World Thyroid Day, observed on May 25 each year, is a gentle reminder of how deeply our thyroid health influences our energy, mood, and overall vitality. The thyroid gland, though small, plays a powerful role in metabolism, heart function, and the nervous system. When this delicate balance is disrupted, it can silently lead to fatigue, unexplained weight changes, and emotional shifts that affect daily life.
The comprehensive wisdom of the Thyroid in Ayurveda offers time-tested insights, with individualised thyroid remedies that aim to restore balance gently and effectively. From dietary guidance to lifestyle changes, this approach emphasises sustainable healing. Knowing the best food for thyroid patients and embracing hypothyroidism remedies rooted in nature can make a meaningful difference, because healing the thyroid is about restoring harmony, not just managing symptoms.
Thyroid – Ayurveda Perspective
Disorders of the thyroid gland are viewed as an imbalance in Agni (digestive fire) and doshas. Hypothyroidism presents with lethargy, weight gain, and cold intolerance symptoms, which are often associated with imbalances in the Kapha and Vata Doshas, along with involvement of Medo dhatu (fat), Ama (toxins), and Dhatvagnimandhya (impaired tissue metabolism) and Mandagni (diminished digestion). Treatment typically involves Shodhana (purification) and Shamana (pacification) therapies with dietary and lifestyle modifications.
Hyperthyroidism, on the other hand, is categorised under Atyagni or Bhasmaka Roga, linked to an excess of Pitta Dosha. This condition is associated with an increased Agni (metabolic rate or digestion) and Dhatu paka (tissue catabolism), leading to symptoms like heat intolerance, thirst, nervousness, and weight loss. Ayurveda treatments for hyperthyroidism focus on detoxification and balancing Pitta, aimed at normalising thyroid hormone levels and alleviating symptoms.
Management is centred on balancing Agni, restoring Dosha harmony, and following strict Pathya-Apathya (wholesome–unwholesome). Let’s highlight the best food for thyroid patients in the context of Mandagni (sluggish metabolism) and Atyagni (excess metabolism), which form the therapeutic focus of thyroid remedies.
Thyroid Remedies
Panchakarma therapies, especially Vamana (emesis), are beneficial in hypothyroidism. It will balance the Kapha Dosha, kindle the digestive fire and improve energy levels. In case of Hyperthyroidism, Virechana (purgation) helps pacify the aggravated Pitta Dosha, balance the digestive fire and stabilise the thyroid function. These therapies are administered after assessing the patient’s strength to withstand the therapies and the severity of the condition.
Pathya-Apathya in Hypothyroidism
For managing hypothyroidism, focus lies on stimulating Agni, reducing Kapha aggravation, and preventing Ama formation. Instead of relying solely on external medication, internal correction through food and lifestyle is recommended.
Pathya (wholesome) diet includes:
- Brown rice, quinoa, and Rakta Shali (red rice) are easy to digest and nourish the body’s Dhatu (tissues).
- Cooked leafy greens, gourds like Alabu (bottle gourd), and fruits such as dates, pomegranates, and bananas.
- Consuming moderate amount of cow’s ghee and coconut oil aids digestion and maintains hormone levels.
- Low-fat dairy products like goat’s or cow’s milk and buttermilk are recommended.
- Saindhava Lavana (Rock salt) is wholesome because of the iodine, and helps maintain Agni (digestive fire) without aggravating Pitta.
- Add warm, freshly prepared meals with light spices to improve digestion. Use Trikatu (dry ginger, black pepper, long pepper) and Trijataka (cinnamon, cardamom, bay leaf).
- Refrigerated foods, raw foods and stale foods, refrigerated items, and heavy, oily meals.
- Overconsumption of goitrogenic foods such as cauliflower, broccoli, or cabbage. They must be properly cooked and consumed in moderation.
- Foods such as mustard, buffalo milk and fat, red meat, especially beef, Phanita (molasses-based sweets) are mentioned in Apathya as having Agni-suppressing properties.
- Eating in an irregular pattern, like undigested previous food and fasting for prolonged periods, disrupts metabolic rhythm.
- Avoid heavy, cold foods and stale foods.
Pathya-Apathya in Hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, Dhatu Paka (tissue depletion) occurs due to excessive Pitta. The goal is to cool down the system, nourish the Dhatus, and maintain a steady metabolic state.
Pathya (wholesome) foods in this case are:
- High-fat, cooling foods like buffalo milk, ghee, and wheat-based gruel.
- Meat from aquatic and marshy land animals provides nourishment and promotes tissue regeneration.
- Sweetened milk with ghee, and rice preparations made with whole wheat flour, to balance Pitta and reduce metabolic speed.
Apathya (unwholesome) foods that aggravate Pitta include:
- Hot, spicy, sour, and fermented foods.
- Excessive intake of pungent spices or stimulants such as black pepper, mustard, and ginger.
- Overconsumption of iodised salt, as high iodine intake, can worsen hyperthyroidism.
Incorporating these principles as part of thyroid remedies provides grounding support to manage excessive metabolic activity and related symptoms.
Best Food for Thyroid Patients
The food articles that nourish the body, regulate Agni, and support hormonal synthesis are considered the best food for thyroid patients.
- For thyroid disorders, mainly for hypothyroidism, consumption of fresh, warm, and light foods with easy digestibility is recommended.
- Moderate consumption of cow’s ghee is encouraged due to its nourishing qualities.
- Note that the good vegetables include selected bottle gourd, ridge gourd, pumpkin, carrots, beetroot, and moderate amounts of spinach.
- Useful fruits include apples, pomegranates, papayas, and guavas.
- Finely ground millets like kodo, little millets, and barnyard millet are preferred over refined grains.
- Spices such as turmeric, cumin, ginger, and black pepper help in stimulating digestion and metabolism. Drinking warm water or boiled water cooled to room temperature is preferred, and large gaps between food intake should be avoided.
Conclusion
World Thyroid Day is celebrated in May every year, emphasising preventive health and treating thyroid conditions through personalised nutrition and lifestyle changes. Thyroid remedies offered by Ayurveda aim at Agni and Dosha balance. Pathya Apathya mentioned in Ayurveda, provides insights into the best food for thyroid patients and foods to be avoided. These remedies help to maintain health and hormonal balance and prevent flare-ups in patients and falling sick in healthy people.
References
Tyagi, A.K., et al. (2024). Management of Hypothyroidism Through Ayurveda: A Case Study. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research.
Kakkassery, A. (2019). Effective Ayurveda therapy to treat thyroid disorders. Journal of Ayurvedic and Herbal Medicine.
Parveen, T., et al. (2023). Ayurvedic Perspective on Thyroid Disorder: A Critical Review. International Journal of Research in Ayurveda and Pharmacy.
Kaur, A., et al. (2016). Hypothyroidism: Management Based on Ayurvedic and Modern Therapeutic Perspective.
Neelima, P., Srinivas, K., & Sudhakar, P.S. (2020). Role of Pathya–Apathya in Management of Galaganda (Hypothyroidism) – An Ayurvedic Perspective. International Journal of Ayurveda and Pharma Research, 8(4), 68.
When is World Thyroid Day 2025?
World Thyroid Day will be observed on 25th May 2025.
Which fruit is not good for the thyroid?
Fruits like pineapple, strawberries, peaches, citrus fruits, stone fruits, and grapefruit contain compounds that may interfere with thyroid hormone production or iodine uptake, potentially affecting thyroid function. Additionally, grapefruit can reduce the effectiveness of certain thyroid medications by impacting their metabolism.
Which Indian food is good for the thyroid?
According to Ayurveda principles, beneficial Indian foods and ingredients include red rice, fish, rock salt, Cow's milk and ghee, spices like ginger, and coconut oil.
How to detox thyroid naturally?
Thyroid remedies in Ayurveda include Panchakarma therapies, which purify the body and restore balance, and Ritushodhana (seasonal purificatory procedures) aimed at eliminating accumulated toxins. These practices, part of a comprehensive Ayurveda management plan, can be considered natural methods to support the body's cleansing processes and thus the thyroid.
How to decrease thyroid level?
To decrease high thyroid levels (hyperthyroidism or Atyagni), Ayurveda treatments mentioned include detoxification and balancing therapies to normalise hormone levels. Dietary Pathya (wholesome foods) for Atyagni are high in fat and promote tissue nourishment, alongside therapies like Virechana (purgation).
Can thyroid be cured by lifestyle?
Lifestyle modifications, including diet, yoga, and stress management, are integral to the comprehensive Ayurveda management of thyroid disorders. They are supportive measures that can act as adjuncts, nullify adverse effects, and work synergistically with medications to manage the disease and improve prognosis, rather than a standalone cure.
