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A Natural Approach to a Healthy Thyroid

A Natural Approach to a Healthy Thyroid

The thyroid gland is the chief regulator of metabolism. Metabolism refers to the rate of functioning of virtually every cell and gland in the body especially those responsible for weight loss and protein synthesis and calcium metabolism.

According to the Broda Barnes Foundation (thyroid research), 40% of all Americans suffer from undiagnosed hypothyroid disease which is the direct cause of 64 common ailments including: metabolism (chronic overweight), obesity, arthritis, depression, cancer, heart disease, circulatory problems, and sexual dysfunction. They say that this is due to outdated, inadequate diagnostic protocol. Furthermore, most who are insufficiently diagnosed with hypothyroid are on insufficient treatment programs. They are placed on what are called T4 only medication. Unless the treatment protocol is comprehensive (T3 medicine, nutritional program with supplements), these patients will continue to struggle with weight problems, fatigue and various other hypothyroid symptoms.

Physicians are generally trained to test only: T3, T4, and TSH hormone levels. Broda Barnes Foundation experts agree that it is essential to test: T3, T4, TSH, FTI (Free triiodothyronine), anti thyroid antibody and underarm basal metabolism (3 consecutive morning average with a norm of 97.8-98.2). A CDC evaluation of 980 labs discovered up to 25% erroneous results. A comprehensive sub-clinical evaluation is also advised. This would likely be in the form of a questionnaire that examines patient’s day to day metabolic functions. Markers such as: dry skin, fatigue, constipation, depression, concentration difficulties, thinning hair, and mood swings all imply a sub clinical diagnosis. The more diagnostic information the more likely a successful outcome will be reached. A hair analysis that shows a significant elevation of calcium to potassium is another very important hypothyroid marker. Dr. Jeffrey Bland has implemented an additionally effective clinical criteria of: total cholesterol over 252, triglycerides over 200, CPK over 30, BUN under 12, LDH over 40 and a Total Cholesterol to HDL ratio of 5 or higher.

Among the chief reasons for the increase in thyroid disease is the diminishing iodine concentration in our commercially fertilized soils. Iodine is the chief source of food, fuel and antisepsis for the thyroid gland. It cannot manufacture metabolism hormones without iodine. Japan has 4,000 times the iodine in their farming soil with approximately 80% less hypothyroid disease. A 10 state CDC study from Massachusetts to California discovered that among 8,000 children only 7% had acceptable iodine levels. It is also believed that many of the industrial toxins in our environment continue to play a role in the escalating rate of hypothyroid disease. University of Mississippi Medical School researcher Edward Gaitan discovered that resorcinol and thalate esters (industrial contaminants commonly found in public drinking waters) are powerful iodine antagonists. Studies of hydro cyanic acid (barbiturates), estrogen (pharmaceutical grade), anthracene (coal tar), bromoforms (chlorinated drinking water), fluoride (fluoridated drinking water and tooth paste), cordarone (cough medicines), thyocyanide (tobacco smoke) have also shown powerful thyroid antagonism including even the triggering of anti thyroid antibodies.

Of all the reasons for advancing hypothyroid disease perhaps the chief reason is chronic stress. Chronic stress triggers high levels of fight or flight hormones such as epinephrine. Epinephrine suppresses the pituitary secretion of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone), decreases the binding globulin protein that transports thyroid hormone to all the cells, and blocks the conversion of T4 into active T3 (chief activator of metabolism). Another important stress hormone, cortisol energizes the thyroid to work more efficiently. High levels of cortisol must be produced during periods of stress in order to increase emergency energy needs, therefore if stress is chronic than cortisol levels are destined to decline leaving the thyroid function in a state of parallel decline.

Solutions:

Test underarm basal rate first 10 minutes after awakening for 3 consecutive mornings. Record 3 day average. Norm: 97.8-98.2. If temps are lower hypothyroid may be indicated, if higher hyperthyroid may be indicated.

If temps are abnormal ask physician to run: T3, T4, TSH, anti thyroid antibody, and FTI. Also request a SMAC 25 for Bland Evaluation (see above criteria). Have a TMA (hair analysis done). Look for the significant ratio marker of Calcium to potassium. If the calcium is higher than the potassium (elevated out of range) hypothyroid may be indicated.

Make sure your physician considers both T3 and T4 medication strategies (search “Stop the Madness” site).

Diet should consist of lightly cooked food only. Breakfast should be comprised of protein only (egg whites, poultry links, poultry burgers etc.). Lunch and Dinner should contain 4 oz. lean protein and 8 oz. lightly cooked vegetables with 1 cup of high fiber starch at one meal only. No food after 6:00 PM, and no snacks between meals. This will allow the 5 hours for Leptin receptors (hormone that regulates fat) to replenish themselves. It is very important to avoid all fermented, candida producing foods as well such as: yeasted breads, vinegars, peanuts (peanut butter), mushrooms, bleu cheeses, champagnes, soy sauces, miso, tempeh, tamari, processed sugars and white flours.

Supplements should consist of: B complex 100s (1 with meals 3 total) - Folic acid 800 mcgs - B 12 (methyl cobalamin) 5, 000 mcgs - Selenium chelate (for T4 support) 200 mcgs. - Zinc Gluconate 50 mgs. – Omega 3 fish oils 1,000 mgs. 3 per day.