Natural boost for an underactive thyroid

Feeling sluggish and unusually tired? Having problems with concentration and memory? Are you slowly putting on weight and are unable to lose it? These are the classic symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

The thyroid is a gland which produces hormones which govern our body's metabolism. As estimated 10 to 20% of adults suffer from an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism. The most common symptoms are constant sleepiness, depression, weight gain and being unable to remember things as we used to. Other less common symptoms are muscle and joint pain, feeling the cold easily, constipation and a slow heart rate. As the body's metabolism gradually slows down, these signs creep up and are blamed on our age, depression or other health problems. But there is an easy answer.

Natural Herbal Supplements to Boost an Underactive Thyroid

There are several all-natural products which are safe and easy to take as herbal supplements and are known to boost the thyroid. Lack of iodine is a main cause of most thyroid disorders. Iodine is essential to a healthy thyroid function and kelp (seaweed) is one of the richest sources of this essential mineral. The body requires vitamin E to properly assimilate the iodine, so this should also be taken as a daily supplement. B-complex vitamins are also known to provide energy and boost an underactive thyroid. The thyroid gland also needs many of the essential fatty acids which are lacking in modern diets and can easily be included as a natural health supplement.

Other essential minerals such as zinc, the amino acid tyrosine and the vitamin B6 can all be used as a safe, natural alternative to a thyroid hormone supplement. If taking a handful of pills each morning does not appeal to you, consider taking a thyroid supporting formula which combines a correctly balanced daily supply of these nutrients in a couple of easy-to-swallow capsules each day. Drinking less caffeine and more water will also help boost your metabolism naturally.

You should soon begin to feel more like your old self again with increased energy and vitality. You will be able to counter mood swings and tackle that weight gain without suffering any adverse side effects. Take action today against your underactive thyroid and start to overcome those debilitating symptoms.

Thyroid

A textbook case in the understanding problems causer by thyroid disorders can be found with weight control. The gaining of unexpected weight can turn your world upside down, especially when your health care provider informs you it's an obesity problem. A problem we all have to face is when our health care provider incorrectly diagnoses a problem we are having. You need to look further into this and explore other possibilities.

An estimated 23 million people in America have thyroid disorders and don't realize it. The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces hormones that control many functions of your body. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroids, are one of the most common and overlooked, health problems, especially in women over 50.

Thyroid hormones directly affect:
Weight loss or gain Thinning hair Skin condition Feeling tired Memory Muscle aches Brittle nails Cholesterol levels Heart rate Cold sensitivity

The thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body, and as you age it needs to be checked regularly. It releases two hormones that have the ability to influence or regulate almost every activity in your body. Two definite indications you are having thyroid problems is when you are having unexpected weight problems or your hair is falling out. It is up to you to help and support the thyroid gland to function normally

If you feel you might be having thyroid problems, consult your health care provider and have your neck checked. When you are suffering from thyroid problems, you need to be looking for a thyroid support supplement as an alternative to prescription medications. Thyroid supplements provide nutrients necessary for proper, healthy thyroid function. A safe, all-natural thyroid support supplement can make you feel like yourself again.

 

Thyroid Issues

The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland that is situated in the neck, right below the Adam's apple. It is responsible for regulating the body's metabolic processes. Thyroid hormones help regulate how tissues in our bodies function. Abnormally high or low thyroid hormone levels can manifest in different ways. Problems can arise from an overactive thyroid or and underactive thyroid.

Overactive thyroid also known as hyperthyroidism is most common in women ages 20-40. Some people think thyroid problems only affect women. But in truth they can affect both sexes. Symptoms of overactive thyroid will be similar in most of the people who suspect that may have this thyroid condition.

Symptoms include: weakness and fatigue, infertility, increased perspiration, changes to menstrual cycles, eye irritation, anxiety, frequent and looser bowel movements, sensitivity to heat, shaky hands, weight loss, increased heart rate, to name a few.

Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism is often referred to as low thyroid. This thyroid condition produces another set of symptoms. Symptoms of low thyroid are a result of a declining hormone levels. The symptoms of an underactive thyroid are: sluggishness and fatigue, weight gain, dry hair and skin, brittle nails, menstrual irregularities, sensitivity to cold, constipation, depression or irritability, headaches, muscle and joint pain, among other things.

Those who have family members with thyroid issues are more at risk genetically. If you know that your family has a history of thyroid problems it is very important to watch for these symptoms. One or more of these symptoms may indicate a thyroid problem. If you suspect some of your symptoms might be attributed to thyroid dysfunction it would be advisable to seek help. Figuring out your thyroid function is something best left for people who specialize in providing thyroid support.

It's easy to see that experiencing any of these symptoms can be frustrating. These symptoms can be dealt with on a daily basis. Because they cause irritation but are not necessarily disabling, patients might feel as if they can just "live with them". It's important to remember that ignoring these symptoms, whether from overactive to underactive thyroid, might have long-term consequences.

If these symptoms are ignored your condition may worsen. Problems can steamroll into bigger problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, anemia or neurological disorders. If you continue to suffer from symptoms of thyroid problems for weeks, months or even years your condition may become more complicated. It is never a good idea to risk one's health. In this case procrastinating would not be in your best interest. You don't have to find the answers on your own. You can learn more simply by seeking help from someone well versed in thyroid function.

Any person is suffering from any of these thyroid symptoms should know that there is hope. By finding an expert in thyroid support a patient can well be on their way to finding answers to their thyroid questions. Finding direction and assistance in unlocking some of the mysteries surrounding your symptoms may help set you on the road to a happier healthier you.

Three herbal remedies for headaches

While it may seem quick and easy to grab over the counter treatments for headaches there are actually time proven herbal remedies that may be even more effective in headache treatment without the harsh chemical side effects. Unlike allopathic medicine (drugs) that focus on chemistry and treatment, herbal medicine concentrates on prevention. Consider these three herbal medicines in your treatment of headaches. And of course, always seek the advice of qualified health care professionals when seeking treatment for illness.

Feverfew: this herb, a member of the daisy family, is a common garden plant and has long been used by the British for self-medication. Research has shown that the active ingredient in feverfew is parthenolide. The Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology suggests that feverfew inhibits serotonin release and the amount released from platelets is controlled by the parthenolide content in the dose of feverfew. Parthenolide is the main active ingredient in feverfew. Several studies indicate feverfew may reduce headache suffering. Feverfew products should indicate the proper amounts of parthenolide per dose at 165 milligrams as determined in a 1992 study published by J Pharm and Pharmacol.

Ginger: As more research indicates the prevalence of headaches to blood flow abnormalities we are learning that ginger reduces clotting time of blood cells and also blocks the production of prostaglandins, which are linked to the inflammation associated with headaches. Ginger has long been known for its therapeutic properties to relieve headaches, nausea, and vomiting. Modern science suggests that headache sufferers who take 1.5 to 2 grams of powdered ginger daily report fewer headaches and less severe headaches. Ginger is widely available in the vitamin and supplement section of major stores and can be purchased in the correct dosage in encapsulated form.

Chamomile: The use of chamomile to relieve headaches dates back to the ancient Egyptians who used chamomile for its therapeutic and relaxing qualities. Chamomile tea, commonly available, is a light and flavorful tea and is employed to ease pain, headaches, and insomnia. High levels of flavonoids are present in chamomile which help the body fight allergens, viruses, and carcinogens. These are the active properties that make chamomile effective as an anti-inflamatory nerve tonic, and mild sedative. Those with chronic headaches report fewer sleep disturbances when having a cup of chamomile tea before bedtime.

Feverfew, ginger, and chamomile may all be used to prepare a warm compress to use for immediate relief of headaches. Soak a cloth in a warm brew of herbal tea and apply to forehead. Relax and enjoy the warm compress as it helps relieve headach pain.

Classifying your eczema

Eczema is a type of chronic skin condition in which areas of your skin can become inflamed, itchy, and sore. While doctors have yet to unlock the deep secrets regarding the reasons behind eczema, they have plenty of good information that can help calm eczema flare-ups and prevent future ones.

Before you can begin treating your eczema, however, you must know what type you have. Though your skin is one large organ, different areas of your body may acquire eczema, and each one can be different from another.

It is important for you to know what type your eczema is classified as and where it can be found before you start treating it. Having all the information possible can help you get the most out of your treatments and free you as much as possible from the annoyances of eczema.

Adult Seborrheic Eczema. If you are between 20 and 40, you can become affected by this type of eczema. Some specialists think this can be caused by yeast. It can begin as mild dandruff, but can spread to other areas such as your face, chest, or ears.

You may find your skin becoming red, inflamed, flakey, and you may also find patches of skin that are scaly, and yellow. You may have also heard this type referred to as seborrheic dermatitis.

Varicose Eczema. If your legs have poor circulation, you could acquire this form of eczema. Late in life you may find itchy and inflamed areas on your lower legs and ankles that appear dappled. It has also been referred to as stasis eczema.

Discoid Eczema. Found in adults, this form of eczema has also been called nummular eczema or gravitational eczema. Patches of skin that can appear almost anywhere on the body, but usually on the torso and lower legs. It appears in disc-shaped itchy spots that can potentially exude fluid.

Dyshidrotic Eczema. This form appears on the hands, fingers, and feet and will arise as blisters that are particularly itchy. Though the cause is not known, there is some speculation on various reasons, and it is believed that stress assists in aggravating the condition further. It can become more serious and lead to fluid seepage and cracking in the skin.

Contact Eczema. Dry flaky and itchy areas can appear due to constant contact with items that continuously irritate your skin or if you happen to be allergic to the item. Chemicals and latex are two possible allergens that can affect people. Avoiding prolonged contact with items that bother your skin can help you recover from this form of eczema.

Light Sensitive Eczema. This is a rare form of eczema that affects a person's hands, arms, and face. Though caused by sunlight, some products such as soaps, creams, and medications can act as catalysts to eczema appearances in sunlight.

Juvenile Plantar Eczema. A form that is more common in males and caused by constant irritation on the soles of feet due to footwear that is not fitting correctly. You may find that the sole of your foot has become sore, red, feels hot, and has a glazed appearance to it. Switch your footwear to make sure feet do not rub against the inside of the shoe to help clear up any problems, wear cotton socks to aid in further prevention, and if necessary, put ointments or other soothing products on feet.

Eczema Craquele. People who are older tend to develop this form of eczema as their skin is thinner and more prone to becoming dried out. It is also known as asteatotic eczema and creates large itchy scales on the skin, sometimes produced because of lingering soap from a shower or bath.

Eczema Herpeticum. When a person already has a form of eczema and he or she becomes infected with the herpes simplex virus, they can develop eczema herpeticum. Small groups of blisters or ulcers appear on the skin and can occur anywhere on the body. If left untreated and allowed to spread, this form of eczema can become fatal.

Atopic Eczema. This is the most common form of eczema and believed to be caused by allergens and other various skin irritants. It can be hereditary and affect both children and adults and appears as itchy, flaky patches of skin that are inflamed, red, and when scratched too often can lead to fluid seepage.

Remember, it is important for you to completely understand your particular form of eczema in order to give yourself the best treatment. The more you know, the closer you are to steering clear of problems now and in the future.

Some home remedies for Eczema

Eczema is the skin disease typified by redness, oozing, cracking and scaling of the skin. Eczema is caused by exposure to extremes of heat, cold and emotional stress. Patients with eczema suffer from itching and burning of skin especially at night. Patches may appear on different parts of the body but especially occurs on hands, feet, ears and legs. Any one can have eczema at any age irrespective of sex. Eczema can also cause by local irritation of chemicals, thermal and mechanical agents in individuals who are hypersensitive to any of these factors.

Home Remedies for Eczema

Various medicines are available to treat eczema. But some individuals do not respond to these medicines. For such patient's lot of home remedies for Eczema are also available.
Myristica Fragrans or Nutmeg Paste

2-3 times daily application of nutmeg paste in water on sores is very effective to reduce patches.

Camphor and Sandal Powder Paste

Camphor and sandal powder paste is also a good home remedy for eczema. Take Equal amount of both mix them and make paste. Apply this paste on infected area twice a day for one week.

Aloe Vera
Drinking Aloe Vera juice and application of Aloe Vera gel on effected area is also considered as beneficial to treat skin rashes of eczema.

Musk Melon and Mangoes
Boiled pulp of mango in water and juice of musk melon is very excellent home remedy for eczema. Peel off mango boiled in water let it cool and then apply this paste over eczema rash for 10 to 15 days. In the same way application of musk melon's juice over patches also helpful to treat eczema.

Vegetables and Fruit Pastes
Regular application of paste of certain vegetables and fruits effectively reduce the itching, kill germs and also dry wound. These vegetables and fruits include raw beans, pumpkin, cranberry, finger millet juice, paste or slice of potatoes and plain cabbage leaf. Strawberry paste is also use to treat eczema. Apply strawberry paste and cover the patch with clean cotton cloth or thick band aid. Strawberry paste is recommended to use 3 to 4 times a day for 1-2 weeks. These vegetable and fruit pastes are considered as very effective home remedies for eczema. Other than these pastes it is also suggested to wash wounds with turmeric solution and with boiled Neem leaves in water. Turmeric solution can prepare by adding 2-3 teaspoons of turmeric in boiling water at low flame.

Diet as Home Remedy for Eczema
Diet can also act as effective home remedy for eczema. Patients with eczema are suggested to use diet that is rich in vitamins (A, D, E and B complex) and minerals (zinc and iron). Patients are advised to consume fruits and vegetables with negative calories. Fruits and vegetables include carrot, cabbage, beet root, tomato, apple, papaya, lemon, mango, orange and grapes. Use of such fruits and vegetables clean the bowel from toxic material that can cause itching and skin diseases. During diet treatment patient is suggested to use only orange juice and water 3-4 times a day for one week. After one week patient may take other food items like milk. When patient is getting improved he/she is advised to take diet that includes gram, cereals, green vegetables, salads and whole wheat flour bread. Oily and spicy food is completely avoided during the treatment.

Castor Oil
Castor oil is also use to treat eczema. 4 to 5 drops of castor oil in plain water or in any juice is advised to take early in the morning without having any thing. Basically it is an Indian home remedy.

Honey and Vinegar
One table spoon of honey and vinegar mixed with instant tea is suggested to use 2 times for one week is effective remedy for eczema.

Easy and Quick Home Remedies for Eczema

Following are some easy and quick remedies for Eczema.
" Coconut oil is also effective to clear eczema.
" Sun bath is also helpful to cure eczema.
" Use of water based paste of freshly picked almond leaves over wounds stops growth of eczema.
" Papaya seed paste also reduces itching.
" Witch hazel is a very common herb use to treat inflammatory conditions of the skin can also use to treat eczema.
" Take ground basil, one tablespoon of olive oil, two garlic cloves and some salt and peeper. Mix them all and spread it over eczema patches. It will also give you relief.
" Drench your feet in the mixture of vinegar and hot water with 1:4 ratios for 20 min twice a day is also a good home remedy for eczema.
" Garlic paste with honey in equal ratio is also applied over wounds and wraps it with nylon bandage when going to bed. When remove bandage clean it with alcohol do not use water over it.
" Fill the tub with warm water and add walnut leaves in it. Sitting in this water for short duration is also helpful to treat eczema.
" Mix red Henna in boiling water until u get mixture of it. Allow it to cool and then spread over lesions. Leave it for 30 min and then wash it with water. You can repeat this after every 3-4 hours if you required. You can do it frequently after 3 or days if you think you need it.
" Wear sandals in lace of shoes. If you use socks change you socks on daily basis. Another most important tip is to keep your feet dry. It is suggested to dry your feet with hair dryer.
These are some home remedies for eczema. You can use any suitable home remedy for eczema to treat your own eczema. As all these home remedies are natural and herbal based there are no side effects reported to these treatments. But it does not mean that you stop using doctor's prescribed medicines. There is no harm to use these home remedies in combination with medicines.

Eczema

Part 1
Identifying whether you have eczema
The first step to controlling eczema is being able to determine whether or not your skin condition is actually eczema.
Eczema is a chronic skin condition which is triggered when your immune system has an over reaction to something in your environment, or when there is emotional stress. The skin may become dry, inflamed, scaly and itchy. In some persons there is a wet form of eczema, where there are watery boils that may weep and leave the skin soggy.
There are several types of eczema. These are as follows:
• Atopic Eczema- Atopic eczema causes dry, itchy, irritated skin. Most people with atopic eczema develop it before age five. This skin condition tends to run in families. People who get atopic eczema usually have family members who have eczema, asthma, or hay fever. The skin can swell, crack, ooze, crust, and scale. The patches may be raised, scaly, dry and red. The skin may become thick with constant scratching.
• Contact Eczema -Contact with everyday objects causes this very common type of eczema. When the contact leads to irritated skin, the eczema is called irritant contact eczema. If an allergic reaction develops on the skin after exposure, it is called allergic contact eczema.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema-This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. There is burning, an itching sensation and a blistering rash.
• Seborrheic Eczema- Usually beginning on the scalp as oily, waxy patches, this common type of eczema sometimes spreads to the face and beyond. A severe case, while rare, produces widespread lesions. Like most types of eczema, seborrheic eczema tends to flare in cold, dry weather.
• Nummular Eczema- Often appearing after a skin injury, such as a burn, abrasion, or insect bite, the hallmark of this common eczema is unique, coin-shaped (nummular) or oval lesions. One or many patches can develop that may last for weeks or months.
• Neuroeczema- develops when nerve endings in the skin become irritated, triggering a severe itch-scratch-itch cycle. Common causes of nerve irritation include an insect bite and emotional stress. The itch is intense and is usually worse when the person is resting or relaxing.
Part 2
Understanding what triggers Eczema flare ups
What are Eczema triggers- these are things that cause eczema to develop or get worse.
• The triggers can be internal or external. Internal triggers are usually associated with things we ingest such as foods or inhale.
• External triggers are things that come into contact with the skin, or environmental factors.
• These ranges from Physical and chemical irritants, extremes of temperature, humidity, perfumes, to different types of fabrics, and even detergents used to wash any clothing or linen that comes in contact with the skin.
• Stressful situations can also lead to flare ups of eczema in those so predisposed.
• Our genetic make up, may make us more prone to developing eczema.
• Specific types of exposures are related to the development of the different types of eczema.
• Atopic Eczema -A complex array of factors are thought to contribute to the development of atopic eczema. These include genetics, the home environment, breakdown of the outer skin layer and a malfunctioning immune system.
• Contact eczema-occurs after frequent exposure to a mild irritant, such as dish washing liquid, and after brief exposure to a strong irritant, such as a strong acid.
• Dyshidrotic Eczema- This occurs only on the palms of the hands, sides of the fingers, and soles of the feet. The cause is generally unknown. However, believe that a person's reaction to events occurring within the body (e.g., having another medical condition) and factors occurring outside the body (e.g., the weather) play a role. Excessive sweating does not cause Dyshidrotic eczema.
• Seborrheic Eczema- While the exact cause is not known, researchers believe that a number of factors interact to cause seborrhoea eczema. These factors include the genes we inherit, yeast that normally live on human skin, stress, climate, and overall general health.
• Nummular Eczema-Heightened sensitivity to some specific substances is thought to cause this type of eczema. Common triggers are nickel, mercury, rubber and formaldehyde.
• Neuroeczema- The specific cause is unknown, but certain specific things are thought to trigger neuroeczema. These in clued but are not limited to:
1. Clothing worn tightly and made of synthetic fabric or wool
2. Dry skin
3. Period of intense stress or emotional trauma
4. Poor blood flow
5. Scar, especially a keloid-type scar
Part 3
How to identify the triggers of your Eczema
• The easiest way to do this is to keep a diary of all foods you ingest each day, places that you go which are associated with specific exposure, products you use on your skin, cleaning agent used in your environment and on the clothing you wear.
• It is important to be very detailed in itemizing your exposures.
• Do not forget to record any stressful events or situations, as stress can trigger flare ups.
• You should then record the dates of any flare-ups of your eczema.
• After reviewing this over a period of time you will come to notice what exposures preceded flare-ups of your eczema condition.
• After you think you have identified the possible triggers, the next step is to use a process of elimination to see if you can identify the specific trigger.
• Remove one item from your diet/environment at a time and check to see if there is any improvement in your eczema after about 4 weeks.
• If there is no improvement in your eczema, add back in the item that you had taken out, and then remove a second item.
• Repeat the process over and over until you have identified you specific trigger.
• Sometimes this process may not identify your specific trigger.
Part 4
Remove the trigger
• If possible eliminate the trigger identified from the process you carried out in part 3 from your diet/environment.
• This can be difficult depending on the trigger.
• If the trigger is a food, eliminating this food from your diet is easier than if it is the pollen from a particular plant that grows in the area where you live.
• When the trigger is an integral part of your environment, you may need to remove yourself from the trigger.
• When you have been unable to identify your specific trigger, it is wise to try to avoid triggers known to be associated with your specific type of eczema.
Part 5
Care of your Skin.
• Dry skin contributes to eczema and can cause it to become worse.
• Cleanse the skin with gentle moisturising cleansers.
• Avoid the use of soap, and skin products with fragrances.
• Use tepid water for your baths, avoid hot water.
• Avoid frequent baths.
• Keep cool, but if possible avoid air conditioners which dry the skin.
• Drink plenty of water to moisturise the skin from the inside.
• Avoid synthetic fabrics next to the skin, use natural cotton garments instead.
• Use natural moisturisers frequently to keep the skin moist. Examples are body butters containing shea, almond, coconut, avocado and mango among others.
• Be gentle with your skin. Don't scratch it. Although eczema causes the skin to itch in the affected areas, scratching makes it worse.
• Scratching can cause the skin to become thick, darker and it can cause it to crack and bleed.
• Take precautions to try to minimize your scratching. Keep your fingernails cut short. If necessary, wear gloves at night to prevent scratching in your sleep.
• If the skin is broken or infected, or you suffer from wet eczema you should consult your doctor.