Dr. Dinesh Kamath

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland which is present in the neck and is formed of two interconnected lobes. The gland is located at the frontal portion of the neck and is responsible for secretion of thyroid hormones which affect metabolism, synthesis of protein and the overall development of a person. The thyroid is also responsible for the secretion of calcitonin which is responsible for calcium homeostasis (regulation of calcium levels).

The problems in the gland can range from goitre (enlargement of the thyroid gland) to cancerous growth in the gland.

Here are a few factors which cause Hyperthyroidism (over-production of thyroid hormones):

1. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis: This particular inflammatory disease is considered to be the biggest cause of hyperthyroidism. It can be genetic or caused due to certain types of bacteria and viruses.

2. Radiation Therapies: The radiation therapies performed in and around the neck can affect the production of the thyroid hormone.

3. Medications: Certain medicines contain lithium which can affect the thyroid gland and lead to this condition.

4. Postpartum Hypothyroidism: Some women contract this condition post-pregnancy as their bodies start producing antibodies which go against the gland itself. This puts the foetus at risk.

5. Pituitary Disorders: The pituitary gland might fail to produce enough thyroid-stimulating hormone which can result in the development of benign tumour, which can be a cause for hyperthyroidism.

Listed below are a few symptoms of hyperthyroidism:

1. Sudden weight gain

2. Increased blood cholesterol level

3. Irregular menstrual cycles

4. Impaired memory

5. Dry skin and puffiness in the face

6. Slower heart rate

7. Muscle aches

8. Extreme fatigue

Listed below are a few treatments for people suffering from the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland:

1. Conventional medication: Thyroid problems can usually be treated by using conventional medicines which aim at cleansing the system and restoring immune function. Certain medicines also balance the release of thyroid hormones.

2. Increased intake of glutathione: Glutathione is a strong antioxidant which can fight Hashimoto’s condition as it boosts the immune system and helps in getting rid of inflammations. Certain food items help your body in producing glutathione. Foods such as peaches, avocados, broccoli and cabbage can help in replenishing the depleted glutathione levels in your body. If you wish to discuss any specific problem, you can consult a general physician.

Bitter gourd: There are certain evidences that consumption of bitter gourd in any form in one’s daily menu, may result in the prevention or control of diabetes. Charantin helps in lowering the blood glucose level. Lectin, reduces the blood glucose level by suppressing the appetite and making the stored glucose to be used up by the body. The mechanism behind the activity is that it reduces the amount of glucose by inhibiting the enzymes that breakdown the disaccharides to monosaccharide.

Fenugreek seeds: Fenugreek seeds are high in soluble fiber which helps in lowering the blood glucose level by slowing down the digestion and thus slow absorption of carbohydrates. Consume 1 tsp of fenugreek powder in a warm water everyday early in the morning in the empty stomach.

Amla: The anti oxidant property of amla is responsible for lowering of blood glucose level in the diabetics. The polyphenol rich fruit has the property of assisting in the proper absorption of insulin leading to a drop in the blood sugar level. Consuming 1-3gms of amla powder everyday reduces the blood sugar level.

Curry leaves: Curry leaves affect the insulin activity of the body thus reduces the blood glucose level. Eating 10 fully grown curry leaves every morning for 3 consecutive months will keep away the hereditary diabetes and obesity caused diabetes.

Guava: Guava ids rich in dietary fiber which helps in the reduction of blood glucose level. The fiber present aids in the relief of constipation thus lowering the chance of developing type 2 diabetes. Guava leaves are healthy too. Dry the leaves and crush them and boil them in water to get all the essential inggrediant to the water. Consume it. The leaves can prevent from diabetes and reduce the blood sugar level.

Drumstick leaves: Drumstick leaves are rich in ascorbic acid which leads to the reduction of blood glucose level by increasing the insulin secreation in the body. It maintain the body glucose level and hence display the anti-diabetic property and recognized to be the natural way to manage diabetes.

Cinnamon: Consuming 1-6gms of cinnamon powder for 40 days aids in the reduction of blood glucose level by 18-29%. It may be allergic to some people, stop consuming if you notices any side effects, otherwise continue to enjoy the benefits.

If you are reading this, you are amongst the many who are suffering personally or trying to help another overcome the burden of this silent, epidemic killer of modern era.

Statistics given by International Diabetic Federation declares 415 million diabetics today and an estimate of 642 million diabetics by 2040 world-wide. Picking up older records, WHO has published that “the number of people with diabetes has risen from 108 million in 1980 to 422 million in 2014. The global prevalence of diabetes among adults over 18 years of age has risen from 4.7% in 1980 to 8.5% in 2014. Diabetes prevalence has been rising more rapidly in middle- and low-income countries”

This clearly indicates that actually, in-spite of all the miracle medicines and dietary restrictions put on Diabetics; the prevalence continues and the numbers are still growing. Where are we going wrong?? What are we doing less to curtail this epidemic??

Ayurveda, the “Science of life” has a different way of looking at the patient. Rather than treat his/her symptoms, the Ayurvedacharys will try to evaluate the triggers of the disorder or disease and correct them, with natural products are used traditionally, sometimes with the help of natural herbs, potentized with different processes making them into medicines.

Let us evaluate the triggers: According to Ayurveda, the trigger and body response determines (early diabetes) Prameha; and if not kept under control, can lead to Madhumeha (Diabetes Melitus). The classifications are based on the variations or mismanagement of Vata, Pitta, or Kapha- the 3 major humors of the body. The mismanagement a result of lifestyle, stress, age, toxicity and poor immunity.

So what happens when a person is declared diabetic?

The body functions on the foods consumed, the nutrition derived and the ease with which it is transformed into the correct form of energy required for the cells, tissues, organs and different metabolic processes of the body. THIS FUEL IS GLUCOSE-SUGAR. So sugar is an essential component in every activity in the body. Insulin (produced by pancreas under mental/brain stimulus) triggers the process of activating cellular function to absorb this glucose fuel to be converted into energy in the presence of pancreas hormone – insulin.

Diabetes condition prevails when the inherent normal process of (sugar) glucose to energy cycle is disrupted either because there is a problem in insulin quality and quantity or the cells resist absorbing insulin. If this conversion system is disturbed or not available for balanced cellular function and maintenance, “catabolism” or breakdown of protein synthesis leads to muscle loss, energy loss, accumulation of internal toxins. Incorrect kind of insulin leads to incorrect kind of cellular fuel.  The cellular chemical factory, the “Mitochondria” and ATP (energy molecule) are affected leading to excess toxin build up.

The build-up of these acidic toxins including Ketoacidosis (acids from breakdown of fats as alternate fuel), become the trigger for the various symptoms of diabetes that includes weakness, loss of weight, inflammation, skin reactions/darkening, inability to recover from injury, eventual loss of internal recovery and rejuvenation.

All these are supported or triggered by hormones that greatly depend on the mental stimulus. And mental stimulus is a STRESS response. Stress to mental thoughts, stress to digest proper food, stress to protect from incorrect lifestyle habits, stress to combat self-inflicted (alcohol and tobacco) and external pollution, stress of competition, stress of emotional burdens, stress of forced im-mobility (sedentary life).

Unfortunately, by the time a person is declared diabetic, the derogatory response within the body has set in and cannot be reversed….. but… it can be kept under control and the symptoms can be reversed.

Techniques that will work for controlling Diabetes:

1. Change of lifestyle: these include stress management techniques that are designed to evaluate the trigger and help patient slowly and surely make changes in MIND- BODY together.
2. Remove or reduce the pollutions in and around the person. Detoxification is of paramount importance and building the immunity to fight disorder. This can be achieved with natural detox systems. Chemical/drug based detox will create a different kind of toxicity in the body. Detox is ideally achieved by cleaning the digestive track first, and then detox of the blood, other body fluids with proper diet.
3. Build immunity with Mind control, food control and natural foods that are designed in nature to improve immunity responses.
4. Consume the sugar-glucose in the body with adequate physical exercise.
5. Proper rest; as he body rejuvenated when in deep sleep.
6. Ideal food intake should comprise of natural, fresh and local foods to nurture the body and help maintain the genetically/customary natural food to fuel, and improve detoxification cycles.
7. NO FOOD IS GOOD OR BAD: ALL DEPENDS ON HOW WELL YOU CAN DIGEST, CONVERT FOOD-FUEL AND ELIMINATE TOXINS

And most important

1. Change Mind, Emotional and thinking patterns to POSITIVE thinking and continuous mental peace.

Ayurveda and Yoga are the best options to achieve all these. These respect balance and harmony, as they follow natural science; uses the natural harmony of Nature to heal and the treatment is based on the personal needs of the patient.

In modern times, based on statistical data from the world, it is not medicines that will make a change, but the manner in which we can deal with the pressures of modern lifestyle, mind patterns and internal immunity that will save us from the vagaries of epidemics like diabetes.

Integrating various healthcare facilities like Aahar (foods we consume: diet and thoughts we think); Viihar (lifestyle: our habits and ideologies); Vichar (mental responses and immunity powers to changes); Vyayama (adequate flexibility and health of physical body) and Aaushadhi (medicines as are required, both in type/quality and quantity).

Consult your Ayurvedic doctor to plan the best combination of treatment for you: both, to prevent diabetes and to help overcome the vagaries of diabetes.