Belonging to the ginger family, turmeric was first cultivated in India and Indonesia, where it was used in culinary, medicinal, and religious practices. People often associate turmeric with the deep golden hue of curries, but it actually has a long history of medicinal use. It has been known to treat a variety of skin conditions (including eczema and rashes), stomach ailments, or liver problems. Turmeric remains an important herb in Ayurveda, which is an ancient Indian system that focuses on natural healing.
A Pakistani Thyroid Study
A high percentage of people in South Asian countries have thyroid disorders, which are primarily attributed to iodine deficiency and goitrogen intake. Goitrogens are substances that disrupt the natural production of thyroid hormones, and they interfere with iodine uptake. In a study that involved 2,335 residents from Pak Pattan, Punja, Pakistan, the presence of goiter was more common in females, unmarried individuals, and in people who drank tube well (subterranean) water. The study observed that goiter was extremely high in those with hyperthyroidism. Goiter was less common in people who consumed spices, chilies, and turmeric daily. Furthermore, turmeric use was associated with reduced goitrogenesis. Follow up studies will focus on the quantity of turmeric that should be consumed for goiter treatment.
How Does Turmeric Benefits The Thyroid?
For people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (the “itis” indicating inflammation of the thyroid gland), chronic or excess inflammation is very common. Additionally, intestinal permeability or heavy metal toxicity are common factors in autoimmune-related diseases, including Hashimoto’s. Curcumin, the active ingredient in turmeric, is rich in antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antiviral properties. Curcumin has been known to:
- Reduce the hepatotoxicity that is induced by cadmium, chromium, copper, lead, or mercury. It can also maintain liver antioxidant enzyme status and protect against mitochondrial dysfunction.
- Help protect the intestinal barrier from infection, which is beneficial for those with leaky gut.
- Protect against the side effects and genetic damage of radioactive iodine, which is occasionally used to help treat Graves’ disease.
- Produce anti-inflammatory effects by regulating Th-1 cytokines, which may be overactive in patients with Hashimoto’s disease. People also praise turmeric for its ability to reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, which may benefit those with irritable bowel syndrome or ulcerative colitis.
Turmeric Tea For Your Thyroid
Ingredients:
- 1-2 tablespoons turmeric powder
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon virgin coconut oil
- a few slices of fresh ginger root
- a pinch of cinnamon
Instructions:
- Mix the turmeric and black pepper in a large mug. Black pepper is in this tea because it increases the bioavailability of turmeric, allowing your body to absorb it more easily.
- Pour the boiling water into the mug and stir to help dissolve the black pepper and turmeric.
- Add the coconut oil, which also helps the body absorb turmeric, and mix well.
- For added taste and health benefits, add the ginger slices and cinnamon, stirring well to combine flavors.
- Drink this tea twice a day, once in the morning and once before bed. Follow this regimen for two weeks and then take a two-day break before resuming.
