According to the American Thyroid Association, an estimated 20 million people have some form of thyroid disease,1 many of whom are experiencing hypothyroidism. Let’s take a look at hypothyroidism symptoms and Ayurvedic remedies for hypothyroidism.
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland located in the neck below the thyroid cartilage.
The main function of the thyroid gland is producing thyroid hormones, the principal ones being triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). T3 and T4 are synthesized from both iodine and tyrosine. The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which plays a role in calcium homeostasis.
The two conditions resulting from impairment of the thyroid glands are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, of which hypothyroidism is more common.
Fortunately, Ayurveda recognizes such thyroid conditions and has various treatments and remedies for the same.
Hypothyroidism is a major condition affecting many people. Most are unaware they have thyroid disease as the clinical signs are not visible externally. Only when they take the blood test will they know.
In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland does not produce a sufficient amount of the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
If you would like to learn more about Ayurveda’s solution to thyroid problems, check out Dr. Akil Palanisamy’s course on Thyroid disorders below.
One cause of thyroid disease is an autoimmune disorder. Antibodies present in the body itself attack the thyroid glands resulting in a condition named autoimmune thyroiditis which eventually destroys the thyroid gland.
Another reason is physical and mental stress. Physical stress can be defined as stress on the physical body where it is not able to accommodate a lifestyle such as fast food, disturbed sleep patterns, and environmental risk factors.
Mental stress can arise from work pressure, emotional weakness, grief or family disputes. All of these factors result in the secretion of cortisol, the hormone which acts as a protective mechanism to stress.
Originally developed as a response to physical threat, when the duration of stress increases too much cortisol causes the tissues to no longer respond to the thyroid hormone signal.
This is known as thyroid resistance. It can cause thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels to be elevated while T4 and T3 are within the normal range. Let’s now look at common hypothyroidism symptoms.
Hypothyroidism symptoms include the following.
The main causes of thyroid disease are diet and lifestyle factors that imbalance the digestive fire or agni and metabolism. Stress and overwork also play an important part as this causes imbalanced agni and vitiation of the dosha.
In thyroid disorders, Kapha dosha is vitiated which can cause a depletion of ojas. Once the ojas is affected then the immune system begins to act improperly, attacking the thyroid gland and resulting in depletion of thyroid functions and body metabolism.
After discussing hypothyroidism symptoms and their Ayurvedic perspective, let’s take a look at some remedies and treatments for thyroid conditions.
Kapha dosha has the property of guru which means heaviness. It also has the property of manda or dullness. Ayurveda treatment for thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism should focus on reducing manda guna of Kapha dosha.
Ayurveda recommends herbal formulas for hypothyroidism like Vaisvanara curnam for agni dipana, varunadi kasayam, punarnavadi kasayam, and kancanara guggulu. The practice of nasya is also beneficial.
Ayurvedic treatment for thyroid recommends foods high in iodine like shellfish in the diet. High selenium foods such as Brazil nuts, oysters, tuna, sunflower seeds, whole wheat bread, pork, chicken, mushrooms, whole grains, and milk are also beneficial.2
Foods To Avoid: Alcohol, coffee, cabbage, and cauliflower.
The practice of yoga and meditation every day can reduce stress significantly. Pratimarshya nasya with appropriate medication can control Kapha vitiation. Exercise for half an hour daily can be very beneficial. People with thyroid diseases who regularly exercise for half an hour stimulate the thyroid gland and increase body metabolic function thereby reducing excess weight gain.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the Ayurvedic remedies for hypothyroidism mentioned in this article.
References
1 “General Information/Press Room.” American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/media-main/about-hypothyroidism/.
2 House, Paul. “Top 10 Foods Highest in Selenium.” HealthAliciousNess, HealthAliciousNess, 22 June 2017, www.healthaliciousness.com/articles/foods-high-in-selenium.php.
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