Sea Vegetables, Essential Fatty Acids in Regards to Thyroid Function

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JoAnn Guest <angelprincessjo wrote:

DietaryTipsForHBP , From: JoAnn Guest Sat, 12 Jun 2004 14:00:37 -0700 (PDT) Sea Vegetables, Essential Fatty Acids in Regards to Thyroid FunctionSea vegetables, Essential Fatty Acids in Regards to Thyroid Function JoAnn Guest Jun 12, 2004 13:21 PDT The thyroid gland, situated in the front of the neck, is responsible for producing hormones which control our metabolism. Toxins from the environs may alter the thyroid function. Eduardo Gaitan from Univ Mississipi found that drinking water contaminated with petrochemicals results in blocked activity of thyroid hormones. ( Ref Jounal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 1983 Vol. 56) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB’s) can alter thyroxine

levels and result in symptoms of thyroid disorders (Science, vol.267) It is now understood that the environment, diet and nutrition influence thyroid function in a number of ways and may relate to thyroid disorders of non specific origin (Annual Review of Nutrition -1995 Vol 15) The good news is that correcting the underlying thyroid deficiency can have dramatic effects on energy, mood, and cognitive function in the over-60 population. Kelp and other seaweeds (such as arame, wakame, nori etc.), are an excellent source of iodine and other trace minerals to support thyroid function. Sea salt contains optimal amounts of micro and macro minerals. In our era of processed foods and iodine-poor soils, sea greens and sea foods stand alone as potent sources of natural, balanced iodine. Iodine is essential to life; the thyroid gland cannot make thyrozin, the enzyme that regulates metabolism, without it. Iodine is an important

element of alertness and rapid brain activity, and a prime deterrent to arterial plaque. Thyroid hormones are made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine. Thyroglobulin, the mixture of tyrosine and iodine stored in the thyroid gland, is transformed into hormones that regulate our metabolism, protein, carbohydrate and carotene use, and cholesterol (sea greens help lower cholesterol). The amount of thyroid hormone released into the bloodstream determines the body's basic energy level and along with the adrenal glands, the rate that sex hormones are made. Sea plants nourish an underactive thyroid and normalize adrenal functions to trigger increased libido. Goiter, a thyroid disorder, develops when the pituitary gland stimulates the thyroid to make more hormones but the thyroid can't do it because of an iodine deficiency. It enlarges in the attempt and goiter develops. The rate of goiter in the U.S. is

still relatively high - 6% of the population in some areas. It's a strange situation, because few people in the U. S. are iodine deficient (the average American intake of iodine is estimated at over 600 micrograms daily from iodized salt). Since the recommended adult allowance for iodine is quite small, 150 micrograms, experts believe that at least some of the high rates of goiter are really connected to too much refined sugar, alcohol, fats and caffeine, or to eating a lot of goitrogen foods, which block iodine absorption. Goitrogen foods are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower or cabbage, legumes like peas and peanuts, which may cause a mild hypothyroid state when eaten raw. Cooking neutralizes the thyroid-blocking components. If you have a tendency to goiter or hypothyroidism, cook these healthy foods lightly. Some foods, especially cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, kale, Brussels

sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower), contain natural goitrogens, chemicals that cause the thyroid gland to enlarge by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. Cooking has been reported to inactivate this effect in Brussels sprouts. Cassava, a starchy root that is the source of tapioca, can also have this effect. Other goitrogens include corn, sweet potatoes and lima beans. Some practitioners recommend that people with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid gland) avoid these foods, even though most have not been proved to cause hypothyroidism in humans. Because of the thyroid's effect on insulin secretion, prolonged intake of refined carbohydrates and sweets can cause the overtaxing of your thyroid gland and lead to dysfunction. Our bodies were not designed to handle large amounts of refined products and physiologically we pay the consequences when overindulging. The liver is the major detoxifying

organ of the body. Thyrotoxic patients should avoid stimulants like caffeine, coffee, amphetamines and nicotine. Chocolates are high in copper. It does not seem to be a good food for hypers which the high copper content would suggest. Because of this and other reasons, I developed a suspicion that chocolate is high in cadmium. Searching for medical studies on cadmium and chocolate led me to only two studies. The first study below is very suggestive that my suspicion is correct and that cocoa beans may be high in both cadmium and lead. The second study confirms that chocolate is high in cadmium (and also nickel). It's possible that the cadmium is introduced to the cocoa during processing, possibly by contact with galvanized containers, and is not natural to the food. Nahrung 1987;31(5-6):635-6 Because of the resultant change in endocrine output taking birth control pills, epinephrine and cortisone, can lead to thyroid

dysfunction. Taking synthetic thyroid hormone for an inactive thyroid gland will tend to make your thyroid rely more on this outside source and will thus lead to further inactivity. It makes so much more sense to the author to find out and correct the cause of the dysfunction thus allowing the thyroid to heal and return to normal functioning. Overeating, especially fats and sugars over prolonged periods will make the body produce more thyroid hormones (to increase fat burning and glucose uptake) than it can comfortably produce. Due to a decrease in the burning of fats, they may tend to build up cholesterol deposits and be more prone to heart troubles. The sluggish circulation will also manifest in having cold hands and feet. Another stage of life at which thyroid disorders are more common is at menopause. Many women who experience depression and "brain fog" during menopause are told that these

symptoms are caused by plummeting levels of estrogen. Yet low levels of thyroid hormone can produce identical symptoms. (Other common signs of low thyroid function — at any age — include hair loss, weight gain, dry skin, slow heartbeat, and cold hands and feet.) If you're going through menopause and are suffering from depression, it's crucial to rule out hypothyroidism, because left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause dangerously high cholesterol levels. An imbalance in the amount of estrogen in the body (be it due to pituitary, liver, ovary, or adrenal malfunction) can alter thyroid function. Too little thyroid hormone production can lead to an imbalanced output of estrogen and progesterone by the ovaries, leading to prolonged and painful periods in women, with an increased tendency toward water retention. Thyroid Hormone Receptors According to Dr. Erasmus, essential fatty acids are critical to

thyroid function because, first, they are required for the integrity of the structure for every membrane of every cell. Second, they increase energy levels in the cell. And third, there is some evidence that essential fatty acids, especially Omega 3s, improve the efficiency of the hormones on the receptor sites. To understand the importance of the receptor issue, think about the situation of diabetes. Pre-diabetes, the condition that is considered a marker for future diabetes, is also known as insulin resistance. Insulin is in the body, but it isn't being utilized because saturated fats block insulin receptor function, and ultimately receptors become desensitized -- and ultimately immune to and unable to receive -- insulin. Essential fatty acids are required for receptor function and can make diabetics more insulin sensitive. So diabetics taking essential fatty acids may need less receptors, and ultimately, less

insulin. Dr. Erasmus believes that this same mechanism takes place with other hormonal functions, such as the androgens, pineal glands, adrenal glands -- and specifically, the thyroid. There are practitioners who believe that thyroid hormone resistance is not a rare occurrence, and is actually a more common sign of impending thyroid disease, much like insulin resistance is a precursor to diabetes. This issue of receptors is critical, because according to Dr. Erasmus, "With proper essential fatty acid nutrition, what will sometime happen is that you get fewer receptors but they work better." This would mean that proper levels of essential fatty acids might make the thyroid hormone receptors work better, so that thyroid hormone actually accomplishes its mission. Omega 3 fatty acids come from foods like flaxseeds, green leafy vegetables, and high fat, cold water fish such as albacore tuna, sardines,

and alaskan salmon, coho, Pacific and Atlantic herring, Atlantic mackerel, and lake trout. Omega 6 fatty acids are found in sesame and sunflower seeds and other seeds and nuts. Some fish and animal meats also provide a derivative form of Omega 6. When it comes to fish, Dr. Erasmus always prefers the fish themselves to fish oil supplements - which he claims can easily become ineffective or even toxic. According to Dr. Erasmus, since 1900, Omega 6 consumption has increased by about 20 times the previous levels, primarily because of increased use of certain refined vegetable oils in food preparation, while Omega 3s are now only 1/6 of previous levels. This means that we get too much Omega 6 and too little Omega 3 fatty acids. www.udoerasmus.com While animal studies dating back to the 1950s suggest a link between soy and thyroid enlargement (goiter), the evidence that soy impairs thyroid function

in humans is largely theoretical. In other words, we know that compounds in soy can affect thyroid tissue in laboratory studies, but what this means for living, breathing humans is less clear. Population studies do not show a greater prevalence of thyroid disease in countries with a high intake of soy, and while some clinical studies have found that soy depresses thyroid function in adults, other research has shown it actually enhances it. That debate aside, most researchers agree that consuming soy at the level needed to get its heart protecting benefits (about 25 grams per day) is unlikely to impair thyroid function. However, if you have a thyroid disorder such as hypothyroidism, a bit of caution may be in order. Try to keep your soy intake fairly constant, have your thyroid hormone levels monitored periodically, and if your levels fall below normal, consider reducing or eliminating soy from your diet. Also be aware

that taking thyroid medication at the same time as soy foods or soy supplements may decrease the drug's absorption, so avoid taking the two together. It's true that excess consumption of soy can affect thyroid function, but this is of concern only if you have a thyroid problem to begin with. All told, I find the epidemiological data on soy foods very reassuring. I do not recommend soy *supplements* because of their high isoflavone content and the lack of epidemiological evidence for their long-term safety, especially if taken on top of soy foods and isoflavone -spiked nutraceuticals. The only people who might need soy isoflavone supplements are those who are allergic to soy, but they should first try eating tiny amounts of soy foods on a regular basis, then gradually increase the amount of soy to try to develop a tolerance. Excess consumption of soy can affect thyroid function, but is usually only a problem

in those taking synthroid or other thyroid replacement medication. www.drwhitaker.com L-Tyrosine- is a direct precursor to Thyroxine, a primary thyroid hormone, as well as Adrenaline and Nor-adrenaline. Thyroxine has been found to increase metabolic rate and control growth rate. Patients with a Thyroxine deficiency have symptoms including excess weight gain, cold hands and feet, and decreased basal metabolism. L-Tyrosine has been found to assist in optimizing thyroid hormone levels, increased mood, concentration, and productivity. L-Tyrosine is used to treat conditions including depression or mood disorder, poor coping ability, fatigue, low sex drive, low metabolism, and drug abuse (when combined with Tryptophan). It can also improve endurance under stress and is effective as an appetite suppressant. When taken properly, L-Tyrosine can assist a sluggish thyroid and aid the dieter in losing excess,

unwanted pounds. The suggested dosage for healthy adults ranges from 500 to 1500 mg per day. Also beneficial: Magnesium - 400-600 mgs on a daily basis Flaxseed & evening primrose oils – 2 capsules twice daily with food. Selenium Complete tablets -xcellent source of trace minerals including selenium for those with a thyroid condition. Selenium is vital for the conversion of thyroxine (T4) thyroid hormone to its more active T3 form. The conversion of thyroxine to T 3 is controlled by the essential trace mineral selenium (Ref Am J. Clinical Nutrition 1993, Vol. 57) We recommend Selenomune as a highly absorbable form of selenium and its synergistic trace minerals. www.weightcontroldoctor.com_________________JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguestThe complete "Whole Body" Health line consists of the "AIM

GARDEN TRIO" Ask About Health Professional Support Series: AIM Barleygreen "Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future" http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/AIM.htmlPLEASE READ THIS IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER We have made every effort to ensure that the information included in these pages is accurate. However, we make no guarantees nor can we assume any responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product, or process discussed. Friends. Fun. Try the all-new Messenger