Ayurvedic medicine against thyroid disorders, is it effective?

Lately there has been a growing interest in Ayurvedic medicine for thyroid disorders. Nevertheless, it’s essential to know that the appliance of its treatments doesn’t replace those formulated in conventional medicine. How are you going to implement them safely?

To start with, it’s good to take note of that the evidence on Ayurvedic therapies continues to be limited. Because of this, their use must be prudent and only applied in a complementary manner. Within the case of the thyroid, it’s essential to contemplate the complexity of the disorders that may affect its function. Read on!

What’s Ayurvedic medicine?

You might have probably heard of Ayurvedic medicine or certain Ayurvedic remedies. But what exactly does it consist of? Well, it’s a medical system that originated in India, and has been applied for over 3000 years with the intention to improve health and promote a balance between mind, body, and spirit.

In accordance with Ayurvedic belief there are 5 elements (fire, air, space, earth and water) that make up the three doshas of the human body, higher generally known as vata, pitta and kapha. When there’s an imbalance between these, health problems appear.

Based on this, a form of other medicine has been developed that suggests changes in lifestyle and weight loss program as determinants to sustain health. In turn, it involves the usage of herbs and natural foods as a approach to promote relief from certain diseases, comparable to those of the thyroid.

Is Ayurvedic medicine effective against thyroid disorders?

In popular literature, treatment stemming from Ayurvedic medicine are considered allies against disorders affecting thyroid function. Nevertheless, thus far, there’s no conclusive evidence about their effectiveness.

Quite the opposite, physicians suggest a cautious use of this kind of therapy to avoid complications. Although it could possibly be applied as a complement to regular approaches, its possible effects must first be evaluated.

Even though it involves the usage of ingredients of natural origin, these aren’t sufficient to reverse the origin of the issue. As well as, they aren’t freed from contraindications, negative effects, or drug interactions.

Possible advantages of Ayurvedic medicine on thyroid health

As an article reported in PLOS Medicine states, thyroid dysfunctions are related to the onset of a wide selection of chronic diseases and a decrease in life expectancy. Particularly, they have an effect on metabolic and cardiovascular disorders and even cancer.

Resulting from these risks, their treatment should be timely and skilled. The endocrinologist, along with other professionals, comparable to the nutritionist, are liable for guiding towards effective therapeutic measures.

Nevertheless, many individuals have turn out to be considering Ayurvedic medicine to take care of and improve thyroid health. In reality, some studies have recorded certain advantages. In any case, it’s essential to be mindful that its use must be complementary and, if possible, supervised.

Hypothyroidism

One among the plants utilized in Ayurvedic medicine to enhance thyroid health is ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), also called “Indian ginseng”. Specifically, it’s considered an adaptogenic herb that will help control hypothyroidism.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study reported in The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, participants took 600 milligrams of ashwagandha root every day for 8 weeks. After this time, those that received the complement improved their thyroid hormone levels.

Other research shared within the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine suggested similar effects in a bunch of patients who, along with hypothyroidism, had bipolar disorder. Nevertheless, more clinical trials and research are needed.

Hyperthyroidism

Limited studies suggest that some plants utilized in Ayurvedic medicine help control hyperthyroidism. Among the best-known is Convolvulus pluricaulis Choisy (C. pluricaulis), popular in countries comparable to India and China.

On this regard, a study in Hormone and Metabolic Research in mice found that the extract of this plant helped reduce elevated levels of thyroid hormones. It was also useful in regulating the degrees of some liver enzymes involved on this disorder. As within the previous case, more evidence is required.

General recommendations of Ayurvedic medicine to enhance thyroid health

Along with the plants mentioned above, there are some healthy habits that, based on Ayurvedic medicine, help us to realize a balance of the three doshas to advertise well-being and care for thyroid health.

Some recommendations are the next:

• Adopt a “vatapacifying weight loss program”. Principally, this implies increasing the intake of foods abundant in fiber, comparable to legumes, spinach, and bananas. At the identical time, ultra-processed foods, fried foods or those constructed from chickpea flour or all-purpose flour must be avoided.
• Avoid excessive consumption of dairy products and derivatives.
• Practice pranayama. It is a type of yoga to regulate respiratory.
• Walking and any type of physical exertion.

What to recollect?

Ayurvedic medicine is a type of complementary medicine that may have positive effects within the control of thyroid disorders. Even so, it isn’t considered a first-line option against these diseases. Subsequently, it shouldn’t replace conventional medical treatment.

Some Ayurvedic plants and therapies can improve thyroid health. Nevertheless, they must be used under medical supervision in order to not interfere with the standard approach.

It would interest you…