The thyroid is found in the forward part of the lower neck. It produces numerous types of hormones that play important roles in bodily functions. Body temperature, cholesterol level, heart rate, metabolism, and respiration are some of the processes that are directly or indirectly affected by the gland.
Unfortunately, the activity of the thyroid is prone to fluctuating. If it becomes too active, the gland is suffering from hyperthyroidism. Conversely, if it is not producing enough thyroid hormones, it is undergoing hypothyroidism.
Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can spell disaster for your health since the thyroid affects many organs and systems. They can also lead to more serious thyroid diseases, starting with an excessively-stimulated gland, Grave's disease, or Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
There are pharmaceutical drugs and therapies for treating thyroid problems. However, they all tend to have harmful side effects, some of which can aggravate the existing issues. (Related: Ashwagandha could be your next workout supplement.)
Ashwagandha is said to raise the levels of energy and vitality in the body. The root reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia, and manages stress. Most importantly, it can relieve the symptoms and effects of thyroid problems without the nasty side effects of synthetic drugs.
In 2017, Indian researchers at the Sudbhawana Hospital conducted an experiment with 50 participants. All patients displayed higher levels of thyroid hormones than normal. None of them had taken any previous treatment for their condition.
Blood was sampled from each patient before the start of the study. The samples were analyzed for the amount of thyroid hormones they contained.
The patients received either ashwagandha root or a placebo. The herbal medicine was administered in a 300-milligram dose. Both the root and the placebo were taken twice a day.
Treatment lasted for eight weeks. At the end of the period, the researchers took a new batch of blood samples from the participants for evaluation and comparison with the earlier samples.
Paarticipants who received ashwagandha root displayed much better levels of thyroid hormones at the end of the study. The T3, T4, and TSH hormones in their blood had returned to normal concentrations.
Some of the participants reported experiencing minor side effects from taking ashwagandha. These issues were coughing, headaches, and slight fevers.
The results of the Sudbhawana study and other similar research suggest that ashwagandha root could offer a solution to the 20 million people whose thyroids have been diagnosed with problems. There are also many more who have not yet realized the hidden issues with their thyroid gland.
If you suffer from hyperthyroidism – that is to say, an overactive thyroid –, you could be experiencing anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, and abnormally fast or strong heartbeats. You would also be losing weight despite eating a lot of food.
On the other hand, people with hypothyroidism often complain about dry skin, reduced heart rate, problematic memories, and sudden increases in weight. They are also prone to chronic fatigue, depression, and lethargy.
If you have been diagnosed with thyroid problems, you should consider trying out ashwagandha root. This relative of the tomato is an adaptogenic herb that restores stability to fluctuating hormone levels and protects vulnerable cells from harm.
Taking ashwagandha will provide welcome natural support, and not just to your thyroid. It will also bolster your immune system, improve your blood sugar levels, reduce cholesterol, and sharpen your mind.
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