Is Ayurveda an effective treatment for Thyroid

Thyroid related disorders are pretty common in today’s world. We all know at least one person with it. Unfortunately, such disorders are not permanently curable unless you take lifelong medications to counter the excess or dearth of thyroid hormones. Many types of research regularly take place in Ayurveda Institute in Kerala for finding the perfect thyroid elixir. That brings us to the question - Is Ayurveda an effective treatment for Thyroid? 
 

What Is Thyroid?

The thyroid (Glandula Thyreoidea) is a critical gland located immediately above the collarbone in the human body. It has the form of a butterfly and its activities include releasing thyroid hormones, which are essential for development and metabolism, into the blood vessels. The thyroid gland produces three primary hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), tetraiodothyronine (T4), and calcitonin.
 

Is It Possible To Cure Thyroid With Ayurveda?

Hypothyroidism refers to a thyroid gland that is underperforming, whereas hyperthyroidism refers to excessive thyroid hormone release. Both of these disorders are hazardous to the body and need prompt medical intervention. In certain cases, the Thyroid gland itself enlarges, resulting in Diffuse Goiter. Nodular Goiter is the production of lumps in the thyroid gland. These lumps can arise as a result of cancer in rare situations.

Ayurveda And The Thyroid 

Ayurvedic therapy tries to restore thyroid gland activity. The therapies are not quick and will last for a longer period of time depending on the severity of the problem and when it was identified. Many research is being undertaken across the world to use natural therapies and alternatives discovered in Ayurveda.

How Can Ayurveda Help To Cure Thyroid?

To assist you manage your thyroid condition, you can employ Ayurvedic medicine in addition to traditional therapy. Ayurvedic medicine isn't designed to be a replacement for modern therapies because there isn't enough evidence to back it up. However, it can be used as a supplemental therapy. Don't stop taking your regular medications. Before using Ayurvedic herbs, consult your doctor because some may interfere with other prescriptions you're taking.
 

Thyroid Disorders

Goitre - A goitre is essentially an enlargement of the thyroid gland that can occur for a variety of reasons. A goitre is not a disease in and of itself. A goitre can occur in conjunction with hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or normal thyroid function.

Hyperthyroidism - Hyperthyroidism is a less prevalent condition than hypothyroidism in which thyroid hormone is produced in excess. Hypothyroidism symptoms are typically associated with increased metabolism. In mild situations, there may be no visible signs. Tremor, nervousness, fast heart rate, fatigue, heat intolerance, increased bowel movements, increased perspiration, concentration issues, and unintentional weight loss are all symptoms and indicators of hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism - Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces inadequate thyroid hormone. It can be caused by issues with the thyroid, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus. Hypothyroidism symptoms include fatigue, poor focus or feeling, being intellectually "foggy," dry skin, constipation, feeling chilly, fluid retention, muscle and joint pains, depression, and anxiety. Women's menstrual bleeding that is prolonged or profuse

Thyroid Cancer- Thyroid cancer is significantly more frequent in adult women than in men or adolescents. Approximately two-thirds of incidents occur in adults under the age of 55. Thyroid cancer is classified into several types based on the precise cell type within the thyroid that has turned malignant. Most instances of thyroid cancer have a favourable prognosis and a high survival rate, especially when detected early.

Thyroid nodules - They are lumps or abnormal masses seen within the thyroid. Nodules can be produced by benign cysts, benign tumours, or, less often, thyroid cancer. Nodules can be solitary or numerous, and their sizes might vary. If nodules get too big, they may produce symptoms due to compression of adjacent structures.

Thyroiditis - Thyroiditis is a category of illnesses that induce thyroid inflammation. It can be caused predominantly by antibodies that target the thyroid gland (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) or by a viral infection (Subacute thyroiditis).
 

Thyroid Disorder Causes And Treatment

We can briefly classify the causes of thyroid disorders into hypo and hyperthyroidism. The most common cause of hypothyroidism is when the body’s cells attack and damage the thyroid in the condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. A non-functioning thyroid due to a defect from birth can lead to hypothyroidism if left untreated in time. Iodine deficiency and postpartum thyroiditis also cause hypothyroidism. 

Hyperthyroidism is caused due to excessive production of thyroid hormones in a condition termed Graves’ disease or diffuse toxic goitre. Nodules that are overactive within the thyroid or excessive iodine content in the body can also lead to hyperthyroidism.

The treatment of the disorders pertaining to the Thyroid will depend on the severity and the stage at which the treatment begins. 

• Udhvartana: Full-body powdered herb massages using a paste rather than oil. It basically promotes the thyroid gland and the neurological system to work correctly.
• Ashwagandha: Withania Somnifera is the scientific name for ashwagandha. It's a plant that's mostly cultivated in India and North America. According to research, Ashwagandha is effective at lowering stress hormones. People who used it on a daily basis reported decreased stress levels and, as a result, higher thyroid hormone levels.
• Abhyanga Oil Massage: Sesame oil and herbs are combined and used in an Ayurveda massage to assist treat muscular discomfort, poor circulation, and digestive issues.
• Pranayama: Breathing techniques that aid in the relaxation of your body and mind, resulting in decreased stress levels. This therapy is beneficial for a variety of different diseases, including respiratory problems.
• Healthy Nutrition: As previously stated, integrating animal fat in regular meals aids in the treatment of thyroid-related disorders. Milk, eggs, and barley are also acceptable. Consumption of iodine-rich foods such as seafood is strongly advised for those with hypothyroidism.
• Panchakarma: A 5-step procedure that involves intense purification of the entire body to clear the body of disease-causing toxins.

In conclusion, with timely care and lifestyle changes as per Ayurveda, thyroid patients can regulate their disorders effectively. School of Ayurveda & Panchakarma offers an excellent Online Ayurveda Course in Kerala that helps to understand the in and outs of the Ayurvedic benefits towards Thyroid disorders.