Thyroid diseases or thyroid disorders are a group of conditions that affect the thyroid gland in the body. They can range from small, less-threatening goiter to severe conditions such as cancer. The usually found thyroid disorder is the abnormal production of the thyroid hormone. This condition is known as hyperthyroidism and is the most common thyroid disorder. All thyroid issue can be treated and cured completely if diagnosed and treated early.
ROLE OF THYROID GLAND
The thyroid gland is a gland in the front of the neck. It is shaped like a butterfly. The thyroid gland has crucial roles in the controlling of the metabolism functions throughout the body. Located below Adam’s apple and covering the windpipe, the thyroid makes use of the iodine to create the important hormones in the body. The thyroid gland functions as a part of the brain and is controlled by a feedback mechanism that involves the brain. When the hormone levels of thyroid decrease, the hypothalamus situated in the brain creates thyrotropin releasing hormone, shortened as TRH. This causes the pituitary gland in the brain to release thyroid stimulating hormone or TSG. This way the TSH signals the thyroid gland to produce more thyroids.
TYPES OF THYROID DISEASES
Thyroid diseases can be of various types. Here are the different kinds of thyroid disorders.
• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid hormone production of a person is lower than the normal rate.
• Hyperthyroidism: Hyperthyroidism is characterized by excessive production of the thyroid hormone than the normal level by the thyroid gland.
• Goitre: Goitre is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland due to the inflammation caused by the lack of iodine in the body.
• Thyroid nodules: This is a condition where lumps develop in the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid cancer: Thyroid characterized by a cancerous nodule or a tumor in the thyroid gland.
SYMPTOMS OF THYROID DISEASES
The commonly found symptoms of the thyroid disorders are:
• Fatigue and tiredness
• Pain in the muscles
• Excessive hair loss coupled with drying and lack of moisture in the skin
• Swelling of the neck
• Voice becomes rough and hoarse
• Poor concentration and memory
• Constipation accompanied by other abdominal discomforts
• Having a low body temperature, irrespective of the atmospheric conditions
• Hormonal imbalances, infertility, irregular periods and the premenstrual syndrome
THYROID DISEASES IN AYURVEDA
Although there is no direct mention of the thyroid disorders in ancient Ayurvedic texts, it does talk about a disease characterized by the excessive swelling of the thyroid gland, known as Galakanda. The treatment for thyroid diseases in Ayurveda combines dietary changes, yoga and herbal treatment.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE AYURVEDIC CONSULTATION FOR THYROID DISEASES?
During the Ayurvedic consultation for the doctor will suggest a whole new lifestyle plan consisting of changes in diet, exercise and other activities. You will be asked to take milk, barley, moong dal, cucumber, sugar juice and old rice in adequate quantities. Giving up of food that contains sour and heavy substances is also required. Medications consisting of kashayas and lehyams are also prescribed. This includes herbal medicines such as kanchanara which is very useful for the good functioning of the thyroid. Other herbs such as jatamansi, brahmi, shulajita and guggulu are also used in the treatment of thyroid disorders.
Yoga has been proved effective for the treatment of thyroid diseases time and again. Sarvangasna also was known as a shoulder stand is a useful asana for the thyroid gland. This position puts enormous pressure on the thyroid gland. Sarvangasna improves the blood circulation to the thyroid gland and thereby improves its function. Matyasana is another effective asana often used in the treatment of thyroid disorders. Surya namaskara, pavamuktasana and yoga mudra are also crucial positions that can improve the thyroid gland functions.
Ayurveda has also mastered many effective home remedies for thyroid diseases. The swelling in the neck can be treated by applying a fine paste made out of jalakumbhi. Intake of the juice of jalakumbhi in 22 gms every day is also useful in the healing process. This increases the amount of iodine in the body, the lack of which is the major cause of goitre. Coconut oil also promises the cure to the patients suffering from hypothyroidism. Since there is a lack of the thyroid hormone in the case, it slows down the body metabolism. The fatty acids in coconut chain enable to trigger the production of the hormone.
