Guest guest Posted April 7, 2005 Report Share Posted April 7, 2005 Graves' Disease(Hyperthyroidism) JoAnn Guest Apr 07, 2005 15:05 PDT ===================================================================== Graves' Disease (Hyperthyroidism) Delving into the herbal literature, I came up with *bugleweed* as one of the most promising alternatives for Graves' Disease. Months later, a lady who had previously sought my advice came back to tell me that she had stopped her medication and was drinking mint teas daily with plenty of bugleweed. After she'd been off her medication for a month she dropped by my office beaming. She had just had a checkup and her blood level of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH, one of the things that goes off-kilter in Graves disese was fine. The same was true a month later. Thyroid Set on High -- With hyperthyroidism, there are abnormally high blood levels of thyroid hormones circulating in the body. These hormones are secreted by the thyroid gland, which is located in the neck just behind and below the Adam's apple. The disease was named after an Irish physician, Robert James Graves, who lived in the early 1800s and was the first to identify its tell-tale pattern. Levels of circulating thyroid hormones depend on several things, availability of the mineral iodine, levels of TSH released by the pituitary gland (located in the center of the brain) and the health of the thyroid gland itself. TSH levels are further regulated by yet another part of the brain, the hypothalamus. All of this translates into a simple formula in a healthy individual. As TSH levels increase, the levels of thyroid hormone also increase, until a balance is reached. If the thyroid is malfunctioning, it's attempts to regulate hormone levels will throw the system further out of balance. Thyroid diseases affect about 2.5 percent of Americans, or some 6.5 million people, most of whom are women. There are several types of hyperthyroidism, but Graves disease is by far the most common. It's an autoimmune condition, meaning that it's thought to be caused by the immune system attacking the body, and it affects about one million Americans. Doctors treat Graves disease by trying to suppress thyroid hormone production. Any of several drugs may be prescribed and sometimes, usually in drug-sensitive elderly people, radiation may be used to disable a portion of the thyroid gland itself. Green Pharmacy for Graves' Disease Bugleweed (lycopus)-- has a considerable folk history for treating thyroid conditions and modern medicine supports this use. This herb inhibits iodine metabolism and reduces the amount of 'hormone' that's produced by thyroid cells. Leaf extracts are more active than root extracts. The recommended oral preparation is a tincture (alcohol extract) rather than a tea. In one study using laboratory animals, bugleweed tincture resulted in a significant decrease in thyroid hormone levels. Bugleweed is widely used in Europe as an herbal treatment for Graves disease, often in combination with lemon balm. Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)-- In Europe, lemon balm, also known as melissa, is often recommended along with bugleweed for treating Graves disease. Studies show that lemon balm causes a decrease in blood and pituitary levels of TSH after a single injection, thus reducing thyroid hormone production. Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)-- A quarter-pound serving of self-heal greens with bugleweed tubers, spiced up with basil, oregano, rosemary and spearmint, should contain significant quantities of the compound rosmarinic acid, which helps suppress thyroid hormone production. Kelp (Lanimaria, various species)-- Herbal pharmacologist Daniel Mowrey, Ph.D., author of " The Scientific Validation of Herbal Medicine " and " Herbal Tonic Therapies " , notes that among the Japanese who consume a great deal of kelp, thyroid disease is practically unknown, but among the Japanese who have become westernized and eat little kelp, thyroid disease is on the rise. You can buy powdered kelp is health food stores to sprinkle on your food as a seasoning. Verbena-- Often called vervain, verbena seems to have properties similar to those of self-heal. Extracts have been shown to suppress thyroid hormone production by influencing levels of TSH in the body. Broccoli (Brassica oleracea)-- Remember how George Bush hated broccoli? His aversion to that wonderful vegetable deprived him of something tht might have helped treat his Graves disease. Broccoli contains naturally occuring substances called isothiocyanates, which help restrain the thyroid from producing too much hormone. When Bush was diagnosed with Graves' Disease, several alternative health authorities urged him to eat broccoli. One even published a book titled " Why George should eat Broccoli. " Radish (Raphanus Sativus)-- All of the cruciferous vegetables gently and naturally suppress thyroid hormone production, but radishes do it best, according to medical anthropologist John Heinerman. Ph.D., author of " Heinermans Encyclopedia of Fruits, vegetables and Herbs " . Cruciferous vegetables include broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, radishes, rutabagas and turnips. Radishes are used in Russia precisely for this purpose! " The Green Pharmacy " Author: James A Dukes Ph.D. ===================================================================== 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. L-Tyrosine is a necessary amino acid in the production of neurotransmitters including epinephrine, norepinephrine, and dopamine. L-Tyrosine also appears to have a mild stimulatory effect on the central nervous system. 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. ===================================================================== Antioxidants Beneficial for Graves’ Disease --- By Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP) Healthnotes Newswire (March 25, 2004)—Adults with Graves’ disease (GD) who take antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene, and selenium) in addition to prescription medication may help normalize thyroid function faster than with medication alone, according to a study in Clinica Chimica Acta (2004:341:55–63). This may mean that taking daily supplemental antioxidants will help people with Grave’s disease feel better more rapidly. GD is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism (increased thyroid function). It is an autoimmune disease, in which antibodies bind to the thyroid gland and cause an overproduction of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and a decrease in TSH (the hormone responsible for stimulating production of thyroid hormones). As a result, excess amounts of thyroid hormones speed up metabolism and cause the body to utilize more nutrients and oxygen. Some studies suggest that increasing metabolism may cause more free-radical damage and contribute to the severity of GD symptoms. Symptoms include swelling of the thyroid gland (goiter), bulging eyeballs (exophthalmos), fatigue, heart palpitations, rapid heart rate, insomnia, sweating, weight loss, increased appetite, and nervousness or tremor. Treatment consists of using propylthiouracil (PTU) or methimazole (Tapazole®), which block the production of thyroid hormones. In some cases, radioactive iodine is used to block thyroid hormone production; surgical removal of the thyroid gland may be necessary to control symptoms. In the new study, 57 adults with GD were randomly assigned to receive methimazole with or without the addition of 200 mg of vitamin C, 36 IU of vitamin E, 60 mcg of selenium, and 6 mg of beta-carotene per day for eight weeks. Blood levels of TSH, free T3, free T4, and selenium were measured initially and after four and eight weeks of treatment. The activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), an important selenium-dependant enzyme that scavenges free radicals, was also measured in the blood at the same intervals. Those receiving supplemental antioxidants in addition to methimazole attained normal thyroid function faster than those treated with only methimazole. The free-T3 and free-T4 levels after four and eight weeks were significantly lower in the antioxidant group than in the medication-only group. TSH and blood levels of selenium were also significantly increased in the antioxidant group, whereas no change in TSH was observed in those only treated with methimazole. GPx activity increased in both groups; however, the activity was significantly higher among those taking antioxidants. Antioxidants may play an important role in the treatment of GD by preventing free-radical damage to thyroid cells. Since a mixture of antioxidants was used, it is unclear how much each nutrient contributes to reducing free radicals in the thyroid. It is also not clear if using higher amounts of antioxidants would produce more favorable results. Since antioxidants were only used in conjunction with medication to treat GD, it is unknown whether antioxidants alone would be as effective. More research is necessary to clarify these issues. Darin Ingels, ND, MT (ASCP), received his bachelor’s degree from Purdue University and his Doctorate of Naturopathic Medicine from Bastyr University in Kenmore, WA. Dr. Ingels is the author of The Natural Pharmacist: Lowering Cholesterol (Prima, 1999) and Natural Treatments for High Cholesterol (Prima, 2000). He currently is in private practice at New England Family Health Associates located in Southport, CT, where he specializes in environmental medicine and allergies. Dr. Ingels is a regular contributor to Healthnotes and Healthnotes Newswire. 2004 Healthnotes, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of the Healthnotes® content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Healthnotes, Inc. Healthnotes Newswire is for educational or informational purposes only, and is not intended to diagnose or provide treatment for any condition. If you have any concerns about your own health, you should always consult with a healthcare professional. Healthnotes, Inc. shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon. Healthnotes and the Healthnotes logo are registered trademarks of Healthnotes, Inc. http://www.healthnotes.info/qs_db/healthnotes.cfm?page=newswire/Back_issues/news\ wire_2004_03_25_2.cfm ===================================================================== Causes of Thyroid Dysfunction 1) Increased exposure to the cold especially without properly clothing the extremities will via the hypothalamus and pituitary cause an increase in thyroid hormone output which over time can overwork the thyroid thus leading to dysfunction. 2) Various strong emotional states can also affect TSH and thus cause thyroid hormone output to change. If this emotional state isn't properly dealt with, thyroid dysfunction will eventually result. Other causes of pituitary dysfunction can cause thyroid disturbances secondary to pituitary malfunction. In these cases the pituitary must be restored to normal function for the thyroid to be also restored. 3) Nerve pressure at the mid cervical spine can cause thyroid dysfunction. I have seen time after time in patients of mine involved in car accidents with resultant whiplash and cervical nerve dysfunction, that they will go into a state of hypothyroidism and put on 10-30 pounds over the next 3-4 months. 4) If you suffer from hypoadrenia, the thyroid will often slow down to decrease your metabolic rate and give the adrenals a chance to rest. 5) 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. 6) Because of the resultant change in endocrine output taking birth control pills, epinephrine, cortisone, can lead to thyroid dysfunction. 7) 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. This can lead to hypothyroidism. 9) X-rays striking the thyroid (including dental x-rays) can damage the thyroid. 10) Prolonged intake of vitamin A supplements and zinc can lead to hypothyroidism. 11) A lack of iodine in the diet can lead to dysfunction. 12) An imbalance in the amount of estrogen in the body (be it due to pituitary, liver, ovary, or adrenal malfunction) can alter thyroid function. ==================================================================== In a message dated Wed, 6 Jun 2001 10:35:11 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Ann writes: http://www.rawfoodinfo.com/home/home_a.html Dear Rhio, About 2 months ago when you were in Dean's Whole food Store in Ocean, NJ I spoke to you after your show. But during your talk you challenged us to try eating just raw food for 3 months. Well 2 months later my thyroid problem is almost gone. For the 3rd consecutive time, my doctor read my blood test results and has again reduced my medication. It is now half of what I was taking for years. He says this is the first time he had seen this in adult thyroids. It had cleared up in children but not adults. He knows the way I'm eating now but is not giving credit to it. Oh well, it's the only thing I've done different besides lose 50 pounds. He's kind of attributing this to the results of the blood test. But I know it's because of eating whole fruits and vegetables. I just wanted to let you know how much of an encouragement you were to me. Thank you. I wish we didn't have to travel 40 minutes to get organic foods but until they get something closer to us, we will continue to go to Dean's. Sincerely, Ann Thompson ===================================================================== http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/c/thyroid_health_recs.asp When you take a close look at the health problems that have started to skyrocket in this country, the thyroid gland shows up as a common denominator in a surprising number of them. Based on the research I've seen and conducted myself over the past decade, there are three primary reasons for the growing number of people with an unbalanced thyroid: iodine deficiency, selenium deficiency, and " estrogen-like " compound pollution. If your thyroid gland function needs support, I recommend the following methods for improving your thyroid health. Vitamins and minerals --- Iodine The most effective way to maintain thyroid gland function is to supply it with the proper iodine levels necessary for an increase in hormone production. The mineral iodine is essential for the thyroid gland's production of the hormone thyroxin. The thyroid uses this hormone to regulate numerous functions, most importantly " metabolism " . Note: Under no circumstances should you ingest antiseptic or topical iodine. Iodine food supplements are widely available. Start with four drops (dissolved in a large glass of water) for the first two weeks, and then reduce the dosage to two drops a day. Zinc A common mineral that improves thyroid health in middle-aged and elderly men and women is zinc. Adequate levels of zinc are required for proper thyroid hormone metabolism. As we age, thyroid problems and zinc deficiencies both become more common. Recommended dosages in this case generally range from 30 — 50 mg of zinc (elemental) per day. Keep in mind that it may take months for oral zinc supplementation to affect a chronic thyroid problem. Multi-nutrients Finally, a good multinutrient will include proper levels of important trace materials, such as selenium (200 mcg daily) and zinc (20 mg daily). Diet Selenium-rich Foods Because selenium deficiency is a major factor in low thyroid function, you should regularly include selenium-rich foods in your diet. The thyroid produces several hormones, and must produce them in a somewhat balanced ratio. Without selenium, this balancing process is hindered. Good sources of selenium in your diet, include: wheat germ, alaskan salmon,sardines (water packed) herring and other seafood and shellfish, organic eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, cashews, mushrooms, garlic, onions, and kelp. Organic Soy Organic Soy products like tofu, miso and soymilk can help mildly stimulate thyroid function. Certain other foods have a tendency to lower thyroid function and need to be avoided by those with underactive thyroids: turnips, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, rutabaga, brussels sprouts, bok choy, cress, cauliflower, kale, and kohlrabi. Environment Reduce your exposure to " estrogen-like " compounds (Xenoestrogens). These compounds make their way into the body through respiration, ingestion of contaminated food, and skin contact. Once in the body, they block thyroid hormone production and contribute to low thyroid function. I recommend that you use organic cleansers,and other household products. And make the switch once and for all to pure spring water. http://www.drdavidwilliams.com/c/thyroid_health_recs.asp ===================================================================== CHOCOLATE Contraindicated in Hyperthyroidism http://www.ithyroid.com/chocolate.htm Chocolate is high in copper but for some reason 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 Lead and cadmium content in cocoa beans (short communication). Prugarova A, Kovac M Food Research Institute, Bratislava, Czechoslovakia. The choice of cocoa beans as the experimental and sample material for study of the contamination with lead and cadmium was inspired by high Pb and Cd limits in foods made on its basis (cocoa powder, chocolate) as well as by the relatively high proportion of these foods in human nutrition. For Cd, the limits in food products are within the range of 0.01 mg X kg-1 (milk) to 1.0 mg X kg-1 (kidneys) whereas the limits for lead range between 0.1 mg X kg-1 (e.g. milk) and 10.0 mg X kg-1 (e.g. tea, yeast, crustaceans, molluscs). Limits for Pb and Cd in foods made on cocoa bean basis are given in Table 1. Food Addit Contam 1994 May-Jun;11(3):351-63 Beverages as a source of toxic trace element intake. Pedersen GA, Mortensen GK, Larsen EH National Food Agency of Denmark, Central Laboratory, Soborg. Beverages of different kinds have been investigated for their content of lead, cadmium, nickel, chromium, arsenic and mercury. About a ten times higher lead concentration was found in wine than in most other beverages. Cocoa was high in cadmium and nickel and some vegetable juices contained high levels of nickel. The daily intake of trace elements from beverages was estimated. Wine was still the most significant source of lead even if the bottles did not have lead capsules. By consumption of half a bottle per day the daily intake of lead would be doubled and it would contribute 12% of Provisional Tolerable Weekly Intake. Cocoa is an important source of cadmium and nickel, and consumption of tea as well as processed refined vegetable juices could increase the nickel intake significantly. The data are compared to Danish maximum limits on lead and cadmium. http://www.ithyroid.com/chocolate.htm =================================================================Natural Goitrogens - www.drweil.com ======================================================================= Today's Question I recently read that people who have thyroid disease should not eat certain foods unless they're heated or cooked, such as soy bean based products (tofu, soy milk etc), broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, etc. -- Anonymous Today's Answer (Published 02/08/2002) 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, lima beans, and soy. 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. The only food I would caution you about is soy. Excess consumption of soy can affect thyroid function, but is usually only a problem in those taking synthroid or other thyroid replacement medication. If you are on such medication, tell your doctor how much soy you consume so your dosage can be adjusted, if necessary. You should also know that if you eat soy foods at the same time that you take thyroid hormone, they may interfere with its absorption. To be safe, do not eat soy within three hours of taking your medication. Moderate soy consumption should not be a problem – that means one serving a day of whole soy products, such as one cup of soy milk or one half cup of tofu, soy protein (tempeh), or crispy soy nuts. Dr. Andrew Weil ===================================================================== Fluoride: A Statement of Concern by Paul Connett, PhD --Waste Not #459 January 2000 HOW FLUORIDE AFFECTS 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) Another line of evidence indicating that fluoride is an 'endocrine disrupter' stems from the number of studies that indicate the fluoride may *inhibit* the " functioning " of the thyroid gland. To put the matter as simply as I can, this group has been able to show that areas of endemic fluorosis are also areas " designated' as being endemic with *iodine* " deficiency " disorders (IDD). Thyroid hormones are absolutely essential for normal growth and development. The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. These two hormones have 3 and 4 *iodine* atoms respectively. Schuld's group has also shown that there is a remarkable *similarity* between the symptoms for both underactive and overactive thyroid and those reported for " fluoride poisoning " . Putting these two conditions together, it appears that fluoride interferes with the production of thyroid hormones. Since Fluoride, fluorine, and chlorine are **identical** to the molecular *structure* of *iodine*, the thyroid *detects* it as such. Alternatively, fluoride *inhibits* the " enzymes " inside the gland which " assemble " the hormones from its chemical precursor, the amino acid tyrosine. JoAnn Guest mrsjo- DietaryTi- www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Genes AIM Barleygreen " Wisdom of the Past, Food of the Future " http://www.geocities.com/mrsjoguest/Diets.html Sports - Sign up for Fantasy Baseball. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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