How can I reduce inflammation in my thyroid naturally?

Thyroid problems are serious business, and if you have them, you need to take them seriously. that’s because, contrary to what most people might think, the thyroid is an essential part of our body’s makeup, and without it functioning properly we’d all be in a world of hurt. And thyroid problems aren’t that uncommon, either: according to the American Thyroid Association, around 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid problems, and according to other sources as many as 60% of people may not even know they have thyroid problems at all. That’s why it’s important to be informed about the thyroid, its function, and the things that can happen to it, so that you can take action when the time comes.

One of the most common types of thyroid problem is inflammation. Now, this isn’t your average, everyday inflammation, like after bumping your arm or running a race. Thyroid inflammation is very specific, and far closer in type to rheumatoid arthritis. It can cause serious pain and physical problems, and even lead to hypothyroidism. There are several ways to help treat thyroid inflammation, also called thyroiditis, and while the main methods of treatment are medical in nature, some have been trying to find natural ways to deal with it. Do these natural methods work? If so, how effective can they be? We’ll be taking an in-depth look at this subject today.

First, let’s take a look at thyroiditis itself. As we explained above, thyroiditis isn’t like other types of inflammation in the body, and that’s due to that fact that one of the chief causes is antibodies attacking the thyroid. That’s right, the body’s own defense cells, which are meant to fight off bacteria and viruses and other foreign agents which might damage the body’s organs and tissues, can sometimes decide to attack the body’s own thyroid gland. As such, many cases of thyroiditis are considered autoimmune in nature, and this can pose a serious problem. As the antibodies in the blood attack thyroid cells, the result is damage to the thyroid and the resulting inflammation as the body attempts to heal it. When the thyroid is damaged, it can cause pain, discomfort, and most importantly, hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid is unable to produce enough of the two hormones it’s responsible for – thyroxine and diiodothyronine – which affect the body’s metabolic processes and help regulate body temperature and even growth.

Thyroiditis in some cases is possibly genetic in nature, such as autoimmune cases (like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), but it can also because by radiation therapy, some prescription drugs, or even the process of childbirth.

So how do you treat it, and can it be treated naturally? Well first, we’re going to look at the ways in which it can be treated, if at all. The problem with thyroiditis is that it’s not fully understood, and according to information from the American Thyroid Association, there’s no way to directly “cure” thyroiditis per se. Instead, typical medical treatment involves reducing the symptoms as the inflammation goes through its normal course and eventually tapers off, and so while many people make a full recovery, the period of inflammation consists in many cases of trying to improve quality of life while the problems work themselves out.

The symptoms that usually receive treatment include enlargement of the thyroid gland (treated with thyroid hormones), pain (painkillers), inflammation (steroids), and rapid heart rate (beta-blockers).

What if you want to deal with it naturally, though? Well, there’s good and bad news. The good news is that there are some natural options for some of the symptoms. Bad news: some treatments have no natural equivalent.

For treating inflammation, there are a number of natural remedies which might help. Turmeric is a popular natural anti-inflammatory, as it contains curcumin, a natural chemical associated with lowered inflammation, particularly in joints. Cinnamon is also thought to reduce swelling naturally, as is garlic.

For natural pain treatment, you could go with any number of options. Turmeric again is an option, as inflammation is frequently a cause of pain. Some claim that fish oil supplements, with their omega 3 fatty acid content, can lower pain with no significant side effects.

Elevated heart rate, or tachycardia, is a type of heart arrhythmia that can come with its own set of problems. If this symptom is serious, it’s best to go to a doctor, but mild issues with rapid heartbeat might be lessened by taking calming herbal supplements such as passionflower, valerian root, and skullcap. While you’ll find these all in natural sleep supplements, don’t worry: they’re not meant to knock you out, just to relax you.

Thyroiditis is a serious issue, and no one should ever try and diagnose themselves, nor should they ignore the advice of a doctor. If you have or think you might be suffering from thyroiditis, go to a doctor and get tested. If it turns out that you do have it, ask your doctor if natural supplements might help treat your symptoms.