Get Authentic Thyroid Treatment In Ayurveda

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What is Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of your neck, just below the Adam's apple. This gland is essential for your body's metabolism - the process by which your body converts everything you eat and drink into energy. It does this by creating thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which regulate your body’s energy consumption.

The are two main types of Thyroid disorders:

• Hyperthyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones and speeds up the body’s metabolism. Common symptoms include weight loss, a rapid heartbeat and feeling unusually hot.
  Hypothyroidism: This occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones and the body’s metabolism slows down. The symptoms include weight gain, fatigue and feeling cold.

Ayurveda associates these thyroid disorders with conditions called galaganda and gandamala. These terms refer to nodular outgrowths in the thyroid gland, similar to goitre and its variants in modern medical parlance. Unlike some thyroid problems with prominent nodular growths, the thyroid gland in both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism may simply become swollen and palpable without distinct nodules.

In addition, Ayurvedic texts such as the Charaka Samhita mention conditions such as “sthoulya” (obesity) and “karshya” (emaciation) which are similar in aetiology and symptomatology with thyroid dysfunction. These texts show how imbalances in the body's energies may present as metabolic disturbances in accordance with contemporary understandings of thyroid-related metabolic issues.

Understanding these relationships between Ayurvedic principles and modern endocrinology may help prescribe better treatments combining traditional and modern medical wisdom.

Common Causes of Thyroid

The hormones that the thyroid gland produces help regulate a number of body functions. If it does not work correctly, it could result in various health issues. Thyroid issues may occur for many different reasons, from autoimmune disorders to environmental factors.

Here are the most common thyroid causes:

Autoimmune disorders: The most common cause for thyroid problems. In conditions like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (leading to hypothyroidism) and Graves' disease (leading to hyperthyroidism), the body mistakenly attacks its own thyroid gland.
Iodine imbalance: The production of thyroid hormones requires iodine. Not enough iodine can result in hypothyroidism and too much could cause hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid surgery: Removal of a portion or all of the thyroid gland can significantly alter hormone production.
Radiation therapy: Radiation can interfere with normal thyroid function, especially in cancer treatments.
Medications: Some medications affect thyroid hormone production. For example, lithium, which is used for bipolar disorder, can lead to hypothyroidism.
Thyroiditis: This is an inflammation of the thyroid gland which can cause temporary hyperthyroidism and subsequently hypothyroidism.
Pituitary gland abnormalities: As the pituitary gland manages thyroid hormone production, any disorder in this gland can also hinder thyroid function.
Pregnancy: Thyroid hormone levels change during pregnancy, sometimes leading to temporary thyroid disorders.
Genetic Predisposition: A family history of thyroid disorders raises your risk of developing a thyroid disorder.

Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid

Thyroid disorders can affect many body functions and the symptoms reflect the gland's important role in metabolism regulation. Recognising these symptoms is essential for timely diagnosis and treatment because they could impact your quality of life.

The following are the most noticeable thyroid symptoms :

Thyroid Symptoms

Weight changes

Unexpected weight gain is typical in hypothyroidism, and unexpected weight loss could suggest hyperthyroidism.

Mood swings

People with thyroid disorders generally have mood changes. An underactive thyroid is related to depression, and an overactive thyroid with anxiety.

Fatigue and tiredness

Unusual fatigue despite adequate sleep is typical of an underactive thyroid.

Heart rate changes

An overactive thyroid may result in a much faster heart rate compared to normal heart rate, while a slow heart rate could suggest an underactive thyroid.

Temperature sensitivity

Hypothyroid individuals generally feel cold, while hyperthyroid people feel too warm or sweat more.

Hair and skin changes

Dry, thinning hair and dry skin are typical in hypothyroidism; thin, fragile skin can occur in hyperthyroidism.

Menstrual irregularities

Women with thyroid problems might experience lighter or heavier periods during their menstruation cycles.

Swelling in the neck

A visible swelling or goiter around the neck may be symptomatic of thyroid disease.

Muscle weakness or tremors

Hyperthyroidism may lead to trembling hands and weakness in the upper arms and thighs.

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Unexpected weight loss or weight gain
• Persistent feelings of depression or anxiety without a clear cause
• Fatigue and weakness
• Noticeably faster or slower heartbeats than usual
• Feeling too cold or too hot compared to others
• Experiencing unusually dry skin, thinning hair, or hair loss
• Having heavier, lighter, or less frequent menstrual periods
• Swelling in the neck

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Thyroid

Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic thyroid treatment in Ayurveda using evidence-based approaches. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.

Core Principles of the Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment Philosophy

HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientifically developed blends to rebalance the body and improve emotional steadiness.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness: These practices calm the mind, promote mental wellness and support overall health.
Ayurvedic Treatments: Therapies like Panchakarma and therapeutic massages that cleanse the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet & Lifestyle Recommendations: Expert advice on changing your eating habits and lifestyle for better health results.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Thyroid

Ayurveda provides a natural approach to thyroid disorders, using natural herbs that are known to restore equilibrium in the body and improve thyroid gland function. These traditional remedies target imbalances in the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) associated with thyroid problems.

The following are Ayurvedic herbs for thyroid disorders:

Kanchanara (Bauhinia Variegata): Mainly used for treatment of nodular diseases and thyroid swellings. Kanchanara bark is externally used for swelling of the neck called Gandmala and is an important agent in thyroid disorders.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): This Ayurvedic herb is known to reduce stress hormones and balance thyroid hormones. It's particularly helpful for managing symptoms of both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Shigru (Moringa Oleifera): The root bark and seeds of Shigru are used in pastes and applications for thyroid swellings and to support thyroid health.
Varuna (Crataeva Nurvala): Varuna bark and root are traditionally used with honey for neck swellings and are believed to have anti-tumour properties, beneficial for thyroid function.
Guggulu (Commiphora Mukul): This Ayurvedic resin is known to improve thyroid function by normalising thyroid hormone levels (especially for treating hypothyroidism).
Jalakumbhi (Pistia Stratiotes): Jalakumbhi is topically applied or taken in ash form for reducing thyroid gland swellings and helping with thyroid imbalances.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): This nervine herb can help promote thyroid activity (increasing T4 hormone levels) and also supports cognitive functions and memory.
Aaragvadha (Cassia Fistula): The root bark of Aragvadha is used in nasal and topical applications for thyroid swellings and related symptoms.
Apamarga (Achyranthes Aspera): Research shows that Apamarga can help increase T3 and T4 levels, making it useful for managing thyroid hormone levels.
Nirgundi (Vitex Negundo): Nirgundi is used in Ayurveda to treat thyroid swellings and related thyroid symptoms.
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale)/Black Cumin (Nigella sativa): Both these herbs are known to support thyroid function through their anti-inflammatory action and, in the case of Black Cumin, due to its bioactive compounds.
Punarnava (Boerhavia Diffusa): This is a diuretic herb that helps to balance water levels in the body, beneficial for thyroid health.

Frequently Asked Questions About Thyroid

What are the types of thyroid disorders?

The two major types of thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism (where the thyroid gland produces less hormones) and hyperthyroidism (gland overproduces hormones).

What are some thyroid foods to avoid?

Avoid soy products, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage, gluten and processed food items which might hinder thyroid function.

Can Ayurveda diagnose thyroid problems?

Ayurveda diagnoses thyroid problems through assessment of doshic imbalances and symptoms. It examines physical signs and lifestyle factors.

What is the best thyroid diet as per Ayurveda?

A thyroid diet must be rich in fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Iodine, selenium, and zinc are minerals necessary for thyroid wellness.

What is the best food for thyroid patients?

Foods rich in selenium include Brazil nuts, iodine-rich seaweeds and zinc-containing pumpkin seeds are considered good for thyroid health.

How beneficial is yoga for thyroid disorders?

Specific yoga poses like Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) can stimulate the thyroid gland and regulate thyroid function.

What does a basic thyroid diet chart include?

A thyroid diet chart ought to include the following-
For breakfast: Oatmeal with nuts; Lunch: Bajra roti, Paneer Bhurji & steamed vegetables; Dinner: Soup of lentils with quinoa salad.

What are some basic thyroid precautions?

Monitor diet, control stress, avoid toxins and maintain regular check-ups to track thyroid function.

Are there specific neck exercises for thyroid health?

Circulation and thyroid gland function may be improved by gentle neck stretches and neck rotations.

What is the best exercise for thyroid patients?

Exercises for thyroid control include walking, swimming and strength training to help control symptoms and increase the rate of metabolism.

How can Ayurveda help prevent thyroid disorders?

Ayurveda stresses on a healthy diet, regular detoxification, regular yoga and specific natural herbs to support thyroid function.

What are general management strategies for thyroid disorders as per Ayurveda?

Using herbal medicines like Ashwagandha and Kanchanar, following a balanced diet, regular exercise and reducing stress are suggested to manage thyroid disorders.