11 Ways To Treat Thyroid At Home

Introduction

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland plays an essential role in regulating  most of the metabolic processes of the body. Thermoregulation, influence over hormonal function, and weight management are just some of the important functions of this gland.

Those who suffer from thyroid problems can look at home remedies to deal with the issue more comprehensively, along with the medications prescribed by the doctor. It is essential to note that thyroid hormone-related disorders need to be treated by expert doctors; sometimes, patients have to take medications for a prolonged period of time, even for the rest of their lives.

Before we get into home remedies, we need to cover the basic differences between hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism based on their symptoms: 

Hypothyroidism

• Feeling tired
• Hair loss
• Increased weight
• Trouble sleeping
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation
• Sweating less
• Decreased heart rate
• Brittle, easily chipped nails
• Depression, easily irritable
• Puffy face
• Joint and muscle pains
• Feeling sluggish or slow^6,7

Hyperthyroidism

• Feeling tired
• Hair loss
• Sudden weight gain or loss
• Trouble sleeping
• Sensitivity to heat
• Diarrhoea
• Sweating more
• Fast and irregular heart rate
• Thickened, flaky nails
• Anxiety
• Puffy eyes
• Muscle weakness^6,7

People suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid excessive consumption of cruciferous vegetables(cabbage, broccoli) and soy products; these foods contain goitrogens, which might interfere with the production of thyroxine hormone.

Dr. Nikhil Yadav, MBBS MD, CCEBDM

Based on these differences, you may get an idea of which form of thyroid issue you have, but always check with your doctor, who will recommend a thyroid test for a clear diagnosis.

Friendly Reminder: The information shared here is for educational purposes only, and the reader should consult a registered medical practitioner before implementing any changes to their health routine.

Home Remedies for Thyroid Problems

1. Coconut Oil

Coconut oil has medium-chain fatty acids that help in the better functioning of the thyroid gland. Coconut oil, specifically when taken in a non-heated form, helps lose weight, increases metabolism, and balances body temperature.

Unlike other types of oils, coconut oil has a high content of saturated fat.  With the right combination of exercise and a properly balanced diet, coconut oil could be good for the thyroid glands.

• Recipe tip: Use coconut oil for your regular cooking once in a while, or switch to it completely if you like the taste  

2. Apple Cider Vinegar

Apple cider vinegar helps in the balanced production and expression of some hormones to some extent. It might improve metabolism⁸

Apple cider vinegar might help regulate body fats, wash away toxins from the body, and absorption of nutrients. Apple cider vinegar can be added to water along with honey and can be taken every morning.

• Recipe tip: Add it to warm water to make an atonic, or add it to your herbal tea of choice. For sore throats, try apple cider vinegar and honey in warm water; it might give some relief.

3. Ginger

This is one of the easiest supplements for thyroid as it is easily available. Ginger is rich in essential minerals like potassium and magnesium, and might help to regulate inflammation, one of the primary causes of thyroid issues. It is easiest to have ginger tea.

It can also be used as an essential oil. If ginger is mixed with a carrier oil (coconut oil, for example) it can be applied to the body. Ginger oil can also be used via essential oil diffusers.

• Recipe tip: Throw in a small amount of thinly sliced ginger to your curries and stir-frys, or add it to your favourite baked items like cookies and pastries.  

4. Vitamins B

B vitamins are important for thyroid health, but they work in conjunction with other factors like iodine and selenium to support thyroid health. Including eggs, meat, fish, legumes, milk, and nuts in the daily diet might help with a steady supply of Vitamin B⁵.

Since the diet may not be able to meet the daily requirements, taking supplements will help.

• Recipe tip: Make a smoothie from almond milk, a dash of pineapple juice, sliced banana and pineapple, a tablespoon of flaxseeds, and enjoy!  

5. Vitamin D

The deficiency of vitamin D can contribute to thyroid problems. Since the body can produce it only when exposed to the sun, ensure that you get a minimum of 15 minutes of sunlight daily. An adequate vitamin D level will also lead to better calcium absorption and good immunity.

Some foods that are rich in Vitamin D are fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, dairy products, orange juice, and egg yolks^4,1. If Vitamin D levels in the body are very low, supplements will be necessary. However, one must be cautious and consult with a doctor about dosage because too much vitamin in the body can be harmful.

• Recipe tip: Bake a salmon fillet with honey glazing, serve with sauteed asparagus, and alternatively make a side dish of lentils for a warm meal.    

6. Almonds

Most nuts are beneficial to the body in some way or another. Almonds might have a beneficial effect on thyroid function. They are a good source of protein, fibre, and minerals.

Almonds have selenium in small amounts, which is a healthy thyroid nutrient. It is also very rich in magnesium, which can keep the thyroid gland working very smoothly.

• Recipe tip: Eat half a handful of almonds as a snack (works as a pre- or post-workout snack too!), or add them to your cakes and smoothies.    

7. Dairy Products

Milk, cheese, and yoghurt might be beneficial for the thyroid as they contain iodine¹, a mineral that is essential for proper thyroid functioning. Consuming dairy products will also help with increasing vitamin levels, which in turn will help with thyroid problems.

• Recipe tip: Try out yoghurt and other dairy products like cream cheese, but be careful if you have lactose intolerance.      

8. Beans

Mixed beans with kidney mung black and Soy Bean⁹ – Healthy and Nutrition food concept style

Beans are a powerhouse of nutrition. They are rich in fibre, protein, essential minerals, and vitamins. Beans are rich in antioxidants and complex carbohydrates. Since beans are also very high in fibre, they might help with constipation, which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.

9. Iodine Supplements

Another thing that might work in improper thyroid functioning could be taking iodine supplements. This becomes more important for those who are vegetarians and reside in areas with iodine insufficiency. These supplements restore the balance of iodine in the body and help with thyroid health. Supplementation should be done carefully under medical supervision to avoid excess iodine

10. Seaweed

Seaweed is a type of very large algae that grows in saltwater and marshes. It typically contains high to very high concentrations of iodine. Iodine is an essential mineral required by the thyroid gland for the formation of thyroid hormones¹.

However, please note that for both seaweed and iodine supplements, excessive amounts of iodine may itself result in poor thyroid function and goitre. Please check with your doctor before trying either of these out. 

11. Regular Exercise

Needs to be changed to : Regular exercises have plenty of health benefits. This habit can help with managing thyroid hormone imbalances as well .

Discipline and focus are the keys to good thyroid health.

Also Reads: 8 Most Effective Foods To Fight Thyroid Disorders!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. CommonSpirit Health. 5 Foods That Improve Thyroid Function [Internet]. [cited 2025 Sep 18]. Available from: https://www.commonspirit.org/blog/5-foods-improve-thyroid-function
2. Lauret E, Rodrigo L. Celiac disease and autoimmune-associated conditions. Biomed Res Int. 2013;2013:127589. doi:10.1155/2013/127589. PMCID: PMC3741914. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3741914/
3. Krysiak R, Szkróbka W, Okopień B. The effect of gluten-free diet on thyroid autoimmunity in drug-naïve women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: A pilot study. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2019 Jul;127(7):417–22. doi: 10.1055/a-0653-7108. PMID: 30060266. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30060266/
4. Babić Leko M, Jureško I, Rozić I, Pleić N, Gunjača I, Zemunik T. Vitamin D and the thyroid: A critical review of the current evidence. Int J Mol Sci. 2023 Feb 10;24(4):3586. doi: 10.3390/ijms24043586. PMCID: PMC9964959; PMID: 36835005. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9964959/
5. Benites-Zapata VA, Ignacio-Cconchoy FL, Ulloque-Badaracco JR, Hernandez-Bustamante EA, Alarcón-Braga EA, Al-Kassab-Córdova A, Herrera-Añazco P. Vitamin B12 levels in thyroid disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne). 2023 Feb 22;14:1070592. doi: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1070592. PMCID: PMC9994182; PMID: 36909313. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9994182/
6. Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid Disease: What It Is, Causes, Symptoms & Treatment [Internet]. [cited 2025 Sep 23]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease
7. Somasundaram NP, Rajaratnam H, Wijeyaratne CN, De Silva S, Ratnathunga C, Fernando R, Siribaddana S, Katulanda P, Bulugahapitiya U, Siyambalapitiya S, Antonypillai C, Sumanathilake M, Garusinghe C, Muthukuda D, Niranjala MW, Weerakkody M, Karuppiah D, Pathmanathan S, Abeyarathne S, Kahandawa S, Cooray S, Gunawardena K, Karunasena N. Thyroid Disease. Sri Lanka J Diabetes Endocrinol Metab. 2012 Oct;2(2):S1–S20. doi: 10.4038/sjdem.v2i2.4786. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/258845055_Thyroid_Disease
8. Kannan S, Aravamuthan A, E.S. N, Rajamurugan R, Akash B, Abitha S, Nandhamurugan R. Apple Cider Vinegar Effervescent Tablets on Gut Health, Obesity and User Experience: An Observation. Asian Food Science Journal. 2024;23(3):38–46. doi: 10.9734/AFSJ/2024/v23i3705. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/379560902_Apple_Cider_Vinegar_Effervescent_Tablets_on_Gut_Health_Obesity_and_User_Experience_An_Observation
9. Messina M, Redmond G. Effects of soy protein and soybean isoflavones on thyroid function in healthy adults and hypothyroid patients: a review of the relevant literature. Thyroid. 2006 Mar;16(3):249-58. doi:10.1089/thy.2006.16.249. PMID: 16571087. Available from: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/7208507_Effects_of_Soy_Protein_and_Soybean_Isoflavones_on_Thyroid_Function_in_Healthy_Adults_and_Hypothyroid_Patients_A_Review_of_the_Relevant_Literature

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

Links and product recommendations in the information provided here are advertisements of third-party products available on the website. PharmEasy does not make any representation on the accuracy or suitability of such products/services. Advertisements do not influence the editorial decisions or content. The information in this blog is subject to change without notice. The authors and administrators reserve the right to modify, add, or remove content without notification. It is your responsibility to review this disclaimer regularly for any changes.

475

24