Goiter is a condition in which there occurs enlargement of the thyroid gland. Thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland which is present at the base of the neck below the Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland enlarges because of the uncontrollable multiplication of the cells. It results in the formation of lumps and nodules in thyroid gland. The abnormal cell growth occurs because of the irregular growth of thyroid hormones. Thyroxine and triiodothyronine are the two major hormones which are produced by the gland. These hormones are responsible for maintaining metabolism of body, regulates body temperature, etc.
The goiters can vary in size and the easily manageable the ones which are smaller in size. The treatment depends on the underlying cause of the disease. However, good eating habits and healthy lifestyle can help in management and prevention of goiter.
CAUSES OF GOITER
There are various factors which are responsible for the occurrence of goiter. Following are the underlying causes of the disease:
- Having iodine deficiency
- Multiple nodules in thyroid gland
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland known as thyroiditis
- Pregnancy
- Hashimoto’s disease – an autoimmune disorder
- Graves’ disease
- Cancer of the thyroid gland
WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS OF GOITER?
Some factors make a person more prone to goiter. Following are the risk factors of goiter:
- Females are at more risk in comparison to males
- Hormonal fluctuations
- Lack of physical exercise
- Being overweight
- Menopause
- Insulin resistance
- Having a genetic predisposition to goiter
- Exposure to radiation
- Certain medications like antipsychotic drug, high blood pressure drugs, etc
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS OF GOITER?
The size of goiter ranges from not being noticeable to very large. It is usually painless but when there is thyroiditis, it is very painful. Following are the main signs and symptoms of goiter:
- Presence of a lump in front part of the neck
- Feeling of tightness in throat
- Hoarseness in voice
- Light-headedness
- Difficulty in swallowing
- Shortness of breath
- Increased heart rate
- Rapid loss of weight
- Feeling tired
- Dryness in skin
- Irregular periods
- Muscle weakness
- Lack of concentration
- Memory problems
- Tremors
- Excessive sweating
- Irritability
- Anxiety
- High blood pressure
- Increase in appetite
- Snoring
HOW THE DIAGNOSIS OF GOITER CAN BE DONE?
The first thing a doctor does is a physical exam where checks the size of the lump. Then the doctor would also be interested in the family history to analyze the genetic angle. He will suggest some of the following tests to the patient:
- Thyroid function tests
- Antibody test
- Ultrasound of thyroid gland
- Biopsy
- Radioactive iodine uptake
- CT scan
- MRI scan
WHAT IS THE AYURVEDIC CONCEPT OF GOITER?
Goiter is called Galaganda in Ayurveda. Here, there is an aggravation of kapha dosha. Kaphadosha later on involves vatadosha and medodhatu. There is a mixing of kapha with meda which results in nodule formation in the throat which is visible through the front of the throat. Depending on the involvement of different doshas, it is of three types – vataj, kaphaj and medojgalaganda.
There are various ayurvedic herbs which are found to be beneficial in goiter:
- Kanchnar
- Ashwagandha
- Haldi
- Garlic
- Vacha
- Devdaru
CHANDIGARH AYURVED CENTRE’S MEDICATIONS FOR THE TREATMENT OF GOITER
Here are some of the medicines of Chandigarh Ayurvedcentre which are used for the treatment of goiter:
As the name suggests these tablets are herbal and proper solutions for your hyperthyroidism condition. These herbal tablets are prepared from the herbs like Brahmi (Bacopamonnieri), Kachnar (Bauhinia variegate), Gandir (Coleus forskohlii), &ShudGuggul (Commiphoramukul). All the herbs in combination maintain the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Recommended Dosage:Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.
2. KanchnaarGuggulu
Kanchnaarguggulu is considered as the best medicine for skin problems such as wounds, pimples, boils, etc. The tablet is composed of Kanchnaar (Bauhinia variegata), Pippali (Piper longum), Shunthi (Zingiberofficinale), Guggulu (Commiphoramukul), Twak (Cinnamomumzeylanicum), etc. These tablets pacifies all the three doshas and helps in reducing the symptoms of pimples. This medicine checks and treats any kind of abnormal growth in the body, healing of ulcers, thyroid disorders, hernia, lesions and cancer. All kind of unwanted growth and fluid retentions in the body is treated by KanchnarGuggul and it reduces all kinds of lumps in the body.
Recommended Dosage:Take 1 tablet twice daily with normal water.
3. Trikatu Syrup
The main herbs used for the formation of this syrup are Marich (Piper nigrum), Pippali (Piper longum), &Shunthi (Zingiberofficinale). This herbal syrup deals with the signs & symptoms related to hyperthyroid patients. It is very effective syrup for different diseases.
Recommended Dosage:Take 2 teaspoonfuls twice daily.
4. Kapha balance tablet
Kapha tablet is a healthy blend of herbs formulated to balance Kaphadoshas without aggravating Pitta and Vatadoshas. It can also be used to alleviate any temporary Kapha imbalance. It is very effective in Kapha season that is late winter and spring. It consists of warming and astringent herbs that help to balance the system throughout the cold season. The main use of Kapha tablets is to remove excess Kaphadoshas from the system and helps in the management of weight, healthy lungs, and the immune system
Recommended Dosage:Take 1 tablet twice a day with normal water.
