Hypothyroidism is the underproduction of the thyroid hormone, thyroxin. This hormone is responsible for basic metabolism in the body and has a pronounced affect on almost all areas of physiology.
Doctors rely heavily on a blood test to test thyroid function even though that test is unreliable, especially in mild or sub-clinical cases. Unfortunately, someone can have a mild case of hypothyroidism that doesn’t show up on a test result, and yet it can a cause pronounced decrease in the quality of health.
Common triggers for hypothyroidism include: starting/going off contraceptive pill; childbirth; breast feeding (starting or stopping); puberty; menopause and/or hormone replace therapy (HRT); dietary deficiency, dieting, fibromyalgia/chronic fatigue syndrome.
Diagnosis
Observation is one of the most important tools in diagnosis, and yet is often takes a backseat to lab testing. Lab testing should be used to back up observation; not the other way around. In addition to a doctor’s blood test, The Basal Metabolic Temperature test can be performed at home.
Symptoms:
- dry scaly skin
- dry hair
- always feeling cold
- constipation
- depression
- lethargy
- loss of appetite
- inability to decrease weight
- always wanting to sleep
- swollen lymph glands (feel lumps in the neck)
- start of goiter (not always felt)
- weak immune system
- recurrent sore throats/sinus infections
- painful/bleeding gums
- painful or irregular menstrual cycle
- difficulty concentrating/poor memory
- low heart rate
- fluid retention
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- weakness in muscles and muscle cramping
- general apathy
Treatment
For most mild cases, treatment is as simple as adjustments in diet and/or supplements.
To Avoid
Goitrogens are foods that impact the thyroid in a negative manner and suppress its normal function. Most of these foods are okay if cooked but should be avoided when raw.
Foods that are classed as goitrogens include:
- cabbage
- mustard
- turnip
- soybean
- peanuts
- millet
- pine nuts
Avoid alcohol as it is a metabolic depressant and also depletes much needed Vitamin B.
Avoid postures that put a strain on the back. Spinal alignment is crucial for proper thyroid functioning.
Avoid staying inside all the time. Sunlight is necessary as is fresh air and mild exercise.
Decrease exposure to chlorine and fluoride as both with block the utilization of iodine, which is necessary for thyroid hormone production.
To Include
Eat foods rich in iodine, which include shrimp, kelp, sushi, onion, and garlic. Kelp is an excellent food for the thyroid; consider taking a kelp supplement.
Omega-3 fatty acids are essential; consider eating more fish, flax or chia seeds, and eggs or taking a supplement.
Other foods that will help are: tropical fruits, radish, eggs, mushrooms, watermelon, wheat germ, and watercress.
Increase consumption of leafy green veggies. Consider taking a folic acid (folate) supplement.
Vitamin B complex is essential to proper thyroid functioning. A 50-100mg Vitamin B complex with a 1000 mg Vitamin C is highly beneficial.
An excellent remedy is a homeopathic glandular support formula.
Get enough fresh air, sunshine and mild exercise. Include an outdoor walk everyday for at least 15 minutes.
Selenium (found in Brazil nuts) and Glutathione both assist in the production of thyroid hormones.
Inverted yoga postures where the feet are in the air and the head against the ground (find a yoga book that has inverted postures) will help stimulate the function of the thyroid.
Chanting or toning has an excellent effect on the throat and thyroid.
Energy medicine such as Reiki, Vortex healing, acupuncture, Bodytalk, etc. are all beneficial to the thyroid.
References
Green Pharmacy, James Duke, 2002, ISBN-13 978-0312981518
Natural Health, Natural Medicine, Dr Andrew Weil, 1998, ISBN-13 978-0395911556
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