Guest guest Posted August 21, 2004 Report Share Posted August 21, 2004 Thyroid Disease -What is it? http://www.weightcontroldoctor.com/healthtopics/a- z/thyroiddisease.asp The thyroid gland, situated in the front of the neck, is responsible for producing hormones which control our metabolism. Symptoms of an under-active thyroid gland • Weight gain • Low body temperature • Constipation • Hair loss • Dry flaky skin • Fluid retention • Slow reflexes • Fatigue • Rapid ageing • Slowness of thought and cognition If there is an overproduction of thyroid hormone (hyperthyroidism) the whole metabolism speeds up giving rise to symptoms such as a rapid heart beat, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea, intolerance of heat, irritability, tremor, malaise and muscle weakness. This is called hyperthyroidism or thyrotoxicosis. The commonest cause of thyrotoxicosis is Graves' disease which is an autoimmune condition (see Autoimmune Disease) often associated with protruding eyeballs (exopthalmus). An underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) results in a slowing of the metabolism with symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, intolerance to cold, poor memory, depression, puffy eyes, constipation and dry, coarse skin and hair. Hypothyroidism is commonly the end result of autoimmune disease, usually Hashimoto's disease or due to shrinkage or degeneration in the thyroid gland due to ageing or poor nutrition. A goitre is an enlargement of the thyroid gland. A goitre may be associated with increased, decreased or normal levels of thyroid hormone, depending on the cause. Some causes of goitre include Graves' disease, Hashimoto's disease, viral infection, iodine deficiency, pregnancy, puberty and tumors within the thyroid gland. Nodular changes producing multiple cysts in the thyroid gland is a common cause of goiter. Goitres may sometimes reach very large sizes and compress the trachea (wind pipe) or esophagus causing difficulty breathing or swallowing. Thyroid Dysfunction & Menopause Thyroid problems are very common especially in women around the time of the menopause. The most common type of thyroid problem is underactivity of the gland, which is called hypothyroidism. In this disorder the thyroid gland is not able to manufacture sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls the metabolic rate of the body speeding up the rate at which the cells convert food energy into physical energy. Thyroid Hormones The thyroid gland produces the hormone called Thyroxine, which is also known as T4. Most of the Thyroxine (T4) is converted in the body into a more active form of thyroid hormone, which is known as Triiodothyronine or T3. T3 has 10 times the ability to stimulate the thyroid receptors on the cells. Both T4 & T3 stimulate the energy factories inside the cells to burn food calories at a faster rate. This is why those with an over-active thyroid gland lose weight, even though they are eating much more than normal. Tests of the Thyroid Gland The function of the thyroid gland can be accurately checked by measuring the levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. A goitre may be investigated by means of a nuclear or ultrasound scan. Your doctor can arrange this. A lump in the thyroid gland may require a fine needle biopsy of the gland. Thyroid function tests are used to Diagnose an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism). Evaluate thyroid gland activity. Monitor the response to thyroid therapy.These tests include the thyroid- stimulating hormone test (TSH), the thyroxine test (T4), the triiodothyronine test (T3)The blood tests for thyroid gland function should ideally measure the following three hormones – Hormone Normal Range Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) 0.5 to 5.0 mU/L Free T 4 9.0 to 24.0 pmol/L or 4-11 ug/dl Free T 3 2.2 to 5.4 pmol/L or 110-230 Not all laboratories measure or record thyroid hormone levels the same way. Each laboratory will provide a range of values that are considered normal for each test. Results If the T 4 and/or T 3 levels are found to be below the normal ranges, and the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) is found to be above the normal range, we can say that the thyroid gland is under active. Most doctors consider the sensitive thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test to be the most accurate measure of thyroid activity. By measuring the level of TSH, doctors can determine even small problems in thyroid activity. Because this test is VERY sensitive, abnormalities in thyroid function may be determined before a patient complains of any symptoms. TSH " tells " the thyroid gland to secrete the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Before TSH tests were used, standard blood tests measured levels of T4 and T3 to determine if the thyroid gland was working properly. The triiodothyronine (T3) test measures the amount of this hormone in the blood. T3 is normally present in very small amounts, but has a significant impact on metabolism. It is the more active component of the thyroid hormones. Abnormal thyroid function results may be due to: • Acute thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland) • Thyrotoxicosis (acute severe elevation of thyroid hormones) • A tumor (benign or malignant) within the thyroid gland that produces large amounts of thyroid hormone (toxic thyroid adenoma) • Thyroid failure in infants (cretinism) • Underactivity of the thyroid gland (Hypothyroidism) • Overactivity of the thyroid gland (Hyperthyroidism) • Kidney failure • Endemic deficiency of minerals such as iodine and selenium • Auto-immune disease - known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. This is an autoimmune condition as the bodies own immune system is attacking the thyroid gland. All autoimmune conditions have a basis in poor liver function as a poorly functioning liver causes hyperstimulation of the immune system which then turns on itself. • Viral infection of the thyroid gland • Genetic factors - there is often a family history of thyroid diseases • Contrast X rays using iodine • Medications such as Heparin, Heroin, Lithium, Phenytoin, Estrogen therapy, Propranolol, Oral contraceptives, Anabolic steroid drugs or male hormones. • Pregnancy Treatment of thyroid problems Diet It is recommended to follow the principles of " The Liver Cleansing Diet " or alternatively the vital principles outlined on page 20 - 30 of " The Healthy Liver and Bowel Book " The liver is the major detoxifying organ of the body How toxins affect the thyroid gland 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) If you are suffering from a very overactive thyroid gland (thyrotoxicosis) - eat plenty of foods which help to suppress thyroid hormone production (goitrogenic foods) such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, brussels sprouts, turnips, spinach, peaches, pears and soybeans. Thyrotoxic patients should avoid stimulants like caffeine, coffee, amphetamines and nicotine. If you have an underactive thyroid eat these goitrogenic foods in moderation only, and instead include often - eggs, fish, chicken, parsley, apricots, dates, prunes, and kelp and other seaweeds such as arame, wakame, hijiki, kombu etc. Hypothyroid patients should avoid toothpaste containing fluoride, and drink purified water free of fluoride and chlorine. Juices " Thyroid Dysfunction and Goitre " juice: see page 136 of Dr Cabot's book titled " Raw Juices can save your Life " Helpful supplements for the thyroid gland Thyroid Starter Pack Contains all the ingredients you need in one pack at a great saving. " Selenomune Powder " 1 tsp twice daily in a fresh raw vegetable juice or. " Selenium Complete " tablets. Selenomune powder is an excellent 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. Dr Cabot's " Natural Thyroid Cream " (contains both T 4 and T3). Flaxseed Oil – cold pressed oil or " Dr Cabot's Organic Flaxseed Oil Capsules " " Livatone Plus " powder 1/2 tsp twice daily stirred into fresh raw vegetable juices. Livatone Plus will improve the step 1 and 2 detox pathways in the liver to breakdown fat-soluble toxins. It is in cases of thyroid disorders it is vital to improve the liver function to reduce the amount of potentially toxic chemicals that may damage the thyroid gland. " Magnesium Complete " tablets 2 twice a day – It is particularly beneficial in cases of thyroid gland overactivity (hyperthyroidism). 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 is high in minerals. Orthodox Medical Treatment There are various ways of treating an over-active thyroid gland. The drug carbimazole may be used. This drug blocks the synthesis in the thyroid gland of thyroid hormone. Beta-blocking drugs are sometimes used to relieve some of the symptoms of thyrotoxicosis such as tremor and a rapid heart beat. Another option is surgery in which part, or all of the thyroid gland is removed. The administration of radioactive iodine, which accumulates in the thyroid gland and partially or totally destroys the gland by local radiation. One problem with this is that the patient often develops subsequent hypothyroidism. Various ways of treating an under-active Thyroid Gland. Some doctors believe in the concept of resistance to thyroid hormone, which means that your body cells become unresponsive to normal amounts of thyroid hormone. People with thyroid resistance complain of tiredness and excessive weight gain, and yet their blood tests for the levels of thyroid hormone are normal and in rare cases may be even greater than normal. Dear Dr Cabot I need help to get my thyroid gland working properly. It has been underactive for 8 years. I cannot lose weight, my hair is falling out and my metabolism is very slow. I am constipated and have no energy and my memory is poor. .. I have been told that my thyroid gland stopped working because I have Hashimoto's disease and my immune system has caused this. I am only 52 years old and do not believe that I should be experiencing these problems. Please help Yours sincerely, Helen Dear Helen The thyroid gland is a small fleshy gland that sits in front of the neck over the larynx. It produces thyroid hormone in the form of thyroxine (also known as T 4), which stimulates the cells to produce more energy. In other words it controls the metabolic rate and increases total body energy. Hashimoto's disease occurs when the immune system produces antibodies, which attack the cells of the thyroid gland, gradually destroying them. The thyroid gland then becomes deficient in thyroid hormone producing cells and it becomes necessary to replace the deficient thyroid hormone with tablets of thyroid hormone. Generally the type of thyroid hormone tablet that is prescribed is called " Oroxine " and it contains thyroxine or the T 4 form of thyroid hormone. In some people there can be a problem with the body cells converting T 4 into its active form called tri-iodothyronine or T 3. This means that although you may be taking adequate amounts of T 4, you may still be deficient in the active form of thyroid hormone or T 3. This common problem is called " thyroid resistance " and manifests as all the symptoms of thyroid underactivity. Symptoms of thyroid underactivity include --- Weight gain Inability to lose weight Sluggish Metabolism Hair loss Dry skin and hair Mental slowness & poor memory Constipation Fatigue Slow reflexes Weak muscles I also recommend that you take some nutritional supplements to help the conversion of T 4 to T 3. These will also help your sluggish metabolism and weight excess. The supplements that you need are --- Selenomune powder: 2 teaspoons daily – this increases the conversion of T 4 into T 3. Flaxseed & evening primrose oils – 2 capsules twice daily with food Livatone Plus 2 caps 2 x day before food. http://www.weightcontroldoctor.com/healthtopics/a- z/thyroiddisease.asp _________________ JoAnn Guest mrsjoguest DietaryTipsForHBP http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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