Hypothyroidism

I have been asked by friends to do an article about Hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism means thyroid gland which is under functioning and therefore deficiency of Thyroid hormone is seen with resultant increased TSH. Here I am posting all the important information that I can get on this topic. Allopathic view of the reasons for thyroid disorders is "idiopathic" meaning- don't know. So lets look at what a naturopath or holopathic practitioner has to say about hypothyroidism.

The causes of Thyroid disorder or of any endocrine disorder for that matter can vary over a wide range of issues. These can include:

• Imbalances of blood-sugar levels affecting energy metabolism. 
• Digestive disturbances, e.g., deficiency of enzymes, causing abdominal bloating and undigested food molecules leaking through the gut wall to trigger an inappropriate immune system response. 
• Imbalance of the detoxification functions of the liver resulting in an increase of toxic compounds which may irritate the thyroid tissues.
• Deficiencies of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements needed for healthy thyroid function. 
• Prolonged stress, anxiety states, or sudden shock. Muscle and joint problems in the neck and upper back which may interfere with circulation and nerve supply to the gland. Whether you have an overgrowth of yeast (candidiasis) in the gut.

Summarizing the causes:

1.  Toxicity: Radiation and Heavy Metal exposure.
2.  Deficiency: In Iodine and Selenium.
3.  Food Intolerance: Gluten and A1 Casein Allergy.
4.  Hormone Imbalance – High Cortisol from stress, too many carbs, too little fat in diet.

 Thyroid diseases are becoming increasingly more prevalent around the globe, with the most common thyroid disease being autoimmune Hashimoto's thyroiditis. However, it is also very common, especially for women, to have low thyroid hormone (also known as hypothyroidism) without having an obvious autoimmune component.

 Symptoms of hypothyroidism include:

•  fatigue, 
• weight gain, 
• thinning and loss of hair, 
• dry skin and brittle nails, 
• constipation, 
• depression 
• and menstrual problems among others. 

 The current conventional medical treatment for hypothyroidism is giving thyroid hormone supplementation to correct the low levels of thyroid hormone in the body. The problem with this approach is, the basis of the disease is not identified and the practical problem here is finding the right dose. Most patients never find the right dose on a long term. This month they need lot of thyroid hormone while the very next month they find that their TSH has gone too low and T4 gone way too up and they have to reduce their dose- Only to increase it again the next month. In the mean time the patients is symptomatic most of the time.

The thyroid gland is suppressed by our constant intake of soy; an ingredient in the great majority of processed foods, and even in most of the so-called healthy alternatives. Additionally, fluoride is extremely damaging to the thyroid. Until the 1970's, doctors prescribed fluoride to patients with hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid), in order to cripple it. It was shown to be effective at 2 mg. per day. People in the present are estimated to be consuming 2-10 mg. per day from tap water, non-stick cookware, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, infant formula, processed cereals, and sodas.

Hypothyroidism is also recognized to be caused by certain medications, such as lithium. All S.S.R.I. anti-depressant drugs feature fluoride as a main ingredient, so these psychiatric drugs dramatically contribute to thyroid disorders, and they are the primary cause of hypothyroidism in some cases. S.S.R.I. drugs are notorious for causing nutritional deficiencies, due to their overall toxicity and because they dramatically disrupt the serotonin that is used for digestion. Contrary to the dishonest drug company marketing, only 10% of an individual's serotonin is used by his brain, while about 80% of it is used by his digestive system. Without the proper nutrients, hypothyroidism cannot be cured, because those nutrients are needed to balance the hormones and to strengthen the thyroid. S.S.R.I. drugs furthermore reduce usable calcium in the body, and thereby it renders magnesium unusable; since magnesium and calcium are interdependent. Magnesium deficiencies are rife in modern society because people do not eat enough green leafy vegetables. A severe magnesium deficiency can lead to sudden heart attacks, and lesser deficiencies may cause heart attacks when monosodium glutamate (MSG) is consumed.

People who have hypothyroidism are much more likely to have heart problems, because the hormones that are produced by a healthy thyroid help to strengthen heart contractions and regulate heart rhythm. The medical establishment prescribes synthetic hormone pills to hypothyroidism patients, and patients must continue taking them for the rest of their lives. This is because these artificial hormones cause a body to stop producing its own thyroid hormones permanently; similar to what is experienced with diabetics taking synthetic insulin. In both cases, the result is perpetual customers who will forever after be reliant on 'the system', because the medications actually destroy the organ that they supposedly help. Be forewarned that with orthodox therapies, there is no cure, and there may be no turning back.

 Below I am listing various supplements and foods that help put back your thyroid in order:

1.  Go Gluten and A1 Casein FREE – the most common allergies and food intolerances today are from wheat and dairy products because of the hybridized proteins of gluten and a1 casein. These proteins can cause “Leaky Gut” which in turn will cause inflammation of the thyroid and effect it’s function. Follow a grain-free diet or at least go gluten free. Then only consume dairy products that come from A2 cows, goat milk, or sheep milk.
2. NO BPA – Bisphenol A (BPA) is found in plastic bottles and can disrupt your endocrine system and effect your thyroid. I recommend only drinking out of glass, stainless steel, or BPA free plastic bottles. 
3. Check Your Iodine Levels – If they are low use a kelp or organic liquid iodine supplement. 
4. Heavy Metal Detox – I recommend using a combination of Milk Thistle (used in cancer patients also), Turmeric (also a powerful anti cancer agent), Chlorella, and Cilantro to detox these harmful metals from your cells and organs. 
5. More Selenium – Make sure you’re getting enough selenium in your diet but also don’t go overboard. Some of the best selenium containing foods are brazil nuts, salmon, sunflower seeds, beef, mushrooms and onions. 
6. Adaptogen Supplements – Can lower cortisol levels and improve thyroid function like Ashwagandha and Tulsi. 
7. Silver Fillings Removal – if you have amalgam fillings talk with a DAMS mercury safe dentist about proper removal. 
8. Lower Carbohydrate Intake – Lower your intake of sugars and grains and replace them with healthy fats. Most women especially consume far too many carbs which increase estrogen and negatively effect the thyroid. Instead consume healthy fats that will balance hormones, like: coconut oil, coconut milk, avocado, grass-fed beef, wild salmon, chia, flaxseeds, and hemp seeds. 
9.  Consume foods naturally high in B vitamins, such as whole grains, nuts, and seeds, and iodine (fish, seaweed, vegetables and root vegetables). 
10.  Exercise daily, at least 30–60 minutes per day, 4–5 times a week. Practice deep breathing and other techniques that trigger the “relaxation response” – such as meditation and guided visualization.
11. It is recommended that you get adequate sun exposure if you live in a northern climate (15–20 minutes twice a day of unprotected sun in early morning and evening) to maintain vitamin D levels. This helps support healthy immune function and calcium metabolism. 
12.  Zero in on unresolved emotional issues as a source of stress. 
    
13. Eat Sea Vegetables Twice a Week Sea vegetables are a good natural source of iodine to support the thyroid. Incorporating some sea veggies into your diet can be as simple as: Adding a piece of kombu to a pot of beans or soup during cooking Sprinkle kelp granules over your salads or hot dishes just like you would use salt Making a nori wrap (this is what’s used to wrap sushi). 
14. Don’t Be Afraid of Butter “The endocrine system loves butter,” consider keeping grass-fed butter (like KerryGold butter) in your diet. 
15. Cook Your Kale If you have thyroid issues, then raw cruciferous vegetables may not be the best choice. You might want to skip the kale smoothies and salads, and eat your greens cooked instead. The reason is that the cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens that may disrupt the thyroid if consumed in large quantities. Other cruciferous veggies include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower. 
16. Slow Down Your Eating. The thyroid gland is located in your throat area, so it literally connects the mind and body. When you rush while eating, the food moves so quickly from mouth to stomach that the connection from mind to body is not strong. The mouth doesn’t know what the stomach is doing and vice versa. This is good health advice no matter what: sit down, slow down, savor, breathe and chew your food. Since the thyroid is the master of your metabolism, you want to eat slowly enough so it can record the message that food is entering the body. 
17. Drop the cell phone. We already know about the connection between cell phones and brain tumors. But this little radiation machine that you hold up to your ear is awfully close to your thyroid gland as well. 
18. Find Your Voice Once again, if you look to the anatomy, you find the thyroid gland located in the throat, the center of our communication with the world. It has been said that people with hypothyroid tend to “swallow down” what they really want to say. It’s been very healing for them to learn to speak their truth. On the flip side, people with hyperthyroid are talking too much, and can benefit by listening more. 
19. Do Yoga During my experience at yoga teacher training, I was delighted to learn how much the yoga can stimulate and support the entire endocrine system. The shoulderstand (sarvangasana) is especially beneficial for stimulating the thyroid gland. 
20. Support Your Adrenals The thyroid and adrenal glands work together, so if you are exhausted and depleted you may benefit from adrenal support.

More on this topic will be published later.