Ayurveda – Ayurvedic – India

Thyroid Gland

The thyrid gland is an important part of the endocrine system. This system consists of a group of glands and organs that regulate and control various body functions by secreting hormones. Endocrinal glands do not have ducts. They are “ductless glands” They release their hormore directly into the blood stream.

It is located below the Adam’s apple in the neck, in two halves, one each on either side of the Trachea. The two halves (lobes) are connected in the middle (called Isthmus) giving the thyroid gland the shape of a bow tie or butter fly.

Another important endocrinal gland, the pituitary gland produces, among other hormones, Thyroid stimulating hormore (TSH). Just as the name suggests, TSH stinulates the thyroid gland to produce Thyroid hormones. Thyroid gland needs also iodine, an element contained in food and water. The thyroid gland traps iodine and processes it to thyroid hormones.

Thyroid hormone is a hormone with iodine. It is needed for the functions of the brain, growth of body and mind. Thyroid produces two types of Thyroid hormones – Triiodothyronine and Thyroxine.

Lack of these hormone gives rise to cretinism (syndrome of dwarfism, mental retardation and coarsness of the skin). In adults, the hormone deficiency causes myxodema coarsening of the skin, intolerance to cold, weight gain and mental dullness. It these hormones are secreted more, then increase in heart beats, excessive sweating, tremors, tension, overeating, loss of weight occur.

The other glands in ductless endocrine system are Adrenalin, para – thyroid, pancreas, testes, ovaries and pineal glands. Thyroid gland measuring about 2 inches across weight about 15-20 grams.

Over activity of thyroid gland leads to high levels of thyroid hormones and speeding up of body functions. This syndrone of excessive thyroid hormones in the blood stream is called “Thyrotoxicosis”. Causes include simple over activity of the gland, a hormone – secreting benign tumour or carcicoma of the thyroid and Graves disease (exopththalmic goitre). Excessive sweating could be one of the symptoms of over active thyroid gland.

Goitre: When Iodine is deficient, the thyroid gland enlarges, forming a goitre, as it attempts to capture more iodine for production of thyroid hormones. Iodine deficieny causes same symptoms as an under – active thyroid gland. Goitre which are caused by iodine deficiency are called “endemic goitre”, common in regions where diet lacked iodine. “sporadic goitre” may be due to simple hyperplasia (overgrowth) of the gland or to a tumour.

Graves disease: This disease is responsible for 70% Hyperthyrodism. It is an auto – immune disorder caused by an abnormal protein (anti – body) in the blood that stimulates thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. The cause of Graves disease is often heriditary, especially in women. Women are seven times more afflicted than men. This disease affects the body’s immune system.

Thyroiditis: This is inflammation of the thyroid gland. Acute thyroiditis is due to bacterial infection. Chronic thyroiditis is caused by an abnormal immune system in which lymphocytes invade the tissues of the gland.

Ayurvedic conception

According to Caraka Samhita. Persons, who consume milk regularly, are not affected by Goiter. The foods recommended are – old rice, Barley, Urad dal, Cucumber, Sugar cane juice, Dairy Products. Old rice should be used once in a day in food. Barley water can be taken daily twice a day. Cucumber (100 gm) can be consumed daily as salad.

There are several Ayurvedic medicines that can effectively protect and control Thyroid glands. Kanchanara Guggulu, Punarnava Mandoor and Guggulu are some of Ayurvedic medicines used. Yoga, suriya Namaskar and pranayama help in cases of Thyroid prolems. But if the goitre swelling is large, iodine may be required. The patient must be taken to a doctor and get properly treated.