What Is Thyroid Disease, and How Does It Affect the Body?

Question

I recently heard about thyroid disease, but I don’t fully understand what it means or how it affects the body. I know the thyroid gland plays a role in metabolism, but now I’m wondering—what exactly is thyroid disease, and what are its symptoms?

From what I understand, thyroid disease can include conditions like hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). But what causes these conditions, and how do they affect weight, energy levels, and overall health?

I also read that thyroid disease can lead to symptoms like fatigue, mood swings, and changes in appetite. How is thyroid disease diagnosed, and are blood tests the only way to confirm it? What are the risks of leaving thyroid imbalances untreated?

Since I prefer natural treatments, I looked into Ayurveda’s approach to managing thyroid disease. Are there Ayurvedic remedies, herbs, or dietary changes that can help regulate thyroid function naturally? I found that Ashwagandha, Guggulu, and seaweed are often recommended—do these actually work in balancing thyroid hormones?

For those who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease, what treatments worked best for you? Did medication, lifestyle changes, or Ayurvedic remedies help regulate your thyroid levels? I’d love to hear real experiences on managing thyroid disease naturally.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

Thyroid disease refers to a range of conditions affecting the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that regulates metabolism, energy, and hormone balance. The two most common conditions are hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), where the gland produces insufficient hormones, leading to fatigue, weight gain, depression, and slow metabolism, and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), where excessive hormone production causes weight loss, anxiety, heart palpitations, and excessive sweating. These imbalances can be caused by autoimmune disorders (like Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease), iodine deficiency, stress, or genetic factors.

Diagnosis involves blood tests measuring TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone), T3, and T4 levels, along with antibody tests for autoimmune thyroid conditions. While mild imbalances might not require immediate treatment, untreated thyroid disorders can lead to heart disease, infertility, or metabolic issues over time. Conventional treatment includes levothyroxine for hypothyroidism and anti-thyroid medications or radioactive iodine for hyperthyroidism, but many people explore holistic approaches to complement medical care.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, thyroid imbalances are linked to Vata-Kapha disturbances. Herbs like Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) help regulate thyroid function, while Kanchanar Guggulu supports lymphatic detoxification and hormone balance. Foods rich in iodine (like seaweed), selenium (found in Brazil nuts), and zinc (found in pumpkin seeds) help nourish the thyroid naturally. Ayurveda also emphasizes daily oil massages (Abhyanga), Pranayama (breathwork), and yoga poses like Sarvangasana (shoulder stand) to improve thyroid circulation. Many individuals with thyroid disease find that a balanced diet, stress reduction, and Ayurvedic herbs significantly improve energy levels and overall well-being.

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