Hyperthyroidism

Ayurvedic treatment for Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped organ on the back of your neck which is responsible to perform several important bodily functions. The thyroid gland releases several hormones to influence metabolism, growth, and body temperature. These hormones also determine the health of the heart, brain, digestive system, and bone maintenance.

The imbalance in the production of such hormones gives rise to thyroid problems. The excessive production of hormones causes hyperthyroidism while an underactive thyroid gland results in hyperthyroidism, goiter, etc. Thyroiditis, thyroid cancer, and thyroid nodule are some of the other issues associated with thyroid glands.

The thyroid gland plays an important role to perform vital functions in the body which include:

1. Regulates your body temperature
2. Controls your heart rate
3. Controls your metabolism

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism may be defined as a condition in which your thyroid releases or makes extra levels of thyroid hormone than you need. It is also known as overactive thyroid and the main hormones that your thyroid makes are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxin (T4). Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, increase in appetite and anxiety are some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. It is a condition that can affect your whole body and needs to be treated by a healthcare provider. The disease can be treated with the help of anti-thyroid drugs, radioactive iodine, surgery, etc.

According to Ayurveda,  the increase in Pitta dosha in your body causes hyperthyroidism. The increase in Pitta also results in the increase of digestive fire Agni and which ultimately leads to the imbalance in body metabolism.

Who gets hyperthyroidism?

Anyone can face the problem of hyperthyroidism but it is more common in females.

Prevalence of Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is comparatively rare, In the United State, approximately 1% of people suffer from hyperthyroidism. According to the American Thyroid Association (ATA), more than 12% of U.S people will have a thyroid problem during their lifetime.

• In the United States, about 20 million people have a thyroid issue and of which, 60% are unaware of the condition.
• Of every eight women, one woman will have a thyroid issue in her lifetime.
• The causes of thyroid are mostly unknown.
• Thyroid disorders are mostly life-long conditions and can be managed with care and medication.

Symptoms of hyperthyroidism?

There are several symptoms of hyperthyroidism that can affect your entire body. Below are some of the symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

• Rapid heartbeat (palpitations).
• Feeling shaky and/or nervous.
• Weight loss.
• Increased appetite.
• Diarrhea and more frequent bowel movements.
• Vision changes.
• Thin, warm, and moist skin.
• Menstrual changes.
• Intolerance to heat and excessive sweating.
• Sleep issues.
• Swelling and enlargement of the neck from an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter).
• Hair loss and change in hair texture (brittle).
• Bulging of the eyes (seen with Graves’ disease).
• Muscle weakness.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

Many different conditions can cause hyperthyroidism and the most common cause is an autoimmune disorder known as Graves disease which results in extra production of hormones. Graves disease is more common in women as compared to men and it also has a genetic link to it.

Other causes include:

• Overactive thyroid nodules
• Thyroiditis
• Consumption of too much iodine
• Tumors of the testes or ovaries
• Benign tumors of the pituitary gland or the thyroid
• Consumption of certain medications meant to treat heart diseases, hypothyroid, etc.
• Follicular thyroid

Risk Factor in Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism can result in some serious problems with muscles, bones like osteoporosis, menstrual cycles, heart, and fertility if left untreated. Cardiac dilation, arrhythmia, hypertension, sudden cardiac arrest are some of the diseases caused by hyperthyroidism. Moreover,  delay in controlling hyperthyroidism during pregnancy can cause health issues to the mother and fetus.

Certain complications of Hyperthyroidism

•  Atrial fibrillation.
• Stroke.
• Congestive heart failure.
• Osteoporosis.

How to Diagnosis

To diagnose hyperthyroidism, your healthcare provider can perform certain exams.

• A physical exam of your neck to check the size of your thyroid.
• Blood tests to check high thyroid hormone levels
• Imaging tests

Treatment for hyperthyroidism

Proper treatment and modifications in lifestyle can help to control hyperthyroidism. The basic purpose of treatment is to control the symptoms and normalize the thyroid levels. There are many options available to treat hyperthyroidism.

• Anti-Thyroid Medicines-  Medicines that will prevent extra production of thyroid hormone.
• Radioactive Iodine–  Given to destroy the cells that produce thyroid. The gland shrinks slowly and reduces thyroid activity.
• Symptomatic Treatment- The doctor will examine all your symptoms and prescribe medicines based on your age, other diseases, causes, and extent of hyperthyroidism.
• Surgery-. To remove a certain part of the thyroid gland, surgery can be performed in some cases

Ayurvedic treatment for Thyroid Conditions

To treat hyperthyroidism naturally, Ayurvedic medicines or remedies are worth considering. The Ayurvedic treatment for hyperthyroidism mainly revolves around the rebalancing of doshas in the body and removing the toxins from the body.  The balance in doshas helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid. Several natural herbs like  Praval pisti, Guduchi,  Dhanyak, Triphala, Amalki, Shatavari, etc are helpful to deal with the problem of hyperthyroidism. Moreover,   a well-balanced diet plan and changes in lifestyle like performing Yoga, Meditation, Pranayam, etc help to balance digestion and metabolism.

 Diet plan for Thyroid patients

A person’s diet can affect the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Some foods can improve the condition.  The diet can play an effective role in hyperthyroidism symptoms. By eating certain foods, hyperthyroidism will not be cured but consuming certain nutrients and minerals can play an effective role in managing the thyroid condition.  Below are some of the foods that you can add to your diet to manage hyperthyroidism and its symptoms.

1. Low Iodine Foods
2. Non iodized salt
3. Egg whites
4. Fresh or frozen vegetables
5. tea and black coffee
6. Vegetable oils
7. Unsalted nuts and nut butter
8. fruit and fruit juices

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables can be highly beneficial for hyperthyroidism patients as they not only reduce the thyroid hormone production but also decrease the iodine uptake by the thyroid.

• Brussels sprouts and cabbage
• Collard greens, mustard greens, and turnip roots and greens
• Radishes and rutabagas
• cauliflower
• Broccoli

• Foods rich in Selenium
• Brazil nuts
• Fortified pasta and cereals
• Beef
• Chicken
• Rice
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese
• Baked beans
• Spinach

• Iron-rich Foods
• Fortified cereals
• Raisins
• Oysters and fish
• White beans, kidney beans, and black beans
• Lentils
• Chickpeas

• Calcium and Vitamin- D rich foods
• Milk
• Cheese
• Yogurt
• Canned salmon
• Broccoli
• Fortified orange juice

• Spices
• Turmeric
• Green Chilies
• Black Pepper

Below is Life Aveda`s  Premium products Pitta Shamak, Premium Shatavari, Cap. Immunity Enhancers are pure ayurvedic, homemade, and herbal products that you can use to control hyperthyroidism and reduce its symptoms.

1.Capsule Pitta Shamak – In hyperthyroidism pitta gets imbalance and results in bhasmak roga(Hyperthyroidism). Our Premium formulation of herbs in pitta shamak capsules such as Praval- pistil, Guduchi helps in reducing pitta Prokop(effect) and manages to retain its balance state in the body.

2. Capsule Premium Shatavari– Shatavri helps in normalizing female hormones, provides stamina and it is an excellent uterine tonic.

3. Capsule Immunity Enhancer– Capsule Immunity Enhancer is a pure ayurvedic , a homemade, and herbal formulation which contains Ashwagandha, Amalaki, Giloy, and other important herbs which helps in reducing and balancing dosha and improving the immunity of the body.

Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any hyperthyroidism symptoms. Your doctor will recommend a treatment before determining a proper diagnosis.