Fact Check: Can consuming coriander juice help cure thyroid disorders?

Hyderabad: A post advising thyroid patients to consume coriander juice to cure thyroid issues is being widely shared on social media. The video further advises mixing crushed coriander leaves in water and consuming them twice a day on an empty stomach

The viral post has been online since 2018 and is resurfacing now. Thyroid issues can be serious chronic conditions that can only be managed but not cured.

Fact Check

NewsMeter found that the claim is false.

What are thyroid issues?

The thyroid is an important endocrine gland that makes and releases certain hormones in the body. The basic function of the thyroid gland is to control metabolism and energy flow. Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. There are no noticeable symptoms in the early stages but as time passes hypothyroidism may lead to other health problems such as high cholesterol and heart problems.

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It produces hormones that regulate and play important roles in regulating blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate metabolism and managing other hormones, Triiodothyronine T3 and Thyrocine T4.

If there is trouble with the thyroid it may result in the gland producing too little or too much thyroid hormone (Hyperthyroidism). Thyroid disorder affects heart rate, pregnancy, bone, body weight, mood and many other functions of the body.

Can coriander juice treat thyroid disorder?

No, there is no scientific evidence to prove coriander leaves or any other herb are effective in curing thyroid disorders. According to the American Thyroid Association, “All thyroid diseases can be treated, resulting in normal thyroid function. However, this frequently requires being on medication to maintain the normal thyroid state.” There is a difference between treating and curing. The thyroid can be treated or managed with medications and following a certain balance in the diet but cannot be cured once it is diagnosed.

However, the only way to get rid of hyperthyroidism is to remove the thyroid with the help of surgery. Once the gland is removed, you have to depend on thyroid hormone replacement medications for the rest of your life. Your body still needs thyroid hormones, just not at such high levels as you have in hyperthyroidism.

To manage thyroid disorders, one needs to consume a nutrition-rich diet to improve overall health and maintain a healthy body mass index. In the case of thyroid, it is very important to have a balanced diet to avoid the risk of other trial diseases such as heart disease obesity and Type-2 diabetes.

While it is evident that it is not possible to replace thyroid hormones some natural substances may support thyroid function and health such as ashwagandha, Ginger, Atriplex halimus, black cumin, Bunium incrassatum, saussurea costus, agarwood and bugleweed.

However, the effectiveness of the purported herbs on healthy thyroid functioning is still under research. It is advised to reach out to your medical healthcare provider for further professional assistance.

Hence, a simple coriander juice is not a solution for hormonal disorders such as hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.