Our thyroid gland is a small but powerful butterfly-shaped organ located in our neck, and is responsible for controlling our metabolism, energy levels, and overall health. When this very important gland fails, it can cause a chain of symptoms, ranging from ongoing fatigue and weight changes to mood imbalance and digestive problems. While Western medicine provides excellent solutions, increasingly more people are seeking out Ayurveda, the ancient Indian science of overall health care, to maintain and energise their thyroid naturally.
Imbalances of the thyroid, as per Ayurvedic philosophy, generally result from a disruption in one or more of these doshas, most notably Kapha and Vata with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and Pitta with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). “The Ayurvedic method is not one of immediate fixes, but of one individual journeying toward understanding the source of the imbalance and then bringing balance to the body,” shared our expert, Dr Shrey Kumar Srivastav, General Physician and Senior Consultant, Sharda Hospital - Noida.
Exploring the Ayurvedic Perspective on Thyroid Imbalances
Here's a how you can get yourself into Ayurvedic means for supporting your thyroid function today:
1. Eating for Balance
Food is medicine in Ayurveda, and balanced diet is the cornerstone of thyroid health. Dr Shrey suggested that the advice is different based on your dominant dosha and the character of your thyroid imbalance.
For Hypothyroidism (Kapha-Pacifying Diet)
To balance the heavy and lethargic nature of Kapha, emphasise:
- Warm, Cooked, and Light Foods: Highlight freshly cooked, warm food. Consider wholesome soups, stews, and roasted vegetables.
- Warming Spices: Add metabolism-enhancing spices such as ginger, cinnamon, turmeric, black pepper, and cumin to your recipes.
- Whole Grains: Eat easily digestible whole grains such as quinoa, buckwheat, and millets.
- Lean Proteins: Add lean protein sources such as legumes and some well-sourced animal proteins (depending on your diet).
- Healthy Fats in Moderation: Sesame oil and ghee (clarified butter) can be used.
- Avoid: Cold, heavy, oily, and processed foods, too much dairy, and gluten (which sometimes disrupts thyroid function). Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli should be taken in moderation; good cooking can assist.
For Hyperthyroidism (Pitta-Pacifying Diet)
To cool and soothe the excessive heat of Pitta, select:
- Cooling and Soothing Foods: Adopt fruits such as melons and cucumbers, and leafy greens.
- Whole Grains: Barley, oats, and quinoa are suitable.
- Sweet and Bitter Tastes: Prefer naturally sweet vegetables and fruit, and bitter greens such as dandelion.
- Cooling Dairy (in moderation): Milk and ghee may be balancing.
- Avoid: Spicy, sour, and fried foods, too much salt, and fermented foods.
Nutrients to Consider (in both): Ayurveda advocates a balanced diet high in necessary minerals. Get enough iodine, selenium, and zinc from natural food sources such as sea vegetables (moderate only for hyperthyroidism), nuts (most notably Brazil nuts for selenium), seeds, and whole grains.
2. Potent Herbal Drinks
Ayurveda has an abundance of herbs with adaptogenic, immune-modulating, and thyroid-supportive qualities. Always seek the advice of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner prior to using herbs, particularly if you are on standard medication.
- Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): This well-known adaptogen assists the body in coping with stress, which plays a major role in thyroid disorders. It may assist in the production of thyroid hormones and can also decrease fatigue.
- Guggul (Commiphora mukul): Famous for its power to stimulate thyroid activity in hypothyroidism and aid metabolism. It also has anti-inflammatory effects.
- Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri): Useful in both hypo- and hyperthyroidism, Brahmi is calming in nature, reduces anxiety, and aids in cognitive function.
- Triphala: A very potent combination of three fruits (Amalaki, Bibhitaki, and Haritaki), Triphala helps in digestion and detoxification, which is very important in removing Ama (toxins) that block thyroid function.
- Turmeric (Curcuma longa): With its strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, turmeric can lower the signs of inflammation and oxidative stress, which could harm thyroid function.
- Shatavari (Asparagus racemosus): Which is also known for its balancing action on the hormones, Shatavari can benefit overall endocrine function.
- Kanchanar Guggulu: A classical Ayurvedic medicine commonly utilised to lower swellings of the glands, including the thyroid gland.
3. Mindful Lifestyle Practices
Ayurveda is based on a holistic concept, where daily routine and stress control are essential to ensure balance.
- Dinacharya (Daily Routine): Having a regular daily routine ensures that the body's natural cycles are regulated. This includes waking and sleeping at the same time every day, taking meals at about the same time each day, and having self-care activities.
- Yoga and Pranayama: Certain yoga postures and breathing exercises have a direct effect on stimulating the thyroid gland and soothing the nervous system.
For Hypothyroidism
Postures that compress and stretch the cervical region are useful, e.g., Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand), Halasana (Plough Pose), Matsyasana (Fish Pose), Setu Bandhasana (Bridge Pose), Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose), and Ustrasana (Camel Pose). Pranayama such as Ujjayi (Victorious Breath) and Kapalbhati (Skull Shining Breath) can help stimulate metabolism and energy.
For Hyperthyroidism
Soothing and cooling routines are best. Matsyasana (Fish Pose) may be soothing. Pranayama such as Nadi Shodhana (Alternate Nostril Breathing) and Shitali (Cooling Breath) may calm anxiety and heat.
- Stress Management: Persistent stress greatly affects thyroid function. Add practices such as:
- Meditation: Daily meditation can decrease cortisol levels and calm the system.
- Mindfulness: Presence and awareness may ease everyday stressors.
- Abhyanga (Self-Oil Massage): Self-massage of the body using warm coconut or sesame oil soothes the nervous system, enhances circulation, and induces relaxation.
- Good Sleep: Get seven to eight hours of good-quality sleep to enable your body to rest, repair itself, and balance hormones.
- Detoxification (Panchakarma): With the instruction of an experienced Ayurvedic practitioner, purification procedures such as Panchakarma (e.g., Virechana for Pitta, Vamana or Basti for Kapha) can enable the removal of toxins that are stored in the system and interfere with thyroid function.
Bottomline
Although Ayurveda provides a robust system for maintaining thyroid health, it's essential to bear in mind that it's a complimentary system. If you're already on medication for a thyroid disorder, don't drop the medicine without talking to your allopathic physician first. Ayurveda can be used synergistically with standard treatments, providing an integrated system for long-term wellness.
The path to optimal thyroid function via Ayurveda is an individualised one. An experienced practitioner will evaluate your constitution (Prakriti), present imbalances (Vikriti), and lifestyle to formulate a customised plan that is responsive to your individual needs.