Hypothyroidism 101
Do you have the following symptoms?
1. Depression
2. Difficulty losing weight
3. Dry skin
4. Fatigue/lethargy
5. Menstrual problems
6. Recurrent infections
7. Sensitivity to cold
If you have had blood tests:
1. Thyroid hormone low and TSH elevated you have primary hypothyroidism
2. Thyroid hormone low and TSH low you have secondary hypothyroidism
General Facts
In order for the body to manufacture thyroid hormone, we need Iodine to combine with the amino acid taurine.
Hypothyroidism is usually developed in adulthood.
An iodine deficiency are rare in the United States, but was put in table salt as far back as 1924 when a large population in Michigan developed goiter (47%).
Foods that block utilization of iodine are called goitrogens, they are:
1. Turnips
2. Cabbage
3. Mustard
4. Cassava root
5. Soybeans
6. Peanuts
7. Pine nuts
8. Millet
Cooking these can inactivate the substance that blocks utilization of iodine.
Most frequent cause of hypothyroidism is an inflammatory response called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This prevents manufacture of thyroid hormone and affects other glands in the body such as the adrenal, pancreas and acid producing cells in the stomach.
Manifestations in the body of hypothyroidism:
Metabolic
1. Decreased use of protein, fat and carbohydrates
2. Increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels
3. Increased capillary permeability
4. Decreased lymphatic drainage leading to edema or swelling.
Endocrine-most noted symptoms
1. Loss of libido in men
2. Menstrual abnormalities in women
3. Increased number of miscarriages, stillbirths and premature deliveries. Rarely a normal pregnancy seen.
Skin, Hair and Nails
1. Dry, rough skin covered with fine superficial scales is seen in most cases of hypothyroidism.
2. Hair is coarse, dry and brittle.
3. Hair loss is quite severe
4. Finger and toenails thin, brittle and typically have transverse grooves in them.
Psychologically
1. Depression, fatigue and weakness usually seen first.
2. Difficulty concentrating and memory impairment later.
Musculoskeletal
1. Muscle weakness
2. Muscle soreness
3. Muscle, joint pain and tenderness also.
Cardiovascular
1. Hypertension
2. Decreased heart rate
3. Atherosclerosis
Other
1. Shortness of breath
2. Constipation
3. Impaired kidney function
Diagnosing hypothyroidism
Basal body temperature-temperature taken upon awakening from sleep. Menstruating females should perform it on 2nd, 3rd and 4th day of their cycle. If post menopausal, anytime is ok. Males can do it anytime.
The process is as follows:
1. Shake thermometer to below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and set it on table beside bed.
2. Upon arising, place it in armpit for 10mins-Don’t move!
3. Record temperature date on a log.
4. Do it for more than 3 days.
5. Normal temp should be between 97.6-98.2 degrees Fahrenheit.
Conversely, you may have hyperthyroidism (just the opposite of hypothyroidism) if your basal body temperature is greater than 98.6. You may see the following symptoms:
1. “Bulging” eyeballs
2. Fast pulse
3. Hyperactivity
4. Can’t gain weight
5. Insomnia-difficulty sleeping
6. Nervousness
Menstrual problems if female
Supplementation/care for hypothyroidism is as follows:
1. Healthy aging pack for body weight(healthy start pack plus cell shield.
2. Ocean’s Gold – 2 caps per day, 1 in morning and 1 in evening.
3. Selenium- potent antioxidant/trace mineral. Helps conversion of T4 to T3. 3 caps per day minimum. If more than 180lbs, 6 per day.
5. Avoid cauliflower, broccoli, eggplant and brussel sprouts! (watch goitrogenic foods listed above)
Let’s beat the cause of hypothyroidism, not just put on a “Band-Aid”
Mark Denning RN, Health Coach
This is pretty alarming, now even youngsters are at risk of this condition. But at least there are natural supplements available to help us reduce this effects.
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