Ayurveda Treatment For Hyperthyroidism

INTRODUCTION

 Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland in the front part of the neck. The over active functioning of the gland or an overactive thyroid, producing thyroid hormones more than the need of the body results in hyperthyroidism. Ayurveda Treatment For Hyperthyroidism involves Panchakarma treatments, internal medications, diet as well as lifestyle modifications.Here will discuss about Ayurveda Treatment For Hyperthyroidism

A  Brief overview about Hyperthyroidism

Our body works are mainly handled by two hormones called ThyroxineT4 and Triiodothyronine T3. These hormones helps to maintain proper metabolism, and also maintain a healthy weight. The hormones which are secreted in excess can lead to many disturbances in bones, muscles, heart, menstrual cycles and fertility.

Ayurvedic approach for managing Hyperthyroidism

According to Ayurveda, hyperthyroidism can be correlated to Dhatwagni ativridhi and many a times to Bhasmaka roga, hence correction at the level of dhatwagni and metabolism along with Rasayana chikitsa is the line of management.

Understanding of Hyperthyroidism

It is a condition wherein too much of thyroid hormone present in the body can increase the metabolic rate, leading to hand tremors, weight loss, also heart rate variations.

An overproduction of thyroid hormone situated at the neck.

Most of the times, cause for hyperthyroidism is due to an autoimmune condition when the body’s defense mechanism attacks the thyroid gland making it secrete more hormones, as in Graves’ disease. Also an inflammation of the thyroid gland or too much iodine can result in hyperthyroidism. Presence of thyroid nodules, or tumors of ovaries or testes can also lead to this condition.  Some dietary supplements or intake of excess thyroid medication can also be the causative factor.

Some common causes of hyperthyroidism include:

 

1. 1. Graves’ disease: This is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism and occurs when the immune system mistakenly stimulates the thyroid gland to produce more hormones.

1. 1. Toxic multinodular goiter: In this condition, multiple nodules develop in the thyroid gland, and these nodules produce excess thyroid hormones.

1. 1. Thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid gland can lead to the release of excess hormones into the bloodstream.

1. 1. Excessive iodine intake: Consuming too much iodine, whether through diet or medication, can cause the thyroid gland to produce excessive amounts of hormones.

1. 1. Pituitary gland malfunctions: Rarely, a problem with the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, can cause overproduction of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which in turn stimulates the thyroid gland.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism according to Ayurveda

According to Ayurveda, hyperthyroidism is viewed as a condition resulting from an imbalance in the “Pitta” and “Vata” doshas, which are two of the three fundamental energies believed to govern the body. The following factors are considered potential causes of hyperthyroidism in Ayurveda:

 

1. 1. Excessive Pitta Dosha: Pitta represents the fire and water elements in the body and is associated with metabolic processes. An excess of Pitta dosha is believed to lead to an overactive thyroid gland. Factors that can aggravate Pitta dosha include excessive consumption of hot, spicy, and oily foods, alcohol, smoking, and emotional stress.

1. 1. Emotional Factors: Ayurveda recognizes the impact of emotional factors on health. Long-term emotional stress, anger, and frustration are thought to disturb the balance of doshas and contribute to hyperthyroidism.

1. 1. Dietary Factors: Consuming foods that are incompatible with one’s constitution or that aggravate Pitta dosha may contribute to hyperthyroidism. These include excessively heating foods, caffeine, refined sugars, and processed foods.

1. 1. Aggravated Vata Dosha: Vata dosha represents the air and space elements and is associated with movement and communication within the body. When Vata becomes imbalanced, it can disrupt the hormonal balance and contribute to hyperthyroidism.

1. 1. Genetic Factors: Ayurveda recognizes that a person’s constitution (Prakriti) is influenced by genetic factors, and some individuals may be more prone to developing hyperthyroidism based on their inherited tendencies.

SYMPTOMS AND DIAGNOSIS

The symptoms of hyperthyroidism can vary from person to person but may include:

 

1. 1. Weight loss despite increased appetite

1. 1. Rapid or irregular heartbeat (palpitations)

1. 1. Increased sweating

1. 1. Nervousness, anxiety, or irritability

1. 1. Tremors or shaking hands

1. 1. Difficulty sleeping

1. 1. Heat intolerance

1. 1. Changes in bowel patterns (more frequent bowel movements)

1. 1. Fatigue or muscle weakness

1. 1. Enlarged thyroid gland (goiter)

1. 1. Thin, brittle hair

1. 1. Changes in menstrual patterns

AYURVEDA PERSPECTIVE OF HYPERTHYROIDISM / Ayurveda Treatment For Hyperthyroidism

Ayurveda cites that an imbalance in doshas can lead to disease or disorders. The doshas aggrevate when the metabolism or digestion impairment occurs leading to Ama or  many of the blockages in channels. This also leads to aggrevation of vata and pitta dosha which can be the main reason for improper functioning of thyroid gland. The increased vata dosha along with pitta in turn increases the rate of metabolism due to which hunger increases, also bowel movements become frequent leading to nutrients not properly assimilated in the system.

It is categorized under Bhasmak roga where in the rate of metabolism is very high. Likewise, it is also considered as Atikarshya lakshanas

AYURVEDIC MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTHYROIDISM / Ayurveda Treatment For Hyperthyroidism

Prevention and curative measures are advised in Ayurveda in the form of lifestyle and diet modifications and medications. Here the root cause is imbalance in dosha leading to blockages in channels or Ama. A proper correction of agni by improving the metabolism helps to clear the blockages leading to proper absorption.

Ayurvedic medicines for Hyperthyroidism

Amla

Ashwagandha

Shankhapushpi

Bilwa

Shatavari

LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS AND DIET IN HYPERTHYROIDISM

Nidana parivarjana or discarding the causative factors is the first main line of approach. A proper exercise regime and a balanced nutritious diet taken on time can help to bring balance in doshas.

Stress relief measures are utmost needed to control the aggravated doshas.

Yogasanas are particularly beneficial to bring down the altered thyroid levels

Pranayama like Ujjayi, Sheetali, Bhramari, Nadi shuddhi, Anulom viloma can be practiced daily to relieve stress and improve metabolism.

Home remedies for Hyperthyroidism

 

1. 1. A glass of warm milk with a pinch of turmeric every day.

1. 1. Include hand full of sprouts as a salad in breakfast

1. 1. Eating a wholesome lunch which has millets with lots of vegetables and dals.

1. 1. Herbal drink prepared with coriander seeds, fennel, dry ginger, yastimadhu can be taken warm.

1. 1. Consume almonds and nutritional seeds like pumpkin, chia etc.

1. 1. Soups like moong and vegetables with cumin and pepper.

1. 1. Add  Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis), Bugleweed (Lycopus virginicus) Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) in your regular diet to reduce the production of thyroid hormones and inflammation

1. 1. Incorporating foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, leafy greens, and turmeric, which helps reduce inflammation.

Panchakarma Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

Panchakarma are detoxification procedures which help to clear the blockages of channels or Ama, and balancing the aggrevated doshas.

Various panchakarma like Virechana and Basti can be planned based on the doshas.

RASAYANA CHIKITSA

Rasayan or rejuvenative medications like Ashwagandha, Shankhapushpi, Amla, Shatavari works wonders in this condition.

Let’s benefit with the wonders of Ayurveda and resolve the condition of Hyperthyroidism.