HYPOTHYROIDISM

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of the hormones responsible for controlling metabolism. Medication is given to fulfill the need of missing hormones but dietary and lifestyle modifications may also help to activate the thyroid gland. According to Ayurveda, it occurs due to vitiation of vata (air element) and kapha (water element), diet pacifying vata and kapha is advisable.

• Use iodized salt.
• Consume fewer calories but nutritious food.
• Avoid junk food and incompatible foods.
• Avoid excess oils or ghee in food.
• Vegetables like broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower may impair the function of thyroid gland and should be avoided.
• Increase the intake of anti oxidant food items as it improves the function of thyroid gland. Carrots, oranges and nuts are rich source of anti-oxidants and should be consumed.
• Protein rich foods like eggs, dairy products like cheese, milk are advised for weight maintenance with hypothyroidism.
• Go for nuts, whole grains and whole-wheat bread as they are rich source of naturally occurring B vitamins and zinc, helps to improve functions of thyroid gland. 
• Consume purified water for both cooking and drinking to reduce fluoride consumption as it fluoride impairs the functioning of thyroid gland. 
• Avoid skipping meals. 
• Hypothyroidism causes low metabolism. Frequent servings of food enhance the metabolism so it is recommended. 
• Ajwain (Trachyspermum ammi), chitrak (Plumbago zeylanica), pippali (long pepper), are good herbs for hypothyroidism.
• Do exercises regularly to burn extra fat .This will also increase the resting metabolism rate.
• Perform yogic asanas and pranayama regularly which will boost the inactive thyroid. The twisting, stretching, and compressing caused by the yoga poses for hypothyroidism help in providing the endocrine organs with a massage and also improve their functioning. Surya namaskaar, sirshasana, halasana, sarvanasana, paschimotanasana, dhaurasana, kapalbhati, anulom vilom, brahmri etc are very good for hypothyroidism.
• Morning walk should be done 
• Try to avoid the stress as much as possible. Lead a stress free life.
• Take adequate sleep.