For individuals dealing with hypothyroidism, complementing conventional treatment like levothyroxine with Ayurvedic approaches can help balance the body’s unique constitution. To start, focus on diet as it’s crucial in managing hypothyroidism. Encourage her to consume warm, nutritious meals that pacify the Kapha dosha, which usually aggravates in hypothyroidism. Incorporate spices like ginger, black pepper, and cumin in her diet, they help stimulate digestive fire (agni) and balance metabolism.
Advise her to include guggul, known for its thyroid-supportive properties. She could take guggul supplements, but it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for correct dosage and ensure it doesn’t interfere with her current medications. Besides that, ashwagandha can also provide support to the thyroid glands. Have her take approximately 1-2 grams of ashwagandha powder with warm water or milk at night.
Yoga and Pranayama can further support thyroid function—specific poses like Sarvangasana (shoulder stand), Matsyasana (fish pose), and Halasana (plow pose) stimulate the thyroid gland. Practice these poses regularly, but ensure she does them safely, ideally under the guidance of a yoga instructor initially. Her general lifestyle should encourage regular physical activity, avoiding high-fat, difficult-to-digest foods, and maintaining a regular sleep pattern to ensure proper rest.
A moderate sun exposure for Vitamin D can support overall wellness, as well as fluids to maintain hydration. However, recommendation of natural remedies should always be discussed with her healthcare provider to ensure they align with her current medical treatments and overall health condition. Always remember, while Ayurveda can offer valuable adjunct support, it should not replace standard treatments, especially in chronic conditions like hypothyroidism.
In managing hypothyroidism naturally, it’s important to complement the prescribed medication rather than replace it. The Siddha-Ayurvedic approach emphasizes balancing the doshas, especially considering the interplay between Vata and Kapha imbalances that might contribute to thyroid issues. A good starting point is to focus on diet and lifestyle adjustments.
Diet-wise, encourage your mother to incorporate foods that stimulate the Agni, or digestive fire. Warm, cooked meals with spices like turmeric, black pepper, and ginger can be beneficial. Cook with sesame oil or ghee to help balance Vata. Limit raw, cold foods and cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli which could inhibit thyroid function if consumed excessively.
Include nutrient-rich foods high in iodine, selenium, and zinc—such as sea vegetables, nuts, and seeds. Ensure daily intake is moderate, not excessive, as this can also affect thyroid health. Herbal support can be considered with Ayurvedic herbs like ashwagandha and guggul, but make sure to consult with an Ayurvedic physician before introducing these to verify compatibility with her current medication.
Lifestyle modifications also play a crucial role. Advise your mother to establish a regular sleep schedule and manage stress with practices like yoga or pranayama (breathing exercises). Gentle exercises can aid circulation and metabolism too. Ensure she stays warm and avoids unnecessary exertion which can aggravate Vata.
Moreover, regular monitoring of thyroid levels is essential. If there’s any sudden change in symptoms like heart rate or weight fluctuation, consult a healthcare provider promptly. Hypothyroidism needs careful management and balance—always be cautious with natural remedies when there’s existing medication involved.
