Causes and Symptoms Of Goiter According To Ayurveda

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Thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the neck just below Adam’s Apple. A goiter is an abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Although all goiters are painless but a larger goiter can cause problems such as difficulty in swallowing, cough and breathing.

What are the causes of goiter?

Having a goiter doesn’t mean that the thyroid gland is not working properly. Even when it is enlarged, the thyroid may produce hormones within normal limits but it might also however produce too much or too little thyroxine and T-3 hormones.

The most common cause of goiter is the lack of iodine in the diet. It can also occur due to the over-production of thyroid hormones or nodules in the thyroid gland.

What are the symptoms of Goiter?

In many patients, there are no symptoms of goiter. When signs and symptoms occur, these include:

  • Swelling at the base of neck that is obvious when a person shaves or put on makeup.
  • Coughing
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty in swallowing
  • Difficulty in breathing

How goiter is diagnosed?

The physician may discover an enlarged thyroid gland by simply feeling your neck and having you swallow during a routine physical exam. A hormone test is also prescribed. If the thyroid gland is underactive, the level of thyroid hormone will be low. At the same time, the level of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) will be elevated because the pituitary gland tries to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. Other tests such as thyroid scan, biopsy, ultrasonography etc. are also prescribed to diagnose goiter.

Concept of Goiter according to Ayurveda:

Ayurvedic Samhitas have the description of swelling of the thyroid gland known as Galaganda whose symptoms are similar to goiter. Galaganda has been mentioned in Charak, Sushrut and Vagbhat as a swelling around the neck region. Goiter has been compared to galaganda and hypothyroidism which involves certain features such as swelling, heaviness etc.

  • Iodine deficiency and improper diet play a major role in the functioning of thyroid hormone. Ayurveda has always given a great importance to the Nidana Parivarjana (cessation of causative factors) as the main factor in the treatment of any disease.

What is the cause of Goiter according to Ayurveda?

Acharaya Charak has mentioned galaganda in 20 varieties of Sleshmavikars. Acharaya Sushrut has clearly mentioned the Adhisthana of Galaganda and classified it into three categories:

  1. Vataja Galaganda
  2. Kaphaj Galaganda
  3. Medoja Galaganda

According to Ayurveda, galanganda is mainly caused due to vitiated Kapha and Vata doshas. Due to the intake of wrong food and lifestyle, Kapha dosha and medas get vitiated and reach gala thereby producing swelling there and cause symptoms.

Samprapti ghataka (pathogenesis) in Galaganda:

  • Dosha involved: Kapha and Vata doshas
  • Agni which is affected: Jatharagni (digestive fire), dhatvagni (tissue metabolism).
  • Srotas (body channels that are affected): rasavah srotas (blood channels), medovaha srotas (micro and macro body channels that carry fat)
  • Ama: jatharagni mandhya janitha, dhatavagni mandhya janitha (formation of toxins due to weak digestive and tissue metabolism).

Concept of Pathya and Apathya (Wholesome and Unwholesome diet):

Considering apathya ahara (unwholesome diet) as the main causative factor, intake of virudhh ahara (incompatible food) has also been specified. The virudh ahara vitiates agni particularly jatharagni, bhutagni and dhatvagni. Agni is very important in digestion of food as it transforms food substances into various forms of energy. Low agni leads to low digestive fire which leads to the formation of ama dosha. Ama leads to srotoarodha (obstruction in the body channels) and vitiation of all the doshas and dhatus thus disturbing the metabolic process and supply of proper nutrients which are the main causative factors for this disease manifestation.

Some herbs useful in Goiter are:

  1. Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata): The bark of kanchnaar tree, being kaphaghana, helps in reducing the kapha accumulation in the tissues.
  • It is extremely useful in gandamala due to its detoxifying properties.
  • Kanchnaar is useful in goiter, cysts, nodules and other types of growths that are seen in and around the neck.
  1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): The roots of Ashwagandha are widely used in Ayurvedic practice. It has been shown that ashwagandha lowers cortisol and balances thyroid hormones as well.
  2. Varuna (Crataeva nurvula): Varuna herb is quite effective in thyroid swellings and goiter as it is Vata Samshamana and Kapha Samshamana in nature (herb that alleviates Vata and Kapha doshas).
  3. Nirgundi (Vitex negundo): The roots of nirgundi can be used as nasal drops in the treatment of swelling of thyroid gland.
  4. Aragvadha (Cassia fistula): The root bark of aragvadha herb is ground with rice water and can be used for nasal drops.
  • It can also be used for local application on the thyroid swelling.
  • The root extracts have also been shown to increase T3, T4 and decrease TSH and cholesterol levels in the body.

Diet and Lifestyle:

  • Physical exercises should be included in the lifestyle as it brings lightness in the body, improves quality of life and balance Kapha dosha. In physical exercises, some yoga poses such as matsyasana, suptavajrasana help in improving the functions of thyroid and pituitary glands.
  • In addition to physical exercises, Manas Swaroopa (state of mind) is also important. A healthy body is incomplete without a healthy mind. To achieve mental health, Meditation should be practiced.
  • Sleep is also very important in maintaining healthy TSH levels as TSH is released in a pulsatile manner. Its highest level occurs at night so proper sleep has also a great importance. Waking before sunrise must be a part of daily routine.
  • Food should not be preserved, processed or canned. Try to eat seasonal fruits and vegetables. Avoid hydrogenated vegetable oils, artificial colours and white refined flour.
  • Avoid soy products and soy beans.
  • Flaxseeds, nuts, walnuts can be included in the diet.
  • Intake of iodine rich salt, cow milk and ghee are recommended.

Hence, it is concluded that adopting suitable diet and lifestyle along with the intake of herbs act as adjuvant in nullifying the adverse effects and also work synergistically with the herbal medicines and further prognosis of the disease.

Causes and Symptoms of Goiter According to Ayurveda

Goiter refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland, which is located in the front of the neck. It can be caused by various factors, such as iodine deficiency, autoimmune diseases, hormonal imbalances, or inflammation of the thyroid. Ayurveda views goiter as an imbalance in the body’s doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) and specifically associates thyroid issues with disturbances in the Kapha dosha, due to its connection with the glandular system and fluid retention.

In Ayurveda, thyroid problems, including goiter, are considered a manifestation of poor digestion (Agni), accumulation of toxins (Ama), or an imbalance in the doshas, which leads to improper functioning of the thyroid gland.

Ayurvedic Understanding of Goiter

  1. Kapha Dosha Imbalance: The thyroid is associated with the Kapha dosha because it governs the structure, lubrication, and fluid balance in the body. When Kapha is aggravated, it can lead to the accumulation of excess mucus, fluid retention, and inflammation, which can affect the thyroid gland and result in goiter.

  2. Pitta Dosha Imbalance: In some cases, Pitta imbalances contribute to inflammation and autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease, which can cause thyroid dysfunction and contribute to the development of goiter.

  3. Vata Dosha Imbalance: A Vata imbalance can lead to nervous system dysfunction, dryness, and irregular hormonal secretion, which may also contribute to thyroid disorders, though this is less common in goiter compared to Kapha and Pitta imbalances.

  4. Ama (Toxins): Poor digestion (agni) and the accumulation of Ama (toxins) are often the root cause of thyroid issues in Ayurveda. When the digestive fire is weak, it leads to the formation of toxins in the body, which can accumulate in the thyroid gland, causing swelling and goiter.

  5. Poor Diet and Lifestyle: Ayurveda attributes goiter to an improper diet and lifestyle choices, including the consumption of excess heavy, cold foods (which can aggravate Kapha), or the lack of essential nutrients like iodine, which is critical for thyroid health. Additionally, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, and lack of sleep can contribute to hormonal imbalances that affect thyroid function.

Causes of Goiter According to Ayurveda

  1. Aggravation of Kapha:

    • Kapha vitiation leads to the accumulation of mucus or phlegm, which may block the normal function of the thyroid gland, leading to swelling and goiter. This imbalance may also cause the thyroid to become sluggish in its hormone production.

  2. Imbalance of Pitta:

    • An increase in Pitta (associated with heat and inflammation) can result in autoimmune diseases like Graves’ disease or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, both of which can lead to thyroid dysfunction and goiter. When Pitta is aggravated, it can cause inflammation and damage to thyroid tissue, leading to an enlargement of the gland.

  3. Poor Digestion (Agni):

    • Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of digestive fire (Agni) for overall health. A weak Agni leads to improper digestion, causing the accumulation of Ama (toxins), which can lodge in various organs, including the thyroid, causing swelling and goiter.

  4. Iodine Deficiency:

    • Though Ayurveda does not specifically mention iodine, a deficiency of this essential mineral is recognized as a cause of goiter in modern medicine. A lack of iodine can cause the thyroid to enlarge as it tries to compensate for the lack of iodine needed to produce thyroid hormones.

  5. Genetic Predisposition:

    • Ayurvedic texts do not explicitly mention genetic predisposition, but family history and hereditary factors are recognized in Ayurveda as part of an individual’s Prakriti (nature). A family history of thyroid issues could increase the likelihood of developing goiter.

  6. Excessive Consumption of Goitrogenic Foods:

    • Goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), soy, and millets are believed to interfere with thyroid function in people with an existing thyroid imbalance. While these foods may not cause goiter on their own, they can exacerbate the condition in those who are prone to it due to Kapha or Pitta imbalances.

  7. Environmental and Lifestyle Factors:

    • Pollution, stress, lack of sleep, and emotional trauma can contribute to the imbalance of the doshas and the development of goiter. Ayurveda stresses the importance of a balanced lifestyle, including stress management and proper sleep, to prevent thyroid issues.

  8. Hormonal Imbalance:

    • In Ayurveda, Pitta dosha governs the hormonal system, and disturbances in Pitta can lead to hormonal imbalances that affect the thyroid. Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and Hashimoto’s disease (hypothyroidism) are examples of conditions that are thought to arise from Pitta imbalances.

Symptoms of Goiter According to Ayurveda

The symptoms of goiter may vary based on the underlying dosha imbalance and the severity of the condition. Common symptoms include:

  1. Visible Swelling in the Neck:

    • The most apparent symptom of goiter is a visible swelling in the neck. Ayurveda attributes this swelling to the accumulation of excess Kapha or toxins (Ama) in the thyroid region.

  2. Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia):

    • As the goiter enlarges, it can compress the esophagus, making swallowing difficult. This symptom is usually linked to a Kapha imbalance, which causes fluid retention and swelling.

  3. Breathing Difficulties:

    • Enlargement of the thyroid may press on the windpipe (trachea), causing breathing issues, especially during physical exertion. Kapha-related congestion in the respiratory system may exacerbate this symptom.

  4. Fatigue and Weakness:

    • Hypothyroidism, which often accompanies goiter, leads to symptoms like fatigue, weakness, and lethargy. In Ayurveda, these are associated with low Pitta or weak Agni (digestive fire), which leads to a general lack of energy.

  5. Weight Gain:

    • People with goiter may experience weight gain due to slowed metabolism, a hallmark of hypothyroidism. This is due to the thyroid’s inability to produce enough hormones to regulate metabolic processes effectively.

  6. Cold Sensitivity:

    • Hypothyroidism caused by goiter may also lead to increased sensitivity to cold. Ayurveda associates this with a sluggish Agni and Kapha imbalance, which results in poor circulation and low energy.

  7. Dry Skin, Hair, and Nails:

    • A person with goiter may have dry, flaky skin, brittle nails, and hair thinning, especially if hypothyroidism is present. Ayurveda links these symptoms to Kapha and Vata imbalances, which lead to dryness and dehydration of tissues.

  8. Hoarseness or Voice Changes:

    • In some cases, the swelling of the thyroid can affect the vocal cords, causing hoarseness or changes in the voice.

  9. Mood Changes:

    • Irritability, depression, and mood swings can be a result of hormonal imbalance associated with goiter. In Ayurveda, these symptoms are often linked to Pitta imbalances affecting the mind and emotions.

  10. Pain in the Neck or Throat:

    • A dull or aching pain in the neck or throat may occur due to the swelling and inflammation of the thyroid gland. Inflammation of Pitta or congestion of Kapha can contribute to this discomfort.

Ayurvedic Management of Goiter

The treatment of goiter in Ayurveda focuses on restoring balance in the Kapha and Pitta doshas, improving digestive health (Agni), and detoxifying the body. Some key Ayurvedic approaches include:

  1. Herbal Remedies:

    • Ashwagandha, Guggulu, Vasa, and Kanchanar are some herbs commonly used to treat thyroid issues, including goiter. They help balance Kapha, reduce inflammation, and support thyroid function.

  2. Diet and Nutrition:

    • A Kapha-pacifying diet is recommended, focusing on light, warm, and easily digestible foods while avoiding heavy, cold, or oily foods that exacerbate Kapha. Foods rich in iodine, such as seaweed and iodized salt, are beneficial for thyroid health.

  3. Panchakarma Detox:

    • Panchakarma therapies like Virechana (purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas) can help eliminate Ama and detoxify the body, promoting proper thyroid function.

  4. Lifestyle Adjustments:

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