Hyperthyroidism is a disorder characterised by the overproduction of thyroid hormone and a subsequent increase in the metabolic rate. It is a fairly common disease in older cats and relatively easy to treat.
Conventional treatment includes either medication or surgery. Most often a daily dose of synthetic thyroid hormones is prescribed. Another approach is to surgically remove the thyroid. Both treatments are effective, but can be invasive or difficult to regulate. Natural remedies for hyperthyroidism in cats offer a gentler alternative to conventional medications without being addictive. Herbs are safe and effective to use, improve the functioning of the thyroid and address the major symptoms.
Natural remedies include native herbs that have been shown to be beneficial for treating hyperthyroidism in cats such as stinging and dwarf nettle, bugleweed and kelp as well as foreign ones like the Chinese herbs huang qi or Siberian ginseng. Herbal remedies are most often administered as tinctures, as a capsule or added to the cat's food.
Dwarf and stinging nettle stimulate the circulatory system and help maintain healthy thyroid function. They are effective in normalising hormones produced by the thyroid gland, regulate metabolism and provide minerals and the vitamins A, B and C. Dwarf and stinging nettle are available as tinctures that can be mixed into your cat's food or water.
Bugleweed is part of the mint family. It reduces the amount of thyroid hormone produced which is excessive in cats with hyperthyroidism. Bugleweed is sold as a tincture or tablets.
Bladderwrack or kelp is a sea vegetable and helps to control an over-active thyroid gland. It is a primary source of iodine which is deficient in cats suffering from hypothyroidism. Bladderwack is available as a tincture and in tablet or powder form. A few drops from a tincture mixed into food or water is the best way to administer it.
Huang qi generally supports the thyroid function. It comes as a tincture which you can buy from herbal suppliers. Dilute in water and give a few drops orally or mix into your cat's food or water.
Siberian ginseng also regulates hormone levels and aids relieving the fatigue associated with thyroid problems. It also boosts your cat's immune system. Siberian ginseng is best administered as a tincture.
Changes in your cat's diet will aid the treatment with herbs. Increase the amount of healthy food, or even better, base the entire diet exclusively on healthy foods. Feed a lot raw beef and poultry. Avoid salmon, seafood and white fish. They contain high levels of isoflavones, the main substance suspected of causing hyperthyroidism. Soy is also suspected of contributing to the development of the condition. Since this is present in many canned cat foods, it too should be avoided.
Mineral deficiencies, iodine in particular, are common in cats with hyperthyroidism. Hence, you need to make sure that your cat's food contains plenty of iodine as well as proper amounts of selenium which makes thyroid hormones less toxic. To tackle abnormal thyroid cell growth, also add docosahexaenoic and arachidonic acids to the food.
These natural remedies for cats with hyperthyroidism will help you to keep the condition under control.
Monika Ruthe is a complementary therapist. She has also created an online information resource on natural and home remedies for cats. To discover the best natural remedies for cats for a variety of common ailments and learn how to use them visit http://www.homeremediesforcats.com
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