Hypothyroidism- A Common Malady
Hypothyroidism, sadly
is a popular condition with numerous symptoms. Though doctors often use blood
testing when low thyroid function is suspected, many people's symptoms go
undetected for years without knowing their cause.
In fact, many doctors typically rely on what is called the TSH test to diagnose
thyroid problems.
However, ever more health practitioners are questioning the worth of the TSH.
That's why examining symptoms can often be a good determining factor in
evaluating thyroid function.
It's easy to recognize
low thyroid function in children who have swelling with its characteristic
appearance - a round face, double chin, and fat, round belly plus abnormally
bent elbows and knees. Subclinical hypothyroidism, however is much more
common and less easily recognized as its symptoms mimic other causes.
Hypothyroidism Symptoms
There are many, but here is a comprehensive list: fatigue, increased
cholesterol, decreased blood sugar, increased adrenaline and cortisol, heart
disease, cancer, blood pressure problems, poor circulation, edema, colon
problems, depression and emotional disturbances, insomnia, hyperactivity, weight
loss or gain, skin and hair problems, headaches, immune deficiencies, and
chronic infections, multiple sclerosis, mitral valve prolapse, women's health
problems
Causes of Hypothyroidism
1. Radiation, including
radioactive iodine
One of the greatest environmental causes
2. Estrogen dominance (ratio of estrogen to progesterone should be 1 to
10)
Estrogen
dominance slows thyroid function and can result from taking birth control
pills,
estrogen replacement therapy, or herbal estrogens, or
exposure to environmental estrogens
3. Synthetic and genetically engineered hormones (estrogen and other
hormones in meat, dairy,
poultry and eggs)
4. Excess intake of unsaturated fats (oils liquid at room temperature,
except extra virgin olive oil)
The position on unsaturated fats is controversial as
many physicians recommend EFAs in the
form of flaxseed, fish, primrose, borage and other
oils.
5. Fluoride, common in toothpaste, foods and water
6. Excess iodine found in commercial salt, dough conditioners in baked
goods and many
supplements
7. Mercury, a
toxic heavy metal, which comprises up to 50% of amalgam teeth fillings
poisons
an enzyme critical in converting thyroid hormones
8. Raw cruciferous vegetables (these contain thyroid inhibitors when
raw)
Cabbage family veggies should be lightly steamed
9. Liver (while some consider this nutritious, it contains thyroid
inhibitors)
10.
Soy products (there is some evidence that soy affects thyroid function)
Guidelines to Improve Thyroid Function
(Of course, with your doctor's knowledge and blessing)
1.
It always makes sense to examine your diet and increase fresh, raw
organic fruits and vegetables (with the exception of raw cabbage family veggies
as these should be steamed). These enzyme-rich foods help nourish the
endocrine glands which produce hormones in the first place.
2. Don't forget the basics of improved health. Besides better whole
food diet, add 8-16 glasses of purified water a day, get plenty of sunshine,
rest and exercise and clean the bowels of impurities naturally. (See
Oxygen Colon Cleansing Formula Here)
3. Remember also to FEED your entire system with
whole food nutrition by using
GreensFirst,
WheatGrass Detox
or
LifeSource
SuperSprouts, combinations of nutrient rich super foods.
4.
Enzyme therapy is also important as it helps correct digestive problems
so your organs are fully nourished with digested whole foods. (See
Plant Based Enzymes Here)
5. Thyroid Support such as
Thyodine provide support for your endocrine system so they are more
capable of producing the proper levels of hormones. Synthetic hormone
therapy is ineffective as it contains only one kind of thyroxine.
6.
Hormone Balancing - in addition to thyroid support,
natural
progesterone oil therapy is also crucial for women, since it stimulates the
thyroid to secrete proper levels of hormones. Progesterone opposes the
toxic effects of estrogen and is an outstanding immune system stimulant.
Estrogen and progesterone should be balanced 1 to 10 but the majority of the
female population are estrogen dominant which causes PMS, breast pathology,
uterine fibroids among MANY other problems.
Young men may feel increased libido and experience reduced facial hair growth
if they ingest natural progesterone. (Learn
more about natural progesterone therapy here).
7. Use ONLY these oils when eating/cooking: raw butter,
extra virgin olive oil and unprocessed coconut oil. It's true:
coconut oil is probably the most healthy saturated fat, other than raw
butter. Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function and thus promotes weight
loss in those who are overweight, and has anti-aging and anticancer effects. (Our
best source of fresh, raw coconut oil).
8.
Other dietary recommendations: Make sure you are eating adequate
protein including organic beef or poultry; some kinds of fish such as halibut
and white fish, organic eggs, raw milk or cultured milk products. If vegan,
eat lots of potatoes, as these are a good source of protein
Fruits and fruit juices provide minerals but also help control blood sugar
levels and calm the adrenal glands, thus also stimulating production of thyroid
hormone.
Salt mobilizes glucose and
also calms the adrenals. Salty snacks before bed also induce sleep.
But beware of iodized salt. Sea salt or purified seawater with no added
iodine is preferred as these contain sodium chloride, and all of the naturally
occurring trace minerals.
Carrots -
This fiber helps tone the bowel, and bind toxins including carcinogens, reducing
the reabsorption of estrogen, and lower cholesterol if it is high.
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