What Are the Different Alternative Thyroid Treatments?

A person can consider many different alternative thyroid treatments to improve the health of his thyroid gland, which is located under the voice box and plays a role in metabolism, reproduction, and calcium regulation. Usually, people see a doctor for traditional treatments for thyroid problems, but an individual can consider alternative remedies as well. If he is iodine deficient, for instance, he could try taking kelp supplements or others containing iodine, or focus on eating foods that contain a significant amount of this nutrient. He may also consider taking a natural thyroid medication that is derived from pigs. Additionally, yoga exercises sometimes can help promote the health of this gland.

Some people recommend supplementation with kelp when discussing alternative thyroid treatments. Kelp contains significant amounts of iodine, a nutrient the body needs for proper thyroid function. Others may recommend taking bladderwack, a brown algae, or similar supplements for the same purpose. Such efforts may prove helpful if a person's thyroid problems are caused by a deficiency in iodine intake. Sometimes, however, this is not the problem, and increasing one's iodine levels with supplements will fail to improve a thyroid condition.

Food choices may also help when one is hoping to use alternative thyroid treatments, but often only when the thyroid problem is caused by an iodine deficiency. Some foods that one can add to his diet include seaweed, eggs, and milk. Sea vegetables and seafood are also helpful additions. It is usually important to keep one's intake of iodine moderate, however, as it can prove harmful for the thyroid if levels in the body become excessive. A person can also try supplementing with vitamins B and A, both of which are essential for overall health and a properly functioning thyroid.

Many people with thyroid conditions are prescribed synthetic thyroid hormones as a traditional medicine treatment. As an alternative treatment, however, a person can consider taking a natural thyroid medication that is derived from the thyroid glands of pigs. Some naturopathic practitioners assert that this is a more effective treatment for thyroid problems than synthetic versions. It is said to contain thyroid hormones missing from synthetic versions, which may play important roles in treatment. Unlike many alternative treatments for thyroid issues, it is not available without a prescription.

An individual could also consider including yoga among his alternative thyroid treatments. There are many yoga postures that are said to aid the thyroid. Yoga postures said to work for thyroid problems are supposed to encourage the proper functioning of the gland by applying pressure to it. As a result of this pressure, the release of the thyroid hormone may improve.