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7. Understanding Thyroid and Managing It with Ayurveda

On World Thyroid Day, Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda, shares his expertise with GlobalSpa on the disease and how one can combat it the Ayurvedic way.

Thyroid plays an important part of the endocrine system. It produces thyroid hormone as it maintains metabolic activities in our body. Many health issues are caused due to imbalance of thyroid hormone in our body.

Thyroid imbalance happens when Ojas, the Ayurvedic essence of health, is depleted in the body. As a result the person starts experiencing chronic fatigue, dullness, tiredness and has weak immunity. As a result, common health problems keep happening frequently.

Thyroid disorders are of two types: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism:

SYMPTOMS FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM

Here your thyroid gland is not able to produce due to which the body doesn’t get the required amount of T3 and T4 hormones. In this situation, the person indicates the following symptoms:

• Sudden increase in weight
• Interest in daily activities decreases
• Body's immune system becomes weak
• Swelling and cramps in the feet
• Difficulty in Physical activity
• Feels Cold
• Problem of constipation
• Swollen face and eyes
• Menstrual cycle becomes irregular
• Skin becomes rough and dry
• Depression
• The voice becomes rugged and heavy

This disease occurs between 30 and 70 years of age for both women and men.

SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM

In this, thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone thyroxine and becomes more soluble in blood.

• Sudden increase in weight
• Increase in Appetite
• Unable to bear heat
• Excessive sweating
• Muscles become weak
• Increase in the heartbeat
• Loss of sleep
• Monthly discharge increases and becomes irregular

Hyperthyroidism mostly occurs in women who are in their 20’s.

AYURVEDIC HOME REMEDIES FOR THYROID

1. Jalkumbhi and drumstick help in improving the level of iodine in the body.
2. Dhaniya (coriander) and jeerak siddha jala helps in better recovery from swelling that is sometimes seen in some cases of thyroid problems.
3. Avoid eating raw vegetables, especially Cauliflower, Kale, Brussels sprouts and Broccoli.
4. Vitamin D deficiency may trigger thyroid problems. Exposure to the sun early in the morning is a good way to treat the deficiency. Exercising outdoors stimulates thyroid glands, boosts immunity and regulates calcium metabolism.
5. It is suggested to avoid all forms of processed sugar in thyroid. Also, it is recommended to reduce intake of food that is rich in natural sugars.
6. Eat food that is rich in Vitamin A such as broccoli, spinach, and most dark green leafy vegetables, fruits like apple and banana.
7. Ginger helps in Thyroid. Boil some ginger in water and drink it like tea.

Disclaimer: This article is authored by Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director of Jiva Ayurveda, author, public speaker, TV personality and Ayurvedacharya. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author’s and do not represent those of GlobalSpa.