Complications due to imbalance of hormones is very common problem in these days. Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common problem that is due to overexertion of thyroid hormones. It is eight times more in women than men.
Hormonal level can be managed with the help of various natural remedies that help to balance the secretions of thyroid gland.
Thyroid is a hormone that is produced by butterfly shaped glands present in the middle of the lower neck. Thyroid glands release two types of hormones called triiodothyronine (T3) and tetraiodothyronine (T4). It effects every part of the body including every cells, tissues and organs. It has number of functions in the body like regulates body temperature, body weight, heart rate, metabolic rate and production. It is one of the important organ that is optimal for overall health.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition where the thyroid glands produce excessive amount of T3 and T4 hormones that can cause excessively high metabolic rate. This condition is called high metabolic state.This condition is characterized by rapid heart rate, elevated blood pressure, and hand tremors, drastic weight loss, excessive perspiration, changes in the menstrual cycle, swelling at the base of the neck, fatigue, muscle weakness and difficulty sleeping.
There are many common causes of hyperthyroidism such as excessive intake of iodine in the body, thyroiditis i.e. inflammation of thyroid gland, cysts or tumors of the testes (male) or ovaries (female) benign tumors of the pituitary gland or thyroid, consumption of diet contains excessive amounts of a hormone called tetraiodothyronine.
Most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease which is an autoimmune disease that stimulates the thyroid gland to secrete excessive hormones.
AYURVEDIC POINT OF VIEW
According to Ayurveda, vitiation of any of three doshas i.e. vata, pitta and kapha results in any disease condition. The root cause of hyperthyroidism is impaired digestion. Undigested food may cause blockage of the minute channels in the body causing an imbalance in the function of the thyroid gland. It is due to that impaired vata and pitta doshas. This impaired vata and pitta go into various channels and body system that results in symptoms of hyperthyroidism. These impaired doshas results in overstimulate the gastric fire (agni) that results in excessive hunger. Aggravation of vata leads to increase in vayu (vata) properties such as dynamic and unstable characteristics causes tremors in the extremities, sleeplessness, nervousness and difficulty to concentrate the mind and it is also marked by frequent bowel movement and irregular menstruation. The increased lightness of vayu makes the body lighter (because of weight loss). Increase pitta (heat)results in excessive sweating and intolerance.
The main goal of natural treatment to clear these channels in order to balance body energies and restore the correct production and circulation of thyroxin.
DIAGNOSIS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
Hyperthyroidism is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical exam, and blood tests.
It can be diagnosed by checking its common signs like enlarged thyroid glands, protruding eyes, higher than normal blood pressure, rapid pulse and immense weight loss.
Other test such as blood tests like to measure levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones T3 and T4, cholesterol tests, Triglyceride test (low triglycerides can be a sign of high metabolic rates).
Sometimes doctor may suggest for ultrasound (measures the entire size of the thyroid gland and masses within the glands), MRI and CT scans.
HOME REMEDIES FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM
After diagnosis of overactive thyroid, the easier it will be to bring it back under control with medications, supplements, and lifestyle changes. Hyperthyroidism can also be treated with some natural remedies.
Some of the common home remedies hope that will be beneficial:
1. INDIAN GOOSEBERRY
It is also known as amla. It is useful in the treatment of various health problems including hyperthyroidism. It has enhancing effects on the thyroid gland, can help to control the production of thyroid hormones.
How to take?
Make a thin paste of Indian gooseberry powder with honey and eat it in the morning before breakfast.
2. BROCCOLI
Broccoli is a vegetable that contains compounds known as isothiocyanates and goitrogens, these compounds help to restrain the thyroid gland from producing too much hormone.
It can be taken as uncooked/boiled broccoli if possible.
3. SOY PRODUCTS
These are protein based products. These are effective for hyperthyroidism. Proteins transports the thyroid hormones o different body tissues.
For hyperthyroidism you can take soy products like nuts, quinoa, eggs, farmed fish and legumes.
4. CABBAGE
It is the one of the most common vegetable. It is beneficial in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Cabbage contains a good amount of dietary goitrogens, substances that help reduce thyroid hormone production.
For best results, eat uncooked/boiled cabbage.
5. BERRIES
These are rich source of vitamins and various antioxidant that can help reduce inflammation of the thyroid gland.There are different types of berries such as blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries and others.
6. SEA VEGETABLES
These important mineral for thyroid health. The natural iodine present in sea vegetables can normalize thyroid-related symptoms like obesity and lymph system congestion. These vegetables also contain a good amount of vitamin K, B-vitamin folate, magnesium, iron and calcium.
Some of the examples of sea vegetables that can be used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism are kelp, kombu, hijiki, nori, arame, sea palm etc.
Thesecan be used by crushing, chopping or crumbling any mix of dry sea vegetables you like into soups and sauces, pizzas, casseroles, rice and salads.
7. LEMON BALM
Lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is an herb that can help normalize an overactive thyroid by reducing TSH levels. It contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and other useful compounds that regulate the thyroid.
Apart from these it blocks the activity of antibodies that stimulate the thyroid gland and cause Graves’ disease, which is a common form of hyperthyroidism. Drink lemon balm tea to restore the thyroid activity to a healthy level.
How to use?
- Add two tablespoons of lemon balm to one cup of boiling water.
- Let it steep for about five minutes.
- Strain and drink this tea 3 times a day.
- You may start the treatment with a lesser dosage, about one-half or one teaspoon of lemon balm, and gradually increase the amount to two tablespoons.
These are some of the foods that naturally suppress thyroid hormone production to help in the treatment of hyperthyroidism. Also, try to limit your intake of dairy products and caffeine as much as possible to manage hyperthyroidism successfully.