Hypothyroidism is the diseased condition caused by insufficient production of thyroid hormone by thyroid gland. Depending on the organ affected, hypothyroidism may be classified as – Primary (thyroid gland), Secondary (Pituitary gland) or Tertiary (Hypothalamus). The most common cause for/Hypothyroidism is iodine-deficiency, which is the result of metabolic disturbances mainly due to dietary deficiency, resulting from incorrect food habits. It can also be caused by drugs, especially by anti depressants.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
The common symptoms include poor muscle tone, fatigue, cold intolerance / increased sensitivity to cold, depression, constipation, arthritis, thin & brittle hair & fingernails, weight gain & water retention, abnormal menstrual cycles, decreased body temperature, bradycardia (low heart rate – less than 60 beats/min) etc. which may later manifest into severe complications like cardiovascular myxedema if left untreated.
So what begins as a mere dietary deficiency, may lead to fatal cardiac complications! To diagnose Hypothyroidism, many doctors simply measure the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), fT3 (free trnodotyronine), fT4 (free levothyroxine), total T3 or total T4 levels in blood. To avoid all these blood tests and other complications, Naturopathy principles can be followed. A complete and well-balanced diet is of utmost importance. In the management of Hypothyroidism, patients should avoid ‘goitrogenic’ food. Goitrogens are those substances that cause enlargement of the thyroid gland by interfering in the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The foods that contain natural goitrogens include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, soya, etc. The use of these should be limited / avoided. Raw juice therapy can be started under expert supervision. Juices of parsley, beetroot, radish, potato, banana, etc. are rich in iodine content and are beneficial for this purpose. Fats, sugars and non-vegetarian food should be restricted. Vitamin rich food (especially green leafy vegetables) should be included in the diet as it helps in the synthesis of thyroxin.
Hydrotherapy treatments like hot neck pack, compress to throat and facial sauna followed by short cold applications aid in stimulating TSH. Full wet sheet pack (upto sweating stage) can be used. Hot water drinking is also advised (but limiting to the period of treatment). Enema can be given to get symptomatic relief.
Exposing the body to sunlight will increase the metabolic rate, increase blood circulation and help in the absorption of calcium and phosphorous. This is beneficial in hypothyroidism. Sunbath should be approximately for 20 minutes and should be avoided in the afternoon. Neck massage is contraindicated in hypothyroidism, but massage to head, abdomen, limbs etc. is advised as it helps in increasing the BMR.
Exercise is an important aspect in the management of Hypothyroidism. It increases tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone and stimulates thyroid gland secretion. This is especially important during rawjuice therapy as it keeps check of BMR. Physical activity like walking, cycling or swimming for 15-20 minutes daily proves beneficial. Yogic practices like vipareeta karni mudra, sarvangasana followed by matsyasana, ushtrasana, shanshakasana breathing (rabbit breathing), sukshma vyayama like grihva shakti vikasak (neck exercises), setu-bandhasana (bridge pose), simhasana (with tongue lock) etc. Pranayama like Bhastrika, Kapalabhati, Ujjayi, nadi suddhi, jalandhara bandha are advised. Yoga session should be concluded with relaxative and meditative practices. All Yoga practices should be done under expert guidance.
Naturopathy does not prescribe any kind of medicine. Treatment through Naturopathy usually takes 3 weeks to begin positive effects. Hypothyroidism can be controlled thereafter with proper dietary habits, sunbath and exercise as mentioned above. You can visit any Naturopathy clinic near your place and start treatment at the earliest. The cost of treatment and duration can be enquired there itself. NIN does not have in-patient facility at present.