Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
The below provides a general overview on this topic and may not apply to everyone. Any treatment protocol should be discussed with a qualified healthcare practitioner. Please refer to: Medical & Legal Disclaimer.
Potential Causes for Thyroid Disease
(identifying the cause, is likely to help you resolve the problem naturally without the use of potentially harmful drugs)
The thyroid is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion and mental health.
The thyroid hormones penetrate every cell and regulate how they make energy. When women pass age 35, their thyroid often starts sputtering. And when thyroid hormone levels drop even a bit, every cell in your body slows down.
Testing:
However, the standard test given measures TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). But it's notoriously misleading, because it doesn't measure the actual hormones your thyroid produces. Demand tests of "Free T-3" and "Free T-4." These are the thyroid hormones your body actually uses.
Wrong Treatment
The best-selling treatment is Synthroid®, a synthetic form of T-4, which your body theoretically converts to T-3. But it doesn't work for every woman. Often your body can't convert it to T-3.
The natural solution:
For many women, the best treatment is a natural thyroid extract that contains both T-4 and T-3. Not only is it more effective, but it costs a lot less. Discuss with your holistic practitioner.
Thyroid Disease Health Consequences
Thyroid disease is treatable, but left unchecked, can have serious health consequences including:
- High cholesterol
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Bone loss
- Coma
Hyperthyroidism (fairly rare) - over-producing thyroid hormones
Symptoms:
- Fatigue (common in both conditions)
- Trembling hands
- Irritability
- Heat intolerance
- Sleep difficulty
- Abnormal heart rhythms
- Weight loss
Hypothyroidism - under-producing thyroid hormones
Symptoms:
- Fatigue (common in both conditions)
- Sluggishness
- Depression
- Intolerance to cold
- Dry, coarse skin and hair
- Constipation
- Weight gain
- Heavy or irregular menstrual periods (women)
Potential Causes for Thyroid Disease
Thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, has been on the rise in recent years. Experts list the following as potential causes:
Iodine Deficiency
A cause of hypothyroidism, more common outside of the US, is iodine deficiency. Iodine, which must be supplied by the diet, is an essential component of thyroid hormone. If there is insufficient iodine available in the diet, enough thyroid hormone cannot be produced, leading to hypothyroidism.
Environmental / Food Toxins
Environmental toxins inhibit production of thyroid hormone. For example, fluoride and bromide. Bromide is a common endocrine disruptor that competes for the same receptors used to capture iodine.
Bromide Sources:
- • Methyl Bromide: pesticide used on strawberries
- • Brominated Vegetable Oil: added to citrus drinks
- • Potassium Bromate: dough conditioner in bakery products
PFOA Exposure
Exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) -- a persistent organic chemical used in nonstick cookware and stain-resistant coatings. Studies show individuals with highest PFOA concentrations are more than twice as likely to report thyroid disease.
Dental X-rays
Where the thyroid is improperly shielded
Age Factor
Metabolic and immune systems slow down with age
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Autoimmune condition where immune system attacks thyroid
Selenium Deficiency
Natural Support for Thyroid Function
"Thyroid disease is rarely a simple problem with one cause. It's complex and needs to be treated as part of an overall physical assessment." - Dr. Andrew L. Rubman, ND
Get Regular Thyroid Screenings
If you are 35 or older, have your thyroid tested at least every five years.
Learn About Family History
Thyroid disease, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis, is often hereditary.
Take Charge of Your Care
Find an open-minded doctor who looks beyond TSH tests and takes your symptoms seriously.
Minimize Environmental Toxins
Eat organic fruits and vegetables, reduce animal fats, and choose organic foods when possible.
Information on organic foods →Eat Right
Include dietary sources of iodine and tyrosine:
Supportive Herbs
Herbs supportive of thyroid function:
Mullein, parsley, kelp, black walnut, Irish moss, bayberry, white oak bark, skullcap, black cohosh, sage
Selenium Deficiency and Hypothyroidism
T4 to T3 conversion requires the catalytic selenoenzyme iodothyroninedeiodinase. T4 and T3 deficiencies together are commonest in individuals living in environments depleted in both iodine and selenium. Depressed T3, without unusually low serum T4, is characteristic of populations where diets contain adequate iodine but lack selenium.
Kelp
Kelp contains nearly thirty minerals which nourish the glands (especially the thyroid and pituitary). By enhancing the action of the glandular system, it helps balance the body's metabolism. Kelp contains alginic acid which can help protect the body against radiation effects.
Regarding Kelp Safety:
This is a controversial subject. Discuss with a healthcare provider knowledgeable in alternative medicine. Research shows kelp has no known toxicity and even helps with detoxification of excess metals.