Thyroid issues can be complex, but in the Siddha-Ayurvedic tradition, we focus on balancing the body’s energies or doshas—vata, pitta, and kapha—with a comprehensive approach to diet, lifestyle, and specific remedies. While it’s always important to stay in touch with your medical doctor, there are natural strategies you can adopt alongside regular medical advice to support your thyroid health.
First, let’s address diet. It’s essential to include thyroid-supportive foods like those rich in selenium and zinc—think nuts, seeds, especially pumpkin seeds, and whole grains. If seaweed isn’t palatable, don’t worry. Brazil nuts are a great remedy too as they are high in selenium. Ashwagandha is well-regarded in Ayurveda for balancing thyroid function, particularly for its adaptogenic properties. A dose of 250-500 mg, once or twice a day, depending on your body type, can be beneficial. However, consult with a practitioner for specific dosing.
In terms of lifestyle, yoga can indeed be helpful, particularly poses such as Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand) and Matsyasana (Fish Pose) which can stimulate the thyroid gland. Breathing techniques like Pranayama are known to reduce stress and can be practiced daily to help with anxiety and shakiness.
Avoid processed foods, as they can disturb the balance of your digestive fire, or agni. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage should be consumed moderately, as excessive intake can hinder iodine absorption.
Ultimately, understanding your unique prakriti (constitution) can guide a more tailored approach, so it might be worthwhile previously consulting with an experienced Ayurvedic physician. Integrating these methods mindfully with ongoing medical advice will offer a balanced approach to managing thyroid health.
