THYROID DISORDERS
Current practices for thyroid patients are inadequate, and there is much that can be done in the recognition and treatment of thyroid disease. It is estimated that around 10% of Australian population have thyroid disease diagnosed by abnormal pathology results, but the true figures are much higher than this. Despite the fact that forty million dollars worth of thyroid function tests are ordered every year in Australia, many people with a subclinical thyroid condition (disease in the early stages) will present within a suggested "normal range" between 0.5 and 2.5 MU/L. It is becoming acknowledged that these levels are too broad and that 2 MU/L should be the upper limit of T4 thyroid hormone assessment. Hypothyroidism (under active thyroid function) affects 24% of the population and Hyperthyroidism (over active thyroid function) affects 1.3% of the population. Subclinical hypothyroidism is a common condition found in 7% to 10% of the population, and 25% of people treated with conventual medication still demonstrate insufficient thyroid activity.
Iodine deficiency has changed dramatically in recent rears, resurging as a common denominator in hypothyroidism and thyroid disease. Around the world, iodine deficiency is a leading cause of hypothyroidism. The highest deficiency levels being in Tasmania and New Zealand with 92% of subjects studied showing low iodine levels. In Victoria the prevalence of iodine deficiency is 72.6%, New South Wales 58.8%, South Australia 47.5% Western Australia 22.5% and Queensland 21.1%. Australian and New Zealand soils are deficient in the minerals, selenium and zinc that are essential to good thyroid function and general health. Selenium and zinc are important to activate the weaker thyroid hormone T4 into the more actively useful, T3 thyroid hormone. A recent survey estimated that the average intake of these minerals fell below a very conservative RDA intake of 70mcg/ day for males and 60mcg/day for females. Improving selenium intake over a three-month period reduces thyroid antibodies (thyroid antibodies destroy thyroid tissue) in Hashimoto's Disease by 36%.
Gluten intolerance and coeliac disease are commonly associated with thyroid disease.
High carbohydrate, fried, microwaved and foodless snack foods increase excess fatty acids in the blood, creating insulin resistance and inhibit cellular uptake of thyroid hormone.
Dietary changes to a low GI and low reactive diet in conjunction with appropriate nutritional supplements can greatly assist in good preventative health measures and in the treatment of thyroid disease.
In clinical practice I regularly see people with normal pathology results, who still have symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. Many of these people are suffering from the cardinal metabolic effects of hypothyroidism, causing them to gain weight, feel lethargic, depressed, be cold intolerant, suffer from poor memory, cardiac symptoms such as fluid retention, high blood pressure, cholesterol imbalance, constipation, joint and muscle pain. Other symptoms of hypothyroid function include dry skin, unmanageable dry and coarse hair, deafness, "puffy" eyes and swelling around the thyroid region in the throat.
Food and chemical intolerance are the most common offenders in children, adults (and animals) that have irritable bowel issues, ear, nose and throat problems, eczema, asthma and associated sleep and emotional issues.
The latest research has shown that nutritional deficiencies are closely associated with thyroid dysfunction and that gluten intolerance and coeliac disease are common causes of hypo and hyperthyroid disease. Unfortunately more and more people are becoming intolerant to lactose and casein in milk due to the pasteurisation and homogenisation cooking process of raw milk, causing it to be less digestible by children, adults and animals. Genetic engineering, commercial growing and agricultural sprays of wheat grain has increased the numbers of people who are becoming intolerant to wheat. In fact I read that 38% of Australians are said to be heading down the path to coeliac disease because of wheat and milk, cheese and yogurt intolerance. Food and chemical intolerance are the most common offenders in children, adults (and animals) that have irritable bowel issues, ear, nose and throat problems, eczema, asthma and associated sleep and emotional issues. All of the children that I have seen in clinical practice with a runny nose and low immune function, respiratory or eczema problems have been related to what the child was eating and drinking. A huge majority of the children that I have seen have presented with symptoms of dehydration and constipation. Another common finding I have observed is that colic in breast feed babies is caused by the above mentioned foods in the mother's diet.
Thyroid hormones are master regulatory hormones
Thyroid hormones are master regulatory hormones. In the early years they affect growth and development and later in life they have a strong influence on metabolism and general health. The pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid with Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to manufacture T4 and T3 thyroid hormones. T4 is converted to the more active and useable T3 thyroid hormone in peripheral tissues in the body. T3 increases metabolic activity and is involved in glucose metabolism, regulating blood flow and heart rate, gut motility, kidney filtration and reabsorption of electrolytes. A high TSH is the first sign of thyroid insufficiency, and low T3 indicates that there is insufficient useable thyroid hormone in the body.
A situation called 'Reverse T3' (rT3) can interfere with the uptake of T3 thyroid hormones. RT3 is created from stress and high cortisole and adrenalin levels in the body. Chronic inflammatory illness, chronic fatigue and 'sick thyroid syndrome' (any debilitating illness that interferes with normal thyroid function) elevates rT3 hormone levels. A venous blood test for rT3 levels as part of a thyroid assessment may provide assistance to the treatment plan.
A deficiency of the minerals iodine, selenium and zinc in the soil that our food is grown in. These nutritional deficiencies directly affect the health of the thyroid gland.
Radioactive iodine treatments that destroy thyroid tissue as well as anti-thyroid medication and lithium medication that synthetically block the release of the thyroid hormone.
Many of the food chemicals and food flavouring agents that have been banned in other countries because they are proven to cause cancer are hidden in snack foods and baby foods) under a false identity!
Anything that affects the health of the gastrointestinal tract. These include food intolerances, industrial chemicals, air and water pollutants, medical and recreational drugs, and the hideously high level of toxic food additives and food flavouring agents that end up in our food chain. Many people are unaware of just how many toxic concoctions, (these can occur in multiple compounds) are in the food that they eat. Such chemicals cause inflammation of the intestinal tract, creating a "leaky gut" condition. Gut toxins leaking into the blood pollute the body and are the major cause of autoimmune antibodies, which attack and destroy the thyroid gland (and other glands, tissues and organs in the body). Improving the health of the gut is the first defence to improving the immune system. Please refer to the article "Additive Alert, 100 Food Chemicals in One Day" on my web site www.nutritionandyou.com.au. Many of these food chemicals and food flavouring agents have been banned in other countries because they are proven to cause cancer and are hidden in snack foods which are marketed at teenagers, small children (even baby foods) under a false identity!
Gluten intolerance, Celica's disease, irritable bowel symptoms can all cause people to develop thyroid disease. Everyone with Celica's disease should be screened for thyroid antibodies. There is also a firm connection between Celica's disease and gluten and lactose intolerance, which increases thyroid antibodies. This subject is well discussed in chapter four of my book A WAKEUP CALL by Irene Hess-Oates. This book can be ordered on line, or phone the clinic on (02) 62415193.
The ever increasing and high level of radio active E-smog pollution in the environment and the work place comes from mobile and hands free phones, computers, microwaves, telecommunication towers, and a huge majority of electrical devices in the home. Read about the real truth and the covered up story of how E-smog really does affect the health of glandular and reproductive systems and the DNA replication of healthy cells, in A WAKE UP CALL. Brain tumours in school children have increased by 21%, this is in direct association with the overuse of mobile phones. Once again please see my web site for protective devices for mobile, hands free phones, microwave ovens, computers and other electrical devices.
Autoimmune thyroidism is five times more common in women than men, and 10% of women over 40 to 50 years have anti-thyroid antibodies that destroy thyroid tissue. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (hypo-thyroidism) develops when antibodies and T cells destroy the thyroid gland, causing atrophic thyroiditis (decrease in size of the thyroid gland). This is the most common cause of hypothyroid disease in Australia, the origin of which can begin with one, or all the above. Hashimoto's disease can present with a firmly enlarged and lumpy thyroid gland.
Male hypothyroidism is associated with a decreased level of serum testosterone, which can account for low sperm count, poor motility and high morphology defects. Hyperthyroidism in males commonly causes erectile dysfunction and libido problems.
Thyroid hormone balance and infertility
Infertile women are more than twice as likely to have hypothyroidism as control subjects are. One study found that 68% of women with menstrual disorders had hypothyroidism. The ovary and the thyroid work very closely together and have been referred to as sister organs. Thyroid hormone receptors have been discovered on the ovaries. Autoimmune thyroid disease affects a huge 5% to 10% of women in the child bearing years, and autoimmune disease has been attributed to a connection between these two organs. Thyroid dysfunction accounts for 25% of female infertility and 15% of menstrual cycle disorders such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding), while polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) and endometriosis are also associated with thyroid dysfunction. Whilst normal thyroid hormones enhance progesterone production, low thyroid hormones increases oestrogen dominance and a predisposition to polycystic ovarian syndrome, endometriosis and reproductive cancers. High oestrogen levels and poor oestrogen metabolism depress thyroid function and 44% of women with endometriosis demonstrated hypothyroidism. Improving the health of the gut and the liver's ability to metabolise the bad oestrogen (4-OH oestrogen) effectively to the healthier (16-OH oestrogen) is an essential part of improving the female reproductive cycle and reducing cancer risk.
In pregnancy there is an increased demand for thyroid hormone, and impaired thyroid function creates a greater risk for miscarriage. This is evident as early as the 5th week of gestation. Adequate iodine is essential during pregnancy and hypothyroidism in foetal and infant life is a well recognised cause of mental retardation,
decreased intellectual capacity, psychomotor delay and deafness. Children born with an iodine deficiency can develop behavioural problems such as ADDH, be slow learners, lack coordination and have deafness issues.
Pregnancy and breast feeding rapidly depletes the mother's body of iodine. Post partum thyroiditis affects millions of women worldwide and develops from inadequate nutrients before and during pregnancy and when breast-feeding. The demand for extra nutrients for mum and bub during this special time are at a premium. Nutritional deficiencies during the reproductive years affect the health of the egg and sperm, significantly affecting the outcome of the next conception attempt and pregnancy. It's not just mums and bubs that are affected; low iodine levels increase sperm morphology defects in males, and reduce the outcome of producing a health child, increasing the risk of miscarriage and foetal abnormalities.
Hypothyroid function increases the risk of heart attack by 300 %!
Low morning auxiliary temperature, below 36.4 on three consecutive days, is a sign of hypothyroidism.
Gastrointestinal tract motility disorders and "irritable bowel" symptoms such as diarrhoea, constipation, bloating, belching, flatulence and/or reflux. Thyroid hormones can influence gut motility and increase small intestinal bacterial growth; 54% of people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis demonstrated irritable bowel symptoms.
IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF YOUR THYROID GLAND WITH DIETARY CHANGES AND GOOD NUTRITIONAL SUPPORT.
Iodine is an essential element for the production of T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) thyroid hormones. Good sources of iodine include: Kelp, iodised salt, cod, oysters, sunflower seeds, mushrooms, Irish moss and lima beans.
Selenium is involved in the production of thyroid hormone and is essential for adequate thyroid hormone production. Australian and New Zealand soils are deficient in iodine and selenium.
Good sources of selenium include: Oysters, NingXia Red, tuna, mackerel, liver, kidneys, cashews, peanuts, yeast, human breast milk, garlic, whole grains, fish, eggs, crab, and alfalfa.
Zinc is essential for the conversion and uptake of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones.
Good sources of zinc include: Oysters, NingXia Red, herrings, beef, liver, pumpkin seed oil, sunflower and pumpkin seeds, whole grains.
Lycium Barbarum (NingXia wolfberries help to balance
high and low thyroid function.
Lycium Barbarum (Gogi) fruit is a small red, pleasant tasting medicinal berry that is known as wolfberry in the West and Goji throughout Asia. The wolfberries come from NingXia Hui in northern China, where people are known for their longevity. This species most highly esteemed for its medicinal and healing properties. The NingXia berries support thyroid hormone production and are beneficial for hypothyroidism, low T3 and high normal to elevated TSH levels. NingXia berries are an adaptogenic tonic that improves energy and motivation. They reduce oxidative stress and inflammation, increase low basal body temperature and metabolism. Because of their excellent antioxidant activity, NingXia berries are especially useful to helping to balance hypo and hyper thyroid, pituitary function and hormonal balance
These berries have been traditionally used to improve insulin resistance and to lower high blood glucose levels. Studies of polysaccharides from NingXia berries (Lycium Barbarum) in mice have shown remarkable effects on exercise performance, with improved glycogen storage in muscle and liver tissue. NingXia berries have been regarded as Olympic athletes "secret weapon" for improving athletic performance, and declared as a "national treasure" by the China State Scientific and Technological Commission.
NingXia berries are extraordinarily high in vitamin C and the richest known plant source of natural vitamin B1 (thiamine), containing 67 times the B1 of brown rice. The body uses thiamine for energy production and thyroid function. NingXia berries contain over 15% protein by weight, 21 essential minerals and 18 amino acids. They are a good source of calcium, magnesium, chromium, potassium, copper, zinc and manganese and are high in vitamin B3 (niacin) to assist circulation (cold hands and feet), and help prevent high cholesterol and heart disease. In clinical practice I have also found that 30ml of Ningxia Red twice daily has normalised high blood pressure,
A concentrated form of NingXia berries with added nutrients
A very convenient and pleasant way of taking a concentrated form of organic Lycium barbarum fruit is in the form of a tonic called NingXia Red. This delicious tasting nectar contains the whole berries (skins and pulp) plus the added antioxidants of blueberries, raspberries, pomegranates, apricots, lemon and orange essential oils. My thyroid has been sluggish in the past and since personally taking this product for 12 months now I feel more energetic and have kept the weight off. Another amazing benefit was that six months after taking NingXia Red my eyesight greatly improved and I no longer need my reading glasses. NingXia Wolfberry is extremely high in a compound called Zeaxanthins ... by far the highest of any fruit yet tested. Zeaxanthins have been found to provide great protection to the eyes (and also the brain and other tissues in the body), and protect the eyes from macular degeneration and age related macular degeneration (ARMD). Mothers who are giving their toddlers 15 to 30ml of the NingXia Red each day tell me that their children are calmer, sleep better and have a healthier appetite. The specially formulated NingXia Red juice is also anti-inflammatory to the bowel and is helpful for bowel inflammation and "leaky gut syndrome". As practitioners of herbal and naturopathic medicine, we refer to the gut as the instigator to good health and immune function and commonly refer to the term of "fix the gut and your general health and immune system will come good".
A nip (30ml) of this yummy juice is very beneficial tonic for the whole family, including children, the elderly, pregnant and breast feeding women and athletes. You can order the NingXia Red juice through my clinic. We offer free samples so that you can try before you buy. You can also order on line or phone Young Living on (07) 3715 733 and quote distributor No 972753 and they will send the product to you. However to get the best discount I do highly recommend that you call the clinic so that we can help you order from Young Living at wholesale prices, and take advantage of any specials that may be on offer at this time.
The herb Withania Somnifera (Ashwaghanda) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for the treatment of hypothyroidism and to regulate thyroid activity. Withania reduces stress and enhances stamina and endurance, improves liver detoxification and reduces oxidative stress in the body.
Rosemary herb is high in a broad spectrum of good antioxidants and helps protect red blood cells against oxidative haemolysis (break down), and improves metabolism of fatty acids and glucose in the body. Rosemary is one of my favourite garden herbs and I use it in plentiful amounts in cooking and salad oil. This special herb helps the liver balance hormones, is an antidepressant, good nerve tonic and improves circulation in the body. lt is further discussed in my book
Ginger herb improves peripheral circulation and warms the body internally, helping to overcome feelings of cold.
Vitamin A and Zinc improve iodine status and thyroid function. One of the factors contributing to low iodine in the body is vitamin A and zinc deficiency.
Vitamin E protects and stabilises microsomal membranes from oxidative stress that accompanies hypothyroidism.
Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) and B3 (niacin) are needed for the production of cell mitochondrial energy in the body.
Goitrogenic foods such as soy, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi, Brussels sprouts, swede or yellow turnip, rapeseed and mustard have been a controversial subject with hypothyroidism. When iodine levels are low as indicated by a urinary iodine test, it is best to avoid excessive amounts of these foods for approximately 8 weeks until iodine levels have risen to normal proportions. You can then safely reintroduce these foods into the diet again in conjunction with adequate iodine, zinc and selenium nutrients to help support healthy thyroid function.
For more information on NingXia Red, fertility and/or thyroid issues and other health matters please phone the clinic on (02) 62415193. 'Oils Do' workshops on Young Living Essential Oils are held at the clinic on a regular basis. These are free to attend - the dates of which are on my web site.