Thyroid disease is marked by a malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. Excess activity of the thyroid gland and a sluggish function causes hypothyroidism. Both are equally bad and lead to poor health. While there are many medicinal treatments for treating thyroid disease, some natural remedies also work wonders to restore thyroid health. Let’s take a look at five tips for treating thyroid disease naturally.

1. Eliminate gluten
Removing all sources of gluten from the diet is known to significantly improve health. If you cannot remove all sources of gluten, then consider minimizing them. Popular sources of gluten include wheat, barley, rye, and oats. If you suffer from recurrent issues with thyroid health, consider getting a gluten sensitivity test done.

2. Step up on exercise
Whether you have a sluggish thyroid or a hyperactive one, exercise helps maintain the ideal levels of body metabolism. Exercise is one of the first self-care steps recommended by all doctors for treating thyroid disease. Depending on the type of thyroid disease you have, your doctor can advise you how much exercise you need. Aerobics such as walking and jogging are good for everyone, and keep heart health and thyroid functions at optimum levels.

3. Increase iodine intake
For those suffering from hypothyroidism, one of the best ways to boost thyroid function is by increasing the intake of iodine. Iodine helps the thyroid gland to produce its hormones. One simple way to increase your intake of iodine is to switch to iodized salt for your daily meals. Food sources of iodine include seaweed, prunes, yogurt, and lima beans.

4. Take time to de-stress
Stress is bad for all aspects of health and especially harmful to your thyroid. An excessive amount of stress leads to a slower metabolic rate. Stress can also cause insulin resistance, which not only leads to thyroid problems but can also cause diabetes in the long run. You can lower your stress levels by getting sufficient sleep at night, learning to relax and meditate, or indulging in a hobby. Try to avoid caffeine for at least a few hours before bed and skip watching TV before you fall asleep.

5. Start detoxifying
The effects of toxins in the body are often ignored, and they are known to cause many health problems. Start detoxifying by switching to organic foods. Skip processed snacks that are laden with preservatives and chemicals. Try to avoid fluoride in the products that you use and install a water filtration system to purify the water that you drink. If you do tend to develop allergies, get yourself tested for substances that bother you. Make sure you do not have high levels of mercury in your body.

Finally, do remember to get your thyroid tested frequently. Make sure to take any medicines prescribed by your doctor. Alternative and natural treatments only work alongside medication but can never be a substitute for it.