379 Hyperthyroidism [25 July 2016]

For the last three weeks we discussed under-active thyroid problems; this week we’ll look at over-active thyroid. This is a potentially more serious problem than hypothyroidism but fortunately is less common. Signs and symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: enlarged thyroid (goiter), bulging eyes, thick red skin on shins and feet, anxiety, heat sensitivity, excess sweating, hair loss, dry or itchy skin, rapid or irregular heartbeat, insomnia, and weight loss.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves’ Disease (GD) which is an autoimmune disease that triggers increased production of thyroid hormones. In GD the immune system produces an antibody that mimics the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland, resulting in uncontrolled production of thyroid hormones.

The conventional treatment for GD is to control it with anti-thyroid medications, or more aggressively, to surgically remove the thyroid or destroy it with radioactive iodine. The latter options induce hypothyroidism requiring thyroid hormone replacement for life. In life threatening situations these approaches may be necessary but are not ideal and can have severe side effects. And of course they do nothing to resolve the auto-immune disorder that caused the GD in the first place.

The natural approach to GD deals first with the immune system. Diet and lifestyle modifications include stress reduction, improved sleep, moderate exercise, an anti-inflammatory diet, avoidance of environmental toxins, cleansing, and supplementation. Medications may be required temporarily to lower thyroid hormone levels while the immune system is healing. This is a complicated condition and should only be attempted under the supervision of a knowledgeable and experienced physician or natural healthcare practitioner.

Another factor to consider is testing and treatment for infections with H. pylori and Yersinia enterocolitica both of which have been associated with GD. Testing and support of the adrenal, pituitary, and other endocrine glands is also important.

Sources for information on natural treatments for GD: elaine-moore.com; gravesdiseasecure.com; naturalendocrinesolutions.com; draxe.com/graves-disease.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

378 Natural Hypothyroid Treatments II [18 July 2016]

This week I will continue my discussion of natural treatments for hypothyroidism. I found a good source of information in an interview with Dr. Jonathan Wright, a practicing natural medicine physician, on mercola.com June 15, 2014.

First, Wright explains why hypothyroidism is so common in North America. One reason is the use of chlorinated and fluoridated water. Chlorine and fluorine are members of the halogen element family and interfere with the utilization of iodine. Bromine added to flour and packaging and in some pesticides is another toxic halogen source.

Another reason is inadequate iodine consumption. I have previously explained why iodized salt is a poor source [#282 August 2014]. The Canadian RDA of 150 mcg per day is barely sufficient to prevent goiters but falls far short of the 2 - 3 mg (2,000 - 3,000 mcg) intake of most Japanese. Wright prescribes iodine intakes of 3 mg per day for men and 6 for women and has shown that up to 14 is safe.

Wright uses symptoms and a physical exam plus the Free T3 (fT3) blood levels to diagnose hypothyroidism. TSH alone is a very poor test for several reasons. It’s the T4 that signals back to regulate TSH production (low TSH indicates normal T4 levels). So if something inhibits conversion of T4 to T3, the active form (fT3) could be low but T4 and TSH show normal. Another (rare) possibility is that the hypothalamus is not producing enough TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) to trigger the pituitary to produce TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). This would result in low TSH (considered normal) even though T4 and T3 could be low.

Another complication is high Reverse T3 (rT3) which is a mirror image of T3. rT3 blocks the T3 receptors but is not active, thereby creating functional hypothyroidism with normal levels of TSH, T4 and T3. Heavy metal toxicity (lead, cadmium, mercury) elevates rT3 production and chelation therapy usually clears it.

Wright uses whole thyroid supplements to treat hypothyroidism when iodine alone is not enough. Whole thyroid contains all 12 iodine containing compounds produced in the thyroid, rather than the conventional treatment of synthetic T4. An exception would be in cases of Hashimoto’s in which he uses T3 and T4 initially while treating the auto-immune component of the disease.

Next week: Hyperthyroidism – the overactive thyroid.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

377 Natural Hypothyroid Treatments I [11 July 2016]

Last week I discussed Mark Starr’s book Hypothyroidism Type 2 about undiagnosed low thyroid function. This week I will discuss natural options for improving thyroid health.

There is a ton of information on the internet, much of it contradictory, with everyone sharing their opinion and what worked for them. There is a wide range of approaches to the condition. If you are aware of different options you can choose what you want to try; and if that doesn’t work try something else.

Many people have found that a desiccated whole thyroid supplement works better with fewer side effects than the synthetic T4 hormone usually prescribed. Armour, promoted in the book Stop the Thyroid Madness, is a Canadian brand available by prescription only. The disadvantage of hormones, natural or synthetic, is that you will likely need to take them for life.

At the other extreme, Lily from legitnutritionhawaii.com advises to avoid all external hormones, including “natural” hormones, and to encourage, with diet and lifestyle changes, your glands to heal and make your own hormones. She advocates a high carb, low protein, low fat, mostly raw, strictly vegan diet. She advises to avoid supplements, including iodine unless severely deficient, with the only exception being a good probiotic.

One reason for the wide range of protocols is that hypothyroidism can have many causes. The problem can be a simple nutrient deficiency (iodine, B12, selenium, etc.) which is an easy fix, or an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s which is much more complex.

The endocrine system is very complicated, with many glands and organs involved in thyroid function. The pituitary and hypothalamus glands together control thyroid hormone production. Elevated cortisol from stressed adrenal glands inhibit the conversion of T4 to T3. Melatonin, made in the pineal gland, is required for the production of thyroid hormones but in excess will inhibit production of T4. The conversion of T4 to T3 occurs in the liver. Your doctor should look at the health of all of these before deciding on treatment.

See my column #126 from August 2011 for an explanation of thyroid function and tips for improving thyroid health. More on this topic next week.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

376 Type 2 Hypothyroidism [4 July 2016]

In his 2005 book Hypothyroidism Type 2, Mark Starr, MD, argues that there is an epidemic of people in America with undiagnosed hypothyroidism. He calls this condition Type 2 Hypothyroidism because, similar to Type 2 Diabetes in which insulin levels can be normal or even high, the problem is not with insufficient thyroid hormone levels in the blood. The problem is that something is preventing the hormones from getting inside the cells of the body where they are needed.

Because blood levels of the thyroid hormones – T4, T3 and TSH – can be normal, lab tests fail to diagnose the condition. Decades ago when hypothyroidism was diagnosed based on symptoms, basal body temperature, and a trial of desiccated thyroid pills, the success rate was much higher. Now it is frequently misdiagnosed and too often ignored.

Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
• fatigue, lethargy, brain fog
• weight gain
• thickened skin appearing “puffy” (myxedema)
• dry skin, eyes & mucous membranes
• dry brittle hair, hair loss
• inability to perspire with exercise
• feeling unusually cold
• chronic muscle pain, headaches
• menstrual irregularities
• frequent colds & other infections
• anxiety, depression

These symptoms gradually increase over the years if untreated. Starr also lists more serious conditions for which hypothyroidism, including Type 2, is a known risk factor: heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and dementia (including Alzheimer’s). Starr writes

“Proper recognition and treatment of hypothyroidism would prevent much of our illness and suffering. Millions of lives can be changed for the better and astronomical medical expenses spared…”

See my column #126 from August 2011 for an explanation of thyroid function and tips for improving thyroid health. More on effective thyroid treatments in a future column.

Sources:
Townsend Letter Dec 2008 Hypothyroidism Type 2
Breakthroughs in Health & Medicine June 2016 Hypothyroidism

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

344 Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals [9 Nov 2015]

Last week I mentioned a group of chemicals called endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) which mimic our hormones causing many different health problems. They are chemically similar and have some but not all of the physiological properties of our real hormones.

Here is how the Environmental Working Group (EWG) describes them:

“There is no end to the tricks that endocrine disruptors can play on our bodies: increasing production of certain hormones; decreasing production of others; imitating hormones; turning one hormone into another; interfering with hormone signaling; telling cells to die prematurely; competing with essential nutrients; binding to essential hormones; accumulating in organs that produce hormones.”

The EWG lists the 12 worst endocrine disruptors, the conditions they have been linked to, and how to avoid them, in a booklet called “Dirty Dozen”:
• Bisphenol-A (BPA) – mimics estrogen, linked to breast cancer, early puberty & other reproductive problems, and heart disease
• Dioxin – persistent, linked to lower sperm quality, carcinogenic
• Atrazine – breast & prostate cancer, delayed puberty
• Phthalates – male reproductive birth defects, testicular cell death
• Perchlorate – competes with iodine causing thyroid dysfunction
• Fire retardants – polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE), imitate thyroid hormones, very persistent (found in polar bears and breast milk)
• Lead – deadly toxic, lowers sex hormones, reduces resistance to stress
• Mercury –interferes with women’s cycle, concentrates in fetal brain
• Arsenic – small amounts cause skin, bladder and lung cancer; trace amount interferes with sugar regulating hormones
• Perflourinated chemicals (PFCs) – affects thyroid and sex hormones
• Organophosphate pesticides – affects brain development, thyroid, fertility
• Glycol ethers (brake fluid, solvents) – shrinks testicles, fetal defects

“Dirty Dozen” is downloadable from their website ewg.org. For a more detailed technical discussion see the Endocrine Society’s EDC Statement.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

306 Nascent Iodine [17 Feb 2015]

This is my third article on iodine. The first in August 2011 [#125 Iodine] introduced the nutrient and its functions. The most recent [#282 Iodized Salt] from August of last year mentioned two forms of iodine – the ionic form e.g. potassium iodide, and the I2 molecular form called diatomic iodine. There is a third form called nascent iodine in which the diatomic bonds are broken by exposing the tincture of iodine to a high electromagnetic field leaving single neutral iodine atoms. Alcohol is used as a carrier as nascent iodine does not dissolve in water.

Nascent iodine is the safest and most effective form of iodine for our bodies (unfortunately it is also the most expensive). Functions of nascent iodine include:
• Stimulates and regulates production of T3 and T4 hormones
• Helps balance other endocrine functions
• Critical in pregnancy & breastfeeding for developing brains
• Improves breast health; reduces tenderness and cyst formation
• Improves behavior of children with autism
• Improves mental focus in adults & children
• Increases energy and stamina
• Protects from toxic halides: fluorine, chloride & bromides

To use nascent iodine, place a drop or more in a small glass of water and drink immediately. Diluting the tincture in water activates the iodine for several hours. It is best taken on an empty stomach in divided doses if required. One drop of 1% contains 0.2 mg of iodine (slightly more than the Canadian RDA).

As David Brownstein explains in his book “Iodine – Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It” this amount (the RDA) may prevent a goiter but is far too low for most functions of iodine. For example, several studies have shown that to prevent and control fibrocystic breast disease, a minimum of 5 mg (25 drops) per 50kg (110 lbs) body weight is required. He found 96% of 4,000 Americans tested to be deficient in iodine. I would expect Canadians to be similarly deficient as soils are depleted and few of us eat enough seafood.

Sources:
Robert Redfern website
Global Healing Centre website
Magnascent website

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

236 Melatonin Benefits [30 Sept 2013]

Melatonin is well known as the “sleep hormone” but it does much more than allow us to sleep better.

Melatonin is produced in the pineal gland when the retina of our eyes are no longer exposed to light. Melatonin then tells the brain to go to sleep. After 4-5 hours, production of melatonin stops and the brain returns to wakefulness.

But the benefits of melatonin go far beyond getting a good night’s sleep (although sleep is essential for good health, as I have written previously – # 8, 104, 105). Natasha Turner, ND describes several additional benefits of optimum melatonin levels in a recent Huffington Post blog article.

PMS symptoms are significantly reduced. Research found that low melatonin levels were linked to PMS symptoms. Supplementing with melatonin on days 12-28 of the cycle should improve mood and sleep.

Low melatonin levels are a risk factor for diabetes. The Nurses’ Health Study found that the lowest melatonin levels doubled the risk of diabetes. Another study found that melatonin supplementation increased weight loss without reducing caloric intake. I previously wrote about the connection between sleep and weight (#103). A poor night’s sleep is known to cause sugar cravings on awakening. Melatonin curbs the appetite and increases satiety (feeling full).

Low melatonin levels have been linked to several types of headache including migraines. In one study, supplementing with melatonin reduced frequency of headaches by 50% and also decreased their intensity and duration.

Along with melatonin production, thyroid hormone production also declines as we age. An Italian study of menopausal women found that melatonin supplementation significantly improved thyroid function and improved mood and symptoms of depression.

Finally, melatonin has been found to slow the aging process in animal studies. It likely does this by its action against free radicals which are responsible for aging. Melatonin may be the key to looking and feeling younger!

Some of these benefits are no doubt linked to getting better sleep, but others are likely a result of the melatonin itself. Either way, it appears important to ensure that our melatonin levels are adequate which may require supplementation.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

126 Thyroid Health [8 August 2011]

Following up on last week’s column on iodine, let’s look at other factors affecting thyroid health. The main function of the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, is regulation of metabolism – controlling the growth and rate of function of many systems of the body. It is often called the “thermostat of the body”. The thyroid is itself controlled by the pituitary and hypothalamus glands, and influenced by the adrenals, so problems in these will also affect thyroid health and function.

The thyroid produces two main hormones, thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). The liver converts the T4 to the active form T3. An imbalance occurs if too much (hyperthyroidism) or too little (hypothyroidism) of these hormones are produced. The conventional treatment for hypothyroidism is to prescribe levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid) in response to a TSH lab analysis (which measures T4 levels). There are two problems with this approach. First, the TSH test misses any problems in the conversion to T3 (adding a “Free T4 and Free T3 Test” improves diagnosis), and often ignores subclinical cases (where a sluggish thyroid is causing problems but falls within the “normal” range with no obvious symptoms). Secondly the synthetic drug is not identical with thyroxine; it doesn’t work as well, has more side effects, and (according to greenmedinfo.com) may even make the condition worse by competing with your own thyroxine for receptor sites. (This is another example of the patent laws undermining our health – there is a financial disincentive to produce a bioidentical thyroxine, which would be more effective and much safer!)

Other factors affecting thyroid health include:

• Adrenal fatigue – chronic stress elevates cortisol levels which lowers thyroid hormone production (just when you actually need more!)
• Gluten, soy and other food allergies cause antibodies to attack the thyroid
• Deficiencies in iodine or the amino acid tyrosine may limit thyroid function
• The thyroid is particularly susceptible to chemical toxins including bromine, chlorine, fluorine (fluoride), PFOA, perchlorate, and triclosan
• Conversion of T4 to the active form T3 requires adequate selenium, Omega 3 EFAs and zinc

There are 69 signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism listed on DrLowe.com. Here are a few of the most common:

• fatigue, lethargy and brain fog; 
• weight gain; 
• hair loss; 
• dry skin, eyes and mucous membranes; 
• feeling unusually cold; 
• excessive muscle tension and trigger points. 

One home test is to measure basal body temperature using a special thermometer – temperatures below 36.5 C (97.6 F) may indicate low thyroid function.

Some ideas for naturally improving thyroid function:

• Eat a nutritious diet with as much raw organic vegetables as possible
• Eat iodine rich kelp or supplement with iodine
• Eat fish regularly or supplement with Omega 3 EFA
• Optimize your vitamin D levels with sunlight and supplementation
• Take a multi vitamin-mineral with zinc and selenium
• Avoid soy and any foods to which you are sensitive
• Minimize exposure to toxins – avoid fluoride; use stainless steel cookware; filter drinking, cooking and bathing water; use an air purifier in your home
• Detoxify your body with chlorella or a herbal detox program; use a sauna
• Manage stress to avoid excess adrenaline and cortisol
• Exercise

Sources: mercola.com and greenmedinfo.com. A more technical source of information on current thyroid research is DrLowe.com.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

125 Iodine [1 August 2011]

Iodine is an essential trace mineral that has many functions besides its main role as a component of the thyroid hormones. Iodine is essential for proper brain development in infants and young children; deficiencies during pregnancy can result in severe intellectual disabilities, and may play a role in some ADHD cases. Iodine deficiency results in an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly called a goiter, but iodine is essential for the function of all the glands and hormones in the body, not just the thyroid. Iodine deficiency has been linked to breast cancer and possibly to ovarian and prostate cancers. It has been used to prevent and treat ovarian cysts and fibrocystic breast disease.

Iodized table salt is our main food source, and may be inadequate. We all are (or should be) reducing our salt intake, so are getting less iodine as well as sodium. Sea salt is low in iodine, and even iodized salt may not contain as much as we thought – a University of Texas study found half of 90 salt samples analyzed didn’t meet the FDA’s recommended level of iodine. Kelp is the richest natural food source of iodine, but is rarely on the menu in this country. That leaves supplementation to ensure that we are getting enough. Iodine is available as kelp tablets or capsules, and as a liquid supplement.

And how much iodine is enough? The Canadian RDA is 150 mcg (0.15 mg) for adults, less for children. Japanese who are among the healthiest people in the world (with low rates of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers) consume an average of 13.8 mg (nearly 100 times the Canadian RDA). Several studies have shown that to prevent and control fibrocystic breast disease, a minimum of 5 mg per 50kg (110 lb) body weight is required. David Brownstein, author of the book “Iodine – Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It”, found 96% of 4,000 Americans tested to be deficient in iodine. Maybe they were following the Canadian RDA?

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

074 Depression [3 August 2010]

Depression is a debilitating condition that is very widespread in North America. A group of anti-depressant drugs called SSRIs are some of the most popularly prescribed medications in the United States and Canada. Recent research, however, is questioning both their safety and effectiveness.

A recent (2008) meta-analysis looked at over 50 clinical trials and concluded that the difference in improvement between anti-depressants and a placebo was not clinically significant, with the possible exception of the most severely depressed. And each of these drugs comes with a long list of serious side effects including (to name a few) insomnia, weight gain, fatigue, gastro-intestinal bleeding, Parkinson’s, and an increase in violent or suicidal behavior.

Fortunately there are safer and more effective natural solutions. The following factors need to be addressed with depression:

• Adrenal, thyroid and pituitary glands need to be supported and restored to normal function;
• Omega 3 EFAs from fish oil (especially DHA) are essential for rebuilding the nerve cell membranes so neurotransmitters can function effectively;
• Multi vitamin and mineral supplementation to reverse possible vitamin and trace mineral deficiencies;
• L-tryptophan and St. John’s Wort are safe and effective temporary measures to increase serotonin levels while the glands are being restored;
• Daily exercise is a simple way to boost serotonin levels.

People suffering from depression experience hopelessness and despair. I’m pleased to tell them there is hope, and that with a little effort the sun can shine once again in their life.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.