Part of the challenge of writing content for this website is catering to those people who have been loyal subscribers for awhile, as well as those who are relatively new to this website. While this email is primarily for those people who are new to this website, the information will also benefit just about everyone who is considering natural treatment methods. So for those new to this website, you can think of this as an “introductory lesson” on natural treatment methods, while those who have been reading these posts for awhile can look at this as a “quick review”.
In any case, some people think that the goal of natural treatment methods is to simply manage the symptoms naturally through supplements and herbs, rather than through prescription drugs, RAI, thyroid surgery, etc. For most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid disorders, the ultimate goal is to get to the underlying cause of the disorder and if possible, try to completely restore the person’s health back to normal. In other words, while supplements and herbs can play an important role in the recovery process, I don’t want anyone to have to rely on taking supplements and herbs for the rest of their life either. Sure, most people can benefit from taking certain supplements on a daily basis, but certain herbs like Bugleweed and Motherwort (for hyperthyroid disorders), and Bladderwrack and Ashwagandha (for hypothyroid conditions) should not be taken on a permanent basis.
Who Is An “Ideal” Candidate For Natural Treatment Methods?
The truth is that most people can benefit from following a natural treatment protocol. This doesn’t mean that everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition can completely restore their thyroid health back to normal. For example, someone who has received a complete thyroidectomy will need to take synthetic or natural thyroid hormone for the rest of their life. However, while they can’t be cured, this doesn’t mean they still don’t have problems with their adrenal glands, immune system, and other areas of the body which was not addressed by the surgery.
The same concept applies to someone who has had a partial thyroidectomy or received radioactive iodine treatment. Unlike someone who has had their entire thyroid gland removed, these people can sometimes have their thyroid health restored back to normal, although it of course will be more challenging than for someone who has not received these procedures. But once again, even those people who received these procedures that can’t have their health completely restored can usually benefit from natural treatment methods. Receiving radioactive iodine therapy or thyroid surgery once again won’t do anything for the underlying cause of the disorder.
How Do Natural Thyroid Treatment Methods Work?
Let’s get “back to the basics” with regards to how natural thyroid treatment methods work. As I frequently mention on this website, it’s a good idea to consult with a competent holistic doctor who focuses on endocrine disorders. While a general holistic doctor might be able to help you, it’s a good idea to see someone who has a great deal of experience using natural treatment methods to help people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions. Upon seeing such a doctor, they will evaluate your health history and symptoms, look at any thyroid blood tests you have already received, and most likely will recommend additional tests to help find out the underlying cause.
For example, when I consult with a new patient, if I suspect that they have compromised adrenal glands which is causing or contributing to their problem (which by the way, is very common), then I typically will recommend an Adrenal Stress Index test to evaluate the health of their adrenal glands. If the test reveals low cortisol levels, then I’ll put together a specific protocol to help with this. If they have high cortisol levels, then I’ll recommend a specific protocol to lower these levels. And if their DHEA levels (also measured on the ASI test) are low, then there are certain things they can take to raise these levels as well (and it doesn’t always involve giving bioidentical DHEA).
Similarly, if I suspected that someone had a mineral deficiency, which as you can probably guess is quite common, then I would recommend a hair mineral analysis test. If their symptoms indicated there was a hormone imbalance then I would recommend a male or female hormone panel. These imbalances might not directly cause the thyroid condition (although sometimes they do), but often times will affect other areas of the body which in turn will lead to the development of the condition. For example, a mineral imbalance or stressed out adrenals might compromise the immune system, and lead to the development of an autoimmune thyroid disorder, such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Lifestyle Factors, Nutritional Supplements, Etc.
Once the underlying cause has been detected, the obvious goal will be to correct these issues. Lifestyle factors play an important part in this, as eating well, drinking purified water, getting sufficient sleep, and doing a good job of managing stress all are essential to achieve optimal health. Frequently certain nutritional supplements and herbs are required to address nutritional deficiencies and assist in the recovery process. This once again is another reason why you should consult with an expert, rather than try to self-treat your condition.
In summary, just about everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid disorder can benefit from natural treatment methods. The question is whether or not they can have their health completely restored back to normal, and this of course depends on the individual. Many people can accomplish this when following a natural treatment protocol. But even those who can’t have their health restored can usually benefit, as following a natural treatment protocol can help strengthen their adrenal glands, improve the health of their immune system, restore their digestive health, and help them to achieve overall optimal health, even when a cure isn’t possible.