Are ashwagandha and thyroid problems joint? The answer is a little complicated, but in general, there is preliminary evidence that ashwagandha might help improve thyroid function, though more research is needed. (1, 2, 3)
When it comes to ashwagandha and thyroid issues, it may not be as simple as a yes or no answer. Preliminary research has indicated that ashwagandha could potentially help improve thyroid functioning, however, more studies need to be conducted on the matter
Do you have an overactive thyroid? If so, ashwagandha may be a natural treatment for you. Ashwagandha is a lead herb that has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to help balance the thyroid and nourish the body.
Table of Contents
What is Ashwagandha?
Ashwagandha is a flowering herbaceous perennial plant with long leaves and small, greenish-white flowers. The root of the plant contains a substance called Withanolide, which has traditional anti-medicinal properties. Ashwagandha is commonly used in Ayurveda as a general rejuvenating tonic and for treating issues like fatigue, stress, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
How Does Ashwagandha Help with an Overactive Thyroid?
There is preliminary research that suggests ashwagandha can help regulate blood sugar levels and improve thyroid function.
Thyroid hormones are essential for regulating metabolic processes in the body and are responsible for your energy levels, heart health, mood swings, skin health, and overall well-being.
It’s possible that ashwagandha and the thyroid may work to stabilize TSH levels while also supporting cellular function and antioxidant levels. Ultimately, this could help to improve overall thyroid health while reducing symptoms of an overactive thyroid.
If You Are Concerned About Your Thyroid Health or Overactivity:
If you are concerned about your thyroid health or overactivity, it may be worth considering ashwagandha as a potential treatment.
Speak with your doctor about whether or not ashwagandha could be beneficial for you and whether there are any other precautions you should take before starting this herbal supplement.
Types of thyroid disorders
An organ with a butterfly form at the base of your neck is called the thyroid. It is important for metabolism, bone health, growth, and development. (4)
1. Hyperthyroidism
2. Goiter
3. Thyroiditis
4. Thyroid cancer
5. Thyroid nodules
6. Thyroid hormone resistance
Does Ashwagandha Help With Thyroid Symptoms?
Yes, ashwagandha can help with thyroid symptoms. Studies have found that ashwagandha can improve thyroid function, reduce inflammation, and support hormone balance, which can help relieve symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin.
Additionally, ashwagandha can help reduce cortisol levels, which can be beneficial for those with hypothyroidism. (5)
can ashwagandha and thyroid be taken together?
Yes, it is generally safe to take ashwagandha and thyroid together. However, it is important to consult your doctor or healthcare provider before taking any supplements.
Additionally, it is important to let them know of any other medications or supplements that you are taking to ensure that there are no interactions.
ashwagandha thyroid weight loss
There are various reasons why adding ashwagandha to your diet might help you lose weight.
It boosts your energy levels, helping you to stick to a healthy diet and exercise habits.
Ashwagandha helps control blood sugar levels, which can reduce your appetite and help you lose weight without feeling hungry.
Finally, it has been shown to increase testosterone levels, which can help you burn more calories. So if you’re looking for a natural way to lose weight, consider adding ashwagandha to your routine. (6)
What Are Ashwagandha’s Possible Side Effects?
Generally speaking, ashwagandha is considered to be a safe and well-tolerated herb. However, some people still may experience side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, stomach discomfort, and skin irritation. (7)
Additionally, ashwagandha can interact with certain medications and should be avoided by pregnant and breastfeeding women. (8)
How To Use Ashwagandha For Thyroid?
Be aware that ashwagandha supplements are available in many forms. You can typically acquire dietary supplements in tablet, capsule, or powder form.
You can consult research to get a general notion of how much ashwagandha to use even if there are no particular dosage recommendations.
In the majority of trials, ashwagandha root extract is taken daily in doses ranging from 600 mg to 1000 mg to treat hypothyroidism. (9)
Summary
Ashwagandha and thyroid hormones are strongly linked to each other. The herb may have the potential to help improve thyroid functioning in those with thyroid problems, although more research is needed.
Ashwagandha has been used in Ayurveda for centuries to help balance the thyroid and nourish the body. Preliminary research has indicated that ashwagandha could potentially help improve thyroid functioning, however, more studies need to be conducted on the matter.
Therefore, before using ashwagandha for thyroid disease, you should talk to your doctor.
Frequently asked questions
do ashwagandha raise TSH?
It is hopeful for those with hypothyroidism that ashwagandha may raise thyroid hormone levels. To avoid potential thyrotoxicosis (an excess of thyroid hormone in the body), those with hyperthyroidism should stay away from ashwagandha unless specifically advised to do so by a doctor.
What supplement to avoid with thyroid?
According to the Mayo Clinic, dietary supplements such as calcium, iron, iron-containing multivitamins, and magnesium- or aluminum-containing antacids can potentially interact with thyroid medications. They should be taken a few hours before or after taking thyroid medications to avoid an interaction.
what herbs should I avoid with hypothyroidism?
Mugwort (Lycopus virginicus, Lycopus europaeus) and lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) may interfere with the action of thyroid hormones. Talk to your doctor before taking these herbs together with thyroid hormones.
how can I boost my thyroid naturally?
thyroid-boosting foods
grilled seaweed Natural sources of iodine, a trace element required for healthy thyroid function, include seaweed like kelp, nori, and wakame.
seasoned nuts Excellent sources of selenium, which supports healthy thyroid function, include Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts.
Dairy, fresh eggs, baked fish.
references
1. Mishra, L. C. 1, BB Singh, S Dagenais,” Scientific basis for the therapeutic use of Withania somnifera (ashwagandha): a review”, Review Altern Med Rev. 2000 Aug; 5 (4): 334-46.
2. Wankhede, S., Langade, D., Joshi, K., Sinha, S. R., & Bhattacharyya, S. (2015). Examining the effect of Withania somnifera supplementation on muscle strength and recovery: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 12(1), 43.
3. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with ashwagandha root extract: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 96-106.
4. Nixon, M., & Westendorp, R. G. (2017). When subclinical hypothyroidism becomes clinically diagnosed. European Journal of Internal Medicine, 46, e34-e35.
5. Sharma, A. K., Basu, I., & Singh, S. (2018). Efficacy and safety of ashwagandha root extract in subclinical hypothyroid patients: a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 24(3), 243-248.
6. Choudhary, D., Bhattacharyya, S., & Joshi, K. (2017). Body weight management in adults under chronic stress through treatment with ashwagandha root extract: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of evidence-based complementary & alternative medicine, 22(1), 96-106.
7. Kaushik, M. K., Kaul, S. C., Wadhwa, R., Yanagisawa, M., & Urade, Y. (2017). Triethylene glycol, an active component of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) leaves, is responsible for sleep induction. PLoS One, 12(2), e0172508.
8. Ernst, E. (2002). Herbal medicinal products during pregnancy: are they safe? BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 109(3), 227-235.
9. Raut, A. A., Rege, N. N., Tadvi, F. M., Solanki, P. V., Kene, K. R., & Shirolkar, S. G. & Vaidya, AB (2012). Exploratory study to evaluate tolerability, safety, and activity of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) in healthy volunteers. Journal of Ayurveda and integrative medicine, 3(3), 111.