Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland, located in the lower part of the neck that weighs less than an ounce. Yet its hormone secretions control the body’s metabolism, the way our body transforms foods and uses energy, affecting our physical and mental activity. Thyroid hormone affects every cell in the body, from head to toe. Therefore, underproduction of thyroid hormone will result in many different signs and symptoms throughout the entire body. Approximately 40% of our population suffers from hypothyroidism, or low thyroid function.
Of all problems affecting our health, perhaps none is more common or often overlooked than low thyroid function. It can be the cause, often totally unsuspected, of a tremendously broad range of problems from low energy and fatigue to repeated infections, headaches, inability to lose weight, depression, memory loss, heart attacks and circulatory problems, just to name a few.
Conventional thyroid testing is very inaccurate. Dr. Brownstein from Michigan, who treats many patients with hypothyroidism, claims his research has shown that relying only on bloodwork will result in missing up to 40% of those who have a hypothyroid condition. This often leaves many hypothyroid individuals classified as normal, while their thyroid deficiency leaves them vulnerable to everything from heart disease to depression. There are currently hyperactive children on Ritalin medication, whose underlying cause is really low thyroid function. Dr. Barnes Broda found many with skin disorders to have a low thyroid problem, and treated many successfully with thyroid hormones. About half of his patients with psoriasis have responded to this treatment. Hypothyroidism has been associated with various disorders like infertility, cycle problems and miscarriages. After treating the thyroid, these symptoms were relieved.
Body temperature is an accurate test to indicate thyroid issues. In a thyroid-deficient person, body temperature falls below normal. Low temperature equals low iodine, which equals low thyroid. A simple temperature test (see below) developed by Dr. Barnes, has proven to be an excellent and accurate indicator of possible thyroid deficiency. Dr. Barnes used this temperature test in his practice as one of his diagnostic tools. With years of study, and the successful treatment of thousands of patients to back him, it has proven to be quite reliable at detecting mild to moderate thyroid problems. The list of “Warning Signs” of hypothyroidism below may also help you confirm a thyroid issue.
Even a slightly underactive thyroid can cause problems and drain your strength, day in and day out. One of the most common causes of a sluggish thyroid is the easiest to fix. It is an iodine deficiency (see Iodine info), affecting millions of Americans! Iodine is perhaps the most important nutrient for the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency is the main reason for the present-day epidemic of thyroid disorders including hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroid disorders. These disorders cannot be properly treated if an iodine deficiency is present. For a list of iodine-rich foods and general diet recommendations, see below. Although hypothyroidism can be the cause of a wide range of problems in your entire body, it is easy to treat, especially if caught in its early stages.
Many times thyroid disorders can be corrected simply by following the recommendations below, even without medication. If medication is necessary to treat thyroid disorders, many holistic doctors believe that commonly used synthetic medications may not be the optimal choice. They recommend using a natural thyroid, like Armour Thyroid or Nature-throid that are more effective. It is clear that the body will more readily accept a natural hormone in contrast to the synthetic version. In his practice, Dr. Brownstein has seen many patients who were diagnosed with hypothyroidism by other physicians and placed on a product such as Synthroid, which is typically subscribed by most conventional doctors. Although their blood tests improved with the use of Synthroid, many of their symptoms did not improve. Upon changing their thyroid hormone to Armour Thyroid or other natural versions, their symptoms dramatically improved. If you don’t see results with Synthroid, ask your doctor to let you try more natural options, which also need a prescription. If your doctor refuses to meet your needs, it may be time to look for another doctor. There are physicians who are trained in natural approaches to treating thyroid disorders. For a list, feel free to contact us. Be aware that if a hypothyroid condition is treated with thyroid hormone without correcting the iodine deficiency simultaneously, the body’s need for iodine will increase and the iodine deficiency problem will worsen. The result of this can be an increase in disorders caused by iodine deficiency. So, consider supplementing with iodine before taking medication. Working with a holistic doctor is highly recommended.
These are some books that may help you find your path to good thyroid health.
1) Overcoming Thyroid Disorders, Second Edition, by David Brownstein, MD
2) Iodine: Why We Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It, Third Edition, by David Brownstein, MD.
3) Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, by Broda O. Barnes, MD
Iodine
Can it possibly be that people are taking medication for years, enduring surgery, suffering from chronic fatigue, depression, mood swings, infertility, psoriasis, memory loss, ADHD, are foggy headed or are unable to lose weight – all because they are missing one mineral?!
Yes, it is true, and it is affecting many of us at an alarming rate. Presently, iodine deficiency is climbing at epidemic rates. Iodine is known for its role in thyroid function. But in fact, it does much more than that. It is used throughout the body and helps normalize a number of body functions. Iodine is found in each of the trillions of cells in the body. Without enough iodine, sound health is not possible. Iodine deficiency can cause many different illnesses, from fatigue to autoimmune disorders and cancer, ל"ע . Ensuring you have enough iodine is a crucial factor in helping you achieve optimal health, be’ezras Hashem. The human body is amazing. If you give it the proper nutrients, it can perform optimally. When raw materials like vitamins, minerals, hormones, enzymes, amino acids, etc. are lacking or imbalanced, it sets the stage for poor health and the onset of disease. Iodine is not present in large amounts in most foods, but is found mostly in ocean foods, such as fish and sea vegetables, which limits natural iodine intake greatly. Increasing iodine-rich sea foods or supplements will result in an improved immune system, a balanced hormone system and more importantly, an improvement in overall health.
Why have iodine levels fallen by 50% in the last 30 years?
Due to today’s farming techniques, deficiencies of iodine and other minerals in the soil have increased. Crops grown in iodine-deficient soil will be deficient in iodine. The toxicity of modern life is affecting iodine levels. It is well known that the toxic halides, fluoride, chlorine, and bromide, have a similar structure to iodine and can competitively inhibit iodine absorption and binding in the body. Because of the elevated levels of toxic halides in the environment and in our food supply, not only have iodine levels fallen, now larger amounts are necessary to correct iodine deficiency and to promote a detoxifying effect of heavy metals. The toxins bromide, found in flour and baked goods, and fluoride are everywhere today and are largely responsible for the decrease in iodine levels and increase in thyroid problems. Bromine is also used as a fire retardant and found in a wide range of consumer products including prescription items, computers, furniture, automobiles and carpeting. Also, the addition of fluoride to our water supply is causing much more harm than good. There is no doubt that our exposure to toxic chemicals is increasing, while at the same time our nutrient levels are declining.
In checking his patients for thyroid problems, Dr. Brownstein, M.D. and practitioner from Michigan and one of the world’s greatest experts on iodine, found elevated bromine levels in nearly all individuals who were tested. This included both those who were healthy and those who were ill. However, the ill patients had significantly higher bromine levels compared to those who were healthy. Detoxifying bromine and fluoride is vital for helping the thyroid, as well as the rest of the body, function optimally. Iodine is an essential ingredient in detoxifying these toxic chemicals. Iodine deficiency coupled with the increasing toxic load in our bodies, could explain a great deal about why the cancer numbers are so high.
Dr. Brownstein tested over 5,000 individuals, and found that 96% of them suffered from iodine deficiency. When iodine was added, many of these patients showed dramatic improvement in their conditions, which included thyroid disorders, chronic fatigue, immune deficiency syndrome, autoimmune disorders, and cancer, ל"ע . He found that patients with chronic illnesses often had lower iodine levels relative to healthy people. After testing these individuals and finding low iodine levels, Dr. Brownstein began administering 6 to 50 milligrams of iodine daily. It was only with these higher doses that he began to see clinical improvement as well as positive changes in the laboratory tests.
If you are currently taking a thyroid hormone like Synthroid, Levothroid, or Armour Thyroid, taking iodine will actually reduce the amount of your prescription dosage needed, or even eliminate it altogether! Make sure you consult with your physician and take regular thyroid blood level tests. It is advisable that you work with a holistic doctor who is familiar with iodine influence.
How can I detoxify from toxins such as bromine and fluoride?
Here are a few safe and simple steps.
1) Make sure you drink enough water. This not only brings nutrients to the tissues of the body, it can also help flush out toxins. Drinking enough, is the single most important health factor in any detoxification program. For a rough estimate of how much water you should drink, take your weight in pounds and divide the number in half. Drink that amount of water in ounces. It is important to drink clean water, free of fluoride and chlorine derivatives.
2) Take 3 times the suggested daily dosage of Nature’s Miracle (Miracle Clay) for 3 weeks, followed by standard daily dosage thereafter. Important: Make sure you are moving your bowels well daily or take Constipation Care.
3) Unrefined salt helps your body rid itself of toxins. Dr. Brownstein found it impossible to lower bromine levels in his patients if they did not use unrefined salt. He suggests taking approximately 1-1½ teaspoons of salt a day. Use only unrefined salt; good choices are Himalayan, Celtic or Real Salt. Refined salt has all its minerals removed and is thereafter exposed to toxic chemicals that give it its white color. The ingestion of refined salt leads to many health problems and it should be avoided.
Can children be iodine deficient?
Children, just like adults, need iodine for optimal health. Today more than ever kids suffer from ADD, ADHD, depression, and emotional and mental disorders. Something is clearly going on in many children today that is not allowing them to focus properly and causing them to act out with inappropriate behavior. ADHD is not a deficiency of a mood-altering drug: it is a consequence of our lifestyle today, a condition caused in large part by nutritional and hormonal imbalances, as well as toxicities. We also see an epidemic of thyroid problems in the young population. One of the most successful nutritional therapies is correcting iodine deficiency. Iodine deficiency has also been associated with poor height and bone formation of children. Note: Healthy fats from seeds, nuts, avocados, fish, or flax, hemp, fish oil, etc. are also an important factor for emotional health.
How can I check my iodine level?
The simplest and quite accurate method is the Basal Body Temperature Test, developed by Dr. Barnes Broda (see below). Another option, which holistic doctors often recommend, is a 24 hour urine test called the Iodine Loading Test. It is the most accurate test on the body’s iodine status. For more information or to order a kit, call Vitamin Research at 800-877-2447 or Hakala Labs at 303-763-6242. The cost is approximately $100 including shipping. This test cannot ship to New York or California; you will need a shipping address out of these states.
An iodine deficiency may be the number one nutritional deficiency that needs to be checked out in all who suffer from a chronic illness. Furthermore, those trying to achieve optimal health should consider supplementing iodine.
How can I increase my iodine level?
Iodine is not present in large amounts in most foods. It is mostly found in ocean foods, such as sea vegetables and fish, limiting its natural availability greatly. Your best choice is loading up on the broad variety of highly nutritious, sea vegetables. Sea vegetables are a remarkable food source of iodine and other minerals that are easily absorbed. They transmit the energies of the sea to your body. Sea plants nourish an underactive thyroid and normalize adrenal functions, which helps normalize the metabolism, especially as you age. They are a rich source of fat soluble vitamins D and K.
Within two to three weeks of consuming sea vegetables every day, you will notice a calmness in mind and body, more energy, and reduced tension. If you want to see what they do to your body, try working some into a house plant and watch it grow.
Below find a list of a variety of sea vegetables that can be found in health food stores. Each of the sea greens offers their own unique properties.
Kelp, Dulse and Bladderwrack can be found in capsule or powder form.
Nori sheets are available in grocery and health food stores from the company Sushi Maven.
Kombu can be soaked overnight in water to create a mineral-rich broth. Use this broth in soups or for cooking your grains, beans, etc. (strain to omit issues with insect infestation). If you dry strips of Kombu at a low temperature in your oven, they become crispy and make a great snack.
Wakame can be simmered on a low flame for about 20 minutes. Let sit for a while and strain, to omit issues with insect infestation.
Arami’s shredded strands have a crisp texture and sweet, nutty flavor. They should be soaked for about 15 minutes before using. Can be tossed into a salad without cooking.
Hijiki requires longer soaking and cooking time than the other ocean vegetables.
Agar Agar a sea vegetable that jells up. Use for pudding and desserts.
If you want to eat the actual sea vegetable, you will need to inquire how to check them for bugs. When you soak ocean vegetables, don’t re-use the water for cooking (except Kombu and Wakame). Your plants will love it.
Sea food supplements available:
Nature’s Cure/Power Food
Tahua/Oligo
After about 2-3 months, you can check your temperature again to see if there is a rise. If your iodine level didn’t increase or your symptoms worsen, you should consider supplementing with one of the following:
Iodoral tablets 12.5mg.
Lugol’s solution 2% -2 drops = 12.5 mg.
Holistic doctors generally use 12.5-50 mg daily. Dr. Abrahams, a prominent iodine advocate, recommends taking 50 mg of Lugol’s solution for 3 months as a loading dose and gradually reducing to 12.5 mg as a maintenance dose, under the supervision of a holistic doctor. It is highly recommended to work along with a doctor, but if you choose not to, you can start with 12.5 mg for 2-3 weeks and monitor for detox reactions (follow the 3 steps from above if any detox occurs). If you have no symptoms, you can gradually increase to 25 mg or possibly more. Some alternative medicine doctors believe that everyone can benefit from iodine supplementation and recommend 12.5 mg a day. It takes about 3 months of daily ingestion of 50 mg of iodine and about a year of 12.5 mg daily to reach the optimal level.
Healing happens even faster if other nutrient deficiencies are addressed. Selenium deficiency, for example, is common with an iodine deficiency. It is highly recommended to add the following to fill other underlying nutritional deficiencies and speed up your recovery: Power Food, a high quality whole food vitamin and mineral supplement, Miracle Clay, NaturesCal and unrefined salt.
These may be warning signs you shouldn’t ignore:
People suffer from many health problems for years, unaware that their real problem is in the thyroid. The onset of hypothyroidism is slow, with symptoms gradually worsening over time, making it more noticeable as people age. Hypothyroidism affects each individual differently. The list includes:
Your energy level drops noticeably, during the day.
You frequently feel chilled, even on warm days.
You feel irritable or depressed and you can’t explain why.
Difficulty losing weight, no matter what you do.
You toss and turn all night and wake up unrefreshed.
You often feel foggy-headed and are more forgetful.
Slow hair growth or hair loss.
Slow, rapid, or irregular heartbeat.
Muscle weakness or joint pain.
Headaches and migraine headaches.
Constipation.
Cycle problems, with possible infertility, PMS.
Skin problems, such as dry, rough, scaly skin, psoriasis, eczema, acne.
Decreased or minimal sweating, even in hot weather or when you overwork.
Poor eyebrow growth, especially the outer third.
Swelling under the eyes, or puffy face.
Thickened tongue.
High cholesterol. Many times this is a symptom of hypothyroidism; the thyroid has much in common with controlling blood cholesterol levels.
General diet recommendations
Essential fatty acids found in seeds and nuts, such as flax, chia, sesame, sunflower, pumpkin, as well as in walnuts, avocado and fish, are important for thyroid function.
Coconut oil stimulates thyroid function.
Chlorella and algae’s, as found in Power Food, are a great source of iodine, vitamins, and minerals and trace minerals. They will greatly support your thyroids and bring an overall sense of wellbeing.
Ashwagandha has been shown to improve thyroid and stress hormone levels.
Toxic metals such as mercury, lead, arsenic and others can interfere with thyroid activity. Miracle Clay works very well to rid your body of these toxins.
The use of commercial iodized salt is not recommended for anyone, especially not for thyroid patients. Himalayan crystal salt, Celtic salt or Real salt containing many naturally-occurring minerals and trace minerals are good choices.
Everyone should avoid drinking tap water, especially people with hypothyroidism. Most tap water is full of fluoride and chlorine, two chemicals that slow down your ability to absorb iodine. Use a quality water filter.
Basal Body Temperature Test by Dr. Barnes Broda
This simple temperature test for detecting thyroid problems can be performed at home, and has proven to be even more reliable than blood tests, detecting cases of mild to moderate hypothyroidism.
Follow these instructions:
Because the best time for this test is immediately upon awakening in the morning, shake down a thermometer to at least 96 degrees and place it near your bedside before going to bed. Immediately upon awakening, place the thermometer tightly in the armpit for 10 minutes, before getting out of bed. Relax and remain still during the test. Do not drink alcohol the night before you take your basal temperature. Repeat this procedure for three days in a row, recording the temperature. Women who have their cycle, get the most accurate reading on the second or third day after the cycle begins. All others can do this test any time. After three days, take the average of the readings.
Here’s what it means:
If your temperature is 97.8 to 98.2, your thyroid is probably functioning normally.
If your temperature is above 98.2, you may have an overactive thyroid, hyperthyroidism, or an infection somewhere in the body. Rule out infections, then repeat test.
If your temperature is below 97.8, you probably have low thyroid function.
Low temperature equals low iodine, which equals low thyroid function.
It is best for adults to use an oral glass thermometer. In young children, rectal temperature can be taken; two minutes is enough.
Instructions for using a digital thermometer:
Leave the thermometer turned OFF and place it in your armpit according to the instructions mentioned above. After 10 minutes, turn the thermometer ON. Do not remove from armpit. When the thermometer beeps, remove it from the armpit and record the reading.