To stimulate the under-active thyroid gland, the pituitary gland needs to release more TSH. Read on, to know how to raise TSH levels naturally. Along with medications, the natural ways of increasing TSH levels can promote fast recovery. Scroll down to know the natural ways…
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is released by the anterior pituitary gland. This hormone stimulates the thyroid gland. Its release ensures normal levels of thyroid hormones. If you are worried about how to raise TSH levels naturally, it is safe to assume that you are having lower than normal TSH levels. In addition to the prescribed medications, there are certain ways in which you can raise your TSH levels naturally, let’s take a closer look into it.
When the thyroid becomes hyperactive, high levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) are released. Naturally, pituitary gland restricts the release of TSH and you see ‘low TSH levels’ in your blood report. These low TSH levels are necessary to control the overactive thyroid. So you don’t need to increase TSH levels during such condition. But if the TSH levels drop beyond the normal limit, then you will be given medications to bring the TSH within the normal range. Those who have an under active thyroid need higher TSH levels to stimulate the thyroid. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. Pituitary gland should start releasing more TSH to activate the thyroid. But if sufficient TSH levels are not attained, the person may have to face serious consequences. How certain simple remedies can help increase TSH levels naturally is explained in the following section. To know about normal thyroid levels, you may browse through this TSH levels chart.
How to Increase TSH Levels Naturally
Exercise
It is a fact that regular exercise helps maintain hormonal balance. A sedentary lifestyle, lack of exercise results in increased weight leading to hormonal imbalance and several health problems. If you lead a sedentary lifestyle, you should exercise for at least 20-30 minutes every day. Simple exercises like walking, jumping rope exercises, swimming, cycling can help maintain the hormonal balance. Yoga, meditation and breathing exercises like Pranayama help enhance the function of the pituitary gland.
Iodine
Another basic factor, ‘diet’, plays an important role in thyroid function. Lack of iodine or scarcity of iodine in diet can result in an under-active thyroid. Iodine deficiency in the diet of a pregnant woman (seen mostly in underdeveloped countries and in remote places where seafood is not available) can result in the birth of a child with cretinism (congenital deficiency of thyroid hormones). This can lead to stunted growth and mental retardation of the child. So, to avoid health problems like cretinism and goiter, sufficient amount of iodine should be included in the diet. These days, salt that contains iodine is available everywhere.
Diet
Thyroid diet should be designed in such a way that it should help lose weight in a healthy way. Weight gain is a symptom of hypothyroidism in men and women. A healthy and balanced diet consisting of whole grains, seafood, good amounts of high quality protein and fiber can help raise TSH levels naturally. The mineral, selenium plays an important role in thyroid activity. Hence selenium rich foods like fish, shrimp, garlic, crimini mushrooms, Mozzarella cheese, asparagus, mustard, Brazil nuts, oats, eggs, brown rice, chicken breast, beef tenderloin, calf’s liver, should be included in the regular diet. Consumption of low glycemic foods helps control blood sugar levels. Stable blood sugar levels promote proper functioning of the glands in the body. Certain foods and supplements can worsen the situation. Avoid refined carbohydrates which lead to weight gain. Consult your physician before opting for any supplement.
Medications
Certain medications can affect thyroid function. So consult your doctor and change the medicines that might be affecting the hormonal levels. Sometimes, doctors prescribe medications to bring down the increased levels of TSH. If your TSH levels go down below normal, the dose has to be adjusted or stopped. A high dose of thyroid hormone replacement drug can also cause lower TSH levels.
Exercise is an invariable part of healthy lifestyle. Yoga and meditation play an important role in regulating the functions of the endocrine glands. The diet for raising TSH levels depends upon the type of thyroid disorder. Consult your physician before following a ‘thyroid diet’.
