How yoga can help Thyroid?
Yoga helps your overall health and well-being. Yoga helps increasing energy, flexibility and reduces stress. One of the reasons people get hypothyroidism is due to stress. However, there are a few yoga poses that can help you balance under-active/overactive thyroids. Several studies have shown the positive effect of yoga on improving thyroid function. Keep in mind that these poses cannot cure your thyroid imbalance. However, can definitely benefit reduce the stress that can increase it, and well as increase your overall wellbeing and mindfulness.
Hyperthyroidism
“People with overactive thyroids tend to be nervous and jittery. Their metabolism speeds up, and they experience unusual hunger, weight loss, muscle weakness, and rapid heartbeat, among other symptoms.They find heat hard to bear and sweat excessively. Whether or not a loiter distorts the neck, a person with an overactive thyroid develops protuberant eyes”.
(Readers Digest: Food that Harm Foods that Heal. Montreal, Quebec. The Readers Digest Association, 2004).
Yoga Poses for Hyperthyroidism:
- Slow-paced Surya Namaskars
- Cat Stretch (Marjariasana)
- Child Pose (Shishu asana)
- Bridge Pose (Setubandhasana)
- Corpse Pose (Shavasana)
- Ujjayi & Bhramari Pranayama
Hypothyroidism
“An underachieve thyroid, or hypothyroidism, slows down metabolism, causing weight gain and lethargy. Early symptoms are early overlooked: progressive fatigue, sleepiness, and muscle weakness. People with hypothyroidism, often complain of memory and concentration problems. They feel cold, even on hot days, and develop dry skin and thinning hair. Nails grow slowly, and become brittle. Because metabolism slows down, weight gain is common even though the person may be eating less than normal. Women often develop menstrual irregularities; constipation is another common problem.”
(Readers Digest: Food that Harm Foods that Heal. Montreal, Quebec. The Readers Digest Association, 2004).
Yoga Poses for Hypothyroidism:
- Surya Namaskar
- Cat Stretch (Marjariasana)
- Shoulder Stand (Sarvangasana) is the most recommended yoga pose.
- Inverted Pose (Viparitakarani)
- One-legged Forward Bend (Janu Shirasasana)
- Fish Pose (Matsyasana)
- Plow Pose (Halasana)
- Kapal Bhati, Bhastrika and Ujjayi Pranayama help in reducing hypothyroidism.
Dietary Approaches
People who are dealing with Thyroid disorder should use small amounts of iodized salt. It is also very important beneficial to eat plenty of fruits such as deep yellow or orange fruits, as well as vegetables such as spinach and other dark green vegetables as they provide Vitamin A. Meat and alternatives such as fish, dairy products, eggs are also good for iodine. Stay away from caffeine.
