The H-shaped thyroid gland in the lower part of the neck produces the hormone thyroxine, which in turn controls a person's metabolic rate. An essential part of this hormone is the chemical iodine, and therefore an iodine-rich diet (containing seafood, shellfish, organic vegetables, and iodized salt) is a vital self-help measure for thyroid problems caused by iodine deficiency. Hyperthyroidism is overactivity in the thyroid; hypothyroidism signifies a sluggish thyroid.

HYPERthyroidism

Weight loss, increased appetite, and bulging eyes are caused by overactivity of the thyroid gland. There may also be a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) and tremors. Toxic goiter is another name for this condition, which is usually a result of overstimulation of the thyroid by an abnormal hormone rather than a fault in the gland itself. The conventional treatment for this is surgery.

Treatment

Herbal Meducine Infusions of the herb bugleweed three times a day help slow the action of the gland. A homeopath may prescribe Iodum 30c twice a day for two weeks. Hyperthyroidism may also be cured by drinking lots of milk. Goat milk has the most effect, though any 'real' milk should do the job. Drinking 3-4 glasses of milk a day will go very far in reversing your condition.

HYPOthyroidism

Lack of energy, muscle weakness, weight gain, and persistent infections are symptoms of this condition. They are a result of underactivity of the thyroid gland. Sufferers may feel cold and have a hoarse voice, coarse skin, and constipation.

Treatment

Herbal Medicine Infusions of the herb bladderwrack will help regulate thyroid function. Consult a qualified practitioner/therapist for:
Homeopathy Specific remedies might include Arsenicum alb., but overall, treatment should be constitutional, prescribed by a homeopath.

In addition, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), selenium is a trace element that plays a part in thyroid hormone metabolism.
Many foods contain selenium, including:
- tuna
- turkey
- Brazil nuts
- grass-fed beef Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an immune system attack on the thyroid, often reduces the body’s selenium supply. Supplementing this trace element has shown to help balance thyroxine, or T4, levels in some people.

Goiter

Goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of the condition are palpitations, bulging eyes, irritability, and a high fever. It is not the same as hyperthyroidism. Goiter is often caused by a deficiency of iodine in the diet and can be relieved by taking iodine supplement.

Treatment

Reflexology A reflexologist massages areas that relate to the thyroid, which are found in the big toe and the arch of the foot.

Acupuncture

An acupuncturist may treat the condition with fine needles inserted into positions on the "energy pathways" of the body to clear obstructions of blood circulation and energy, and an accumulation of phlegm, which in Chinese medicine are related to problems with the thyroid gland. Homeopathy Treatment would be constitutional, but specific remedies include Iodum 30c, Spongia 30c, Calcarea 30c, and Fluoric ac. 30c.