Better management of Hypothyroidism with Ayurveda:

Understanding Hypothyroidism: The thyroid gland is positioned in throat region and about two inches and of butterfly shaped. Iodine in our food is used to make thyroid hormones such as Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4). There is a gland in the brain called Pituitary gland, which release Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) which governs the process of formation of T3 and T4. The rise in Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) also gives rise in T3 and T4 levels. The epithelial cells in the thyroid gland secretes T3, T4 and Calcitonin hormone. T3 and T4 regulates metabolism of the body while Calcitonin regulates the calcium levels in the blood. Thyroid hormone stimulates the body tissues to produce protein and also increase oxygen usage of cells. The deficiency of Thyroid hormones leads to Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is preferably caused by low intake of thyroid hormone or body’s less response to the nutrients. There are some foods that block the uptake of the iodine by the body known as goitrogens which includes vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, soy, peanuts etc.

Keynote:

• A TSH level of 10 mlIU/L or higher indicates hypothyroidism
• A TSH level between 4.5 to 10mlIU/L is known as subclinical hypothyroidism
• Usually in hypothyroidism TSH is high and T4 is low

Ayurvedic viewpoint of hypothyroidism:

Ojas refers to as innate immunity or vitality. It is similar to our energy reserves.  Our body functions revolves around doshas (body humors) Vata, pitta and Kapha. Imbalance of vata and pitta depletes ojas and pushes kapha out of balance. In hypothyroidism the Kapha dosha is predominantly high. Vata dosha  influence the kapha dosha to accumulates in the sarotas (microchannels)  around the thyroid gland blocking the nutrition of the gland. One other factor responsible for low metabolic rate is decrease in Agni (digestive power) that leads to poor assimilation of nutrition and poor formation of Dhatus that leads to blocking of microchannels (Sarotas).

What causes Hypothyroidism?

• Hashimoto thyroiditis or Autoimmune thyroiditis
• Family history
• Congenital hypothyroidism
• Inflammation of thyroid gland
• Chronic deficiency of Iodine
• Some drugs like lithium
• Radiation therapy for thyroid gland
• Thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG) deficiency
• failure of pituitary to secrete TSH

Who are at risk for Hypothyroidism?

• Women are more prone
• Age more than 60 years
• Previous history of thyroid surgery
• Genetic disorders like turneers syndrome
• Pregnant women
• Type 1 diabetes
• Sjogrens syndrome
• Vitamin B12 deficiency or pernicious anemia
• Autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus

How patient with hypothyroidism presents?

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Dry skin
• Thinning of hair
• Puffy face and drooping eyelids
• Trouble in tolerating cold
• Constipation
• Decreased sweating
• Anxiety and depression
• Slow heart rate
• Heavy or irregular menstruation
• Fertility issues in women
• Goitre (enlarged thyroid gland)
• Joint and muscle pain
• Hoarse voice, slow speech, dull facial expression

Managing hypothyroidism with the help of Modern Medicines:

Thyroid hormone replacement is the only way out to treat hypothyroidism. Daily hormone tablets called levothyroxine sodium, a synthetic version of throxine (T4) that body already produces naturally. Side effects may include:

• Sweating
• Chest pain
• Headaches
• diarrhoea

Managing Hypothyroidism with Ayurveda:

• To manage the condition of Hypothyroidism, vata and kapha should be balanced along with elevation of ojas. Rasyana herbs are helpful in building immunity and maintaining nutrition of the body.
• Ayurveda also concentrate on maintaining healthy body weight. Some herbal preparations like triphala churna, medohar guggul, navaka guggul etc are helpful in reduction of weight by increasing digestive power (Agni)
• People with the Hypothyroid usually suffers from anxiety, depression or lack of sleep. Hence some herbs like Ashwagandha, Brahmi, Tagar are having calming properties which are helpful in maintaining the hypothyroidism
• Some yoga asana for hypothyroidism are:
• Sarvangasana (shoulderstand)
• Matsyasna (fish pose)
• Janu shirsasna
• Vipraritakarni asana
• Surya namaskara (sun Salutations)
• Pranayama like kapalbhati, nadi sodhan, ujjayi (Breathing techniques)

Managing hypothyroidism with Chandigarh Ayurved Centre:

1. Panchasakar Churan

Panchsakar churna is a herbo mineral and purely ayurvedic formulation. It mainly works on your Vata and pitta dosha of your body. It can cure Chronic Constipation and help relieve symptoms of Acidity, indigestion, Belching and colic pain. It acts as a mild Laxative and reduces Bloating. It works very efficiently on a disease named IBS (Irritable bowel syndrome) which is very common nowadays that affects your day to day activities.

Recommended Dosage: Take 1 teaspoonful at bedtime with lukewarm water.

2. Thyroheal Tablet

Thyroheal Tablet is a herbo-mineral tablet of size 800 MG and a purely ayurvedic formulation. CAC Thyroheal tablets help in balancing the Kapha dosha. These tablets help mainly in balancing Thyroid Hormones and also helps in weight management, lowers Cholesterol levels, Improves brain functions, lowers blood pressure. The tablets are prepared from the extract of various herbs such as Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Kanchnar (Bauhinia variegate), Shudh Guggul (Commiphora mukul), & Gandhir (Coelus forskohlii). These Ingredients help in maintaining an irregular heartbeat, rapid heartbeat. These herbal tablets maintain the proper function of thyroid glands and treat Hyperthyroidism.

Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily.

3. Detox tablets

CAC Detox tablets are 100% natural & safe containing 1gm herbs extract. The herbs used for formulation of these tablets show antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, & immuno-modulator properties. The herbs & minerals used for preparation of this churna shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-modulator properties.

Recommended Dosage: Take one tablet twice daily.

4. Trikatu Syrup

CAC TRIKATU SYRUP is purely Ayurvedic formulation made up of three herbs. CAC Trikatu Syrup helps to eliminate excess Kapha or mucous from the body, supports respiratory system, manages weight, helps to take out impurities or ama from the body, supports healthy detoxification, reduces swelling. It shows anti-inflammatory, analgesic, expectorant, antioxidant properties.

Recommended Dosage: Take 2 tablespoon daily.