Do you have an Underactive Thyroid?

Part two of a series on Hypothyroidism

Thyroid imbalances are caused by a variety of factors including: Environmental toxins from pollutants, fluoride in toothpaste and water, Chlorine, industrial chemicals, PCBs, environmental toxins, radiation exposure and mercury from silver amalgam dental fillings; Certain medications including Prednisone, Anti-histamines, Birth control pills and estrogen replacement therapy can lead to estrogen dominance which inhibits the thyroid; Excessive stress (mental, emotional, environmental, physical, psychological); Yeast infections (Candidiasis); Excessive cardio exercise; Menopause and Andropause; Dietary deficiencies or excesses; Synthetic and genetically engineered hormones in meat, dairy, poultry and eggs; Excessive dieting; Soy (processed and unfermented) and Vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency is proving to be a risk not only for low thyroid hormone levels, but also for fibrocystic breast disease and breast cancer.

Conventional doctors typically treat thyroid conditions with Synthroid (Levoxyl) and Levothroid which are synthetic versions of T4. Synthroid can be ineffective because it only contains T4. Side effects from these drugs include headaches, irritability, insomnia, rapid contractions of the heart, diarrhea and bone loss. Some physicians may prescribe liothyronine (Cytomel) which contains T3.

Armour thyroid and Nature-throid are a desiccated thyroid formula that contains a combination of T4, T3 and T2 made from desiccated, or dried, porcine thyroid. Armour Thyroid has gotten a bad rap over the years, perceived by physicians to be unstable and unreliable in terms of dosage. However, many improvements have been made in the product, making it a safe and effective option for treating hypothyroidism today.

In fact, a study done ten years ago clearly demonstrated that patients with hypothyroidsim showed greater improvements in mood and brain function if they received treatment with Armour Thyroid than if they received Synthroid.

Years ago all low thyroid patients in the United States were on natural thyroid. Now, natural thyroid is used more commonly in various other countries, especially Western Europe. It is very popular among alternative practitioners and complementary medicine in the United States.

Winning Formulas for an underactive thyroid with Nutrition, Lifestyle Exercise and Supplements:

Nutrition – include Celtic sea salt, Coconut oil, Green drinks, iodine-rich foods: sea greens, seaweed, kelp, Swiss chard, wild fish, mushrooms, garlic, onions, watercress, Organic beef and poultry, Vitamin A-rich foods: organic eggs yolks, yellow vegetables, carrots, dark green vegetables, raw dairy and Wild fish.

Avoid Aspartame, Equal and all artificial sweeteners; Fluoridated water and toothpaste; Gluten products; Peanuts; Processed and refined foods (they contain chemicals which deplete minerals from your body); Skipping breakfast; Processed Soy and Sugar (sugar contributes to adrenal stress and excess yeast – Candidiasis).

Exercise include Brisk walking, Resistance training and yoga – plow, bridge, shoulder stand, fish.

Avoid Excessive aerobic/cardio exercise.

Supplements to consider include Adrenal support; hydrochloric acid; Iodine/Iodide; Kelp; L-glutamine; L-tyrosine; Omega-3 fish oils; Vitamins A, B-complex, C and E and zinc.

Avoid Anti-histamines. Do not take thyroid medication with carbonate supplements or calcium as they can block the absorption of T4. Avoid taking synthetic HRT drugs; Iron with thyroid medication as it binds up the thyroxine; avoid synthetic supplements.

Lifestyle measures to include are Acupressure – press hollow at base of the throat 3x for 10 seconds to stimulate the thyroid; Balance adrenals and insulin levels (tends to reset thyroid); Boost your immune systems with bodywork, yoga, acupuncture or homeopathy; Consider Color therapy: for hypothyroid, wear orange glasses 30 minutes; switch to blue for 5 minutes; Practice communicating clearly; Honor yourself without judgment or comparison; Improve relationships (especially with Mother); Practice stress management and stress reduction (note: excess stress causes Candidiasis); Reduce exposure to metabolic toxins (insecticides, hair sprays, artificial fragrances and harsh chemical cleaners). Consider using an infrared sauna to help detox and combat infections from pesticides, metals (mercury, lead, etc.), PCBs and petrochemicals. Learn to set boundaries. Test for food allergies, Candidiasis, parasites and heavy metal toxicity.

Avoid exposure to Fluorescent lights, Chlorine, Plastic sources, environmental toxins and chemicals. Avoid Energy vampires and people who make you feel worse

The endocrine system is a complex system. There is no “best medicine” for all thyroid sufferers. Treating hypothyroidism is specific to the individual. Each person needs do what is best for them individually according to their biochemistry.

Health is not a goal or a destination, but a journey. Enjoy the trip!

See Part I:  Thyroid: The Master Gland of Metabolism

Copyright © 2009 Paula Owens

Paula is a nutritionist, fitness and weight loss expert. She is the author of THE POWER OF 4 – Your Ultimate Guide Guaranteed to Change Your Body and Transform Your Life. Paula holds a Masters degree in Holistic Nutrition, a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology and numerous professional health and fitness certifications. Visit Paula at www.PaulaOwens.com. 

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