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Health Articles

3 Biggest Steps for Healthy Hormones

Brian Bartholomew - Monday, September 10, 2012
The 3 Biggest Steps for Healthy Hormones
Anti Aging 2     
 

  

 

Hormone dysfunction is at an all-time high. The symptoms of such include dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), infertility, lowered libido, uterine fibroids, fibrocystic breast disease, chronic headaches, fatigue, insomnia, menopausal problems, hot flashes, weight gain, etc. Long-term when these dysfunctions are not corrected they lead to major cancers such as breast, uterine & ovarian for women and prostate & colon for men.

 

Typical medical treatments such as birth control pills for younger women dealing with menstrual problems, infertility treatments and hormone replacement have all been shown to dramatically increase the risk of cancer. Bio identical hormone replacement is a much better option; however, it only addresses the symptom by increasing hormones from the outside-in.

 

The most important question that needs to be addressed is: Why are my hormones unbalanced and what do I do to improve their function? In my years of experience working with hundreds of individuals with these problems I have found the answer is a combination of toxicity and deficiency.

 

Environmental toxins wreak havoc upon our bodies' hormones and deficiencies in critical fatty acids and key detoxifying nutrients result in an abundance of synthetic hormones masquerading as the real thing. Our body has challenges adjusting to this and the various symptoms are a result.  

 

The following steps are extremely important and will dramatically benefit your health.However, some individuals have such damage to their hormonal systems they will need further testing and recommendations to correct the cause and balance their hormones naturally.

 

1. Change the Meat You Eat: Typical commercialized meat, dairy & poultry are loaded with anti-biotics, synthetic hormones and pesticides and other toxic chemicals. They are also loaded with inflammatory omega 6 fats and are deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. The net accumulation is massively toxic and destructive to hormone function.   The synthetic hormones act to mimic estrogen except they do not act the same in the body.  

 

Expert Analysis: Stay away from grain-fed beef, all pork/pig products, processed chicken, turkey, eggs & farmed fish. Stick with 100% grass-fed beef, bison, buffalo, lamb, & venison. 100% grass-fed raw goat & cow cheese is great. Organic free-range chicken, turkey, eggs and duck are all great. Stay away from any processed meat (even if it says natural) that contains a bunch of chemicals and preservatives in the ingredient list.  

 

Vital Info: Investing in healthy animal products is essential for you health and for the health of the entire world. Commercialized animal farms are highly destructive because they massively pollute the planet and are not sustainable   These farms also practice cruel and tortuous treatment. Good farms that feed animals grass and allow them free roaming are sustainable and healthy. Grass-fed animal products are extremely beneficial for overall health.

 

2. Eat More Cruciferous Veggies:Cruciferous veggies are loaded with indole-3 carbonyl (I3C) which binds and eliminates toxic xenoestrogenic chemicals that interfere with healthy hormone function. These veggies include kale, collard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, mustard greens, watercress, & brussel sprouts among others

 

Expert Analysis: Be sure to lightly steam or marinate cruciferous veggies before eating. When you steam the veggies it binds to goitrogens (thyroid blocking nutrients) and it breaks down the tough outer cellulose that is challenging to digest. Lightly steaming maintains a very high percentage of original nutrients while making the veggie more digestible & bioavailable.

 

Vital Info: Cruciferous veggies also contain phenyl isothiocynates and sulfuraphane which are extremely powerful anti-carcinogenic molecules. These vegetables are some of nature's best defense against environmental toxicity.

 

3. Get Rid of Plastic: Plastic contains harmful xenoestrogenic chemicals such as BPA and many others.   Plastic leaches these dangerous toxins into water and oil and anything you would cook in plastic.

 

Expert Analysis: Minimize exposure to plastic all together. Try to use glass first or stainless steel second when looking for something to put water in. Buy all of your oils (coconut and olive oil) in a glass container. Get a clean glass carrying bottle and fill it up with clean, filtered water and bring it with you when you leave the house. Also, be sure to drink out of glasses in the house and never plastic.

 

Vital Info: When forced to use a plastic water bottle be sure to look for one that has minimal chemicals and is BPA free. Some of these bottles can even be reused if necessary.

Natural Help for Thyroid Issues

Brian Bartholomew - Tuesday, June 05, 2012
 The Thyroid Disease Epidemic by Dr. David Jockers
 
 

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As a health care practicioner, I am amazed at how often I hear about thyroid malfunction. It is estimated that 10% of the US population suffers with thyroid problems with 95% of those being hypothyroid, where there is too little thyroid hormone being produced. The other 5% of diagnosed thyroid disorders are hyperthyroid, as in excessive thyroid hormone production.

 

Thyroid hormone stokes our metabolic furnaces causing increased heat production and energy formation. When thyroid production is low, energy levels as well as body heat are also low. This also causes the heart to function at a reduced level of efficiency, resulting in low oxygen state within our tissues and cells. This creates an environment prone to cancer development. In addition, low thyroid is linked to high cholesterol, blood pressure abnormalities, other hormone dysregulations, etc.

 

People with low thyroid levels often have a higher level of inertia and need a larger push to get up, get moving, and take proactive steps in their life. This is clearly evidenced in older people who move so slowly that it seems like every action is a huge chore. On the flip side, hyperthyroidism creates too much energy, leaving the individual hot, wired, and over anxious/stressed.    

 

In response to several factors (cold weather, adrenal hormone release, and low thyroid hormone) the hypothalamus secretes thyroid releasing hormone which penetrates the pituitary gland and causes it to secrete thyroid stimulating hormone, which activates thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone consists of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T-4 (thyroxine). 98.5% of circulating thyroid hormone is the T-4 version. T-3 is produced in the thyroid (small amount), converted to T-4 which circulates in the blood stream until it reaches the tissues to which it is then converted to T-3 which affects the metabolism of tissue cells.    

The thyroid gland, like any other organ of the body becomes sick when it is: Toxic, Deficient, or both Toxic & Deficient. The thyroid is an extremely sensitive organ that

 

Common Toxicities.

1. Fluoride that is in our water, toothpaste, & many pesticides.

 

According to the National Research Council (2006), "Fluoride exposure in humans is associated with elevated TSH concentrations, increased goiter prevalence, and altered T4 and T3 concentrations; similar effects on T4 and T3 are reported in experimental animals...In summary, evidence of several types indicates that fluoride affects normal endocrine function or response; the effects of the fluoride-induced changes vary in degree and kind in different individuals. Fluoride is therefore an endocrine disruptor in the broad sense of altering normal endocrine function or response

 

2. Soy Products
Three factors within soy that combine to block the production of thyroid hormone are Goitrogens, Genistein, and Phytates.

  1. Goitrogens, substances that can block the production of thyroid hormone as well as cause goiter formation.
  2. Phytates (phytic acids) found in soy bind up zinc and copper, leaving little of these critical minerals available to make thyroid hormone.
  3. Genistein, an isoflavone found in soybeans, blocks thyroid production.         
    1. It shuts down a critical transport protein, GLUT1, which sendsglucose into the cells to be used to generate energy. Slowing the transport of glucose means less energy production not only of thyroid hormone, but of every other action in the body.
    2. Inhibits tyrosine kinases, enzymes involved in the transfer of energy from one molecule to another.These enzymes are also critical for cell division, memory consolidation, tissue repair, & blood vessel formation.

 

3) Pesticides, Hydrocarbons, & Ionizing Radiation: All affect hormone function.

a. Hydrocarbon molecules have a high affinity to thyroid transport proteins

b. PCBs, DDT and its metabolites, and several organochlorine pesticides (acetochlor, alachlor and methoprene) bind to human thyroid hormone receptors and thyroid hormone transport proteins.

c. Hydroxylated PCBs bound to the human thyroid receptor, but had a great binding affinity to the thyroid transport protein, transthyretin

d. Brominated flame retardants are very potent competitors for T4 binding sites and may have effects on thyroid hormone homeostasis.

 

4) High Omega 6 Oils:

a. A disproportioned omega 6:3 ratio blocks thyroid hormone secretion, its movement in the circulatory system, and the response of tissues to the hormone.

b.When the thyroid hormone is deficient, the body is generally exposed to increased levels of estrogen.

c.The thyroid hormone is essential for making the 'protective hormones' progesterone and pregnenolone, so these hormones are lowered when anything interferes with the function of the thyroid.

d.The thyroid hormone is required for using and eliminating cholesterol, so cholesterol is likely to be raised by anything that blocks the thyroid function.

 

5)   Heavy Metal Toxicity:

  1. Heavy metals such as mercury (vaccines, amalgum fillings, fish, high fructose corn syrup, etc.) cross the blood brain barrier & have a high affinity for the hypothalmus.
  2. If the hypothalamus is "plugged" with mercury, TRH release is affected, causing disproportionate release and thyroid disruption.

 

Common Deficiencies:

  1. Iodine: A necessary ingredient (raw materials) to produce T3 & T4.
  2. Zinc: Zinc is usually high in hyperthyroid disorders & low in hypothyroid disorders.
  3. Selenium: Selenium is an active part of an enzyme needed for the thyroid gland to effectively produce the T3 & T4 hormones.
  4. Copper: Copper stimulates the production of the thyroxine hormone (T4), and prevents over-absorption of T4 in the blood cells by controlling the body's calcium levels (Calcium is required for the stabilization of cell membranes and reduces cell permeability).
  5. Nerve Supply: A deficiency in proper C7 (the nerve that brings life, healing, & function to the thyroid) nerve supply, forward head posture, and advanced spinal degeneration leads to an accumulation of abnormal thyroid cells that function poorly.
  6. EPA & DHA are necessary for healthy cell membrane function
  7. Vitamin D deficiency: Vit D and thyroid hormones both bind to similar steroid receptors  Vit D has a pro-hormone function, enhancing the bodies entire endocrine response.
  8. Dehydration causes a lowered thyroid metabolism and energy efficiency.

 

Thyroid hormone abnormalities are a common day epidemic that is growing to extraordinary levels. The great news is that God created our bodies with an incredible ability to heal. Learn how to prevent or reverse thyroid problems and stoke your metabolism, your hormone function, and your ability to maximize energy production and maintain a healthy weight. 

 

Online Thyroid Quiz

Brian Bartholomew - Sunday, January 15, 2012

Click here to take an online Thyroid Quiz from About.com and Mary Shomon.

Is Your Thyroid the Cause of Your Health Problems?

Brian Bartholomew - Saturday, January 14, 2012

Posted By Dr. Axe On October 10, 2010 @ 1:00 am In Weight Loss | 14 Comments

thyroid lab reportAccording to the National Women’s Health Information Center there are 20 million Americans suffering from some type of thyroid disorder. A whopping one in eight women in the United States will be impacted by thyroid disorder in their lives (from the American Medical Women’s Association). Are you one of them?

Thyroid disorders and thyroid disease can have a negative impact on just about every area of your life. From weight issues to depression [1] and anxiety, the thyroid gland is vital to keeping your physical, mental, and emotional life balanced and healthy. And what’s more is it’s estimated that about half of those in the world suffering with thyroid issues are completely unaware this is the root of their problem.

Basics on the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid is a gland located at the base of the throat that controls many aspects of metabolism. The thyroid produces hormones that enable our body to carry out many vital functions. Two of the most talked about hormones the thyroid produces are T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). These two hormones, once released by the thyroid, travel through the body via the bloodstream converting oxygen and calories into energy for the body to use.

Iodine plays an important, yet often overlooked role, in regards to the thyroid and body functions. Iodine and amino acids are converted by the thyroid to the hormones T3 and T4. Too much or too little iodine can impact this important process.

Two Types of Thyroid Disorders

When it comes to thyroid disorders, generally speaking, the sufferer usually is experiencing hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. There are other thyroid issues but the majority of cases fall into one of these two groups.

Hypothyroidism:

In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones T3 or T4 or both. According to the America Thyroid Association in the United States the most common reason for hypothyroidism is a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the body mistakenly attacks the thyroid thus compromising its functioning and its production of hormones. However, on a worldwide level, a lack of iodine in the diet is the number one cause of hypothyroidism.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:

  • Fatigue
  • Dry hair, skin
  • Unexplainable weight gain
  • Constipation
  • Muscle weakness and discomfort

Hyperthyroidism:

Hyperthyroidism on the other hand is when the body has too much of the needed thyroid hormones. According to the American Thyroid Association, the number one cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ disease, but lumps on the thyroid or taking too much T4 in tablet form can also be a contributing factor for hyperthyroidism.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

  • Nervousness
  • Insomnia
  • Racing heart
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • High amounts of perspiration
  • Muscle weakness
  • Multiple bowel movements
  • Thin, brittle hair

Treatments for Thyroid Disorders

As you can see, hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are basically the opposite problems. One is too much of the needed hormone and the other is too little. Therefore treatment for each is very different. In one case we want more of the thyroid hormones and in the other case the sufferer needs less of that same hormone.

The options for treatment differ depending on each patient’s particular disorder and the specifics of their case.

When it comes to hypothyroidism, the body is in need of more thyroid hormones. One common treatment in the medical world is taking synthetic thyroxine or T4. There are a number of types of T4 prescription available. Most people respond to this therapy but there are those who don’t.

In these cases the sufferer sometimes takes a combination of the synthetic version of T4 and T3 to help.

In the case of hyperthyroidism, in the United States the most common treatment is the use of radioactive iodine, aka radioiodine. When taken into the body the thyroid immediately absorbs this iodine. This treatment usually takes a few weeks or months to curb the hyperthyroidism.

Other options are drugs which stop the production of the thyroid hormone or surgery to remove a large amount of the actual thyroid gland. All of these treatments run the risk of side effects, are costly, and aren’t always effective.

All Natural Treatment Options for Thyroid Disorders

It is possible to use more natural methods to encourage your thyroid to produce more or less T4 and T3. Let’s look specifically at hypothyroidism and diet.

As stated earlier, most cases of hypothyroidism worldwide are from a lack of iodine. Increasing your iodine intake can help your thyroid produce more of its needed hormones.

One of the best ways to get more iodine in your diet is through consuming kelp. Kelp is a type of algae or seaweed [2] that contains more than sixty vital nutrients including minerals, amino acids, and yes, iodine. Kelp is also an excellent source of potassium, iron, magnesium, and calcium.

Kelp can be consumed fresh, dried, or cooked. It can be eaten alone or as an ingredient in a meal. Kelp is often dried and used as a garnish for many dishes. You can find kelp at your local health food store or Asian market.

Many users of kelp to treat their hypothyroidism swear by its effectiveness in helping them regulate their thyroid without the use of drugs.

Hypothyroidism isn’t always caused by lack of iodine. In fact, if you take iodine or kelp and feel like you’re getting worse, make sure you consult with your physician and get your levels rechecked. It can also be caused from heavy metal toxicity like mercury. Heavy metals from amalgam fillings and vaccines have an affinity for the thyroid and can disrupt your hormone balance and thyroid function. So I also recommend reducing toxic exposures and consider seeing a holistic dentist who can remove the silver (amalgam) fillings using the DAMS protocol and bring you through a proper detox program as well.

Also, correcting any loss of cervical lordosis of your spine can help. In which, case going through a program of corrective chiropractic care would be greatly beneficial.

If you think you may be suffering from a thyroid disorder it’s vital to first get the correct diagnosis. Once you confirm you have a thyroid disorder begin to explore your treatment options by finding the root cause of your condition. When you (and your doctor) determine a lack of iodine could be the entire cause or a contributing factor to your hypothyroidism consider adding kelp to your diet.

If you decide to add kelp to your foods you have many options. But be cautioned if you opt for kelp tablets and consult your health care practitioner to determine the right amount to take on a daily basis. Be sure not to take over that amount or you could then be dealing with hyperthyroidism.

Remember with any health issue it’s wise to first consult nature and your diet in order to help the body restore its own natural balance. Your body does the right thing at the right time. Remove the interference (toxicity or deficiency) and let the body heal.

Sources

American Thyroid Association (2009) [3]

Dr. Axe

Dr. Axe's Action Steps

  1. If you are familiar with any of the above listed symptoms consult your health care practitioner to determine whether you have a thyroid problem or not.
  2. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, consider adding kelp into your diet or supplementing with kelp.
  3. If you are familiar with any of the above listed symptoms consult your health care practitioner to determine whether you have a thyroid problem or not.
  4. If you suffer from hypothyroidism, consider adding kelp into your diet or supplementing with kelp.

Unexplained Symptoms and the Thyroid VIDEO

Brian Bartholomew - Thursday, December 22, 2011

How to Speed Up a Sluggish Thyroid

Brian Bartholomew - Thursday, December 22, 2011

Many Symptoms Suggest Sluggish Thyroid -- Do You Have Any of These?

Posted By Dr. Mercola | January 02 2010 | 186,307 views

By Dr. Mercola

sluggish thyroidMost people realize that their thyroid is important for controlling their metabolism and body weight.

But did you know that depression, heart disease, chronic fatigue, fibromyalgia, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), menopausal symptoms, muscle and joint pains, irritable bowel syndrome, or autoimmune disease could actually indicate a problem with your thyroid?

The classic signs of a sluggish thyroid gland include weight gain, lethargy, poor quality hair and nails, hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, cold hands and feet, and constipation -- and these symptoms are relatively well known.

However, some of the conditions you might not associate with your thyroid include:

  • High cholesterol
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Low libido
  • Infertility
  • Gum disease
  • Fluid retention
  • Skin conditions such as acne and exzema
  • Memory problems
  • Poor stamina

And there are, in fact, many more conditions that can be associated with poor thyroid function. Your thyroid plays a part in nearly every physiological process. When it is out of balance, so are you. This is why it is so important to understand how your thyroid gland works and what can cause it to run amok.

The sad fact is, half of all people with hypothyroidism are never diagnosed. And of those who are diagnosed, many are inadequately treated, resulting in partial recovery at best.

Hypothyroidism: The Hidden Epidemic

Hypothyroidism simply means you have a sluggish or underactive thyroid, which is producing less than adequate amounts of thyroid hormone.

“Subclinical” hypothyroidism means you have no obvious symptoms and only slightly abnormal lab tests. I will be discussing these tests much more as we go on since they are a source of great confusion for patients, as well as for many health practitioners.

Thyroid problems have unfortunately become quite common.

The same lifestyle factors contributing to high rates of obesity, cancer and diabetes are wreaking havoc on your thyroid… sugar, processed foods, stress, environmental toxins, and lack of exercise are heavy contributors.

More than 10 percent of the general population in the United States, and 20 percent of women over the age of 60, have subclinical hypothyroidism. But only a small percentage of these people are being treated[1].

Why is that?

Much of it has to do with misinterpretation and misunderstanding of lab tests, particularly TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Most physicians believe that if your TSH value is within the range of “normal,” your thyroid is fine. But more and more physicians are discovering that the TSH value is grossly unreliable for diagnosing hypothyroidism.

And the TSH range for “normal” keeps changing!

In an effort to improve diagnosis of thyroid disease, in 2003 the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) revised the “normal” TSH range as 0.3 to 3.04[2]. The previous range was defined as 0.5 and 5.0, which red-flagged only the most glaring hypothyroidism cases.

However, the new range is still not wholly reliable as the sole indicator of a sulky thyroid gland. You simply cannot identify one TSH value that is “normal” for every person, regardless of age, health, or other factors.

Having said that though most physicians who carefully follow this condition recognize that any TSH value greater than 1.5 could be a strong indication that an underactive thyroid is present.

Your TSH value is only part of the story, and your symptoms, physical findings, genetics, lifestyle and health history are also important considerations. Only when physicians learn to treat the patient and not the lab test will they begin to make headway against thyroid disease.

Understanding How Your Thyroid Works is Step One

The thyroid gland is in the front of your neck and is part of your endocrine, or hormonal, system. It produces the master metabolism hormones that control every function in your body[3]. Thyroid hormones interact with all your other hormones including insulin, cortisol, and sex hormones like estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone.

The fact that these hormones are all tied together and in constant communication explains why an unhappy thyroid is associated with so many widespread symptoms and diseases.

This small gland produces two major thyroid hormones: T4 and T3. About 90 percent of the hormone produced by the gland is in the form of T4, the inactive form. Your liver converts this T4 into T3, the active form, with the help of an enzyme.

Your thyroid also produces T2, yet another hormone, which currently is the least understood component of thyroid function and the subject of much ongoing study.

Thyroid hormones work in a feedback loop with your brain -- particularly your pituitary and hypothalamus -- in regulating the release of thyroid hormone. Your pituitary makes TRH (thyroid releasing hormone), and your hypothalamus makes TSH. If everything is working properly, you will make what you need and you’ll have the proper amounts of T3 and T4.

Those two hormones -- T3 and T4 -- are what control the metabolism of every cell in your body. But their delicate balance can be disrupted by nutritional imbalances, toxins, allergens, infections and stress.

If your T3 is inadequate, either by insufficient production or not converting properly from T4, your whole system suffers.

You see, T3 is critically important because it tells the nucleus of your cells to send messages to your DNA to crank up your metabolism by burning fat. That is why T3 lowers cholesterol levels, regrows hair, and helps keep you lean.

How to Know if You are Hypothyroid

Identifying hypothyroidism and its cause is tricky business. Many of the symptoms overlap with other disorders, and many are vague. Physicians often miss a thyroid problem since they rely on just a few traditional tests, so other clues to the problem go undetected.

But you can provide the missing clues!

The more vigilant you can be in assessing your own symptoms and risk factors and presenting the complete picture to your physician in an organized way, the easier it will be for your physician to help you.

Sometimes people with hypothyroidism have significant fatigue or sluggishness, especially in the morning. You may have hoarseness for no apparent reason. Often hypothyroid people are slow to warm up, even in a sauna, and don’t sweat with mild exercise. Low mood and depression are common.

Sluggish bowels and constipation are major clues, especially if you already get adequate water and fiber.

Are the upper outer third of your eyebrows thin or missing? This is sometimes an indication of low thyroid. Chronic recurrent infections are also seen because thyroid function is important for your immune system.

Another telltale sign of hypothyroidism is a low basal body temperature (BBT), less than 97.6 degrees F[4] averaged over a minimum of 3 days. It is best to obtain a BBT thermometer to assess this.

How about your family history? Do you have close relatives with thyroid issues?

Some of the family history that suggests you could have a higher risk for hypothyroidism includes:

  • High or low thyroid function
  • Goiter
  • Prematurely gray hair
  • Left-handedness
  • Diabetes
  • Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, sarcoidosis, Sjogren’s, etc.)
  • Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Elevated cholesterol levels

It might be useful to take an online thyroid assessment quiz, as a way to get started. Mary Shomon has a good one. Some of the classic symptoms are mentioned above, but there are many more -- too many to list here.

If you suspect you might be hypothyroid, you should see a healthcare provider who can evaluate this, including ordering the basic lab tests for thyroid function.

Laboratory Testing

Even though lab tests are not the end-all, be-all for diagnosing a thyroid problem, they are a valuable part of the overall diagnostic process. The key is to look at the whole picture.

New studies suggest a very high incidence of borderline hypothyroidism in Westerners. Many cases are subclinical, and even “sublaboratory,” not showing up at all in standard laboratory measurements.

Coexistent subclinical hypothyroidism often triggers or worsens other chronic diseases, such as the autoimmune diseases, so the thyroid should be addressed with any chronic disease.

Many physicians will order only one test -- a TSH level. This is a grossly inadequate and relatively meaningless test by itself, as well as a waste of your money. It would be like saying you know your water is pure because it tastes fine.

I recommend the following panel of laboratory tests if you want to get the best picture of what your thyroid is doing:

  • TSH -- the high-sensitivity version. This is the BEST test. But beware most all of the “normal” ranges are simply dead wrong. The ideal level for TSH is between 1 and 1.5 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter)
  • Free T4 and Free T3. The normal level of free T4 is between 0.9 and 1.8 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter). T3 should be between 240 and 450 pg/dl (picograms per deciliter).
  • Thyroid antibodies, including thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. This measure helps determine if your body is attacking your thyroid, overreacting to its own tissues (ie, autoimmune reactions). Physicians nearly always leave this test out.
  • For more difficult cases TRH can be measured (thyroid releasing hormone) using the TRH stimulation test. TRH helps identify hypothyroidism that’s caused by inadequacy of the pituitary gland.

Other tests that might be indicated for more complex cases are a thyroid scan, fine-needle aspiration, and thyroid ultrasound. But these are specialized tests that your physician will use only in a small number of cases, in special situations.

Even if all your lab tests are “normal,” if you have multiple thyroid symptoms, you still could have subclinical hypothyroidism.

Keeping Your Thyroid Healthy in a Toxic World

Now that you have some understanding of the importance of your thyroid and how it works, let’s take a look at the factors that can readily cause problems with your thyroid gland.

Diet

Your lifestyle choices dictate, to a great degree, how well your thyroid will function.

If you follow my plan to eat for your nutritional type[5], and my nutritional plan your metabolism will be more efficient, and your thyroid will have an easier time keeping everything in check. Eating for your type will normalize your blood sugar and lipid levels and enhance your immune system, so that your thyroid will have fewer obstacles to overcome.

Eliminate junk food, processed food, artificial sweeteners, trans fats, and anything with chemical ingredients. Eat whole, unprocessed foods, and choose as many organics as possible.

Gluten and Other Food Sensitivities

Gluten and food sensitivities[6] are among the most common causes of thyroid dysfunction because they cause inflammation.

Gluten causes autoimmune responses in many people and can be responsible for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a common autoimmune thyroid condition. Approximately 30 percent of the people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have an autoimmune reaction to gluten, and it usually goes unrecognized.

How this works is, gluten can cause your gastrointestinal system to malfunction, so foods you eat aren’t completely digested (aka Leaky Gut Syndrome[7]). These food particles can then be absorbed into your bloodstream where your body misidentifies them as antigens -- substances that shouldn’t be there -- our body then produces antibodies against them.

These antigens are similar to molecules in your thyroid gland. So your body accidentally attacks your thyroid. This is known as an autoimmune reaction or one in which your body actually attacks itself.

Testing can be done for gluten and other food sensitivities, which involves measuring your IgG and IgA antibodies[8].

Soy

Another food that is bad for your thyroid is soy[9]. Soy is NOT the health food the agricultural and food companies would have you believe.

Soy is high in isoflavones (or goitrogens), which are damaging to your thyroid gland. Thousands of studies now link soy foods to malnutrition, digestive stress, immune system weakness, cognitive decline, reproductive disorders, infertility and a host of other problems -- in addition to damaging your thyroid[10].

Properly fermented organic soy products such as natto, miso, and tempeh are fine -- it’s the unfermented soy products that you should stay away from.

Coconut Oil

Coconut oil is one of the best foods you can eat for your thyroid[11]. Coconut oil is a saturated fat comprised of medium chain triglycerides (MCTs), which are known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss.

Coconut oil is very stable (shelf life of 3 to 5 years at room temperature), so your body is much less burdened with oxidative stress than it is from many other vegetable oils. And coconut oil does not interfere with T4 to T3 conversion the way other oils can.

Iodine

Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormone[12]. In fact, the names of the different forms of thyroid hormone reflect the number of iodine molecules attached -- T4 has four attached iodine molecules, and T3 has three -- showing what an important part iodine plays in thyroid biochemistry.

If you aren’t getting enough iodine in your diet (and most Americans don’t[13]), no matter how healthy your thyroid gland is, it won’t have the raw materials to make enough thyroid hormone.

Chlorine, fluorine and bromine are also culprits in thyroid function, and since they are halides like iodine, they compete for your iodine receptors.

If you are exposed to a lot of bromine, you will not hold on to the iodine you need. Bromine is present in many places in your everyday world -- plastics, pesticides, hot tub treatments, fire retardants, some flours and bakery goods, and even some soft drinks. I have written a special article about bromine and its influence on your thyroid gland and I encourage you to read it.

Also make sure the water you drink is filtered. Fluoride is particularly damaging to your thyroid gland[14]. Not all water filters[15]remove fluoride, so make sure the one you have does.

Stress and Adrenal Function

Stress is one of the worst thyroid offenders. Your thyroid function is intimately tied to your adrenal function, which is intimately affected by how you handle stress.

Many of us are under chronic stress, which results in increased adrenalin and cortisol levels, and elevated cortisol has a negative impact on thyroid function. Thyroid hormone levels drop during stress, while you actually need more thyroid hormones during stressful times.

When stress becomes chronic, the flood of stress chemicals (adrenalin and cortisol) produced by your adrenal glands interferes with thyroid hormones and can contribute to obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, unstable blood sugar, and more.

A prolonged stress response can lead to adrenal exhaustion[16] (also known as adrenal fatigue), which is often found alongside thyroid disease.

Environmental toxins place additional stress on your body. Pollutants such as petrochemicals, organochlorines, pesticides and chemical food additives negatively affect thyroid function.

One of the best destressors is exercise, which is why it is so beneficial for your thyroid.

Exercise directly stimulates your thyroid gland to secrete more thyroid hormone. Exercise also increases the sensitivity of all your tissues to thyroid hormone. It is even thought that many of the health benefits of exercise stem directly from improved thyroid function.

Even something as simple as a 30-minute walk is a great form of exercise, and all you need is a good pair of walking shoes. Don’t forget to add strength training to your exercise routine, because increasing your muscle mass helps raise your metabolic rate.

Also make sure you are getting enough sleep. Inadequate sleep contributes to stress and prevents your body from regenerating fully.

Finally, one excellent way to reduce stress is with an energy psychology tool such as the Meridian Tapping Technique (MTT). More and more people are practicing MTT and experiencing amazing results[17].

Treatment Options for a Sluggish Thyroid

Here are some suggestions that can be used for general support of your thyroid, as well as treating an underperforming one:

  • Eat plenty of sea vegetables such as seaweed, which are rich in minerals and iodine (hijiki, wakame, arame, dulse, nori, and kombu). This is probably the most ideal form of iodine supplementation as it is also loaded with many other beneficial nutrients.
  • Eat Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium.
  • Get plenty of sunlight to optimize your vitamin D levels; if you live where sunlight is limited, use vitamin D3 supplementation[18].
  • Eat foods rich in vitamin A, such as dandelion greens, carrots, spinach, kale, Swiss chard, collard greens, and sweet potatoes.
  • Make sure you are eating enough omega-3 fatty acids.
  • Use pure, organic coconut oil in your cooking -- it’s great for stir fries and sautéing many different meats and vegetables.
  • Filter your drinking water and your bathing water.
  • Filter your air, since it is one of the ways you take in environmental pollutants.
  • Use an infrared sauna to help your body combat infections and detoxify from petrochemicals, metals, PCBs, pesticides and mercury.
  • Taking chlorella[19] is another excellent detoxification aid.
  • Many women suffering with hormonal imbalances report significant benefits from the South American herb maca. For more information, please review this article by thyroid expert Mary Shomon, or her Q&A session with Dr. Viana Muller on this topic.
  • Take active steps to minimize your stress ... relaxation, meditation, hot soaks, EFT, whatever works for you.
  • Exercise, exercise, exercise!

Thyroid Hormone Replacement

If you know your thyroid function is poor, despite making the supportive lifestyle changes already discussed, then it might be time to look at thyroid supplementation.

Taking thyroid hormone should be done only after you have ruled out other conditions that could be causing the thyroid dysfunction such as adrenal fatigue, gluten or other food allergies, hormonal imbalance, etc. It is always best to get your thyroid working again by treating the underlying cause, as opposed to taking an external source of thyroid hormone.

But sometimes supplementation is necessary.

Conventional pharmaceutical treatment usually consists of replacing only T4 in the form of Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothyroid, Unithroid, and levothyroxine, leaving your body to convert this to T3.

However, research has shown that a combination of T4 and T3 is often more effective than T4 alone. The conversion to T3 can be hampered by nutritional deficiencies such as low selenium, inadequate omega-3 fatty acids, low zinc, chemicals from the environment, or by stress.

Oftentimes, taking T4 alone will result in only partial improvement.

Taking T3 alone is usually too stimulating. The drug Cytomel is a very short-acting form of T3 that can cause palpitations, anxiety, irritability and insomnia. I never recommend this drug.

By far, the better approach is combined T4 and T3 therapy.

Natural thyroid products, like ArmourThyroid[20] are a combination of T4, T3 and T2 made from desiccated, or dried, porcine thyroid. Armour Thyroid has gotten a bad rap over the years, perceived by physicians to be unstable and unreliable in terms of dosage. However, many improvements have been made in the product, making it a safe and effective option for treating hypothyroidism today.

In fact, a study done ten years ago clearly demonstrated that patients with hypothyroidsim showed greater improvements in mood and brain function if they received treatment with Armour Thyroid than if they received Synthroid[21].

The optimal dose for Armour Thyroid ranges from 15 to 180 milligrams, depending on the individual. You will need a prescription.

Once on thyroid replacement, you will not necessarily need to take it for the rest of your life, which is a common misconception. Once all the factors that have led to your thyroid dysfunction have been corrected, you may be able to reduce or discontinue the thyroid hormone replacement.

Once on thyroid hormone replacement, I recommend you monitor your progress by paying attention to how you feel, in addition to regular lab studies.

You can also routinely check your basal body temperature. If you are on the correct dose, your BBT should be about 98.6 degrees F.

If you begin to feel symptoms such as anxiety, palpitations, diarrhea, high blood pressure, or a resting pulse of more than 80 beats per minute, your dose is likely too high as these are symptoms of hyperthyroidism, and you should let your physician know immediately.

Final Thoughts

A thyroid problem is no different than any other chronic illness -- you must address the underlying issues if you hope to correct the problem. The path to wellness may involve a variety of twists and turns before you find what works for you.

But hang in there.

If you approach it from a comprehensive, wholistic perspective, you will find in time that all of the little steps you take will ultimately result in your feeling much better than you could have ever imagined.


[1] Mary Shomon, “Thyroid Disease 101,” June 19, 2006 

[2] “Major Revision of Hypothyroid Diagnosis Guidelines” March 1, 2003 

[3] Mark Hyman M.D., The Ultra Thyroid Solution: A 7-Step Plan to Reverse Hypothyroidsim Permanently, 2008, copyright UltraWellness L.L.C. (ebook)

[4] Thyroid-Info, Mary Shomon, guidelines for taking BBT, 

[5] “Nutritional Typing: Your Next Generation Key to Stupendous Lifelong Health (and Simpler Weight Management),” 

[6] “Food Allergies—Do You Have Unexplained Symptoms?” July 13, 2007 

[7] “’Leaky Gut’ Intestinal Protein Linked to Autoimmune Disorders” May 14, 2000 

[8] Labcorps.com

[9] “The Evidence Against Soy” October 7, 2008 

[10] “More Evidence Soy is Not as Healthy as Originally Believed” August 10, 2006 

[11] Cherie Calbom and Brian Shilhavy, “How to Help Your Thyroid With Virgin Coconut Oil” November 8, 2003 

[12] “Hidden Toxins Disrupting Your Thyroid and Iodine Production?” September 5, 2009 

[13] American Thyroid Association website, “Iodine Deficiency,” 

[14] “Fluoridated Water Affects Your Thyroid Gland” December 6, 2003 

[15] Mercola Water Filters page 


How Cookware can Cause Thyroid Disease

Brian Bartholomew - Thursday, December 22, 2011

Cookware Chemical Linked to Thyroid Disease

nonstick pannonstick panA study links thyroid disease with human exposure to perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). PFOA is a persistent organic chemical used in industrial and consumer goods including most nonstick cookware and stain- and water-resistant coatings for carpets and fabrics.

The study included nearly 4000 adults aged 20 and older whose blood serum was sampled between 1999 and 2006 for PFOA.

The researchers found that the individuals with the highest PFOA concentrations were more than twice as likely to report current thyroid disease.

Previous animal studies carried out by other scientists have shown that the compounds can affect the function of the mammalian thyroid hormone system. This system is essential for maintaining heart rate, regulating body temperature and supporting many other body functions, including metabolism, reproduction, digestion and mental health.

 

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I know it might seem a bit of an extreme position but you can do your health a great service by getting rid of any Teflon-coated cookware immediately.

Like so many products developed for the sake of convenience without concern for human health, Teflon coated non-stick cookware when heated has proven to be a primary source of a dangerous toxic fluoride derivative, specifically perfluorinated chemicals (PFOAs).

PFOA and other perfluorinated chemicals are used to create heat-resistant and non-stick coatings on cookware, as well as grease-resistant food packaging and stain-resistant clothing. Studies have linked these chemicals to a range of health problems, including thyroid disease, infertility in women, and developmental and reproductive problems in lab animals.

Teflon pans quickly reach temperatures that cause the non-stick coating to begin breaking down, releasing toxins into the air surrounding you.

When your Teflon pot or pan reaches 680 degrees F (which takes about three to five minutes of heating), at least six toxic gases are released. At 1,000 degrees F, the coatings on your cookware break down into a chemical warfare agent known as PFIB.

These chemicals are easily absorbed by your body, and have been linked to a growing number of health concerns. That healthy, home-cooked meal becomes toxic when prepared in unsafe cookware.

Should you be Concerned About PFOA?

Teflon, created in 1938 by the DuPont Company, gained wide distribution before scientists began looking into its impact on human health. 

It can now be found in many areas throughout your home.  Not only on your pots and pans in your kitchen, and all of your stain resistant laundry, but it can also pervade your entire home if you have wall-to-wall, stain resistant carpeting.

Vacuuming carpet that contains stain-resistant coating will release these chemicals into the air to be circulated in your home.

I don’t recommend eating microwave popcorn for many reasons, but did you know that PFOA is not only present in the inner coating of the bag, but it also migrates to the oil from the packaging during heating?

At this point PFOA is so prevalent, that even many of your sources of drinking water have been contaminated

Not surprisingly, this toxic chemical is likely lurking in your body right now.

The CDC’s Fourth National Report on Human Exposure to Environmental Chemicals, 2009, which is considered the most comprehensive assessment to date of the exposure of the U.S. population to chemicals in our environment, detected not one but 12 types of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in Americans, including PFOA.

This group of chemicals is among 75 that have never before been measured in the U.S. population, but now is showing up with great frequency.

How PFOA Damages Your Thyroid and Health

The latest research points to some very concerning news about PFOA and thyroid function. People with the highest 25% of PFOA concentrations (above 5.7ng/ml) were more than twice as likely to have thyroid disease than those with the lowest 50% of PFOA concentrations (below 4.0ng/ml).

Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your throat area that contains thyroglobulin protein, which binds to iodine to form hormones, which in turn influence essentially every organ, tissue and cell in your body.

Thyroid hormones are used by every cell of your body to regulate metabolism and body weight by controlling the burning of fat for energy and heat. Thyroid hormones are also required for growth and development in children.

Thyroid disease, if left untreated, can lead to heart disease, infertility, muscle weakness, osteoporosis and, in extreme cases, coma or death. Exposure to these toxic chemicals is likely one reason why thyroid disorders are becoming so widespread.

If you’re concerned you may be suffering from thyroid disease, especially hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, please watch my recent video on the topic.

Do You Really Want to Cook Your Eggs in This?

Non-stick cookware has become enormously popular because of its convenience factor; foods don’t stick to the surface, and the classic example is the sunny-side-up eggs that slide right out of the pan.

Now, about 70 percent of cookware sold in the U.S. contains a non-stick coating … and most Americans test positive for PFOA in their blood.

Aside from potentially harming your thyroid, these nasty chemicals have also been linked to lower birth weights among newborns, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) revealed that PFOA “poses developmental and reproductive risks to humans” -- an extreme understatement.

PFOA was linked to a 60 percent to 154 percent increase in the chance of infertility

Further, in animal studies PFOA has been associated with:

  • "Significant increases in treatment related deaths" in rat offspring at doses that did not affect the mothers

  • Serious changes in the weight of various organs, including the brain, prostate, liver, thymus, and kidneys

  • The deaths of a significant number of rat pups of mothers that had been exposed to PFOA

  • Damage to the pituitary at all doses in female rat offspring (The pituitary secretes hormones that regulate growth, reproduction, and many metabolic processes. Change in pituitary size is associated with toxicity)

PFOA has even been associated with tumors in at least four different organs in animal tests, and has been associated with increases in prostate cancer in PFOA plant workers. The EPA has also ruled PFCs as “likely carcinogens.”

Take Control of Your Health and Get PFOAs Out of Your House NOW

A voluntary program for companies to reduce PFOA emissions and products by 2010, and eliminate them entirely by 2015, has been introduced by the EPA. But it is entirely voluntary, so I recommend you take matters into your own hands and ditch any products that contain these toxic compounds.

Some of the products that contain PFCs, which I highly recommend getting rid of, include:

  • Teflon and similar types of non-stick cookware: Replace it with either ceramic or glass. My personal choice is ceramic cookware, because it’s very durable and easy to clean, and there’s absolutely no risk of exposure to harmful chemicals. 

    IMPORTANT NOTE Our current ceramic cookware is not actually nonstick but this summer we will be introducing a completely PFOA-free, safe nonstick metal frying pan made out of zirconium.  Very high tech, completely safe and absolutely amazing

  • Microwave popcorn bags

  • Packaging for greasy foods

  • Stain-proof clothing

  • Carpet and fabric stain protectors

  • Flame retardants and products that contain them

Avoiding these products is especially crucial for pregnant women or couples who want to have children, but really anyone who is interested in protecting their health would benefit by seeking to avoid them.

Q & A About Thyroid Issues, Treatments, Helpful Foods and Exercise

Brian Bartholomew - Wednesday, November 16, 2011
Hypothyroidism and the Role of Armour Thyroid, Seaweed, Exercise, and More 
Cutting-Edge Interview with Joseph Mercola, D.O.

by Mary Shomon

Dr. Joseph Mercola is an osteopathic physician, board certified in family medicine, who runs the Optimal Wellness Center, located outside Chicago in Schaumburg, Illinois. He has been trained in and practices both conventional and natural medicine, and writes a monthly column for a natural alternative medical journal (The Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients) and has been interviewed on national and local news, including ABC's World News Tonight with Peter Jennings.

Q. You have said that you feel that it's a "big myth" that that an elevated TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) level is always required before a diagnosis of hypothyroidism can be made. First, can you explain why you feel this is a big myth? And second, why do you feel that conventional medicine seems to cling pretty firmly to this myth as the sole means of diagnosing hypothyroidism? 

A: I would say over 90% of the patients that I diagnose with underactive thyroids have a completely normal TSH level. Even with this relatively insensitive test, a study published earlier this year concluded that 13 million Americans have undiagnosed thyroid disease. I suspect it may be as high as five times that number. From my perspective, most traditionally based physicians have long abandoned their physical examination and diagnosis skills and appear unwilling to believe that patients who complain of all the classic hypothyroid symptoms are in fact truly hypothyroid if their TSH is normal. 

They would rather believe a lab test than the patient sitting in front of them. I suspect this may be related to the trust physicians place in the researchers who developed the original assay. I suspect that the same issues are involved in nearly all traditional physician's incredible reluctance to use natural thyroid hormones for replacement and their insistence on using synthetic hormones. This is remarkable in light of the New England Journal of Medicine article last year that quite clearly showed that natural hormones are far superior, especially with respect to brain function and mood.

Q. You have said that if a TSH is above 1.5 there is a strong chance the thyroid gland is not working properly. Can you explain why you feel that is the case? 

A: I have carefully analyzed hundred's of patient's symptoms and had many of them take their basal body temperatures. There appears to be a strong correlation between this threshold value of a TSH above 1.5 and the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Most patients who have TSH levels above 1.5 seem to respond quite well to natural therapies that either improve or replace thyroid function. 

Q. Why do you feel that Free T3 and Free T4 levels are the only accurate measures of the actual active thyroid hormone levels in the blood? Why do you feel these are more accurate than the TSH level, which is considered the standard by the majority of conventional physicians? 

A. The Free T3 and Free T4 levels represent the active hormones circulating in the blood. The typical thyroid tests: Total T4, T3 Uptake (and Free Thyroxine Index (FTI) are virtually worthless and should have been abandoned years ago. I believe that the Free T3 and Free T4 are not superior to TSH, but should be used in conjunction with TSH. My contention is that the reference range for TSH is inaccurate. TSH is quite a good screen and will in fact assess most cases of hypothyroidism if the new ranges are utilized. The value of Free T3 and Free T4 comes into play when one needs to diagnose secondary and tertiary hypothyroidism. These are cases of hypothyroidism due to pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction. These are far less common than primary hypothyroidism, but nevertheless they do constitute a significant percentage of individuals. 

Q. You mention that for people who have low T3 levels, a combination of T4 and T3 can compensate for the inability to convert T4 to T3. You typically favor Armour thyroid, the desiccated natural thyroid product made from the glands of pigs. Is there a reason you prefer this, versus Thyrolar, the synthetic T4/T3 combination drug, or adding Cytomel (synthetic T3) or a time released compounded T3, to levothyroxine (Synthroid-synthetic T4)?

A. Excellent question Mary, and it also demonstrates your deep understanding of this complicated subject. It is my experience the vast majority of individuals seem to empirically do better on natural hormones, rather than synthetic ones. I can't provide a definitive explanation for this observation. It may be related to the fact that the natural hormones also have T1 and T2. Little is said about these forms of thyroid hormones, but they may have some influence on optimizing thyroid function. There are clearly however, individuals who do not tolerate desiccated thyroid hormones at all. This is when I would use a combination synthetic product like Thyrolar or combine levothyroxine (synthetic T4) with Cytomel (synthetic T3). 

Q. You recommend splitting the Armour thyroid pill and taking it twice a day. Can you explain why you feel this is particularly important? 

A. Armour thyroid is a combination of T3 and T4. T3 products (like Cytomel) need to be taken twice a day to provide a steady concentration of thyroid hormone as it has a much shorter half-life than T4. 

Q. You describe something called secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism, where TSH is below 1.5 and Free T3 (and possibly the Free T4 as well) is below normal. How does this differ from primary hypothyroidism? Are there different causes for these different types of hypothyroidism? 

A. These are forms of hypothyroidism that are not directly due to the thyroid gland failing. Traditional viewpoints would classify this as pituitary or hypothalamus dysfunction. However, there are far more common reasons for this that tend to be primarily related to the adrenal gland. My experience has been that the bulk of individuals who have thyroid impairment with the new TSH criteria above 1.5, are in fact related to adrenal insufficiency. Other causes of thyroid dysfunction would be related to an impairment of the body's ability to convert T4 to T3 (the active form of thyroid hormone). This is generally related to depressed DHEA levels. However, one must be very careful to not use DHEA without first measuring levels of other hormones, especially testosterone. DHEA given as supplement can clearly cause more harm than good if it is not needed. 

I find that the best way to analyze these imbalances is through salivary hormone testing and I find Dr. Timmins's lab Bio Health Diagnostics (1-800-570-2000) to be the lab that most accurately and cost effectively can asses these hormone rhythms through their testing panels. 

I have found the testing useful to diagnose myself with a mild case of secondary hypothyroidism. My TSH was below 1.5 but my main symptom was severe cold intolerance to Chicago winters, which has become progressively worse over the years. Once I went on sublingual DHEA and pregnenolone, my aversion to the winter was not due to the cold, but only the diminished sunlight. 

Q. Are there any particular supplements you think most people with hypothyroidism should probably be taking? 

A. I am not a huge fan of supplements and encourage most people to optimize their diet. I have an outline that I have all my patients follow and it is a good starting point. The nutritional changes help to optimize their insulin levels, which have an important element to normalizing the biochemistry that generally goes along with chronic illness. 

But for specific recommendations for hypothyroidism, I feel the best supplement that one could possibly take for proactive thyroid health on a regular basis would be some form of organic iodine. A simple way to determine if one requires this is to paint a patch of tincture of iodine on your skin the size of a half dollar. The iodine brown coloration should last at least 24 hours. The faster it is absorbed the greater the body's iodine deficiency. 

The best source of organically bound iodine that I know of is non-commercially harvested seaweeds. The dose is about 5 grams a day or about one ounce per week. So a pound would last about two months. Radioactive iodine is another factor that can damage the thyroid so one needs to flood the gland with healthy iodine from organic sources like seaweed. As you know this is particularly important for pregnant women as if they have untreated hypothyroidism their, a New England Journal of Medicine study showed that their children may have lower IQ scores. 

The better seaweeds are hand picked and dried and not typically available in health food stores. They are the absolute best forms of minerals that I am aware of. Unfortunately the people who produce this usually run small operations, and do not make their products widely known. Kelp from the health food store may work, but it really depends on how it was harvested and there is no way to know that reliably, so I rely on seaweed harvesters who hand pick the seaweed and reliably dry them free from contaminants. 

If one already has a thyroid problem the issue is far more complicated. It is difficult to make general recommendations without identifying the underlying cause of the individual's hypothyroidism. One of the most common is psycho-emotional stress that impairs the adrenal glands from working properly. Once the adrenals are compromised the thyroid gland attempts to compensate for the exhausted adrenals and the thyroid frequently loses its ability to function normally. I have four psychotherapists in my center who work on this issue using very sophisticated autonomic nervous system rebalancing that incorporates multiple forms of muscle testing. 

Mercury is another common cause of hypothyroidism. Amalgams are 50% mercury and they are only inches away from the thyroid gland. If diagnostic testing determines mercury to be a problem then the amalgam fillings need to be removed by a biologically trained dentist and replaced with a non-metal (composite) filling. The mercury needs to be eliminated. I have written with Dr. Dietrich Klinghardt a comprehensive protocol for this that will be published shortly. A short summary of the protocol is on my web site.

Q. What are your thoughts about "Wilson's Syndrome," which uses body temperature as the sole means of diagnosis, and uses primarily T3 only as a treatment? 

A. First of all traditional medicine already has established Wilson Disease (hepatolenticular degeneration). It was first described in 1912 as a problem resulting in copper accumulation in the liver and brain. Wilson Disease has to do with a reduction in the incorporation of copper into its transport protein, ceruloplasmin. This results in copper deposition in the cornea, brain and basal ganglia. Clearly this disease predates the Wilson syndrome, and although Wilson Syndrome and Wilson Disease are different names, I believe they are to similar and am surprised that someone would be so audacious to name a disease syndrome after himself that is so easily confused with a well defined existing medical entity. 

Some have commented that his book for the public is of the worst of vanity-press publishing, although his doctor's manual is surprisingly well written and espouses some clever arguments, albeit based on some false premises. A previously interviewed clinician on your site, Dr. John Lowe, does a great job pointing this out in his book. 

The Wilson protocol is so complicated and time-consuming to follow that it requires a truly unusual patient and more time than a physician can usually afford to have any chance of being executed properly. Unfortunately, until patients encounter something better, legions of desperate patients, incorrectly treated by the "endocrinologist-thyroidologist technocracy" have clung onto the hopes provided by Dr. Wilson's book. That is what you offer on your wonderful site, the chance to learn superior alternatives to the Wilson Syndrome complicated and generally non-effective approach. 

However, giving credit where credit is due, Dr. Wilson's thoughts about "compensation" effects (and the differences therein among different patients) are useful and based on good logic and probably some quite astute clinical observations. Indeed, these dynamics are pertinent to what happens before a patient taking T3 stabilizes, and an awareness of this process may be a useful nugget to salvage from the considerable time many of us have invested into studying Wilson's approach. Of course, that does not suggest in any way that Wilson's cycling protocol with enormous doses of T3 has any merit or should be used. 

Q. A major complaint many people with hypothyroidism have is difficulty losing weight, even after they've been diagnosed, and are on optimum amounts of thyroid hormone, including T3. Do you have any suggestions for those people who are finding it particularly difficult? 

A. Absolutely. This typically is easily resolved if the patient is compliant, as I have guided hundreds of patients through this process successfully. The central issue is compliance as my observation is that most people have an emotional issue that complicates optimal resolution of this problem. The first issue would be to abandon the traditional viewpoint that grains are healthy for most of us. 

Grains convert to sugar and cause profound disturbances in insulin balance that lead to weight gain. I have a diet plan that I have put together over the years that seems to help most people in this area. 

The second essential issue is that cardiovascular exercise is vital. Typically one hour per day, each and every day is required, until ideal weight is achieved. The one-hour can be split into two or three sessions and the exercise needs to be relatively intense. I explain to patients it should be just below the threshold where they lose the ability to talk comfortably to someone standing next to them. If they can talk easily they are not working out hard enough. Of course one needs to gradually build up to this level and have clearance from their physician if they have heart disease. 

Q. In researching my book, I talked to a number of scientists who felt that overconsumption of soy isoflavones can create some health problems, including an increased risk of hypothyroidism. Do you have any thoughts about the current soy craze, and the pros and cons of soy consumption, including soy foods, and soy protein powders, and isoflavone supplements? 

A. Once again Mary, you are right on target. There are very few professionals or media who understand this issue, and you are one of them. Dr. Enig is professor of biochemistry at the University of Maryland and is the researcher who brought trans fatty acid to the public's attention a few decades ago. I have a 15-page review by Dr. Enig, which is the best summary I have seen on the subject. I believe the soy issue is one of the biggest health misconceptions in the natural food movement today and I plan on doing some national TV interviews on this subject soon. 20/20 is the first media to begin to expose the problem and had a story with the soy infant formula on June 9 of this year. I believe soy formula is one of the worst foods on the planet for an infant and should be banned. It provided the hormone equivalent of five birth control pills a day and may be one of the reasons infertility and other female endocrine problems are so common today. 

Q. Some experts are concerned that the fluoridation of water may be contributing to an increase in thyroid problems, among other health concerns. What are your thoughts about this? A. This is a very controversial area. One of my friends, Dr. Ted Spence, did an excellent review on this fluoride controversy and I also have many links where one can explore this area in great detail. I believe fluoride, like mercury, is a chemical toxin and poison and should be avoided. There is likely to be a direct antagonism with iodine that is well documented. I suspect most other logical and open individuals would reach the same conclusion if they critically analyzed the evidence. 

Q. Do have any thoughts for patients who are having difficulties getting properly diagnosed or treated? People who cannot necessarily travel to see you, or who do not have access to doctors who are particularly savvy about thyroid treatment, and who are stuck with HMOs or who are limited to particular doctors with particular insurance plans? 

A. Another excellent question. Like you, I receive 1,000 emails a week and I have long ago passed my ability to personally respond to all of them. The simple solution would be to ask every employee of a health food store for a medical doctor that practices natural medicine. Nearly every community has one, although you might have to travel somewhat. I would ask the storeowner and all the employees, don't just ask one part-time employee, be persistent and contact all the health food stores in your area. They are tremendous local resources. 

If that option fails I would call the American College for the Advancement of Medicine (ACAM 714-583-7666). I am a member of this group and most of these physicians are open to using natural hormones. I would just give them a copy of the information on my web site regarding thyroid hormone diagnosis and management. If the ACAM physician had any questions I would be glad to answer them and help guide them through the process. But most of them are already using Armour thyroid, they just may not be familiar with the revised use of the Free T3 and Free T4 levels. 

Q. Is there anything else you'd like to share about your thoughts on hypothyroidism? 

A. I would encourage readers to be persistent. It has been my experience that the vast majority of "thyroid experts" including some of the ones listed on your site, are not in agreement with the material I have reviewed here. Readers need to be convinced that there is a solution that addresses the cause for many of their chronic health care complaints, despite the traditional medical paradigm insistence that there is not. 

If one already has thyroid failure, then it is not possible to return the gland to normal and readers should seek a form of therapy that optimizes T3 levels. For the vast majority of patients levothyroxine (Synthroid) does not achieve this. I see many patients who have searched long and hard to find a physician who was willing to give them a thyroid replacement like Armour thyroid. It is my experience that once these individuals change their thyroid replacement to a natural thyroid product their quality of life soars. 

For the past 25 years, tens of millions of Americans in hundreds of cities and towns have been drinking tap water that is contaminated with low levels of insecticides, weed killers, and artificial fertilizer. They not only drink it, they also bathe and shower in it, thus inhaling small quantities of farm chemicals and absorbing them through the skin and through breathing in the vapors. Naturally, the problem is at its worst in agricultural areas of the country. Pesticides have been shown to interfere with thyroid function and cancer risk, so it is imperative to drink clean water. 

Natural Thyroid Hormones: Armour Thyroid

Brian Bartholomew - Wednesday, November 16, 2011

How To Monitor Your Treatment With Natural Hormone Therapy

 

After determining the symptoms of hypothyroidism and getting the proper diagnosis, the next issue is choosing the right treatment.

Should You Use Synthetic Hormones?

The traditional approach is to use synthetic hormones like Synthroid/ Levoxyl/Levothroid (levothyroxine). These products only contain T4 hormone, they have no T3.

When a patient attempts to ask their physician for the natural hormone they are usually ridiculed and made to feel stupid that they would request an inferior hormone product.

The common argument the physicians give is that the synthetic provides steady hormone levels. What the doctors tend to overlook is that the vast majority of people can not convert the T4 to the active form of thyroid which is T3. This is easy to cofirm by measuring the free hormone levels, but virtually none of the doctors use these tests.

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Armour Thyroid -- The Natural Alternative

When one has low T3 levels, which are typical with synthetic hormone use, the brain does not work properly. It is important to use a preparation with T3 because T3 does 90% of the work of the thyroid in the body. So one should use a combination of T4 and T3 which compensates for the inability to convert T4 to T3. Armour thyroid is desiccated thyroid and has both T3 and T4

1999 study published in one of the most prestigious medical journals in the world, the New England Journal of Medicine, showed that the natural hormone product, such as Armour, was far better at controlling the brain problems commonly found in hypothyroidism. Nearly all natural medicine doctors tend to use Armour thyroid which is a mixture of mono and di-iodothryonine and T3 and T4, the entire range of thyroid hormones.

Armour Thyroid Dosing -- TWICE a day.

The most common starting dose for patients with hypothyroidism is Armour thyroid, 90 mg which is cut in half with a razor blade and half is ideally taken twice a day, 10 to 20 minutes after breakfast and dinner. If you have trouble remember taking them, then take the entire dose before breakfast. It is also ideal to chew the tablet before swallowing. Taking it after meals also helps to reduce volatility of the blood-level of T3. If the patient has any problem breaking or cutting the pill, they should purchase a pill-cutter at the pharmacy. The TSH, Free T3 and Free T4 are then repeated in one month and the dose is adjusted.

Taking the Armour thyroid twice a day overcomes traditional medicine's major objection and resistance to using natural thyroid preparations - its variability in its blood-levels. Most doctors using Armour thyroid are not aware that Armour thyroid should be used twice daily and NOT once a day. The major reason is that the T3 component has such a short half life and needs to be taken twice daily to achieve consistent blood levels.

Dose Adjustments With Lab Monitoring

Once on hormone replacement, the dose should be increased until the TSH falls below 0.4. Then one needs to optimize the 2 thyroid hormones by using the Free T4 and Free T3 levels.

The Free T3 and Free T4 are used to monitor the treatment. They should be above the median (middle) but below the upper end of the laboratory normal reference range. The goal for healthy young adults would be to have numbers close to the upper part of the range, and for cardiac and/or elderly patients, the numbers should be in the middle of its range.

The Free T3 and Free T4 levels should be checked every month and the hormone therapy readjusted until the FT3 and FT4 levels are in the therapeutic range described. Once a theraputic range is acheived the levels should be checked at least once a year. A small number of large, overweight, thyroid-resistant women may need 6-8 grains of Armour Thyroid or the equivalent of thyroxine per day (counting 0.1mg of T4 as 1 grain of Armour Thyroid).

For those people who are already on once daily Armour thyroid should split their doses immediately and take half after breakfast and half after dinner. Since the only change will be in the FT3 level, which has a short half-life, the serum FT4 and FT3 levels (and TSH, if indicated) can be measured 48-72 hrs after the splitting of the doses if the patient had been on the hormone for 4-6 weeks before the splitting of the doses. This is because the Free T4 hormone is the one that takes a number of weeks to build up to its steady-state serum-level.

Symptoms of Excessive Thyroid Hormone

There are frequently only temporary during the adaptation stage. The symptoms may include: palpitations

  • nervousness
  • feeling hot and sweaty
  • rapid weight-loss
  • fine tremor
  • clammy skin

What To Do If You Can Not Tolerate Armour Thyroid or Want To Continue Synthetic Hormones

My experience is that well over 90% of people do much better on Armour thyroid. However, there are a small number of people who do not tolerate it. This is most frequently done with Armour thyroid. However, Cytomel, which is T3 only, can be used in combination with one of the T4 only synthetic preparations mentioned above. It is important to recognize that T3 should always be prescribed twice daily due to its shorter half life. This is typically after breakfast AND supper for compliance reasons.

If you are currently taking Synthroid (thyroxine), your Free T4 level is usually at or above the high end of its normal range and your Free T3 level is usually below. In this situation, one may then add 5-12.5 mcg Cytomel (pure-T3) after breakfast and supper daily, rather than Armour Thyroid or Thyrolar (synthetic T4/T3 combo).

Once or twice daily dosing one can then optimize both the T4 and T3 levels, with whatever thyroid preparation is required. This is not possible in most hypothyroid patients with T4 only preparations.

People Who Should Not Take Cytomel

The only exception to pursue optimization of the T3 level without using Armour thyroid is in severe acute cardio-pulmonary conditions, such as congestive heart failure, when the metabolic slowing effect of a low FT3 level can actually be life-saving. However, the vast majority of hypothyroid patients do not have this problem.

Are You Protein Deficient?

Brian Bartholomew - Monday, September 05, 2011

Are You Protein Deficient?

Posted By Dr. Axe On December 1, 2010 @ 1:00 am In Nutrition | 3 Comments

ProteinMaking healthy eating and exercise a part of your lifestyle is a key to anti-aging. And when I talk about anti-aging, I don’t mean that you will automatically jump in the fountain of youth and never grow old. It means you will age much slower and more gracefully, avoiding chronic illnesses and conditions usually associated with the aging process in America today.

According to researcher, Jan van Deursen, Ph. D. and his recent discoveries at the Mayo Clinic eating the right kinds of protein is critical to staying healthy and vibrant not only today but into your ‘twilight’ years too. Initially van Deursen set out to study the cause of cancer, but soon his research took him in a different direction – what impacts aging? His research revealed that certain proteins play an important, even critical, role in aging.

In his investigation van Deursen and his team created genetically modified mice that were deficient in one specific type of protein, BubR1. Van Deursen and his team discovered that the mice deficient in this vital protein aged four to five times faster than the control group of normal mice. This naturally occurring protein declines as we age and in this study were found to be at deficient levels in the mice’s muscles, heart, brain, spleen, testis, and ovaries. The study theorizes that this holds true in the human body too with protein deficiencies leading to cataracts, heart problems, and kyphosis, or muscle atrophy, so common in the elderly.

Do you get enough protein in your daily diet? Do your kids? How about your aging parents? Are they eating the right amounts and right kinds of proteins to protect against the independence robbing effects of insufficient amounts of protein? Let’s learn a bit more about this crucial substance and how it can help your life.

Protein 101: What It Is, Why You Need It

Proteins are known as the building blocks for the body. If you think about this phrase ‘building blocks’ for a moment you’ll understand the importance of continually giving your body the protein it needs to not only survive but to thrive. It’s what the entire body system is built upon.

Proteins are long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These twenty different amino acids are each unique and perform specific and different services for the body. From digestion to the building of tissues and muscles, proteins are essential for the body to stay healthy and age well.

Vital organs, muscles, tissues and even some hormones of the body are made from proteins. Additionally proteins create hemoglobin and important antibodies. Proteins are involved in just about every body function from controlling blood sugar levels to healing wounds and fighting off bacteria. More recently many people tout high protein diets as a way to lose weight and get a flat belly too.

Simply put, without proteins life would not exist. If you don’t get the adequate amounts of proteins in your body on a regular basis (out of the twenty amino acids the body can only produce fourteen on its own) and from the right sources you’ll be certain to feel it not just short term (muscle weakness, fatigue, low energy) but down the line as you age too (cataracts, heart problems, weak muscles leading to falls, etc.)

Are You Getting the Right Kind of Proteins?

Knowing what to eat, how much, and when can be overwhelming for many. It seems today in order to stay healthy and keep your family healthy you need a degree in nutrition – and even with that there all seems to be conflicting evidence and studies. I want to help to simplify this sometimes confusing topic for you.

When it comes to protein there are a few basic guidelines to follow; first you must understand that you (and your loved ones) need to consume protein on a regular basis; secondly, you must eat the right kinds of protein for it to have the desired, positive impact on your health. With those two guidelines in mind, let’s explore the eight best natural sources of protein.

The 8 Best Natural Sources of Protein

Grass-fed beef

If you’ve been a regular reader of my articles then you already know that you should always be choosing grass-fed beef as opposed to the cattle that are fed grain [1] and other foods they are not intended by nature to eat. In fact, standard practices in feeding cattle calls for including candy (wrappers and all), as well as other unsavory ‘foods’ (like recycled restaurant grease) in these animals’ diets.Grass-fed beef provides a complete protein for the body. That means the body can obtain all of the amino acids needed that the body cannot make on its own. Grass-fed beef has superior nutritional content than traditional grain fed beef. It also contains cancer-fighting CLA [2] and healthy saturated fats [3]. Other good sources of protein similar to beef include bison, venison, and lamb.

Organic chicken

Chicken is used often by body builders to do–what else–but build their muscles. As with the case above it’s vital to choose organic, free range chickens that eat natural diets and are not raised in unhealthy living conditions for the optimal nutrition content and to minimize exposure to toxins.

Free range eggs

Be sure you know the difference between the labels on your eggs. Free range, organic, and cage free do not have the same meaning. You want to be sure that you eat eggs that are from chickens living in the most natural setting [4]. This means they aren’t mandated to their cages all day and night, they’re allowed to feed according to their natural instincts, and they are able to roam freely during the day. One way to ensure you get the healthiest eggs is to raise them yourself. It’s easier than most people think. You can also find a local farmer in your area who sells pastured eggs.

Wild salmon

Salmon is an excellent source of protein providing an average of 30+ grams per six ounce serving. It’s essential to choose wild salmon over farm raised [5] salmon. The nutritional content of wild salmon is far superior and the risk of toxins is lower in wild salmon than in farm-raised salmon.

Nuts and seeds

Good ole nuts and seeds [6] are great sources of protein. Almonds, Brazil nuts, cashews, hazelnuts, pumpkin seeds, and sunflower seeds are all excellent sources of protein. Be sure to know the average amount of protein per serving as these are lower in protein count than meats, fish, and eggs.

Legumes

Beans such as kidney, lima, and lentils also provide the body with much needed protein. Many of these legumes are also very high in antioxidants as well.

Mushrooms

Often overlooked as a source of protein, mushrooms [7] do give the body some protein. Again this amount is much lower than in many meats so you must be sure you’re consuming enough each day.

Raw dairy

Raw dairy products such as milk, yogurts, and cheeses are another excellent non-meat source of protein. Be sure you’re buying milk that is raw and not highly homogenized and pasteurized [8].

These above listed eight foods are the best sources of protein for you. Combine a variety of these foods throughout the week and you’ll be sure to be giving your body what it needs to maintain proper functioning today and into tomorrow.

A Word about Protein Powders

As with many nutrients we often look to supplements to ensure we’re getting enough of each. I always recommend looking to your diet first, but sometimes we need a little extra help. With protein powders (as with many supplements) it’s essential to choose the right one in order to help, not hurt the body.

Many protein powders you’ll find on the grocery or drugstore shelves are actually more harmful than helpful to your health containing toxins such as artificial sweeteners, food dyes, and unnecessary additives and preservatives. If you want to use a protein powder I suggest choosing a raw protein powder from a reputable company such as Raw Protein [9] or Goatein [10], both by Garden of Life. With a raw protein powder you get the most bio-available nutrition available from a supplement on the market.

Getting the Right Amount of the Right Proteins

The average recommended amount of protein a person should consume each day is based on the following formula: take your weight in pounds, divide it by 2.2, multiply that number by 1.5 and that equals the average amount of grams of protein you should consume each day.

But don’t get too caught up in the numbers. Remember, quality is more important than quantity!

Remember too when you choose your proteins to use the eight best sources listed above. Following the above list will ensure you’re getting the best kind of protein along with other healthy nutrients.

Sources

Mayo Clinic (2010) [11]

Harvard School of Public Health (2010) [12]

Dr. Axe

Dr. Axe's Action Steps

  1. Make the switch from conventional beef, chicken, and eggs to grass-fed beef, organic, free-range chicken, and free-range or pastured eggs
  2. If you are using protein powder, check the label for any artificial sweeteners or other unnecessary additives. If you see them, toss them out and replace with a raw protein powder or one made with goat’s milk.
  3. Take a look at your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu for the week (even if it’s simply in your head). How many of the eight listed best sources for protein do you eat each day?
  4. Make adjustments to your weekly menu to get in the right amount and right kinds of proteins each day.
  5. Make the switch from conventional beef, chicken, and eggs to grass-fed beef, organic, free-range chicken, and free-range or pastured eggs
  6. Make adjustments to your weekly menu to get in the right amount and right kinds of proteins each day.
  7. If you are using protein powder, check the label for any artificial sweeteners or other unnecessary additives. If you see them, toss them out and replace with a raw protein powder or one made with goat’s milk.
  8. Take a look at your breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu for the week (even if it’s simply in your head). How many of the eight listed best sources for protein do you eat each day?

Article printed from DrAxe.com: http://www.draxe.com

URL to article: http://www.draxe.com/are-you-protein-deficient/

URLs in this post:

[1] cattle that are fed grain: http://www.draxe.com/factory-farmed-meats-why-a-hamburger-costs-a-dollar/

[2] cancer-fighting CLA: http://www.draxe.com/cancer-fighting-cla-higher-in-grass-fed-beef/

[3] saturated fats: http://www.draxe.com/the-truth-about-saturated-fat/

[4] eggs that are from chickens living in the most natural setting: http://www.draxe.com/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-eggs-you-eat/

[5] farm raised: http://www.draxe.com/the-dangers-of-farmed-fish/

[6] nuts and seeds: http://www.draxe.com/sometimes-you-feel-like-a-nut/

[7] mushrooms: http://www.draxe.com/going-mad-for-mushrooms/

[8] not highly homogenized and pasteurized: http://www.draxe.com/pasteurization-homogenization-101/

[9] Raw Protein: http://store.draxe.com/products/raw-protein-garden-of-life

[10] Goatein: http://store.draxe.com/products/goatein-goats-milk-protein-powder-garden-of-life

[11] Mayo Clinic (2010): http://discoverysedge.mayo.edu/de07-2-aging-vandeursen/index.cfm

[12] Harvard School of Public Health (2010): http://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/what-should-you-eat/protein/



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