CHENNAI: Thyroid diseases are common worldwide and in India and there is a significant burden of thyroid diseases. According to a projection from various studies on thyroid, it has been estimated that about 42 million people in India suffer from thyroid diseases. There are five common thyroid diseases in India namely- hypothyroidism,hyperthyroidism,goiter and iodine, deficiency disorders, Hoshimoto’s thyroiditis and thyroid cancer. As hypothyroidism continues to grow significantly in the country, particularly among women, awareness about the disease and its diagnosis remains shockingly low.
While one in ten adults in India suffer from hypothyroidism, a recent survey conducted by Indian Thyroid Society shows awareness for the disease ranked ninth as compared to other common ailments. The prevalence of hypothyroidism in the developed world is estimated to be about 4-5%.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body lacks sufficient thyroid hormone. It is caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland, which leaves a large percentage of the cells of the thyroid damaged and incapable of producing sufficient hormone.
Complication
Because the body is expecting a certain amount of thyroid hormone, the pituitary will make additional Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) in an attempt to entice the thyroid to produce more hormone. These high levels of TSH may cause the thyroid gland to become enlarged and form a goiter (termed a “compensatory goiter”).
Siddha Aspect oh Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is due to Kabavaatha predominance hence the treatment aims to comedown these elevated dhoshas.
Diet
Having a 30ml decoction prepared with the bark of Mookirattai (Boerhavia diffusa) in an empty stomach can treat
Treatment & Remedies
Commiphora wightii resin, aka Guggulu, is useful to correct obesity in Hypothyroidism. Kaanchanaara guggulu and Punarnawaadi guggulu, the pills containing these herbs are used for treatment. Weight gain is treated with Mandoorathi adai Kudineer and Silasatthu Anna. Pavala Chendooram, Karisaalai (Eclipta alba) Madakku thylam, Thirumoolar Pranayamam are very useful in Hypothyroidism when done with proper Siddha Physician advices.
Dr B Thamizhkkani (Government Siddha Physician, Tiruchy)