Thyroid Health
Today, an estimated 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid conditions, and a shocking 60% of Americans who have a thyroid conditions are not even aware that they have one. Thyroid diseases have become quite common. From my experience working with clients with Thyroid condition, I’ve noticed that it’s primarily caused by the autoimmune Hashimoto disease (in which the immune system attacks the thyroid gland). This happens due to high levels of stress that can compromise digestion and cause inflammation in the body. While earlier the cause of thyroid conditions was mostly considered genetic, these days people are more prone to it whether it runs in the family or not. And much of that has to do with how we eat and live.
Let’s learn a bit about Thyroid. The thyroid gland plays a very important role in regulating the body’s metabolism and calcium balance. Thyroid issues can range from small enlarged glands to life-threatening cancer. Over-active thyroid is called Hyperthyroidism. However, the common type is hypothyroidism or an under-active thyroid. In hypothyroidism, too little thyroid hormone is produced which could be caused by iodine deficiency or thyroid failure brought on mostly by pituitary dysfunction. Symptoms of an under-active thyroid include feeling cold, changes in body weight (weight gain for under-active and weight loss for excess), dry skin, achy joints, anxiety, constipation and depressive symptoms such as fatigue.
Ayurveda recommends herbal treatment, proper diet and certain yoga poses. There are plenty of herbs such as Kachnar, Ashwagandha, Guggul, Bladderwrack and Licorice prescribed for Thyroid condition to restore its functionality. Ayurvedic herbs are generally well tolerated and free from side effects and this is the reason, Ayurveda is now one of the most famous health sciences that have drawn everybody's attention. I strongly recommend consulting an Ayurvedic practitioner before taking any herbs. The good news is that the right diet and right lifestyle is very effective.
Your Dietary Defense
We are what we eat! Avoid the intake of coffee, sugar, refined flour and alcohol as they increase inflammation in the body. Replace processed and refined foods with wholegrain foods. In addition, eat fibrous fruits, vegetables and beans to provide food for the good bacteria in the gut.
Avoid the intake of Goitrogenic foods. The Goitrogens blocks the action of Iodide. Goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables (Broccoli, Cauliflower, Brussel sprouts, Cabbage etc.). You should cook and eat cruciferous vegetables, because raw ones contain isothiocyanates which decrease thyroid function. Of all foods, radishes have the highest concentration of isothiocyanate.
Reduce Stress
Send stress on a holiday! Learn to rest and relax more, avoiding excess stimulation. Reduce travel. Performing gentle yoga is very beneficial. Go for gentle walks in the nature and practice meditation. It’s important to consciously aim to develop lifestyle that helps you disconnect with the stress.