Ayurvedic Diet in Myxedema

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Ayurvedic diet: Guidance in implementation of a diet adapted to Vishamagni; which foods and flavors are appropriate to consume, intake of oils, eating patterns, herbal supplements and guidance on which foods and flavors are inappropriate to consume. General Ayurvedic dietary advice for vishamagni: Regular meals; 3 main meals daily at approximately the same time. Consume foods with the Ayurvedic taste nuances: sweet, sour and salty. Primarily consume hot and prepared meals. Eat lactovegetarian. Avoid spicy, bitter and astringent foods. Avoid meat, raw vegetables (all vegetables must be cooked), dry and crunchy foods such as crackers, dried fruit, rice crackers and muesli, and avoid ice cold foods and drinks. One Ayurvedic herbal supplement MA505 (Triphala), with fruits and spices intended to balance the digestive type Vishamagni

habitual diet: instruction on continuation of the habitual diet

Study summary

Primary hypothyroidism is diagnosed by elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level and a reduced thyroxine (T4) level in plasma. Some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, weight gain and reduced cognition and is associated with reduced quality of life and increased days of sick leave. Levothyroxine, a synthetic form of T4, is clinically recommended as first-line treatment for hypothyroidism. When normalizing TSH/T4 with levothyroxine, the prevalence of persistent symptoms is present in 15% of patients. The composition of our gut bacteria, the microbiome, plays a significant role for a healthy thyroid gland and metabolism and is influenced by our diet. The Indian medical system, Ayurveda, is based on generations of experience and knowledge in disease prevention and treatment, including various diet plans, exercise and lifestyles that are put into context for physical and mental health. Ayurveda works with four different types of digestion and is based on a vegetarian diet. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of an Ayurvedic diet plan, as a supplement to medical treatment, among people with hypothyroidism.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• digestion — 8 weeks
  change in digestion measured by self-reported questionnaire

Trial sites (2)

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