Thyroid Treatment

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Thyroid Disorders

Thyroid problems result from malfunctioning thyroid glands, butterfly-shaped glands located in the front of the neck, in front of the windpipe, just below the larynx. The gland secretes three main hormones: Triiodothyronine (T3), Tetraiodothyroxine (T4), and Calcitonin. Although T3 is the main functional hormone, 90% of thyroid secretion is of T4. These hormones affect virtually every organ function, including brain and somatic development in infants and almost all metabolic activity in adults.

When you experience periods of fatigue and sleep disorders, weight variations, mood and mental disorders, bowel problems, muscle and joint problems, irregular periods, infertility, libido problems, skin changes, body changes, temperature changes, cholesterol issues, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rate, neck enlargement, and psychological issues, you should suspect a faulty thyroid. These symptoms mostly indicate the existence of thyroid disorders in the body.

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Symptoms Of Goiter Include

A lump in the front of your neck

A feeling of tightness in your throat area

Hoarseness

Neck vein swelling

Spinal stenosis

Symptoms Of Thyroid Nodules

Unexplained weight loss

Increased sweating

Tremor

Nervousness

Irregular heartbeat

Symptoms Of Hyperthyrodism

Unintentional weight loss, even when your appetite and food intake stay the same or increase

Rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) — commonly more than 100 beats a minute

Irregular heartbeat

Pounding of your heart

Increased appetite

Weight gain

Muscle weakness

Nervousness, anxiety and irritability

Tremor

Sweating

Fatigue

Increased sensitivity to cold

Constipation

Dry skin

Puffy face

There is no doubt that thyroid disorders need to be treated in a timely manner, but the type and timing of treatment also matter. Medications are usually prescribed to correct hormonal imbalances in thyroid disorders. However, many people wonder if alternative medicine can help manage their symptoms. When it comes to managing thyroid disorders, Ayurvedic medicine can work wonders in normalizing glandular and hormonal abnormalities.

In the world of traditional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine is one of the oldest, originating from India. It seeks to prevent disease by balancing the mind, spirit, and body. The structural issues of the thyroid, mainly nodules and goiter, are well-documented in Ayurvedic classical texts like Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. Galaganda is the term used for structural problems of the thyroid. Galaganda is a swelling that hangs over the neck region, like a scrotum, either large or small. This disease entity involves Ama, Dhatvagnimandhya, and impaired Vata, Kapha, and Medo doshas.

The Ayurvedic thyroid cure includes:

Shodhana (detoxification)
Shamana (medication)
Pathyaahara (dietary regimes)
Vihara (lifestyle adaptations)

The functional problems of hyper and hypothyroidism are caused by derangement of Agni in our body. There are three classes of Agni in our body: Jadaragni, Dhatwagni, and Bhutagni.

Jadaragni, the prime Agni, is responsible for digestion and absorption of nutrition from food, and its seat is in the Gastrointestinal Tract (GIT). Dhatwagni nourishes the respective Dhatus (tissues); for example, Asthi Dhatwagni deals with the metabolism of calcium and other minerals essential for bone development, and Raktha Dhatwagni nourishes the blood. Any derangement (either hyper or hypo functioning) of these Agnis affects the respective Dhatu Poshana (nutrition). Lastly, Bhutagni helps in the nourishment of the respective Bhutas (elements) among the Panchamahabhootas (five elements): earth, water, fire, air, and ether.

Therefore, the treatment of functional problems of the thyroid, such as hyper and hypothyroidism, is essentially the correction of the deranged Agni in our body. The Agni is deranged by the doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha). When Agni is affected by Vata, it becomes Vishama (irregular); when vitiated by Pitta, it becomes Teeshna (intense); and when affected by Kapha, it becomes Manda (dull).

Manda Agni: inadequate digestion and reduced metabolism
Teekshana Agni: fast digestion, highly increased metabolism
Vishama Agni: sometimes increased and at times decreased digestion and faulty metabolism

It can be considered that in both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, the vitiation of Vata is invariable, along with the vitiation of Kapha in hypothyroidism and Pitta in hyperthyroidism. So, the treatment of frank hypothyroidism is Kapha-Vata pacification, and hyperthyroidism is Pitta-Vata pacification.The vitiation of doshas is usually diagnosed by lakshanas (symptoms), and since these can vary from person to person, the treatment is also tailor-made. According to Ayurveda, early signs of thyroid disease are chronic fatigue, dullness, and a weakened immune system. It is easier to treat thyroid disease if detected early, as a healthy diet can be consumed, and nutrients can be provided to the body to pacify the doshas involved.

Thyroid Treatment in Ayurveda

Ayurveda treats thyroid problems by incorporating foods that can curb these issues into your daily diet. For example, Jamkumbhi and drumstick increase iodine levels in the body, while Dhaniya (coriander) and Jeerak siddha jala help in the recovery of swelling associated with thyroid disorders. Additionally, boiling ginger in water and drinking it like tea can benefit thyroid function.

However, it is recommended to avoid using raw vegetables, especially cauliflower, kale, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, as they can enlarge a faulty thyroid and become a goiter. These vegetables are known as goitrogens.

Lack of vitamin D can exacerbate thyroid problems, and treatment for the deficiency can be achieved through exposure to early morning sunlight. Outdoor exercise not only stimulates the thyroid glands and boosts immunity but also regulates calcium metabolism.

Thyroid patients should avoid all forms of processed sugar and limit their intake of natural sugar-containing foods. Fruits like apples and bananas, as well as vegetables like broccoli, spinach, and dark green leafy vegetables, are high in vitamin A.

According to Ayurveda, fruits and vegetables are considered healthy whole foods for treating thyroid issues. Nutritional deficiencies may increase the risk of health problems if a healthy diet is not consumed. Research suggests that eating highly processed foods may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases, although more research is needed.

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an adaptogen herb, helps reduce stress, according to Ayurvedic treatment for hypothyroidism. Native to Northern Africa and India, it is one of the most important herbs in Ayurveda. Ayurvedic thyroid care may be helped by lowering stress hormone levels, but further study is needed to determine its effectiveness. In a double-blind placebo-controlled trial, researchers examined the effect of Ashwagandha on 50 people with mild hypothyroidism. Participants took 600 milligrams of Ashwagandha root daily for 8 weeks, resulting in significantly improved thyroid hormone levels compared to the placebo group.

A 2014 study also found that Ashwagandha improved thyroid hormone levels in people with bipolar disorder. In cases of extreme vitiation of doshas, specific Panchakarma procedures like Vamana, Nasya, Vasthi, and Virechana may be necessary to alleviate symptoms. Tailor-made medications, specific Yoga postures, Pranayama (especially Nadishudhi and Bhastrika), and Meditation can also help manage thyroid issues.

Ayurveda treatment for thyroid can be used in conjunction with standard treatment, but standard treatments should not be discontinued. It is essential to consult with a doctor before taking Ayurvedic herbs.

As one of the leading Ayurvedic multispecialty hospitals in India, Sreerudra Ayurveda is a top thyroid treatment center in Kerala, offering the best Ayurvedic medicine for thyroid disorders.