Yoga Poses & Diet For Hypothyroidism

By Patricia | April 29, 2009
Diet For Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroid Diet And Yoga Poses - Which yoga positions has positive effect on regulating hypothyroid?

First of all let us understand what Hypothyroidism is. Your thyroid is a small, little gland situated in your throat, with enormous impact on your entire health and well-being. Your thyroid gland is responsible for producing your body’s supply of the thyroid hormone, thyroxine (T4) which, in turn, helps regulate your growth, maturation and the speed of your metabolism.

In Hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland becomes under-active and this results in lack of hormone production. The condition is incurable, but you can control it with the right dosage of a thyroxine supplement. You will also have to constantly assess your hormone levels for fine tuning. The source of the hormone is of no consequence to your body, only the levels of hormone present matter, so there is no problem even if you regularly get the supplement in the form of a pill.

Yoga for Hypothyroidism

The endocrine system, particularly the thyroid gland, is responsible for regulating your metabolism. Yoga is known to have a highly positive and stimulating impact on these glands, in particular the thyroid and parathyroid glands. The stretching, compressing and twisting of the Yoga poses is known to help to massage these glands, regulate their function, improve blood flow and nourish them right at the cellular level. Here is a list of asanas (Yoga poses) which will help stimulate your thyroid gland.

  1. Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
  2. Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
  3. Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
  4. Sashankasana (Rabbit Pose)
  5. Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
  6. Simhasana (Lion Pose)
  7. Ushtrasana (Camel Pose)
  8. Kati Uttanasana (Waist Tilting)

Pranayamas (Breathing Exercises)

  1. Kapalabhatti (Skull Cleansing)
  2. Anuloma-Viloma (Alternate Nostril Breathing)
  3. Ujjayi Pranayama

Recommended Diet for Hypothyroidism

See that your diet is rich in fiber and low in calories; so control your intake of fats. Have plenty of spinach, carrots, asparagus, bananas, apricots and avocados, sunflower seeds, olive oil, whole grain cereals, naturally oily fish as part your meals. You should also increase your selenium intake. You can do this, naturally, by having such foods as whole bran, wheat bread, tuna, Brazil nuts, tomatoes, onions and broccoli. See that you include some of these foods in your diet on a regular basis.

What to avoid in case of Hypothyroidism

  • Caffeinated drinks such as coffee, cola.
  • Smoking
  • Alcohol and chocolates
  • Broccoli, cabbage, mustard, peanuts, sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, Chinese leaves, soy products, turnips and kale. These are said to contain certain compounds called thioglucosides that can disrupt the functioning of your thyroid gland, particularly if taken in excess. Then again, you don’t need to give them up completely, but reduce as much as you can.
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Articles
advertisement
Find Us On Facebook
Copyright © 2024 Mac Millan Interactive Communications, LLC Terms of Use | Sitemap
The material on this web site is provided for educational purposes only, and is not to be used for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
See additional information. Use of this site is subject to our terms of service and privacy policy.