When I think about my patients with sluggish thyroid, they are cold, tired and have trouble losing weight. Their moods are often depressed. They may notice thinning hair on their legs or more hair in the shower drain. Their socks leave marks on their ankles because of the increased water retention. Other chronic problems related to low thyroid include: aches and pains, constipation, high cholesterol, irregular periods or infertility.
Did you just read this and think 'This is Me!" Or, have you had blood test results that show thyroid dysfunction?
Most people decide to go on thyroid medication (synthetic or natural) and many find this helpful. But, every week, I see patients that take thyroid medication and either still have symptoms or need to regularly adjust their medications. They come to me frustrated!
SUPPLEMENTS
Ideally, we'd get all of the nutrients that we need every day from our diets. Unfortunately, many of us follow the standard American diet which is devoid of many nutrients (They actually take them out of foods during processing!) Our soils have become depleted and produce is harvested too early to have its full nutrient value. Some of us have digestive problems that limit our ability to digest and absorb the vitamins and minerals that we consume. Many medications can also cause nutrient depletion and this may be one reason for side effects.
Most of us already know that Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone. Did you know that the amino acid, Tyrosine, is also necessary? Zinc, copper, vitamin A, B2, B3, B6 and C are necessary for the production of T4 (an important precursor to the more active T3). Selenium needs to be sufficient for this conversion to be effective.
With a comprehensive Thyroid Blood Test, we can see which nutrients are deficient based on the proportions of T4, T3 and reverse T3. But, if we're deficient in nutrients, doesn't it make sense to just take a high quality multivitamin and mineral supplement?
DETOXIFICATION
There is no escaping it. We are all exposed to large amounts of environmental toxins on a daily basis. Their effect on the endocrine (hormone) system is huge! You should learn to limit your exposure and consider some detoxification on a regular basis. I do a cleanse twice a year.
The University of Michigan just published a large study on plastics and their effect on thyroid hormone. You should avoid eating food and water stored in plastics and should never heat food in plastic. This includes non-stick pots and pans and those individual coffee packs that have become popular.
Floride and Bromide are in the same chemical family as Iodide and battle for the same receptors in the thyroid. You might consider drinking distilled water without Floride.
IMMUNITY
Our own immune systems can be overactive and make it hard for our thyroids to work properly. This is one of the most common causes of thyroid trouble (low and high). A comprehensive blood test for your thyroid should include thyroid antibodies. Autoimmunity often stems from problems with the digestive system. A knowlegeable health care provider can help you evaluate and treat your GI system if this is a problem.
HORMONE BALANCING
All of the major hormones in the body interact and effect each other. It is a mistake not to take into account the health of pancreas (insulin), adrenals (Cortisol and DHEA), and Sex Hormones (Estrogens, Progesterone, and Testosterone).
ADRENAL HEALTH
The adrenals are the gland on top of the kidneys that help us respond to stress. Many of us have 'worn out' adrenals and this can cause some of the same symptoms as low thyroid. The Adrenals Vs Thyroid questionnaire can help us figure out which is the problem. Poor adrenal health will also slow the conversion of thyroid hormones. If there are symptoms of both, it makes sense to treat the adrenals first!
ESTROGENS
Both men and women can have too many estrogens (estrogen dominance). This can be caused by contraception, hormone replacement, toxins that look like estrogens, or produced by our own fat cells. When estrogens are out of balance or too high, it causes the thyroid hormone to be bound up and inactive. Sometimes these patients say that their blood tests are normal or they are taking thyroid hormone without improvement in their symptoms. When this is a problem we need to avoid the extra estrogens and help the body detoxify from them. A low fat diet, lots of fiber, and cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and kale) are helpful.
TREATMENTS
NUTRITION
You should work with an experienced health care provider to help figure out where to start. It would be too much to do all at once. Your doctor should give you a thorough physical exam and might use questionnaires, body temperature readings, and specialized blood or saliva testing. This can be very complicated, don't self treat. And, be prepared to take things step by step if necessary.
ACUPUNCTURE
Acupuncture is often part of my patients' treatment plan. It has a strong effect on the brain and nervous system. The hypothalamus and pituitary (in the brain) are responsible for balancing hormones in the body. Acupuncture probably has its effect by improving this balancing function. At my office, we use traditional body acupuncture as well as auricular (ear) acupuncture to aid in hormonal problems.
No comments:
Post a Comment