As we all know 25th May was World Thyroid Day
The Thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped gland, located below the Adam’s Apple, in the base of the neck. Although it is small in size, the gland plays a huge role in our body, regulating our metabolism, and influences the function of the Heart, Brain, Skin, Liver and Kidneys. The Thyroid needs iodine to produce the hormone and extracts this from the bloodstream. The Thyroid uses this to make two kinds of hormone, Thyroxine T4, and Triodothyronine T3.
When something in the body goes awry that leads to Overactive Thyroid or Underactive Thyroid, your metabolism either revs up too high or slows way down respectively. Overactive is called Hyperthyroidism and Underactive Hypothyroidism.
Today, I am going to focus on Hypothyroidism and next week on Hyperthyroidism. Presently there are 42 million people in India, approximately, suffering from Hypothyroidism.
With Hypothyroidism, the Metabolism slows down, Heart rate is slower, the Gut becomes sluggish. Signs of Hypothyroidism include Dry skin, Dry and brittle hair, Constipation, Weight gain, Fatigue, Depression among others.
Non-dietary Remedies:
- Stress : Stress alone will not cause a Thyroid disorder, but it can make the condition worse. The impact of stress on the Thyroid occurs by slowing your body’s Metabolism so increases Weight. Please keep your stress levels under control.
- Meditation and Yoga : These two practices are extremely good for your Thyroid as it reduces your stress levels. Where yoga is concerned, in particular the plough pose, cobra pose and sarvangasana help in stimulating the thyroid. Please incorporate these two practices in your life as part of a daily routine.
- Sleep : Hormones get balanced at night while we are asleep Please get a good nights sleep for repairing and rejuvenating the body. These functions ony happen when the body is at rest.
- Exercise : Regular exercise is very important to manage Hypothyroidism. Exercise not only burns calories helping to maintain or lose weight, but can also improve your mood by releasing endorphins and other chemicals. One tends to feel sluggish and fatigued and hence not wanting to exercise, but regular exercise will really go a long way in stabilising hormone levels.
- Acupuncture : Along with diet and other remedies Acupuncture and traditional Chinese Medicine has also been recommended by the World Health Organisation for helping in Hypothyroidism.
Dietary Remedies:
- Coriander Water : Take 4 to 5 tablespoons of Coriander seeds and boil in 1 L of water. Reduce to 500 ml and drink daily, on an empty stomach, first thing in the morning . Take equal quantities of Cinnamon powder, Ajwain (Carrom) powder and Methi (Fenugreek) powder and mix. Add 1 tablespoon of the powder in water and drink once a day.
- Apple Cider Vinegar : Mix 1 tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar in a glass of lukewarm water along with 1 teaspoon of Honey. Have daily 20 to 30 minutes after lunch. Apple Cider Vinegar helps regulate hormones and improves energy metabolism.
- Coconut Oil : Incorporate 1 tablespoon of Virgin Coconut Oil to your daily diet. Coconut oil contains medium chain fatty acids that help improve Thyroid function.
- Fish Oils & Fatty Fish: This is good for increasing Thyroid hormone.
- Ginger : Add Ginger to your diet. Ginger contains Zinc, Magnesium and Potassium. It’s anti-inflammatory properties help improve Thyroid functioning.
- Turmeric : Is anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant, and prevents reduction of Thyroid hormone levels in Hypothyroidism. For better absorption of turmeric always combine it with black pepper.
- Vitamins B and C : Regular intake of Vitamins B12 and C is beneficial for Hypothyroidism. Increase the intake by consuming Flaxseeds (B12), Citrus fruits, Green leafy vegetables, Fish, Meat, Eggs and Dairy. Cruciferous vegetables (Cauliflower, Cabbage, Broccoli) can be consumed in small amounts as these contain Goitrogens with Thyroid blocking properties.
- Fruits : Avoid fruits like Peaches, Strawberries and Pears as they also contain Goitrogens. Other fruits are good for this condition.
- Soya products : Have soya products like Tofu, Soya milk and Soya bean in limited quantities.
- Gluten Free : It is best to be Gluten free if you have Hypothyroidism.
- Alcohol and Caffeine : Cut back on these beverages if you have this condition.
All the best and Happy Healing from Naturally Dimpi!!
Love and light