In Ayurveda, we can consider Dhatukshayajanya and Avarana janya as the main causes of Under Active Thyroid. Out of many Patients I consulted, Avarana Janya was found as the major cause for Thyroid imbalances.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM:
The symptoms of Hypothyroidism is usually wide array as it slows down all the body's process. It can range from Fatigue, Lethargy to Infertility as the impaired Agni and doshas hampers the body Metabolism.
Mental impairment like-
1. Forgetfulness,
2. Inability to Focus,
3. Anxiety,
4. Depression are some of the symptoms which people face.
Other systematic symptoms like-
1. Sleepiness,
2. Weight gain,
3. Decreased appetite,
4. Intolerance to cold/hot,
5. Dry skin,
6. Menstrual irregularities and
7. Hair loss.
Hypothyroidism usually goes unnoticed as the early warning signs of Hypothyroidism is easy to be mistaken as other health conditions. For example, One of my patient, a female aged 54 yrs was experiencing Fatigue from very long time which she neglected as it is often experienced during Menopause. There are a few symptoms, however, that taken together can alert you that it’s time to see a doctor like Sudden Weight loss /gain, unexplained Bradycardia or Tachycardia, Irritability, Mood swings etc.
TREATMENT OF HYPOTHYROIDISM IN AYURVEDA:
In Hypothyroidism,there is imbalance of Tridoshas especially Kapha and Vata dosha in body along with Impaired Agni (Digestive fire) and Toxins accumulated in Deeper tissue level and Channels. Hence the First line of treatment would be to Detoxify your body and eliminate the toxins from deep roots responsible for the same. Post Shodhana/Detoxification,Medications focusing on stimulating the Agni and maintaining the dosha-dhatu balance should be taken along with rejuvenation treatment for a specific period of time mentioned by the doctor.Few drugs helpful in Hypothyroidism are Kanchanara, Guduchi, Chitraka and many other. These drugs acts on maintaining the balance of the hormones or the doshas and the impaired Agni which in turn helps in maintaining the metabolism of the body. I consider to prescribe these drugs by combining together in a way which is customizable for each patient and help in Effective and Quicker results.
DIET IN HYPOTHYROIDISM
There is no such diet as “Hypothyroidism diet”, eating smart by understanding your body will itself help in healing. Generally ,diet rich in nutrition, low in pro inflammatory foods should be taken.
Foods rich in -
VIT A- Like Carrot, Beetroot, Banana-
VIT B12-like Eggs, Buttermilk-
ZINC- Like Beans, Nuts and Seeds-
IRON – Like Apple and varieties of Spinach -
SELENIUM – Like Eggs and Legumes-
IODINE- Iodised Salt-
MAGNESIUM- like Pumpkin seeds, Beans -
CALCIUM- like Ragi, Almonds, Lentils
All the above said items are to be taken in a limited quantity or as per the advice of your Doctor.
FOODS TO REDUCE/AVOID :
- Cabbage, cauliflower
- Processed foods and sugary items
- Deep Oil fried
- Maida products, Bakery products
- Bajra, Jowar (Reduce the intake)
- Potato (Reduce the intake)
Lastly, in Ayurveda, Hypothyroidism is not just related to Thyroid gland, but the main culprit is the Metabolism which is hampered by the Pituitary gland. Hence maintaining only the Physical well being of the person is not sufficient but also focusing on both physical and Mental Well Being of the person Is very important.
Dr Sree Ranjitha D