments to your lifestyle:

Exclude all fluoride and chlorine productsReduce outside toxic load on your body–filtering water, using organic skin and personal care products with as few ingredients as possibleRegular exerciseInitially including some magnesium supplementationAvoid using plastics, since plastic mimics oestrogen. 

Diet

How should you eat to help your thyroid (and your entire body) heal? You need to follow a vegan, whole foods plant-based diet (PBD).

Foods to Avoid

Animal foods (all flesh foods, dairy and eggs)–hormone disruptions, especially conventionally raised. Protein from Animal based food is biggest cause of auto immune thyroiditis.  Junk foods.Alcohol All oils. Cut out iodized table salt and iodine supplements, and reduce salt consumption 

Foods to Enjoy.

All fruitsAll vegetables (including cruciferous vegetables–they are safe!)All grains All legumes (beans), lentilsOccasional nuts and seeds, including Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium–a mineral needed for thyroid functionCouple of tablespoons of either: flax, chia or hemp seeds for Omega 3’s

Supplements:

The only supplement you should take is B12.

 Research has shown that a lot of those with thyroid disorders are B12 deficient. Getting tested and going through a treatment is a great way to get a jump start. The form of B12 to use is methylcobalamin. Vitamin D–for vitamin D get out in the sun when you can. If you live in a place with poor sunlight, you consider D3 supplements. Magnesium – 500 mg of magnesium citrate.