Why is thyroid health vital?
The thyroid is a tiny butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the spine. It makes the thyroid hormone, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) that controls your body’s metabolism. It is critical that just the right amount of hormone levels are produced for optimal health.
If insufficient levels of thyroid are produced, it results in hypothyroidism. It is also referred to as an underactive thyroid gland. It’s a more significant TSH amount and a diminished amount of T3 and T4 hormones that means your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough thyroid hormones.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
Feeling cold most of those times.
Weight gain regardless of controlled eating
Feeling depressed or usually upset.
Feeling drained
Pale skin and dry
Sluggishness in human anatomy and body’s metabolism
Pain in joints and muscles
Overactive thyroid or Hyperthyroidism, causes your thyroid to make more thyroid hormones. This causes an elevated amount of T3 and T4 and a diminished level of TSH hormone. This speeds up the functions of your body, such as your metabolism and heart rate.
Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
Feeling slightly hotter
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
Increased perspiration
Eating more than usual.
Weight reduction
Feeling nervous or anxious.
Trembling on your palms and fingers
Ayurvedic view of thyroid health
The thyroid function is regulated by Pitta Dosha, according to Ayurveda. Pitta is responsible for each of the metabolic processes of thyroid hormones. The Pitta Dosha in Hypothyroidism is covered by Kapha Dosha, which limits the metabolism of the cells. Ayurvedic therapies are aimed to remove the coating of Kapha dosha, thus enabling Pitta to execute its function normally.
Ayurvedic herbs & medicines for thyroid health
Ayurvedic home remedies for thyroid
A combination of the ideal diet and medication can help restore thyroid functions. You can add iodized salt to the diet for Hypothyroidism. Avoiding soy-based foods such as cabbage, tofu, beans, soy milk, and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach, etc. can also help. Drinking milk with 2 tsp of coconut oil daily can help regulate the thyroid gland functioning.
Ayurvedic herbs for thyroid
– Guggul
Guggul is famous for its effects on blood lipids and is also quite powerful for regulating thyroid function. Studies have shown it can boost thyroid function and iodine uptake. One such study conducted on mice revealed that guggul’s active ingredients have powerful thyroid-stimulating activities and increase iodine uptake. Moreover, the herb’s antioxidant properties effectively protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress, decrease lipid peroxidation in the liver, and increase the liver’s transformation of T4 into T3. At the Medical Center of the University of Maryland, 25 mg of guggulsterone three times per day effectively reduces the high cholesterol levels associated with Hypothyroidism.
– Bauhinia Purpurea:
In research published by the Ethnopharmacology Magazine, female mice were given Bauhinia purpurea bark infusion daily for 20 days. After the study, the period Bauhinia increased triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) concentrations. The herb also plays a significant part in enhancing the secretion of antioxidant enzymes, inhibiting oxidative stress, and decreasing cardiovascular disease risk. Related research has found that both Bauhinia and Ashwagandha can reverse metformin-induced hypothyroidism. Interestingly, lectin chemicals from Bauhinia have also been shown to bind to different thyroid gland cancers.
– Ashwagandha
For centuries, Ashwagandha, an adaptogen, has restored balance to the body. By relaxing the body’s response to stress, it regulates hormones and is understood to increase stamina. Many studies have illustrated the thyroid properties of Ashwagandha. Ashwagandha extracts were administered regularly to mice in a single 20-day trial. Researchers observed an improvement in T3 and T4 serum levels with the No noticeable increase in iodothyronine 5′-monodeiodinase, suggesting an increase in the thyroid activity. They also found a decline in gluconeogenesis and an increase in the activity of antioxidant enzymes.
See: Ayurveda Herbs for Lungs & Sinusitis
– Bacopa
In controlling Hypothyroidism, Bacopa is a beneficial herb. Bacopa monnieri extracts (200 mg/kg) were used to regulate thyroid hormone levels in male mice. The researchers found that bacopa could improve T4 concentrations by 41%. Additionally, bacopa played a substantial role in increasing superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities while decreasing lipid peroxidation, thus establishing an antiperoxidative function.
– Piper longum (pippali)
A study looking at women suffering from depression and related symptoms like insomnia, unstable emotions, and mental fatigue evaluated pippali supplementation’s viability. Women were randomly divided into two classes, and the effects of Piper longum were analyzed by administering a low and higher dose of the herb to those groups. Physical parameters associated with chills, such as peripheral circulation and the skin surface temperature was evaluated. The study showed that Piper longum significantly facilitated the recovery of skin surface temperature at either high or low doses in participants who suffered from chills.
See: Ayurveda for Autoimmune Disease
– Piperine
The primary active substance in black pepper (Piper nigrum) and long pepper is piperine (Piper longum). To examine the effects of piperine on thyroid hormones and apolipoproteins, a study was performed on rats. The experiment was performed on hyperlipidemic rats caused by anti-thyroid medications. Changes were closely observed in lipid profiles, hormone levels, and apolipoproteins. The results demonstrated that piperine supplementation effectively enhanced the plasma levels of apo A-1, T3, T4, testosterone, and iodine. The alkaloid also considerably reduced apo B, TSH, and insulin to near-normal levels, demonstrating that piperine owns thyrogenic activity. Piperine has also been shown to reduce adipogenesis by inhibiting the relevant transcription factors and increases distal flow by calcium channel blockade.
Licorice (mulethi): It helps protect the thyroid gland against oxidative damage and helps lower cortisol levels
(stress hormone)
Flaxseeds: It is customary in essential omega-three fatty acids. Take one teaspoon of flaxseed powder with water frequently.
Coriander seeds: At night, drink a tbsp of coriander seeds in water. Then in the morning, boil that water till half the water stays. Allow the water to cool down, and you can drink it with an empty belly.
Yoga for thyroid health
The yoga asanas (poses) specific for helping thyroid health are those that help circulation, and reduce stress:
– Sarvangasana places substantial pressure on the thyroid gland, enhancing circulation.
– Matsyasana, Halasana, Surya Namskara, Naukasana, Uttanapadasana, Pavanmuktasana.
– Ujjayi pranayama is exceptionally useful.
