:: June 2006 Volume 5/Number 4

Research Brief :
Guggulu, Shoulder Stands & Conditions of the Thyroid

By Julie Diefe

 

The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland at the base of the neck, weighs only an ounce yet holds a massive role in the regulation of metabolism of the entire body, from heart rate to temperature.

Two primary hormones are produced by the thyroid: thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothryronine (T-3). These maintain metabolic rate, including the speed at which energy is burned in the body, control protein synthesis, body temperature, heart rate and a number of other functions affecting every system in the body. The thyroid also produces the hormone calcitonin, which regulates essential blood levels of calcium. The thyroid is controlled in turn by the hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain. The hypothalamus produces thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to regulate the thyroid.

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, more than half of the 27 million Americans with thyroid activity dysfunction remain undiagnosed. Of these, women are five to eight times more likely to have hypothyroidism (under-activity of the thyroid gland).

The thyroid gland is sensitive to environmental factors, as well as other processes taking place in our body. Environmental pollution, heavy metals, a number of prescription medications and even chronic stress, can all negatively affect thyroid function. i

Some imbalances of the thyroid gland occur when it is over or under-active. Hyperthyroidism is the condition of over-activity of the thyroid gland. Common symptoms include weight loss or gain, appetite changes, intolerance to heat, sleep difficulties, fatigue, impaired fertility and thyroid gland enlargement.

From an Ayurvedic perspective, hyperthyroid is a condition of disturbance of vata, the body’s air element. Therapies to calm, soothe and reduce stimulation are important. Hyperthyroidism can be a serious condition necessitating medical treatment.

Under-activity of the thyroid gland or less-than-normal secretion of thyroid hormone is hypothyroidism, which can cause a slowing down of metabolism. This can lead to decreased metabolic rate, with symptoms including increased sensitivity to cold, constipation, weight gain, muscle weakness and pale, dry skin. Under-activity of the thyroid is also a significant cause of depression. Ayurvedically, hypothyroidism is a disorder of kapha, the body’s earth element. Interventions that provide stimulation are appropriate.

AYURVEDA
One of the herbal preparations traditionally used to balance the thyroid gland is guggulu, resin from the tree Commiphora mukul. Guggulu is related to frankincense and myrrh, and balances both kapha and vata. Guggulus are often combined with other herbs to potentiate their effect. Kaishor guggulu or kanchanar guggulus are preparations in which guggulu is combined with guduchi (Tinaspora cordifolia) and other herbs to produce kaishor guggulu. Kanchanar is so named because it includes the herb kanchanar (Bauhinia variegate), which removes congestion, along with herbs to promote agni, the digestive fire. A number of studies performed in India, have shown guggulu preparations to be effective for stimulating the thyroid. ii Other Ayurvedic herbs showing research promise for managing thyroid function are amalaki (Emblica officinalis) and ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). iii,iv

From an Ayurvedic perspective, generally learning to manage stress, improving digestion in all of the body’s tissues and bringing balance to the body are important adjuncts to herbal therapy as well as use of thyroid medications.

YOGA
In the classic Light on Yoga, B.K.S. Iyengar describes the significance of sarvangasana (shoulderstand). Iyengar says it is a panacea for most common ailments, since it increases the blood supply to the thyroid and parathyroid glands due to the chin lock in the neck region. All of the different variations of this pose, including shoulderstand using a chair, are traditionally thought to be helpful for improving thyroid function, particularly for stimulating an underactive thyroid. v

Other recommended yoga practices for creating balance in the thyroid gland are ujjayi pranayama (the use of a breath with a slight constriction in the back of the throat) as well as matsyasana (fish pose, the backbend that is a counterpose to shoulderstand). Bridge pose (a backbend with the soles of the feet and shoulders on the floor and the hips and spine lifted) is another asana (posture) that increases blood flow to the neck and stimulates the thyroid.

Yoga teachers and yoga therapists frequently report positive results with yoga practices including shoulderstand, fish, bridge, pranayama and other practices to restore thyroid health. For example, in Yoga For Wellness, renowned yoga therapist Gary Kraftsow includes a case study successfully assisting the treatment of thyroid disease utilizing yoga. vi An Indian study of yoga and physical therapy showed that both stimulated thyroid activity. vii

Yoga also demonstratively reduces levels of stress hormones, including cortisol, viii,ix thereby potentially having a positive effect on thyroid function.

ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is beginning to be studied in the management of thyroid dysfunction, and is so far showing some promising results. x,xi

IODINE AND MINERALS
The mineral iodine is a necessary component of T-4. Taking sufficient iodine is important for normal thyroid function and can improve thyroid conditions including hyperthyroidism and goiter, or enlargement of the gland.xii While iodized salt is a component of many diets, marine vegetables, such as various seaweeds including kelp and nori, are important sources of dietary iodine.xiii Irish moss is one seaweed recommended in Ayurveda for reducing swelling, removing excess kapha and treating an enlarged thyroid.xiv The thyroid, though, can be sensitive to iodine, and some practitioners, like physician Stephen Langer, author of Solved, the Riddle of Illness, about thyroid disorders, cautions against the use of iodine supplements in cases of autoimmune thyroid disease. Langer also advocates the use of calcium and magnesium when necessary as they are provide a calming effect on the body. xv Selenium and zinc are other micronutrients essential to normalizing thyroid function. xvi,xvii Plant foods are high in selenium, but must be grown in selenium-rich soils. xviii

SOY
There is a great deal of controversy on the effects of soy and soy products on the thyroid gland and thyroid function. Studies suggest that soy chemical constituents including genistien and isoflavones can inhibit thyroid enzyme production.xix A review of studies suggests that healthy people consuming soy products maintain an adequate intake of iodine for effective thyroid function. xx From an Ayurvedic perspective, the effect of soy is going to vary based on not only on the health of the individual, but the type and amount of soy food ingested. Products like isolated soy protein would be less recommended than fermented soy products like miso or tempeh, in which many chemicals are predigested.

IN CONCLUSION
Since thyroid dysfunction is typically under-diagnosed, and can affect all body systems, if you suspect that you have thyroid problems, seek out a qualified and experienced health professional for a complete evaluation. Yoga practice and finding balance are important tools for a healthy endocrine and metabolic system.

REFERENCES
i Kelly, G.S. 2000. Peripheral metabolism of thyroid hormones: a review. Alternative Medicine Review. 5(4): 306-33.

ii Panda, S. and Kar, A. 2005. Guggulu (Commiphor mukul) potentially amerliorates hypothyroidism in female mice. Phytotherapy Research. 19(1): 78-80.

iii Panda, S., and Kar, A. 2003. Fruit extract of Emblica officinalis ameliorates hyperthyroidism and hepatic lipid peroxidatin in mice. Pharmazie. 58(10): 753-5.

iv Panda. S., and Kar, A. 1999 Withania somnifera and Bauhinia purpurea in the regulation of circulating thyroid hormone concentrations in female mice. Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 67(2): 233-9.

v Iyengar, B.K.S. 1966. Light on Yoga. Schocken Books: New York. Pages 212-3.

vi Kraftsow, Gary. 1999. Yoga for Wellness. Penguin Arkana Books: New York. Pages 257-64.

vii Rawal, S.B., Singh, M.V., Tyagi, A.K., Selvamurthy, W., and Chaudhuri, B.N. 1994. Effect of yogic exercises on thyroid function in subjects resident at sea level upon exposure to high altitude. International Journal of Bioclimatology and Biometerology. 38(1): 44-7.

viii Michalsen, A., Grossman, P., Acil, A., Langhorst, J., Ludtke, R., Esch, T., Stefano, G.B., and Dobos, G.J. 2005. Rapid stress reduction and anxiolysis among distressed women as a consequence of a three-month intensive yoga program. Medical Science Monitor. 11(12): CR555-561.

ix Robert-McComb, J.J., Tacon, A., Randolph, P., and Caldera, Y. Mindfulness-based stress reduction in relation to quality of life, mood, symptoms of stress and levels of cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEAS) and melatonin in breast and prostate cancer outpatients. Psychoneuroendrocrinology. 2004; 29(4): 448-74.

x Dhar, H.L., and Vasanti, T. 2001. Endogenous depression, thyroid function and acupuncture. Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology. 45(1): 125-6.

xi Guo, X.Z., Li, C.J., Gao, B.H., Ye, M.R., and Zhao, R.W. 1984. Acupuncture treatment of benign thyroid nodules. Clinical observation of 65 cases. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine. 4(4): 261-4.

xii McKevoy, G.K., ed. 1998. AHFS Drug Information. American Society of Health-System Pharmacists: Bethesda, MD.

xiii Food and Nutritioin Board, Institute of Medicine. 2002. Dietary Reference Intakes for Vitamin A, Vitamin K, Arsenic, Boron, Chromium, Copper, Iodine, Iron, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silicon, Vanadium, and Zinc. National Academy Press: Washington, D.C.

xiv Frawley, David and Lad, Vasant. 1986. The Yoga of Herbs. Lotus Press: Twin Lakes, Wisconsin.

xv Langer, Stephen and Scheer, James. 2000. Solved: the Riddle of Illness. McGraw-Hill: New York.

xvi Olivieri, O., Girelli, D., Azzini, M., Stanzial, A.M., Russo, C., Ferroni, M., and Corrocher, R. 1995 Low selenium status in the elderly influences thyroid hormones. Clinical Science. 89(6): 637-42.

xvii Olivieri, O., Girelli, D., Stanzial, A.M., Rossi, L., Bassi, A., and Corrocher, R. 1996. Selenium, zinc, and thyroid hormones in healthy subjects: low T3/T4 ratio in the elderly is related to impaired selenium status. Biological Trace Element Research. 51(1): 31-41.

xviii National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements, Dietary Supplement Fact Sheet, Selenium.

xix Divi, R.L., Chang, H.C., and Doerge, D.R. 1997. Anti-thyroid isoflavones from soybean: isolation, characterization, and mechanisms of action. Biochemical Pharmacology. 54(10): 1087-96.

xx Messina, M. and Redmond, G. 2006. Effects of soy protein and soy isoflavones on thyroid function in healthy adults and hypothyroid patients: a review of the relevant literature. Thyroid. 16(3): 249-58.

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