Many people sometimes experience unexpected changes in their weight or energy levels. These might be associated with a thyroid disorder, where your thyroid, a small, essential organ in your neck fails to regulate your body's metabolism correctly. Basically, your thyroid determines how your body utilises energy. Ayurveda targets this disease by addressing the root cause of the condition and not just managing the symptoms. This approach aims at restoring health and balance through natural techniques.
Understanding the root cause of thyroid issues with Ayurveda helps in managing them. This is how Ayurveda describes the imbalance & contributing factors:
Pitta & Kapha Doshas: Ayurveda describes the thyroid gland as mainly involving the Pitta dosha which controls metabolism and energy production. Pitta imbalance can interfere with these functions. Excess Kapha dosha may cause sluggishness and weight gain (common in hypothyroidism).
Vata Dosha: Vata imbalance is less directly involved but may impact the body's overall functioning and worsen thyroid symptoms.
Dhatu Involvement: Imbalances in the dhatus can be significant, particularly Ras (plasma) & Meda (fat). An excess or deficit of these tissues could directly affect thyroid health.
Toxin Accumulations: Poor digestion and metabolism-based accumulation of toxins (Ama) cause blockages and inflammation affecting thyroid function.
Stress: Pitta and Vata doshas become aggravated by continual emotional and mental stress and result in hormonal imbalances.
Diet: Consuming too heavy or cold foods increase Kapha, and spicy or acidic foods irritate Pitta. Both extremes damage thyroid health.
Lack of Exercise: Lack of physical activity can aggravate Kapha dosha, resulting in weight gain and sluggishness and even further stressing the thyroid gland.
Environmental Toxins: Environmental contaminants and chemical substances may impact hormone levels and thyroid functioning.
Thyroid disorders might be caused by many factors which hinder regular thyroid function. Knowing these causes could help in prevention and management:
An essential factor is family background. Having close relatives with thyroid issues increases your risk for similar issues.
Hashimoto's Disease: In this condition, the immune system attacks the thyroid gland mistakenly, causing hypothyroidism.
Graves Disease: An autoimmune condition where the immune system induces the thyroid to make excess hormones, leading to hyperthyroidism.
Diet: Another typical factor is insufficient iodine consumption because iodine is necessary for thyroid hormone production.
Physical Activity: Insufficient exercise can impact thyroid health and hormones.
Radiation & Surgery: Some other treatments including radiation close to the thyroid or surgical removal of part or most of the thyroid might cause dysfunction.
Some Medications: Some medicines hinder thyroid hormone production or function.
Recent studies emphasise the significance of environmental factors and lifestyle in thyroid health care. Simple changes in routine and diet can impact thyroid function and wellness.
Understanding thyroid disorders involves recognising the various factors that could lead to their development. From genetic predispositions and lifestyle choices to environmental exposures and dietary habits, each factor plays a major role. Ayurveda treats the underlying cause of the condition instead of just the symptoms, providing a holistic route to balance and health. The natural healing process starts with understanding the root cause behind thyroid disorders. Consult an Ayurvedic specialist today for customised treatment plans for your health concerns.
