HYPOTHYROID (Part 2 of 3)
Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction
| * Chronic digestive problems | * Edema, especially in the face and eyelids |
| * Depression; reduced initiative | * Dry hair. Dry skin. Hair loss |
| * Elevated LDL cholesterol | * Fatigue, especially middle of day |
| * Weight gain even when eating clean | * Loss of outer 3rd portion of eyebrow |
| * Low body temperature | * Morning headaches that wear off |
| * Constipation | * Poor memory |
| * Food sensitivities | * Cold hands & feet; overly sensitive to cold weather |
Three or more of the above symptoms may indicate thyroid imbalances, a sluggish thyroid or Hashimoto’s.
Determine the root cause of thyroid dysfunction. To heal any thyroid dysfunction and restore normal thyroid function, identifying the root cause is a must to experience true healing. You can take all the thyroid medication you like, but until you address the underlying reason why you’re experiencing thyroid dysfunction, you're just covering up the symptoms!
Underlying causes of impaired thyroid function
| * Adrenal insufficiency, adrenal fatigue | * Iodine, selenium, zinc & other nutrient deficiencies |
| * Vitamin/mineral deficiencies | * Fluoride, bromide & chlorine exposure |
| * Food sensitivities | * Estrogen dominance |
| * Infections: Candida, yeast, fungus | * Hemochromatosis (high iron) |
| * Heavy metal toxicity | * Gut dysfunction |
| * Hashimoto’s | * Environmental toxins & chemical exposure |
| * Antacid use | * Pituitary dysfunction |
| * Liver congestion | * Excessive exercising and under-recovery |
| * Low calorie diets | * Menopause and andropause |
Although it varies per individual, the most common causes of thyroid disorders are iodine and selenium deficiency; food intolerances specifically gluten, wheat, grains, dairy and soy; heavy metal toxicity; gut dysfunction; adrenal insufficiency; hormone imbalances specifically elevated cortisol; and a diet high in processed carbs, sugar and chemicals, and deficient in fat and protein.
Iodine is the backbone of the thyroid. Iodine deficiency is proving to be a risk not only for low thyroid hormone levels, but also for fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer. Worldwide about one billion people are estimated to be iodine deficient.
Thyroid hormones are affected by stress. Adrenaline and cortisol, hormones released by stress, interfere with the body’s ability to convert T4 into T3. When T3 levels decrease, the body produces even more adrenaline and cortisol to help speed up metabolism, which further inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3. Healthy functioning adrenals must always be factored in when dealing with thyroid imbalances.
It is estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid dysfunction of which 90% are women. The bigger problem is that nearly 60% are completely unaware of their condition—let alone how to heal it. Thyroid disease (and breast cancer) are most common in post-menopausal females. Sugar intolerance, menopause and depression all have similar symptoms to those with thyroid disorders. Those with hypothyroid often experience elevated LDL cholesterol and triglycerides caused by failure of the anterior pituitary to drive the thyroid.
Conventional treatment. The majority of medical doctors typically treat thyroid conditions with Synthroid (Levoxyl) and Levothroid, synthetic versions of T4. Synthroid is the fourth most prescribed drug in America. Synthyroid can be ineffective for many individuals because it only contains T4, plus it contains lactose and cornstarch! Side effects of synthroid may include headaches, irritability, insomnia, rapid contractions of the heart, diarrhea and bone loss. Some physicians may prescribe liothyronine (Cytomel) T3, which often contains gluten.
Natural thyroid is very popular among alternative and integrative practitioners. Nature-throid is a formula that contain a combination of T4, T3 and T2 made from natural desiccated or dried thyroid gland from porcine. it contains no dyes, no food coloring, but does have a very small amount of lactose. Armour contains cornstarch, cellulose and dextrose. Westhroid (WP Thyroid) is a hypoallergenic combination thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) hormone. It’s formulated using two natural inactive ingredients and does not contain any artificial colors or flavors, corn, peanut, rice, gluten, soy, yeast, egg or fish/shellfish.
Natural thyroid is often the preferred support for the thyroid in other countries, especially Western Europe. A study years ago clearly demonstrated that patients with hypothyroidism showed greater improvements in mood and brain function when they received treatment with porcine thyroid than if they received Synthroid.
Read part 1 All About Hypothyroid
Read part 3 30 Healing Solutions for Thyroid Disorders
As a holistic nutritionist and functional health practitioner, my philosophy is to identify the root cause of any thyroid imbalance, autoimmune disease or any underlying health issues, slowly "peel away the layers of the onion," and design a healing protocol and comprehensive LIFESTYLE plan specific to your unique biochemistry so you can heal, experience vibrant health, balanced hormones, healthy thyroid and adrenal function, and look, think and feel better than ever for a lifetime. I consult with men and women around the world, all over the U.S. and with clients locally in the Phoenix area. Schedule a free 15-minute consultation!
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