Treating Thyroid Issues with Ayurveda

Thyroid issues are very common, and many suffer from thyroid disorders. A woman is five to eight times more likely to have a thyroid condition than a man, says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Director and Principal Consultant of Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore.

A thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland that on the neck’s front. The thyroid is just below Adam’s apple, along the front side of the windpipe. Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor at Ayush Singapore, says that any irregularity in the thyroid can result in hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, goiter, Graves’ disease, and thyroid cancer, among others. He adds, “Thyroid has an important role in the endocrine system. Its primary function is to manage metabolism by producing and releasing metabolic hormones. The thyroid is a very sensitive endocrine gland, and it reacts to stress very fast, thus hindering thyroid hormone production.”

Hypothyroidism

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor at Ayush Singapore, says hypothyroidism is characterized by sudden weight gain. “The body’s immune system may weaken, and the patient may have swelling and cramping in the feet. Constipation, swelling of the face and eye, rough and dry skin, and inconsistent menstrual cycle, and rough and dry skin are also common in hypothyroidism. In many, it can even lead to depression,” explains Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore.

Hyperthyroidism 

Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore, says, “We have observed that hyperthyroidism is very common in women in their 20s. Increased appetite, weight loss, excess sweating, muscle weakness, increased heartbeat, and sleep loss are common symptoms of hyperthyroidism.”

Thyroid treatment in Ayurveda 

As per Ayurveda, the thyroid imbalance is when the body’s Ojas is depleted. “Some early signs of thyroid issues are chronic fatigue, tiredness, and a weak immune system. Hence, early detection of thyroid can reduce the risk as Ayurveda can easily treat it, says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore. “At Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, we don’t prescribe one single medicine for a dosha to all patients. The treatment is customized and focused on removing the root cause of the illness. Since the Vata dosha in the body causes thyroid issues, we advise patients to have a diet that doesn’t increase the Vata dosha in the body,” says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore.

Thyroid diet

In Ayurveda, the diet has a major role. “We recommend fiber-rich foods like spinach, beans, legumes, and bananas. Also, it’s important to consume food at regular intervals. We advise going for small quantities instead of having a heavy meal. Jalkumbhi and drumstick improve iodine levels in the body, and Dhaniya (coriander) and Jeerak Siddha Jala are good for recovery from swelling. Ginger is also good for the thyroid. One can boil ginger in water and drink it like tea,” says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore.

He adds, “In thyroid issues, it is recommended to avoid raw vegetables, particularly cauliflower, kale, and broccoli. We advise people to avoid all forms of processed sugar. A fruit a day, especially bananas, is very good.”

A lack of vitamin D can aggravate thyroid problems. “Early morning sun exposure is a good way to address the deficiency. Regular outdoor exercise helps stimulate thyroid glands and improve immunity,” says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore.

“We at Ayush Ayurveda, Singapore, often prescribe Trikatu, Shilajit, Triphala, Shankapushpi, and other herbs. Panchakarma (body massage and detoxification), Nasya, Dhara, and Shirodhara are also prescribed for certain thyroid disorders. However, it’s important that one consult an Ayurveda doctor before starting any Ayurvedic medication,” says Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, Ayurveda Doctor, Ayush Singapore. 

About the Doctor

V.C. Ajith Kumar is a veteran of Ayurvedic Medicine. With over 32 years of experience treating patients using the ancient science of Ayurveda, Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar is well-known in India and abroad. A Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery (BAMS) from Ayurvedic College Coimbatore, India in 1988, V.C. Ajith Kumar was mentored by his guru Bhramasri Ashtavaidyan Vaidyamadam Valiya Narayanan Namboothiri. Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar, perfected the science of Ayurveda by staying with his guru for four years and became an expert in Ashta Vaidya, particularly in the Vaidyamadam tradition.

V.C. Ajith Kumar had worked for a year at Coimbatore Ayurvedic College and subsequently 14 years as a Medical Officer with the Tamilnadu Government Medical Service. In 2004, he moved to Malaysia and served as a Senior Ayurvedic Consultant with Promotil Ayur Health Centre Sdn Bhd. In 2008, Dr. V.C. Ajith Kumar established Ayush Ayurvedic Pte Ltd in Singapore to offer traditional Ayurvedic treatments to the people there.