Hyperthyroidism is a metabolic disorder, characterized by the excessive production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland. The increased metabolism causes loss of weight and symptoms such as trembling and sweating of hands.
SOME COMMON CAUSES SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
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Graves’ Disease
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease. The thyroid gland itself over-produces thyroid hormone and is no longer able to respond to the pituitary and hypothalamus. Graves’ disease is five times more common in women and runs in families. Risk factors for Graves’ disease include smoking, viral illnesses, radiation to the neck, and medications. The condition is associated with an eye disease called Graves’ ophthalmopathy and skin lesions called dermopathy. Diagnosis of Graves’ disease is made by blood tests, and a nuclear medicine thyroid scan.
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Functioning adenoma (“hot nodule”) and Toxic Multinodular Goiter (TMNG)
When the thyroid gland tissue overgrows, either in individual nodules (the functioning adenoma) or in multiple clusters (multinodular goiter), it is generally termed “goiter.” Goiters appear as large, swollen areas in the front of the neck near the Adam’s apple. These goiters may over-produce thyroid hormone, causing symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
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Excessive intake of thyroid hormones
Hyperthyroidism may be caused by the intake of too much thyroid medication. Supplemental thyroid medication is given to patients who have low thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism. If the dose is not correct or the patient takes too much of the medication, hypothyroidism may occur. Some people may abuse thyroid hormone medications in an attempt to lose weight. Taking thyroid hormones, the body does not need may result in hyperthyroidism.
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Abnormal secretion of TSH
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is secreted by the pituitary gland and causes the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. A tumor or problem with the pituitary gland can cause and excess of TSH to affect the thyroid and can result in hyperthyroidism.
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Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland)
Thyroiditis is inflammation of the thyroid. It is usually caused by a viral illness. The patient may have generalized neck pain, sore throat, fever, chills, and a tender thyroid. The inflammation of the thyroid causes an increased amount of thyroid hormone to be secreted into the body, causing hyperthyroidism. After pregnancy, some women – up to 8% – may develop a condition called lymphocytic thyroiditis where white blood cells called lymphocytes accumulate in the glandular tissue. Thyroiditis can be diagnosed with blood tests and a thyroid scan.
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Excessive iodine intake
An important component of thyroid hormone is iodine. If an excess of iodine is ingested the thyroid may over-produce thyroid hormone and cause hyperthyroidism. Some medications such as such as the anti-arrhythmic drug amiodarone (Cordarone) contain large amounts of iodine and can induce thyroid dysfunction.
Ayushakti’s ayurvedic treatment for hyperthyroidism aims to control its symptoms and prevent them from getting severe. Ayurveda strives to cure the root cause or pathology of hyperthyroidism i.e. Grave’s disease. Stress, smoking, exposure of neck to radiation, certain medications and persistent viral infections can precipitate Grave’s disease.
Some common symptoms of hyperthyroidism is a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia). The feeling of a racing heart and/or palpitations can be distressing to patients.
SYMPTOMS OF HYPERTHYROIDISM
- Excessive hunger
- Frequent bowel movements
- Nervousness
- Intolerance towards heat
- Difficulty to concentrate
- Scanty or irregular menstruation
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Sleeplessness
- Excessive sweating
- Tremors in extremities
AYURVEDIC TREATMENT FOR HYPERTHYROIDISM
According to Ayurveda, impaired digestion of food leads to blockage of the minute channels in the body causing an imbalance in the function of the thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism reflects profound derangement of Vata and Pitta Doshas. The two vitiated Doshas overstimulate the gastric fire which leads to excessive hunger. Vayu has dynamic, light and unstable properties. Escalation of dynamic and unstable characteristics causes tremors in the extremities, sleeplessness, nervousness and difficulty to concentrate the mind. It is also marked by frequent bowel movement and irregular menstruation. The increased lightness of Vayu makes the body lighter (because of weight loss). Since Pitta is basically hot, the patient has excessive sweating and intolerance towards heat.
DIET & LIFESTYLE ADVICE TO FOLLOW
- Include enough quantity of milk, pure ghee and milk products in food.
- Eat fresh fruits like banana and melons, and dry fruits like dates and walnuts, which reduce aggravated Vata and Pitta.
- Yoga, Pranayama and meditation also help in reigning over aggravated Vata and Pitta.
Ayushakti’s approach is to improve the metabolism and balance the immune system which creates thyroid hormone balance naturally and reduces anti thyroid antibody. The diet, lifestyle, herbs and detox therapies help relieve all the hypothyroid symptoms like panic, exhaustion, bloating of the body, indigestion, nervousness and anxiety, dryness of skin and hair etc.
To balance thyroid function naturally, Ayushakti recommends Detox Panchakarma Treatment with customized, balanced diet. Ayushakti Ayurved has 30 years of excellence in providing proven health services worldwide with 100% safe and effective ayurvedic products. You can book an appointment with us by calling on our toll-free numbers 1800 266 3001 (India) and 1800 280 0906 (Global) or by emailing us at info@ayushakti.com