The Potential Benefits of Ashwagandha for Thyroid Health

March 27, 2023

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) has been used for centuries in Ayurveda, India's traditional system of medicine. This herb has been shown to have numerous health benefits, such as lowering stress, supporting hormonal health, and supporting immune health. A less common use of ashwagandha is for supporting thyroid function.

The thyroid gland is a part of the body's endocrine system and is responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development in the body. In this article, we will explore how ashwagandha may benefit thyroid health.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha is a small shrub that is native to India, the Middle East, and parts of Africa. Ashwagandha has been used in India for centuries to help treat a variety of health conditions, including stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The root of the plant is the part that is used for medicinal purposes and is rich in compounds called withanolides. (1) Withanolides are believed to have anti-inflammatory and adaptogenic properties, which means they can help the body adapt to stress.

What is the Thyroid and What Does it Do?

thyroid

The thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones that regulate metabolism, growth, and development in the body. (2) The two main hormones produced by the thyroid gland are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are essential for the proper functioning of many organs in the body, including the heart, brain, liver, and kidneys.

The Importance of Thyroid Health

Thyroid health is critical for overall health and well-being. An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can cause a range of symptoms, including weight gain or loss, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Thyroid disorders can also lead to more severe health issues, such as heart disease, osteoporosis, and infertility. (3)

How Thyroid Health Can be Compromised

Several factors can compromise thyroid health, including chronic stress, nutritional deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and certain medications. One of the most common thyroid disorders is hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. (3) Hypothyroidism can be caused by an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, iodine deficiency, or certain medications such as lithium.

Symptoms of Poor Thyroid Health

thyroid symptoms

Thyroid disorders can lead to a range of symptoms, depending on whether the thyroid gland is overactive or underactive. Some common symptoms of poor thyroid health include:

Fatigue: Feeling frequently tired or exhausted, even after getting adequate rest.
Weight Changes: Unexplained weight gain or loss, despite no changes in diet or exercise habits.
Mood Changes: Mood swings, anxiety, irritability, or depression.
Muscle Weakness: Weakness or stiffness in the muscles, especially in the arms and legs.
Hair Loss: Thinning or loss of hair, particularly on the scalp.
Dry Skin: Dry, itchy skin or a feeling of being constantly cold.
Irregular Menstrual Cycles: Changes in the menstrual cycle, including heavier or lighter periods or irregular cycles.
Difficulty Concentrating: Difficulty focusing or concentrating, memory problems, or brain fog.
Heart Palpitations: Rapid or irregular heartbeat, particularly when at rest.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor or healthcare provider. Taking a simple blood test can determine whether you have a thyroid disorder, and receiving prompt treatment can help to alleviate symptoms and prevent further complications.

How Ashwagandha May Support Thyroid Health

ashwagandha tea

Ashwagandha has been shown to have several benefits for thyroid health. First, it has been shown to have a beneficial effect on the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, which is the system responsible for regulating thyroid function. This axis includes the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the thyroid gland. Ashwagandha has been shown to regulate the levels of thyroid hormones and increase the production of T4 hormone, which can help alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism. (4)

Ashwagandha also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation. (1) This is important because oxidative stress and inflammation can damage the thyroid gland and lead to thyroid disorders.

It is important to note that ashwagandha should not be used as a replacement for thyroid medication. If you are currently taking thyroid medication, you should continue to take your medication as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Additional Ways to Support Thyroid Health

iodine rich foods

While ashwagandha may have benefits for thyroid health due to its influence on the endocrine system, there are many other ways you can support thyroid health naturally:

1. Eat a Balanced Diet

Eating a balanced diet that includes plenty of iodine-rich foods such as seaweed, dairy products, and eggs can help support thyroid health. Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed for the production of thyroid hormones. (5) Other nutrients that are important for thyroid health include selenium, zinc, and vitamin D. Foods that are high in these nutrients include Brazil nuts, oysters, pumpkin seeds, spinach, and fatty fish.

2. Manage Stress

Stress can have a negative impact on thyroid health. Because of this, it's important to find ways to manage stress levels. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep breathing can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. Regular exercise is also an effective way to manage stress and support thyroid health.

3. Get Regular Exercise

Exercise can help regulate thyroid function and support overall health. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise on most days of the week. This can include activities like walking, jogging, swimming, or cycling.

4. Avoid Toxins and Pollutants

Exposure to toxins and pollutants can damage the thyroid gland and lead to thyroid disorders. (6) To support thyroid health, avoid exposure to cigarette smoke, pesticides, and certain chemicals found in plastics and household products.

5. Focus on Getting All of Your Nutrients

Maintaining adequate levels of essential nutrients is crucial for thyroid health. In addition to iodine, selenium, zinc, and vitamin D, other nutrients that are important for thyroid health include iron, vitamin B12, and magnesium. Talk to your healthcare provider about testing your nutrient levels and supplementing as needed.

6. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Obesity has been linked to an increased risk of thyroid disorders. (7) Maintaining a healthy weight through a balanced diet and regular exercise can help support thyroid health.

7. Get Regular Check-Ups

Regular check-ups with a healthcare provider can help monitor thyroid function and detect any potential problems early on. If you have a family history of thyroid disorders or are experiencing symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or mood swings, talk to your healthcare provider about getting your thyroid function tested.

Ashwagandha and Thyroid Medication Together

herbs and medication

If you are currently taking thyroid medication, it is essential to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha and medication together, or any other supplements. Some supplements, including ashwagandha, may interact with thyroid medication, potentially affecting how your body absorbs and uses the medication.

In some cases, ashwagandha may enhance the effects of thyroid medication, leading to an overactive thyroid gland. This can cause symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, and weight loss. On the other hand, ashwagandha may also reduce the effectiveness of thyroid medication, leading to an underactive thyroid gland and the associated symptoms. This is why it is recommended to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements, especially when taking medication.

Summary

Ashwagandha may have several benefits for thyroid health, including regulating thyroid hormone levels, protecting the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation, and improving the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis. However, it should not be used as a replacement for thyroid medication, and if you are taking thyroid medication, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha or any other supplements.

Additionally, there are several other ways to support thyroid health, including eating a balanced diet, managing stress, getting regular exercise, avoiding toxins, ensuring adequate nutrient levels, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting regular check-ups with a healthcare provider.