Should You Use Ashwagandha for Your Thyroid?

A recent study by the American Thyroid Association (ATA) reported that over 20 million Americans have some sort of thyroid disease. Their statistics also show that one woman out of eight will develop thyroid-related problems during her lifetime.

Thyroid disorders are undetectable most of the time. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Regardless of having a thyroid problem or not, it’s best to do a thyroid checkup at least once a year.

For those who are struggling with thyroid problems, I understand that it’s hard to keep the thyroid level in balance. I have been there. I have been once diagnosed with a serious thyroid problem.

If you are still using regular medical medicine to date, it’s high time you add some natural herbs or medicine for the thyroid. Ashwagandha is the best herb to start with.

Ready to start seeing the benefits of Ashwaghandha? Then check out HUM Nutrition’s Ashwagandha supplement.

What is Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha or Withania Somnifera (scientific name) is a plant that belongs to an adaptogen plant family. This group of plants helps our body handle and manage stress, combat aging, strengthen and build muscles, aid neurological disorders, relieve rheumatoid, arthritis and help boost levels of thyroid hormones.

This traditional herb has been used for centuries in Ayurveda – the traditional medicine practiced in India, dating back to 6000 BC as a tonic for the nervous system and warding off stress. Recently it has gained popularity as an alternative treatment for thyroid issues.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a small gland that is located in front of your neck just below your adam’s apple, wrapped around the windpipe. Like any other body gland, the thyroid gland also plays an important role in our body.

The thyroid gland’s main function is to produce a hormone called triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones influence and control body temperature, heart rate, and other vital functions in our body.

Sometimes due to external or internal factors, the thyroid gland produces less or more thyroid hormones. When your thyroid produces too much you develop a condition called hyperthyroidism. On the other hand, when your thyroid produces fewer hormones, you develop a condition called hypothyroidism.

Not sure which thyroid issue you have? Then take an at-home thyroid test first, and then you can find the right supplements for you.

The Link Between Thyroid and Ashwagandha

There is a direct connection between thyroid and stress. When you stress too much, the excess tension triggers your metabolic dysfunction resulting in inflammation. Ashwagandha is gaining popularity as an alternative medicine for the thyroid because of its magical properties for combating stress and inflammation.

So you see, there is a direct link between Withania Somnifera and thyroid. When you take the ashwagandha herbs for the thyroid regularly, it helps your body control excess strain and anxiety, leading to a significant improvement in thyroid health.

But Withania Somnifera is recommended only for low thyroid functions. It can boost hormone levels in the body, therefore is advised only for the patient with hypothyroidism. Before you add ashwagandha to your supplement routine, make sure to speak with your healthcare provider who can offer more insight based on your health status.

An added benefit of this ashwagandha supplement is that it has both Ashwagandha root and leaf extract, but also L-Theanine which can increase relaxation, boost mood and increase cognitive function.

Benefits of Withania Somnifera for Thyroid

For those who are struggling with low thyroid symptoms, ashwagandha can be one of the best supportive herbs for the thyroid. Here are some benefits of this powerful herb.

• Improves Stress Response

Ashwagandha has biologically active chemical components such as alkaloids, steroidal lactones, and saponins. This chemical has significant anti-stress properties which help to improve the body’s defense system and protect against cellular damage from free radicals.

• Normalize Thyroid Biomarkers

A recent study in the Thyroid Research Journal states that ashwagandha powder can improve thyroid hormone levels. As per the study, the increase in thyroid-stimulating hormones (TSH) is linked to higher cortisol levels.

It’s believed that ashwagandha’s ability to increase thyroid hormone levels is due to its ability to lower cortisol levels.

• Alleviates brain fog

A recent study by the Journal of Dietary Supplements evaluated that taking ashwagandha root extract twice daily for eight weeks improves memory function, attention, and information processing.

• Calms Anxiety 

If you are struggling with thyroid problems, I am sure most of you undergo anxiety. Anxiety is one of the common symptoms of thyroid disorders. Withania Somnifera is one of the best herbs for anxiety or anxiety-like symptoms caused by the thyroid. It can also just help for any situations in which you are facing anxiety.

If you do have frequent or more than low anxiety, I really recommend trying HeartMath. They have a few products that can help you lower your stress by focusing is an effective way to get you back leveled. It really helps get me re-centered and not screaming internally!

• Cools Chronic Inflammation

Another common cause of thyroid dysfunction is chronic inflammation. The inflammation can hamper your thyroid hormone output causing more serious problems to your thyroid.

With the help of ashwagandha, you can protect your cell membranes from lipid peroxidation, the damage that occurs from chronic inflammation.

•  Adds Antioxidant Defense

Did you know? The more you stress the more you become prone to inflammation. Which eventually leads to too much oxidative stress.

Ashwagandha is one of the best medicine for the thyroid during times of stress. As it provides robust support to your antioxidant defense system. Don’t forget, antioxidants keep us looking young and healthy!

• Boosts Immunity 

The purpose of white blood cells (WBC) in our body is to act as the first line of defense against foreign intruders. Ashwagandha is known to increase WBC in our body which in turn helps you stay healthy.

• Increases Work Capacity 

People suffering from thyroid disorder often tend to feel tired. Their work capacity can drastically hit the ground. Tiredness is also one of the common symptoms of thyroid disorder. If you are experiencing low energy levels, adding Withania Somnifera might work wonders in terms of your energy level.

That is why my best recommendation for any issues with energy is the adrenal support supplement with Ashwagandha pictured below.

Can Ashwagandha Help Treat Hypothyroidism?

As per the record, there is no evidence that ashwagandha works 100% for hypothyroidism. But there is some scientific evidence to suggest that Withania Somnifera can be helpful for overall thyroid function.

An 8-week study in 50 people with hypothyroidism found that taking 600 mg of ashwagandha root extract daily led to significant improvements in thyroid levels, compared to taking a placebo.

Those in the ashwagandha group showed significant increases in triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels of 41.5% and 19.6%, respectively. Furthermore, thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels decreased by 17.5%.

Ashwagandha might be helpful for Hypothyroidism but it can also lead to a serious form of hyperthyroidism called thyrotoxicosis. Thyrotoxicosis occurs when your body has extremely high levels of circulating thyroid hormones but low levels of TSH.

If you are on a hypothyroidism prescribed medication, adding an ashwagandha supplement regimen might interact with thyroid medication. Therefore, it is important to speak with your healthcare practitioner before taking ashwagandha, especially if you have hyperthyroidism.

How to Use Ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha can be taken in various ways.

• It can be taken in supplement form. Most of the supplement comes in 150-mg tablets which should be taken twice a day on a full stomach.
• Ashwagandha powder can be added to water, milk, juices, soup, smoothies, tea, etc.
• It can be also taken in the form of tablets. These days most research uses the tablet form.

If you’re making the purchase online or from a store always make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dose unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Don’t take ashwagandha if you are:

• Pragnant – It may cause miscarraige
• Taking Sedatives or Antidepressants – Might increase the problem.

FAQs About Ashwagandha on Thyroid 

• Is it safe to take ashwagandha daily?
  • The daily therapeutic use of Withania Somnifera is generally considered safe at doses that range between 250 mg and 500 mg.

• How long does it take for ashwagandha to take effect?
  • When used in conjunction with a healthy lifestyle, ashwagandha can begin to impact the body beneficially within two weeks. The quality of your ashwagandha supplement is what will make the biggest difference. A high-concentration, full-spectrum extract is required to make the biggest impact on your body. HUM Nutrition states on their website that their clients who took this ashwagandha supplement for 60 days saw a 62% reduction in stress symptoms!

• What are the side effects of ashwagandha?
  • Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems might occur.

Should You Try It?

If you are in an early stage of thyroid problems, they can be cured. But if the problems take their roots deeper thyroid disease often becomes a lifelong medical condition that you need to manage constantly.

It may take some time to find the right treatment option for you to control your thyroid hormone levels. Who knows ashwagandha might be the right option for you. So, you should definitely try Withania Somnifera for your thyroid.

Ashwagandha has been used for centuries in alternative medicine. It may improve thyroid levels in those with hypothyroidism. However, it may worsen the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Therefore, you should consult your healthcare provider before taking ashwagandha for a thyroid condition.

Have you tried it? Let me know in the comments!