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Finally, Some Relief! Holistic Solutions for Women’s Top 4 Pain Points

Pain is an intricate sensation that affects millions of individuals worldwide, but it's particularly prevalent among women. Various factors, including biological, hormonal, and social aspects, contribute to this phenomenon. In the realm of healthcare, managing pain is a crucial aspect of enhancing quality of life, particularly for women who often experience unique and multifaceted forms of pain. Beyond conventional treatments, holistic approaches offer promising avenues for alleviating women's pain by addressing its underlying causes and promoting overall well-being. From back pain and headaches to arthritis and chronic pelvic pain, women encounter various types of discomfort influenced by biological, hormonal, and social factors. In this article, we delve into the significance of holistic practices in managing women's pain, exploring the effectiveness of herbal remedies, supplements, and lifestyle modifications in providing natural relief. By embracing holistic approaches,...
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Revolutionizing Women's Health: The Surprising Herbs and Supplements Proven to Boost Your Thyroid Function



Thyroid function is important for women's overall health. The thyroid gland, located in the neck, produces hormones that regulate the body's metabolic processes, among other functions. When thyroid function is impaired, it can affect women's physical and mental well-being. In this article, we'll explore how poor thyroid function affects women's health and the best herbs and supplements women can take to improve their thyroid function.


Thyroid Hormones and Their Role in Women's Health 


The thyroid gland produces two primary hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are essential for women's health, influencing almost every cell in the body. Thyroid hormones help regulate body temperature, energy production, heart rate, and metabolism. They also play a role in the development and function of the brain, liver, and kidneys.


When thyroid function is impaired, it can lead to a range of symptoms, including fatigue, weight gain, depression, and hair loss. Women are more likely than men to experience thyroid problems, and certain factors increase the risk of developing them, such as age, genetics, autoimmune disorders, and iodine deficiency.



How Poor Thyroid Function Affects Women's Health 


Thyroid problems affect many women, with estimates suggesting that up to 20% of women may experience some form of thyroid dysfunction at some point in their lives. Poor thyroid function can affect women's health in several ways, including:



Menstrual and Reproductive Health 


Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in menstruation and fertility, as they work together with other hormones in the body. When thyroid function is low, women may experience heavier or irregular periods, decreased fertility, and an increased risk of miscarriage.



Mood and Mental Health 


Thyroid hormones help regulate the brain's neurotransmitters, which affect mood and cognitive function. When thyroid function is impaired, women may experience depression, anxiety, brain fog, low mood or irritability.



Metabolism and Weight 


Thyroid hormones are critical in maintaining a healthy metabolism. When thyroid function is low, women may experience weight gain, regardless of their diet or exercise habits.



Skin and Hair 


Thyroid hormones play a role in the growth and maintenance of hair follicles, as well as the production of collagen in the skin. Poor thyroid function can lead to thinning hair and dry and itchy skin.



Cardiovascular Function 


Thyroid hormones also have a significant impact on the cardiovascular system, including heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol levels, and blood glucose levels. Women with low thyroid function may experience an increased risk of heart disease and elevated cholesterol levels.



Bone Health 


Low thyroid hormone levels are linked with a higher risk of developing osteoporosis. Women's risk of osteoporosis is already higher than men’s, and a decrease in thyroid hormones can accelerate this process.



Top 7 Herbs and Supplements for Improving Thyroid Function 


In addition to conventional medical treatments, women can take herbs and supplements to support their thyroid function and improve their overall health. Here are some of the best herbs and supplements for improving thyroid function.



1. Iodine 


Iodine is a mineral that plays a crucial role in thyroid function. The thyroid gland requires iodine to produce thyroid hormones. In case of iodine deficiency, thyroid function can be compromised. However, women should be careful not to take excess iodine, which can lead to hyperthyroidism. Be sure to discuss iodine supplementation with your healthcare provider.



2. Ashwagandha 


Ashwagandha is a popular adaptogenic herb that’s widely used in Ayurvedic medicine to support the body’s natural stress response. Studies have reported that Ashwagandha helps to reduce cortisol levels which when elevated can lead to thyroid dysfunction and consequently Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Ashwagandha has been reported to improve thyroid hormone ranges in various human studies.


 



3. Selenium 


Selenium is an essential mineral that helps the body convert T4 to T3 hormone and also acts as an antioxidant in the body. Studies have reported that taking Selenium supplements can improve thyroid function and suppress an autoimmune attack of the thyroid gland as seen in autoimmune thyroid conditions.




4. Vitamin D 


Vitamin D is essential for overall health, but its role in thyroid function is often overlooked. Adequate vitamin D levels have been shown to support improved thyroid function [6]. Also, vitamin D is known to regulate the immune system and its deficiency has been linked to autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s and Graves’ thyroiditis.





5. Coleus Forskohlii 


Coleus Forskohlii is a popular herb used to improve thyroid function by stimulating the secretion of thyroid hormones. This herb is also known to lower inflammation, which is often associated with the thyroid gland’s dysfunction.





6. Reishi Mushrooms 


Reishi Mushrooms is an adaptogenic mushroom that can help regulate thyroid function. Reishi is known for its anti-inflammatory and immune modulating properties which can help with the autoimmune thyroid conditions.





7. Zinc 


Zinc is an essential mineral that plays a crucial role in the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Zinc helps in binding thyroid hormones and also plays an essential role in the TSH creation. Studies have found a correlation between zinc deficiency and poor thyroid function [9,10]



Thyroid function is vital for women's health, and any impairment can lead to several physical and mental health conditions. Women can support their thyroid function by taking herbs and supplements that improve thyroid hormone production, support the immune system, and reduce inflammation. However, it is always essential to speak with your healthcare provider before taking any natural remedies to ensure that they are safe and effective for your needs.



To learn more about the skin signs for low thyroid levels and medications that can cause low levels, check this video from Dr. Drayton, a board-certified dermatologist.







References


1. Chandrasekhar K, Kapoor J, Anishetty S. A prospective, randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study of safety and efficacy of a high-concentration full-spectrum extract of Ashwagandha root in reducing stress and anxiety in adults. Indian J Psychol Med. 2012 Jul;34(3):255-62. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.106022. PMID: 23439798; PMCID: PMC3573577.


2. Sharma AK, Basu I, Singh S. Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. J Altern Complement Med. 2018;24(3):243-248. doi:10.1089/acm.2017.0183.


3. Lopresti AL, Drummond PD, Smith SJ. A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Crossover Study Examining the Hormonal and Vitality Effects of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in Aging, Overweight Males. Am J Mens Health. 2019 Nov-Dec;13(6):1557988319887728. doi: 10.1177/1557988319887728. PMID: 31713421; PMCID: PMC7480759.


4. Gartner R, Gasnier BC, Dietrich JW, Krebs B, Angstwurm MW. Selenium supplementation in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis decreases thyroid peroxidase antibodies concentrations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2002;87(4):1687-91. doi: 10.1210/jcem.87.4.8421. PMID: 11932268.


5. Duntas LH, Benvenga S. Selenium: an element for life. Endocrine. 2015 Mar;48(2):275-9. doi: 10.1007/s12020-014-0477-6. Epub 2014 Dec 24. PMID: 25539881.


6. Camargo MC, Menezes PR, Vaisman M. [Vitamin D and autoimmunity: what happens in autoimmune thyroid diseases?]. Arq Bras Endocrinol Metabol. 2010 Oct;54(7):590-7. doi: 10.1590/s0004-27302010000700006. PMID: 21120356.


7. Godard MP, Johnson BA, Richmond SR Body composition and hormonal adaptations associated with forskolin consumption in overweight and obese men. Obes Res. 2005; 13(8) :1335-43. doi: 10.1038/oby.2005.162 


8. Cao QZH , Hong-Yan L.U. Effects of traditional Chinese medicine Reishi on autoimmune thyroid disease [J]. Chinese Journal of Integrative Medicine on Cardio/Cerebrovascular Disease, 2015, vol.13 No.4


9. Navas-Carretero S, Pérez-Granados AM, Sarriá B, et al. Zinc Intake and Status and Risk of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2019;11(5):1027. Published 2019 May 11. doi:10.3390/nu11051027


10. Chausmer AB. Zinc, insulin and diabetes. J Am Coll Nutr. 1998;17(2):109-15. doi: 10.1080/07315724.1998.10718745. PMID: 9550452.
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