Thyroid Awareness Month is celebrated every year in the month of January to increase awareness regarding Thyroid, its prevention, and symptoms. One shall learn to correct their diet and lifestyle in a manner that suits their bodily functions for a healthy state of body, mind, and spirit. One suffering from Thyroid is susceptible to symptoms such as weight gain/loss, depression, anxiety, irregular heartbeat, poor memory, fatigue, dry skin, and much more. So let us understand what Thyroid is all about and how we can correct our lifestyle to restore balance.
What is Thyroid? What is its function in our body?
Thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the neck; also known as one of the endocrine glands. As a hormone gland, it plays a critical role in balancing and regulating metabolism, psychic and somatic growth, and development of the human body. As a result, it aids in the regulation of several bodily functions by secreting a steady amount of thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
What are the 2 types of Thyroid Disorders?
1- Hypothyroidism
It is a situation in which the thyroid gland’s hormone secretion reduces. Due to this, metabolic functioning in our body also slows down. A person suffering from Hypothyroidism tends to gain weight. It is caused due to an autoimmune disorder; it occurs when the immune system produces antibodies attacking our own tissues with the help of the thyroid gland.
2- Hyperthyroidism
It is a situation in which the thyroid gland’s hormone secretion increases. Due to this, metabolic functioning in our body also increases at a faster pace. A person suffering from Hyperthyroidism tends to lose weight. It is usually caused due to psychological stress—excess secretion of cortisol and in some cases, it can be genetic too.
Ayurveda and Thyroid
According to Ayurveda, the Thyroid Gland is located near the Vishuddhi Chakra (in the throat area) and is caused due to the imbalance of Doshas—Vata, Pitta, Kapha. Doshas are the biological energies in our body that are responsible for controlling and maintaining bodily functions, so as to restore balance of mind, body, and spirit. Due to disbalance of these Doshas, one might suffer from bodily ailments, diseases, stress, anxiety, bloating, etc.
A person suffering from Hypothyroidism is due to the blockage or disbalance of Vata and Kapha doshas. On the other hand, in the situation of Hyperthyroidism, it is due to the imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas.
How can Ayurveda help?
A person suffering from Thyroid is obligated to Allopathic medication (western medicine) procedures prescribed by doctors. However, with the help of Ayurveda, one can control and stop the disease from progressing any further. The use of Ayurvedic Herbs, regulating and incorporating a nutritional diet, meditation, and yoga as a part of an improved and balanced lifestyle will assist in preventing and healing. It aids in regulated and consistent secretion of hormones for improved nutrition absorption, resulting in balanced metabolic functioning and boosting the immune system.
Ayurvedic wellness is enlisted below:
1- Practice Pranayama
It is a Yoga exercise known to regulate breathing in your body. It aids in balancing the Vata in our body to help control the problem of Thyroid.
2- Morning Walk
Due to an inactive lifestyle, which has resulted in an imbalance of thyroid secretion in your body, prefer morning walks to stay active and fit. It is also preferable for vitamin D intake.
3- Massage and Spa Therapy
To relax your mind, body, and spirit; prefer going for spas and massages to evade signs of stress and anxiety caused due to increased secretion of cortisol. According to Ayurveda, aromatherapy using natural oils or Abhyanga can be an effective remedy for controlling Thyroid.
4- Nutritional Diet for Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Diet rich in low iodine food, green leafy vegetables, vitamins and minerals, healthy fats, and spices for people suffering from Hyperthyroidism and vice versa for Hypothyroidism. Avoid compromising on a nutritional diet and prefer consuming organic food over processed food for both kinds of patients.
For example:
- Low Iodine Food – coffee/tea without dairy milk, egg white, unsalted nuts and butter, oats, potato, honey, maple syrup.
- Leafy Vegetables – Broccoli, sprouts, cauliflower, kale.
- Vitamins and Minerals – Iron rich in beans, leafy greens, lentils, nuts, seeds, whole grains. Selenium rich in chia seeds, mushroom, tea, rice, oat bran, sunflower seeds. Zinc rich in chickpeas, cocoa powder, cashews, pumpkin seeds. Calcium and Vitamin D rich in kale, almond milk, and spinach.
- Healthy Fats – such as olive oil, coconut oil, flaxseed oil, sunflower oil, avocado oil.
- Spices – such as turmeric, green chillies, and black pepper.
Avoid processed and junk food in general to avoid aggravating the problem of Thyroid.
In entirety, in order to prevent and control the problem of Thyroid, understand your bodily functions and needs, and accordingly plan your diet, physical activity, and lifestyle as a whole.
Dharana Wellness Centre, a wellness retreat near Mumbai, focuses on holistic health which includes physical, mental, and spiritual balance. One of the key ideologies of this eco wellness retreat lies in the holistic approach. As an Ayurvedic healing center in India, Dharana combines the use of an integrative, modern approach for holistic health with Modern diagnostics and traditional practices like Yoga and Ayurveda to ensure a sustainable wellness journey.