Thyroiditis Ayurvedic Treatment

Inflammation of thyroid gland is known as Thyroiditis. There may be over or under production of thyroid hormones (hyper/ hypothyroidism). Most cases pass through 3 phases of the disease: thyrotoxic phase– characterised by a rush of hormones (thyrotoxicosis), hypothyroid phase– a phase of hypothyroidism following thyrotoxic phase, and euthyroid phase– of normal thyroid levels. Several types of thyroiditis are seen- like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, post-partum thyroiditis, radiation induced thyroiditis, silent thyroiditis, acute infectious thyroiditis, drug induced thyroiditis etc, and their causes are different even though autoimmunity plays an important role in disease manifestation. The common causes are viral or bacterial infection, certain medicines (eg: interferons) etc.

Thyroiditis Signs and Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of thyroiditis are different according to the cause of inflammation. Most cases will show the symptoms/ signs of thyrotoxicosis followed by hypothyroidism irrespective of the cause of inflammation. During thyrotoxicosis, the person often experiences increased appetite and heartbeat, unexplained weight loss, anxiety, irritability, increased sweating, difficulty to sleep, heat intolerance, tremors etc. This phase lasts for about 1-3 months, which is followed by hypothyroid phase. During this phase, there may be fatigue, constipation, unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, dry skin, cold sensitivity, depression, problems with concentration etc which may last for a long period or even become permanent.

Thyroiditis Ayurvedic Analysis

Agnimandya (reduced power of digestive fire) causes accumulation of toxins in bodily organs and glands resulting in production of ama (incompletely processed waste materials which are not ready for elimination). It produces srotorodha (blockage of channels) causing impaired functioning of granthi (glands). Pitta is deranged here resulting in irritability, increased sweating, constipation, sleep issues, mental disturbances etc.

Thyroiditis Causative Factors (Ayurveda)

The major causative factors are intake viruddha ahara (incompatible food), asatmya ahara (unaccustomed food), pungent/ sour/ hot food, stress; excessive exposure to heat, infections etc.

Possible Complications Thyroiditis Disease

If left untreated, thyroiditis may lead to a condition called thyroid storm characterised by high fever, increased heartbeat, anxiety/ irritation, delirium etc.

Other systemic diseases and precautions to be taken

Consider other diseases like hypertension, diabetes etc before planning treatment.

Thyroiditis Disease Management with Ayurveda Treatment

The management is focused on correction of Agni (digestive fire) and pacification of pitta and kapha. Internal medicines are given along with procedures like pratisarana (drainage), gandusha (gargling with suitable medicine), nasya (nasal instillation of medicine), virechana (purgation therapy) etc.

Diet

Include more leafy vegetables, sea fish, egg, nuts, citrus fruits etc in diet.

Exercise

Exercises that provide massaging effect on thyroid are helpful. Yoga, pranayama and meditation are also effective.

Thyroiditis Preventive Aspects in Ayurveda

This is not a preventable condition. Eat healthy nutritious food, exercise regularly, avoid stress, smoking and alcoholism for maintaining good health.

Importance of Diet

Diet plays an important role in the manifestation as well as management of thyroiditis. Include adequate amount of salt in diet. Avoid food items that increase inflammation.

Lifestyle

Follow the diet pattern prescribed by the physician. Exercise regularly. Ensure adequate sleep. Drink enough water. Avoid stress, smoking and alcoholism.