Hi Everybody,
What about yoga for people who are taking thyroxin, who had removed parts or most of the thyroid gland? Should we practice them to enhance metabolism or does it work? When teaching them pranayama in alternate nostril breathing do we use ida and pingala for inhalation alternately as usual or just pingala to heating the body and aid metabolism?
"What are the nutritious foods for Iodine? Some people of Tamil Nadu believes the vegetable Ladies finger has got increased amount of Iodine. Is it correct?
The important source of Iodine is soil. From the soil it concentrates on plants. From the vegetation it gs to animals and human beings. When the soil is rich in iodine, not only the vegetable Ladies finger, all other vegetables have abundant stock of iodine. If the soil lacks iodine, automatically the vegetables will also lack iodine. In some vegetables such as Cauliflower, Cabbage and turnip there is a substance known as goitrogen. It prevents the availability of iodine to the thyroid glands. "
This was part of an article by Government of Tamil Nadu, Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Chennai-6 posted in year 2001.
I am not sure if this article was posted in 2001 and now 2008 there maybe new findings for foods to be avoided for hypothroidism. I am just concern as I have hypothyroidism and i have grown about 20 lady's finger trees at the back of my garden which gives my family a daily supply.
Regards,
Shanthi
Namaste,
I hope this is useful information.
Natural Thyroid MedicinesBy Michael Novack What are natural thyroid medicines? Exactly what the term implies; medication from natural substances as opposed to those synthetically engineered. Natural medicines are derived from plant leaves, stems, roots, and sometimes the entire plant. The benefit of natural remedies is the fact that plants draw their unique medicinal properties from natural sunlight, untreated rain water, and the fertile soil of the earth we inhabit.
It stands to reason that as humans, since we also draw energy from the sun and eat the fruits of the earth, our bodies will respond better to a treatment that includes these elements rather than man-made substances manufactured in a laboratory.The two prominent types of natural thyroid therapies comes from plants and diet.
There is a third called glandular or 'protomorphogen' therapy. The process uses desiccated thyroid tissue from cattle to provide the human host with the needed iodine and necessary nutrients to promote healthy thyroid action.Natural thyroid medicines such as herbal remedies include the use of Bugleweed which is steeped into a tea, and decreases excessive activity of the thyroid.
Motherwort, a member of the mint family, has been tried successfully for reducing hyperactivity and easing abnormal heart rhythms. Other remedies include the use sea plants. A type of alga known as Bladderwrack is a superior remedy for an under active thyroid. This seaweed is mildly antibacterial and has been known to reduce an enlarged thyroid or goiter. Nori is another seaweed that has been consumed in Chinese and Japanese diets for centuries and is touted for its abundant nutritional qualities.
Nori contains high concentrations of iodine which is vital for proper thyroid function. Since nori is so nutritious, it is often referred to as "sea vegetables".Diet plays an important role in managing thyroid conditions. When dealing with hyperthyroidism you should avoid foods rich in iodine and stimulating beverages like coffee and cola. For hypothyroidism, where iodine intake is crucial, vegetables from the cabbage family should be eaten regularly and in good quantities.
These include turnips, kale, broccoli, and limited amounts of brussels sprout.There are many kinds of natural thyroid medicines mostly in the form of herbs and plants as well as natural thyroid medications which are superb alternatives in the form of dietary supplements. A thyroid supplement rich in nori seaweed is ideal for hypothyroidism because it is abundant with iodine which is essential for treating hypothyroidism.
Has anyone out there had the radioactive pill and body scan to destroy thyroid?I have been diagnosed with graves disease related to my thyroid. My endocrynologist wants me to take a radioactive pill and body scan to destroy my thyroid next week. He will then have me on thyroid medicine the rest of my life with periodic blood tests. Has anyone out there experienced this procedure? If so, please discuss it with me.
Can Yoga Help the Thyroid Gland?
Tucked inside the neck, the thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, controlling the body's use of energy, making proteins, and the body's sensitivity to other hormones. When the thyroid is over- or under- active, the body does not perform as it should and metabolism is affected.
Hyperthyroidism, in particular, can have serious cardiac complications, including congestive heart failure, sustained elevation of heart rate, and, most dangerous, a rapid and irregular heart rhythm. If thyroid problems are in their early stages, restorative Yoga may help the body recover as a complimentary practice. Once the thyroid activity is under control through medication or other means, asanas that balance the heart and throat can be beneficial.
There are several poses recommended for support and maintenance of the thyroid gland:
Halasana or Plow Pose
Dwi Pada Viparita Dandasana or Upward Facing Two-Foot Staff Pose
Salamba Sarvangasana or Supported Shoulderstand, which improves blood flow to the neck area and stimulates the thyroid gland
Kapotasana or King Pigeon Pose
Paripurna Navasana or Full Boat Pose
Setu Bandha Sarvangasana or Bridge Pose- this position helps to strengthen thyroid glands and lungs
The throat and thyroid are located in the fifth chakra; a blocked or unbalanced fifth chakra contributes to thyroid imbalances. Practice speaking from the heart and living openness, to balance this center. Those with thyroid problems should also try Nadi Shodhana or Alternate Nostril Breath. This breathing technique balances and calms the mind, regulating the hypothalamus and pituitary glands.
Attention should be paid to diet, if thyroid gland problems are diagnosed. Soybeans contain isoflavones which in some studies have been shown to interfere with enzymes that synthesize thyroid hormones. Millet, cruciferous vegetables and cassava also contain compounds potentially capable of interfering with thyroid hormone production. Anecdotally, homeopathic remedies have been found effective, with some longtime Yoga practitioners able to dispense with thyroid medication entirely with the help of homeopathy and supportive Yoga asanas.
In general, there is no doubt that Yoga can provide helpful support to an over- or under- active thyroid gland. Since these conditions can be life-threatening, those suffering from thyroid problems should be under the care of a doctor prior to supplementing treatment with supportive poses.
Yoga Teacher Training for the Thyroid
Unfortunately there are several people suffering daily from thyroid problems. The thyroid is a gland located in the neck, and it controls the body's metabolic processes. When it comes to conditions of the thyroid, most immediately think of hyperthyroidism which is the most common issue and is caused when too much thyroid hormone is produced. However there are many thyroid conditions in addition to this, including:
• Hypothyroidism - too little thyroid hormone produced.
• Thyroid Cancer - A rare cancer that attacks the thyroid gland.
• Thyroid Nodule - Growths or lumps on the thyroid.
• Thyroid Storm - A life threatening condition where the thyroid produces a sudden large amount of hormone.
• Goiter - enlarged gland
In addition, conditions of the thyroid affect the hormones, energy level, emotions, and weight. Many also suffer symptoms of depression. Fortunately regular yoga practice is an all-natural approach to encourage thyroid health and overall well-being.
Poses to Cure Thyroid
There are many poses that are great for working against any and all diseases or conditions related to the thyroid gland. Most of them focus on the stretching of the spine and neck. Here are some great poses along with tips.
• Bridge Pose - Place thumbs under the back and hands on the side of the body to hold pose longer.
• King Pigeon Pose - A modified pose for this is to put your back to the wall, along with your toes and heels, and press your crown and forearms against the wall.
• Plow Pose - For a deeper pose, drop the knees next to the head.
• Shoulder stand - Inversion helps dry organs of the body receive fresh nutrients.
• Fish Pose - Create space around the neck to encourage elemental flow.
These and most yoga poses will connect the body and mind, and massage and stimulate the thyroid glands. Many have reaped the benefits of yoga for thyroid conditions and have optimized their lives in the process. Those with thyroid problems should also partake in a diet rich in iodine and copper.
Foods like dark leafy greens, oatmeal, raisins, chicken, fish, and wheat grass are perfect additions to the diet. Engaging in some breathing exercises such as alternate nostril breathing will also be beneficial. Getting into a routine that involves yoga and healthy diet will have those with thyroid issues feeling balanced and healthy in no time at all.
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