Maintain a Healthy Thyroid Gland with Yoga for Thyroid

Do you know that the thyroid gland in your body plays a crucial role? Your heart rate, breathing, and body temperature all depend on thyroid hormones secreted by this gland. Unfortunately, if there is an issue with this gland it impacts your entire body. Fortunately, you can include some yoga for thyroid in your daily routine to get rid of this issue.

The thyroid gland is a small organ located in the front of your neck. It is wrapped around the windpipe. This gland is shaped like a butterfly with two wings that extend around the side of your throat. The thyroid gland secretes hormones that control many vital functions of your body.

With that said, let us first understand the functioning of this gland.

Functions of Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland in your body releases and controls the thyroid hormones which in turn controls the metabolic activity. Metabolism is the process of transforming the digested food into energy which is then utilized for the proper functioning of all the bodily systems.

The thyroid gland controls this process through a few specific hormones namely T4 and T3. These hormones are produced by the thyroid and instruct your body’s cells about how much energy to use. When your thyroid gland is functioning normally, it helps maintain the right amount of hormones to keep the metabolic process working at the correct rate.

All this is supervised by the Pituitary gland, located in the centre of your skull and below the brain. The pituitary gland also controls the number of thyroid hormones present in your bloodstream. If this gland detects a high or low level of thyroid hormones in the body, it adjusts it with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to get the thyroid gland functioning back to normal.

Now, you might question –

What Are Thyroid Disorders?

Thyroid disorders are a medical condition that stops the thyroid gland from producing the right amount of hormones. When the thyroid gland makes too much of these hormones, the condition is known as hyperthyroidism. You should include some yoga for the thyroid to take care of this issue.

On the other hand, when your thyroid gland produces too little amount of hormones, the condition is known as hypothyroidism. It makes you feel tired and gain unnecessary weight. Moreover, you also develop a poor resistance towards cold temperatures.

Do you know about all three types of thyroid disorders? Yoga experts have come up with complete details on each one.

1. Hypothyroidism

As stated above, when your thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone, it leads to hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, too little of this hormone slows down your metabolism and causes adverse symptoms.

Some of the causes for hypothyroidism include;

Surgical removal of the thyroid gland
Radiation therapy for head or neck cancer
The damaged or missing thyroid gland
Too much or too little Iodine intake in the diet
Pituitary gland damage

2. Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is the complete opposite of Hypothyroidism. In this condition, your thyroid gland produces abnormal amounts of thyroid hormone. It fastens the metabolic process which can lead to high blood pressure, increased heart rate, and fatigue.

The causes of hyperthyroidism can include;

Graves disease
Multinodular Goiter
Thyroiditis
Hormone Replacement Medications

Including yoga for hyperthyroidism in your daily routine helps you bring the thyroid secretion under control without the use of any medications or pharmaceutical drugs.

3. Thyroid Nodules

Thyroid Nodules are lumps in your thyroid and appear in groups or alone. Fortunately, the vast majority of thyroid nodules are harmless. However, if there is a risk of cancer in the future, your doctor will recommend removing these nodules.

These are the three major forms of thyroid disorders that can interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.

But that is not all. Yoga experts have come up with a small list of facts about thyroid disorders.

5 Interesting Facts About Thyroid Disorders

Given below are some interesting facts about thyroid disorders.

1. Thyroid Disorder Symptoms are Result of Change in Metabolism

With a thyroid disorder, your body produces either too little or too much hormone. On the one hand, the higher quantity of hormones revs up your metabolism to an above-normal level. You start feeling hot and irritable.

On the other hand, too little amount of thyroid hormone slows down the metabolic process. The symptoms of low thyroid levels include weakness and feeling depressed. You also get symptoms like dry skin and hair, unnecessary weight gain, and constipation.

2. TSH Test Helps Detect Thyroid Disorder

Measuring TSH is the best way for you to diagnose a thyroid disorder. A higher level of TSH points to hypothyroidism. Your pituitary gland is releasing the TSH but there is no response from the thyroid gland.

This causes the pituitary gland to continue producing TSH as it senses low blood levels of the thyroid hormone. On the other hand, a low level of TSH points to hypothyroidism. It is here the pituitary senses excess thyroid hormone and shuts down the TSH production. You can include yoga for the thyroid to bring the hormone level under control.

3. Thyroid Problems Can be Emotional

Do you know that thyroid disorder can also occur as a result of emotional problems? Yes! Sadness, depression, and fatigue do lead to hypothyroidism. On the other hand, nervousness, anxiety, and irritability can lead to hyperthyroidism.

4. Thyroid Disorders Impact Chances of Pregnancy

Whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both lead to problems with fertility. Both of these conditions disrupt the hormones that work towards ovulation. Moreover, women with thyroid disorders often suffer from menstrual problems.

Thyroid problems also increase the risk of a miscarriage, preterm delivery, and developmental problems in the baby. You should include yoga for thyroid patients to take care of this issue before it is too late.

5. Healthy Living is Key to Healthy Thyroid

Uncontrolled thyroid disorders can lead to problems with other systems in your body. The health problems that come with it include heart problems and osteoporosis. However, this can be taken care of through healthy living.

Now, you might ask –

How Will Yoga Help Me Keep Thyroid Disorders at Bay?

Yoga has been around much longer than modern-day pharmaceutical drugs and medications. Needless to say that yoga has an in-depth understanding of the human body and mind.

In comparison to medications, yoga for the thyroid offers a host of benefits that help you take care of the problem.

With that said, given below are some benefits of practising yoga for thyroid disorders.

1. Increases Energy Levels

In case you suffer from an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), you would normally feel fatigued and tired. However, daily practice of yoga under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher can help you keep your energy levels up.

2. Improves Your Mood

One of the common mental health issues prevalent in those suffering from hyperthyroidism is depression. However, there is some yoga for hyperthyroidism asanas that release the feel-good hormones, aka Endorphins to improve your mood.

3. Boosts Metabolism

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, the body’s metabolic process goes down which causes unnecessary weight gain. Doing yoga can improve metabolic health by burning more calories and developing muscles.

4. Promotes Deep Sleep

If the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, it disrupts your normal sleep cycle. There is numerous Pranayama yoga for thyroid exercises that can get back those lost Zs.

5. Increases Bone Density

Bone density is one of the painful truths of hyperthyroidism. However, you can practice numerous yoga asanas which provide your body with an impressive amount of strength.

Now, to reap all these benefits you also need to practice the right yoga for thyroid asanas.

10 Yoga Asanas to Keep Thyroid Disorders At Bay

As stated above, yoga is an ancient art that possesses an in-depth understanding of the mental and physical aspects of your being.

Moreover, there are numerous studies that show the positive impact yoga has on thyroid function.

With that said, given below are ten powerful yoga poses for thyroid asanas to help you keep hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism away.

1. Supported Shoulderstand

The top yoga poses for thyroid patients is the Supported Shoulderstand. It is a yoga inversion that improves blood flow to the glands in the upper body. Daily practise of this yoga asana has a positive impact on the functioning of the thyroid gland. With your chin tucked into the chest, the Supported Shoulderstand improves thyroid function.

However, yoga experts recommend that you do not place the neck under too much stress. You should learn and practice this yoga asana under the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

2. Camel Pose

The neck extension you perform in the Camel pose has a positive impact on the thyroid gland and increases circulation in the area.

3. Legs-Up-The-Wall Pose

The Legs-Up-the-Wall, also known as Viparita Karani is restorative yoga inversion. It is a powerful yoga asana to relieve stress and improve thyroid balance. Yoga experts recommend that you hold this yoga for thyroid asana for at least 5 minutes at a time.

4. Cobra Pose

If you want to practice a yoga asana that offers the thyroid gland with gentle stimulation, this is it. Although it is not as intense as some of the other yoga asanas, you can release your neck and let it drop back without any issue. You can also keep your head facing in the forward direction and do gentle neck twists from side to side.

5. Corpse Pose

Although the Corpse pose might appear simple, it is challenging to lie down in stillness for an extended period of time. It is the best yoga for thyroid asana to give your body and mind proper rest.

Corpse pose is the best yoga exercise to unwind and destress after a tiring day at work. It is also effective at helping you gain awareness of any tension or stress in the body.

6. Plow Pose

Known as Halasana, this is an excellent yoga exercise to provide the thyroid with a good stimulation. Yoga experts recommend that you use a pillow to support your feet if you find it hard to touch them all the way to the floor.

7. Fish Pose

Fish pose is the best counterpose to the supported shoulder stand. It does not require too much assistance and you can do it with ease. The Fish pose is one of the most effective yoga for thyroid patients asana that stimulates the thyroid by exposing the throat area.

8. Cat-Cow Pose

The Cat-Cow pose offers your body a fluid motion which is beneficial for thyroid health. When you draw your chin into your chest, it exposes the throat which improves blood flow to the area.

Moreover, this yoga asana also improves the circulation of spinal fluid. The cat-Cow pose also improves your mental clarity and improves overall energy levels.

9. Boat Pose

Boat pose brings your neck in a position that is beneficial for thyroid health. Yoga experts recommend that you should stay upright and avoid leaning back too far. This is a powerful yoga for thyroid asana to include in your daily routine.

10. Upward Wheel Pose

The Upward wheel pose is popular for being a yoga asana that opens your heart. It provides you with energy and stimulates the flow of this energy to the thyroid area. However, you should not do this yoga asana without the guidance of an experienced yoga teacher.

Thyroid disorders can easily disrupt the normal functioning of different systems in your body. Including a little bit of yoga in your daily routine can help you keep this problem at bay.

Conclusion

Whether hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, both interfere with the normal functioning of your body. Yoga might be an ancient art but it is still effective at taking care of a host of health problems. You should enrol in a Yoga Alliance certified school to learn how to keep both these issues at bay. The experienced teachers would help you learn and practice the best yoga for thyroid asanas to counter this issue without any hassle.