Do you suffer from unexplained fatigue, weight changes, or hair loss? Have you recently felt loss of appetite or irregular menstrual cycle? If yes, you may be suffering from thyroid malfunction!

The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland, located below the neck and in front of the Larynx. This gland is responsible for secreting hormones like Thyroxin and regulating the body’s metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance. In the last few years, thyroid disorders are increasing at an alarming rate, especially in females. 1 out of 8 women are affected by Thyroid disorder at least once in their life and as a matter of fact, they are not even aware of it. This ignorance leads to late diagnosis, delay, and treatments leading to more damage to the body than ever. 

Thyroid disorders in women affect body metabolic functions significantly and can cause various other health issues like constipation, muscle loss, infertility, depression, etc. Conventional medicine manages thyroid disorders by regular medication, hormonal therapy, or surgical intervention. However, these solutions do not address the root causes and have multiple side effects on the body. 

So what is the best approach to managing thyroid Disorders? The answer is Ayurveda! Being one of the oldest healthcare sciences, Ayurveda offers a holistic and natural approach to Thyroid disorders. They are gentler on our body and also improve overall health. Let us take a deep dive to understand Thyroid disorders better, their cause, early diagnosis, and natural Ayurvedic treatments. 

What Are Thyroid Disorders?

The thyroid is a small but powerful gland in the human body, responsible for many bodily functions. It is responsible for the secretion of hormones- Thyroxin(T4), and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are responsible for maintaining bodies metabolic function, growth, and development of organs, and maintaining vital body functions like heart rate, body temperature, and energy levels. The most common causes of thyroid disorder can include iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, genetics, surgery, and radiation therapy. 

Thyroid disorders are mainly divided into two categories: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). 

An overreactive Thyroid gland can lead to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis autoimmune disorder, Graves’ disease, and Goitre. The symptoms typically include weakness, rapid heart rate, constant fatigue, menstrual irregularities, etc. 

An underactive thyroid gland causes Hypothyroidism which is more commonly diagnosed in females and leads to high cholesterol and heart diseases. Its common symptoms include weakness, hair loss, weight gain, depression, etc. 

Conventional treatment for these includes constant medication or hormonal therapy. If left untreated, thyroid disorders can lead to other major health issues. For good health, everyone should stay vigilant about these unexplained changes in the body and seek medical advice without delay. 

Ayurveda and Thyroid: Ayurvedic Perspective on Thyroid Disorders

Rather than a single gland malfunction, Ayurveda views thyroid disorder as a systematic imbalance of body doshas- Vata, Pitta, and Kapha, disrupted digestive fire(agni,) and accumulation of toxins(ama). In Ayurveda, the thyroid is located in the Visuddhi chakra and governed by Pitta and Kapha dosha. 

According to Ayurvedic principles, thyroid disorders, especially hypothyroidism are viewed as underlying imbalances in the Kapha dosha, characterized by sluggishness, coldness, and weight gain. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is associated with an aggravated Pitta dosha, which brings heat, irritability, and heightened metabolism.

Causes of Thyroid Disorders According to Ayurveda

Ayurveda underlines the fact that most diseases in the human body are directly linked to digestion. The digestive fire (agni) is the center of the digestive system as it is responsible for metabolism and cellular transformation. A weak and improper digestion leads to the accumulation of toxic waste in the body, clogging channels and disrupting its natural rhythms. 

In the case of thyroid disorders, the toxic accumulation and disruption of natural body rhythms affect the thyroid glands’ ability to function properly and efficiently causing hormonal imbalance. 

The main culprits behind the weekend Agni are lifestyle factors, poor nutrition, imbalanced eating habits, reduced physical activity, and stress. Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to restoring balance by reigniting Agni, clearing Ama, harmonizing the doshas, and naturally addressing thyroid issues at their root.

Ayurvedic Treatment for Thyroid Disorders

In Ayurveda, the treatment for every individual is different. Ayurveda experts diagnose the issue and the body composition of the patient and then drive a comprehensive treatment plan according to the individual’s body type. So for chronic conditions like thyroid, ayurveda delivers a patient-centric approach to cure the root cause of the disorder and keep the overall health in check. 

Ayurvedic treatment of thyroid disorders includes Ayurvedic supplements, as well as lifestyle changes, diet recommendations, physical exercise, and medication. These changes can help cure thyroid disorders naturally. 

1. Dietary Recommendations: People suffering from Thyroid imbalance should consume a balanced diet with fresh produce, whole grains, and good fats. Avoid fried, stimulating, strong-tasting, and processed or stale food. 
2. Lifestyle Changes- To stimulate the digestive fire, create a daily routine(Dinacharya) and stick to it. It helps maintain hormonal balance and improve digestion. A fixed healthy routine also helps with stress management and mindful practices.
3. Therapeutic Practices like Detoxification: Panchakarma therapy not only helps get rid of accumulated toxins but also rejuvenates the body. Nyasa, Basti, Vaman, etc therapies can help restore the hormonal balance and also alleviate issues caused by Thyroid medications. 
4. Yoga and Pranayama for Thyroid Health: Yoga and pranayama are very helpful in keeping stress at bay and staying physically active. Yoga poses like Sarvangasana, and Halasana are known to support the thyroid gland if practiced regularly. Plus, breathing techniques like Ujjayi and Nadi Shodhana can calm the mind and body and help restore dosha imbalance.
5. Ayurvedic Herbs– Many potent Ayurvedic herbs are known to regulate thyroid function and reduce symptoms. Ayurvedic herbs like guggul, Kanchnar, Punarnava, Ashwagandha, Kunakhi, bhallatak, Varun, Shigru, etc. have been scientifically proven to reduce TSH, goiter, and thyroid nodules. Regular consumption of these herbs can potentially avoid the need for surgical intervention for thyroid treatment. 

Top Ayurvedic Supplements for Thyroid Disorder at Ayurveda Megastore

Ayurveda advocates using Ayurvedic supplements combined with lifestyle changes and dietary regulation to holistically restore balance and harmony in body function and address the root cause of thyroid. The top Ayurvedic supplements available at Ayurveda megastore for thyroid disorders are:

Dhootapapeshwar Gandmala Kandan Rasa– acts as a blood purifier, and rejuvenator, and is beneficial in case of goiter and other thyroid imbalances. 

Zenius Thyroid Care Capsule- a dietary supplement that helps maintain thyroid health and protects it from oxidative stress. It also helps to improve thyroid function and improves metabolism. 

Life Aveda premium Thyro-Cure- an ayurvedic supplement that promotes the elimination of toxins naturally from the body and maintains the normal functions of the thyroid gland.

Dr Bhargav’s Thyro-safa Capsules- a dietary supplement to manage thyroid and associated issues. It can help regulate the thyroid and effectively manage muscular pain and fatigue.

Xovak Ayurvedic Thykyor- an ayurvedic supplement to manage hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and enhance blood circulation. It can also help normalize thyroid hormones and prevent imbalances.

Early Recognition and Prevention

Thyroid malfunction not only disrupts everyday life but can cause life-threatening diseases in the long run. Many of us overlook the symptoms that are right in front of our eyes. Recognizing these symptoms like undiagnosed weight gain, excessive fatigue, mood swings, etc can help with the early detection of thyroid disorders. Ayurveda believes that every health concern can be cured if detected at an early stage. Staying vigilant about body changes can help prevent the onset of thyroid disorder at an early age.

Conclusion:  Long-Term Thyroid Management with Ayurveda

Ayurveda is one of the oldest healthcare sciences to mention the term Goitre and understanding thyroid disorders. It offers a holistic perspective on the causes, prevention, and management of thyroid disorders. Ayurveda believes in 360-degree care by focusing on balancing the doshas, reigniting Agni, and eliminating toxins to address the root causes.

Ayurveda provides a sustainable and natural approach to thyroid care and by incorporating lifestyle changes, diet modifications, herbal remedies, and staying active, you can effectively manage thyroid disorders and keep yourself healthy. If you’re seeking a natural and effective way to manage your thyroid, ayurveda is the best solution to achieve long-term hormonal balance and overall well-being.