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5 Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism Treatment You Did Not Know
In Australia, almost half a million people have some sort of thyroid disease. And out of these people, around 50% of them don’t even know they have it.
If you’ve been feeling tired, gaining weight, have muscle weakness, and feel cold very easily, it’s very possible you have hypothyroidism.
While this condition can be treated with medications, there are also natural remedies for hypothyroidism you can try.
In this article, we’ll discuss the condition and some natural ways to treat hypothyroidism.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is also known as “underactive thyroid” or “low thyroid.” It’s an endocrine disorder where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones. These mainly include triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune disease, which means your body attacks its own systems as a mistake. In the case of Hashimoto’s, your immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Causes
As we’ve mentioned above, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the main cause of hypothyroidism for most people. However, there are also other possible causes, although not as common.
For example, you may have hyperthyroidism and are currently receiving treatment for it. But occasionally, your body can over-respond and you end up with hypothyroidism instead.
You can also develop this condition if you’ve had thyroid surgery and radiation therapy. In the former situation, you may have to take thyroid hormones for the rest of your life.
Another cause of hypothyroidism is the medications you’re on. For example, lithium can cause you to have a lack of thyroid hormones.
People can also develop hypothyroidism if they have an iodine deficiency. However, in developed countries, you can find iodine in table salt, which means people rarely have a deficiency.
Symptoms of Underactive Thyroid
Here are some of the common symptoms people get when they have hypothyroidism:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Muscle weakness
- Muscle aches
- Increased sensitivity to the cold
- Painful and/or swollen joints
- Depression
- Thinning hair
- Goitre (enlarged thyroid gland)
- Irregular menstrual periods
Ayurveda View
Ayurveda is a type of Indian alternative medicine that has its roots back in 6,000 BCE. According to Ayurveda, there are 5 basic elements (Panchamahabhutas) in the universe: Akasa (space), Vayu (air), Thejus (fire), Ap (water), and Prithvi (earth).
This type of treatment believes that there is no distinct separation between you and nature. So when it comes to diseases and conditions, the focus is on healing the entire person, not just the specific body part. This includes a person’s behaviors and beliefs.
Concept of Agni
“Agni” is a sacred fire in Ayurveda. Agni is basically related to your metabolic system, which includes the digestion and absorption of the foods you eat. There are 13 types: Jadaragni (1), Dhatwagni (7), and Bhutagni (5).
When you have hypothyroidism, you have an altered state of Agni instead of a healthy one.
In Ayurveda, we focus on getting a hypothyroidism natural treatment for you to restore balance in your Agni.
5 Natural Ayurveda Treatments for Hypothyroidism
If you’re looking for a natural treatment for hypothyroidism, then it may be a good idea to turn to Ayurveda to restore a healthy state of Agni.
1. Medicated Powder Massage
Medicated powder massage is also known as Udhvartana. This is a full body massage that uses herbal powders. So instead of using oils like with Western massages, in this type of Ayurvedic massage uses a herbal powder or paste.
What this treatment does is stimulate your nervous system and glands. It can also detoxify your body to better address your hypothyroidism.
2. Abhyanga
Abhyanga is a type of Ayurvedic oil massage. The oil (usually sesame) is mixed with the proper herbs to treat hypothyroidism.
Not only can this massage help you relax, but it can also relieve the pain that you have in your muscles. Abhyanga can also help if you have digestion issues or poor circulation.
The main goal of Abhyanga is to harmonize your body, mind, and spirit. This is a good treatment to continuously get even after you’ve addressed your hypothyroidism issues.
3. Panchakarma
Panchakarma is a type of detox in Ayurvedic medicine. It focuses on correcting any doshic imbalances you may have.
There are 5 types of treatments Panchakarma. Your Ayurveda practitioner will tailor your panchakarma treatment plan based on your body type and specific needs.
First, the treatment is Vamana. You take an emetic herbal solution in the early morning, which will induce vomiting. This helps you expel spoiled kapha doshas.
Next is Virechana. This is an herbal laxative treatment that helps you expel more toxins from your body.
The third treatment is Vasthi, which is using medicated enemas. The three types are Niruha or Asthapana vasti (herbal decoctive enema), Anuvasana vasti or Sneha vasti (oil enema), Uttara vasti (vagina enema).
Next is Nasya, where the practitioner applies medicated oils and powders inside your nose.
Lastly, there is Rakthamokshanam, which is bloodletting. For the majority of modern Ayurvedic practices, they do not practice this anymore.
4. Yoga and Pranayama
There’s no denying that health problems can take their toll on your mental well-being. As we mentioned above, Ayurveda seeks to heal your body, mind, and spirit.
With yoga and Pranayama (breath control exercises), you can learn to calm your mind and find peace within yourself. By doing so, you can put less pressure on your thyroid and become healthier.
5. Diet and Lifestyle Changes
Making diet and lifestyle changes can only be positive for your health. Try and drink more milk and add things like barley and egg to your diet. In Iodine deficiency, you can have saltwater fish, seaweed and shellfish. You should also increase your intake of water. Try to avoid cauliflower, cabbage, turnip, soy and peanuts.
Some herbs you should consider adding to your diet include Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Punarnava, Pippali, Triphala, and Varana.
Use These Natural Remedies for Hypothyroidism
Now that you know more about natural remedies for hypothyroidism, you’re in a better position to take control of your health. With natural cures for hypothyroidism, you can ease the toll that hypothyroidism medication takes on your body.
Are you interested in an Ayurveda consultation? Then book an appointment with us now. We look forward to helping you with your mind-body renewal.