Some people have a condition which worries them. Their metabolism is too slow; they feel depressed and have little energy. The cause of all of these symptoms results in a diagnosis of underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, from time to time. Likely, you or someone you love is searching for information on how to treat an inefficient thyroid.

So what causes hypothyroidism? Basically, your thyroid gland is not working as it should and does not produce enough thyroid hormone which your body so desperately needs. This causes your metabolism to slow down, and thus you have trouble losing weight, feel sluggish and lazy with not much energy and may even experience depression. Also, you may or may not realize that some additional early symptoms are muscle and joint pain, more sensitivity to cold and even pale, dry skin. Later symptoms if an underactive thyroid is left untreated could be slow speech, puffiness of your extremities and your sense of taste and smell decreasing.

There are medications for an underactive thyroid, and they can work. Sometimes, though, you cannot afford the price required to treat your slow thyroid gland with expensive drugs. Of course, you also probably have heard of the need to take iodine or zinc supplements, with the former always mentioned as one solution to treat underactive thyroids.

Besides these treatments for underactive thyroid, you will want to think about your diet. Often, the easiest solution is one that involves a balanced diet and one that gives you all the minerals and nutrients your body needs. Best of all, it can be much cheaper to go down this route! Of course, you will probably want to pay attention to foods high in iodine, mainly fresh fish, fish oils, seaweed, cheddar cheese, mayonnaise and even Yorkshire pudding. These are just some that you can find at your local grocery store or restaurant.

But what’s the simple solution from South America that may surprise you? Do you realize that one reason your thyroid gland is not working correctly is that you may be missing the seldom mentioned mineral selenium? Perhaps you have never even heard of it. What food contains this valuable mineral for thyroid glands to function correctly?

Brazil nuts. Yes, the nut with the name of the biggest South American country could also be your biggest solution to underactive thyroid. All it takes is two of these nuts per day. So, if you want a treatment this is something you should consider trying along with your other solutions for hypothyroidism.