The Thyroid Gland: Low Function and Remedies

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The Thyroid Gland: Low Function and Remedies

http://www.nenahsylver.com/default.asp?contentID=750 & toplevel=677

2005 by Nenah Sylver, PhD

 

PLEASE NOTE: I am not a medical doctor and do not diagnose, treat, or

prescribe. This article is designed to provide a brief introductory overview of

certain aspects of thyroid function so you can begin to seek out alternatives to

what you are already doing.. For more information, see the resources listed at

the end of this article. And make sure to consult with your doctor if you have

a medical problem.

 

Introduction

 

The thyroid—a butterfly-shaped gland in the throat with most of its mass on

either side of the central Adam’s apple—is absolutely critical to how well

we

function. Proper thyroid performance is essential for the normal functioning

of cells, the nervous system, muscles, brain development, oxygen utilization,

the metabolism, and the immune system—to name just several body areas and

systems. The thyroid gland regulates all metabolic activity of the body. This

means

that a person’s growth and development, and the speed and efficiency with

which the body takes in nourishment and eliminates waste products, are all under

the guidance of the thyroid. It’s easy to see, then, that when the thyroid

gland does not function, a person will not feel well. Indeed, some people say

that they feel as though their lives are literally falling apart.

 

The thyroid gland produces a hormone called thyroxin, also known as T4.

Thyroxin production depends on a complex feedback loop involving other parts of

the

endocrine system. The process starts in the hypothalamus, a portion of the

brain. The hypothalamus releases TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone) to

stimulate the pituitary gland, located in the brain’s center. The pituitary

monitors

blood levels of T4 (thyroxin). If there is not enough T4 in the blood, the

pituitary secretes TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) to induce the thyroid gland

to produce more T4. When the thyroid produces more T4, the T4 levels in the

bloodstream rise. Should the pituitary gland detect too much thyroid hormone in

the blood, it decreases production of TSH; so the thyroid is stimulated less to

produce T4, and there is less T4 in the bloodstream. In addition to the

pituitary and hypothalamus, the thyroid influences and is influenced by other

endocrine glands, especially the adrenals, parathyroid, and sex glands.

 

When the thyroid is sluggish, it is said to be underactive. The medical term

for this is hypothyroidism. Sometimes the thyroid can be in a hyperactive or

overactive state. The medical term for this is hyperthyroidism. This article,

however, will focus on hypothyroidism. Stephen E. Langer and James F. Scheer,

authors of the definitive thyroid book, Solved: The Riddle of Illness, state

that an amazingly high percentage of Americans suffers from hypothyroidism. Some

sources estimate that in the United States alone, nearly 8 million are

affected—while according to energetic medicine studies, this is a drastically

conservative estimate. Whatever the actual number, it is clear that

hypothyroidism

is a serious problem in the U.S.

 

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

 

The thyroid is a tiny gland. However, because it governs metabolic

functioning, the lack of thyroxin production, or the inability of the tissues to

absorb

thyroxin, can cause many—and serious—problems. A person need not have all of

the following symptoms in order to have an underfunctioning thyroid; but this

list will give you an idea of the scope and severity of hypothyroidism. The

symptoms include:

 

¨ allergies

 

¨ anxiety, depression, irritability, memory problems, mental

sluggishness, mood swings, and panic attacks

 

¨ asthma

 

¨ blood sugar disorders (diabetes and hypoglycemia)

 

¨ blood pressure problems (low)

 

¨ breathing difficulty (shortness of breath with even light walking)

 

¨ calcium metabolism problems

 

¨ carbohydrate intolerance

 

¨ carpal tunnel syndrome

 

¨ cholesterol levels, high

 

¨ circulation that’s slow, with resultant cold hands and feet and/or

cold or heat intolerance

 

¨ deafness

 

¨ digestive disturbances, including constipation, diarrhea, and gas

 

¨ eyebrows: the outer third of each eyebrow is either sparse, or missing

entirely

 

¨ fatigue (including chronic fatigue syndrome)

 

¨ fibromyalgia

 

¨ fluid retention

 

¨ hair loss and hair brittleness

 

¨ heart enlargement

 

¨ heart rate (pulse) slow, even in non-athletes

 

¨ hoarseness

 

¨ infections that are recurrent

 

¨ infertility

 

¨ insomnia

 

¨ menstrual problems

 

¨ muscle and joint aches and pains or weakness

 

¨ nails that are brittle

 

¨ skin problems (dry or flaky)

 

¨ sweating disturbance (lack of)

 

¨ tumors of all kinds

 

¨ weight gain

 

 

Hypothyroidism Resulting from a Lack of T4

 

To check for this disorder, doctors customarily test the person’s blood

levels of thyroxin (T4). More enlightened doctors will also test for TSH

production

by the pituitary. People who show low blood levels of T4 are given

prescriptions for thyroxin in pill form. The thyroxin pills are in microgram

(mcg.)

rather than milligram (mg.) amounts because the body doesn’t need much thyroid

hormone in order to function. For many years, a medication called Synthroid was

prescribed, until it was finally acknowledged by the FDA that it has many

“sideâ€

effects that harm people. One “side†effect of continual thyroxin

supplementation is that the thyroid gland eventually stops functioning

completely—

because there is no longer any reason for the gland to produce its own thyroxin

if

the T4 is being supplied by an external source. To remedy this situation, many

people are nutritionally boosting their thyroid gland with freeze-dried

bovine thyroid gland that has had the thyroxin removed. However, although this

can

be helpful, as we shall see it’s not the entire answer.

 

A alternative to Synthroid is the much safer prescription medication called

Armour Desiccated Thyroid Hormone. Derived from the thyroid gland of a pig, it

resembles the human thyroid gland and contains the entire thyroid tissue.

Furthermore, it contains not only T4, but also a related thyroid hormone called

liothyronine, known as T3. T3 as a key to thyroid function is discussed in the

section below.

 

Why people might have low thyroid function...and suggested remedies for it.

 

 

Hypothyroidism Resulting from a Lack of T3—Wilson’s Syndrome

 

Even complex laboratory tests that analyze pituitary output don’t tell the

whole story of an underfunctioning thyroid. In the first place, traditional

blood tests fail to consider that the adrenals produce small amounts of thyroxin

to back up the thyroid when that gland is exhausted. Therefore, blood tests can

show sufficient levels of thyroid hormone without indicating where the T4 is

being produced. The overworked adrenals might be providing T4—and meanwhile,

the thyroid gland is still exhausted!

 

Second—and pertinent to the theme of this section—most doctors pay attention

to levels of thyroxin, or T4, in determining whether or not the thyroid gland

is functioning normally. However, liothyronine, or T3, is the more active

(though shorter-lasting) thyroid hormone. It is T3, rather than T4, that is

absorbed and utilized by the body’s tissues. Within the last decade, a doctor

named

Denis Wilson discovered that even if T4 blood levels are normal, if the body

does not convert the T4 into T3, the person will still be clinically

hypothyroid and suffer from all the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. This

condition

is called Wilson’s syndrome. Thyroid hormone that remains circulating through

the bloodstream is useless if the body cannot absorb and utilize it. Thus,

people can have “normal†blood tests and still be hypothyroid. Similarly, if

laboratory tests indicate low blood levels of T4 (thyroxin) and the person is

given T4 to remedy the situation, the body might still have difficulty

converting

that T4 into T3 (liothyronine). This is why people with Wilson’s syndrome who

receive prescription T4 (in whatever form) don’t improve.

 

What, than, can be done for many people suffering from hypothyroidism due to

the inability of the body to convert T4 to T3? The treatment for Wilson’s

syndrome is a time-release T3, available by doctor’s prescription only, and

supplied only by compounding pharmacies that specialize in less mainstream

medications. The T3 should be in time-release form because the body requires T3

constantly, day and night, and because the thyroid gland is incredibly precise

in its

timing of hormone output.

 

So far I have referred only to laboratory tests that check for blood levels

of T4 (thyroxin). Why not check for blood levels of T3 (liothyronine)? Doctors

who know about Wilson’s Syndrome will sometimes do this, if there is a

question about whether the person has Wilson’s (testing for T3 is expensive).

However, it’s generally easy enough to tell, from the person’s clinical

symptoms—and

often, even by how the person looks (it’s easy enough to see split nails, or

observe the faint or missing outer third of the eyebrows).

 

Treatment with T3 is complex. A full explanation is beyond the scope of this

article, but see the link to Dr. Wilson’s website at the end of this article

for more information.

 

Body Temperature a Better Indicator than a Blood Test

 

Measuring body temperature is a foolproof way of determining whether or not

the bodily tissues are receiving enough thyroid hormone (for whatever reason).

For someone in a hypothyroid state, it is not uncommon for body temperatures,

even during the day, to be as low as 96°F (35.6°C). For many people, a typical

temperature can hover at 97°F (36.1°C) or 97.5°F (36.4°C). Early morning and

late night temperatures fall a bit, but they shouldn’t be that low.

 

For any type of thyroid problem, Langer and Scheer state that taking one’s

temperature before rising, over the course of many days, is a more accurate

gauge of thyroid function than conventional (and expensive!) laboratory tests.

However, since people’s temperatures are generally lower when first awakening

and

just before sleep, Dr. Wilson suggests taking the temperature 3 hours after

rising, and then twice more during the day, to obtain an average temperature.

In addition to being a much more accurate indication of one’s average

temperature, it also gives valuable information on the margin of temperature

fluctuation. Wild temperature fluctuations indicate that a person’s T3 levels

are not

steady.

 

Again, it should be emphasized that if you have any sort of thyroid dysfunct

ion, see a health care practitioner! The medical profession considers this

condition too serious and complex to self-treat. Often, other glands are

involved.

However, there are things that you can do for yourself in the meantime.

 

Hypothyroidism:

Possible and Precipitating Causes, and Remedies

 

The tendency toward hypothyroidism is believed to be genetic, but various

stressors—such as life traumas, chemical insults, low body temperature, and

dietary and nutritional deficiencies—can generate a malfunction of the gland.

 

1.

Possible (or Precipitating) Cause: Life Traumas and Stressors.

 

Major traumas and stress-related incidents can cover a wide range, including

childhood abuse, loss of a job, divorce, an accident, a death—and also

overwork, a change of job, or moving from one dwelling to another. Even positive

experiences such as marriage can take its toll on the system. One huge stress is

not getting enough sleep, or sleeping at irregular hours.

 

Corrective Measures to Life Traumas and Stressors: Psychotherapy.

 

We humans are social creatures. Especially during times of stress or trauma,

having someone to talk to about difficult issues can make a world of

difference in how we feel. Whether that confidant is a therapist or peer, a

lover or a

good friend, or a priest/rabbi/shaman—it’s important to have a loving,

accepting space provided by someone who is present. Sometimes it’s helpful to

get

advice, sometimes not. Dealing with stress is critical to helping your entire

body-mind system function properly. Many other modalities—such as meditation

and

exercise—help reduce stress too. However, I mention sharing the burden

particularly because sometimes, people forget that it’s okay to need other

people.

 

2.

Possible (or Precipitating) Cause: Chemical Insults.

 

These can range from environmental pollution (such as pesticides) to

radiation poisoning. Pesticides, artificial chemical fertilizers, and household

chemicals are known for their ability to negatively affect thyroid function.

Nuclear

“testing†also causes major damage to the gland. During nuclear

“testing,â€

radioactive iodine in the air displaces the normal (non-radioactive) iodine in

the gland. The radioactive kind of iodine is poisonous to the system; so in

addition to blocking out the beneficial kind, it directly causes the thyroid to

shut down.

 

Corrective Measures to Chemical Insults: Detoxification Protocols.

 

Remedies can include chelation, sauna therapy, ozone therapy, and nutritional

modifications. Be aware that the liver, which plays a major part in

detoxifying the system, cannot do its job without the necessary nutrients. This

includes a balanced protein/carbohydrate ratio. Many people do not get adequate

protein and instead load up on carbohydrates. For more information on sauna

therapy, see my upcoming book, The Holistic Handbook of Sauna Therapy, due for

publication in February 2004. You can find links to holistic websites that

feature

detoxification themes at the end of this article.

 

3.

Possible (or Precipitating) Cause: Low Body Temperature.

 

Body temperature plays a major role in thyroid function. The body uses an

enzyme called 5’-deiodinase to convert T4 into the absorbable T3. However, the

T4

cannot be converted into T3 if the body temperature is chronically too much

below normal (98.6°F or 37°C). The shape of an enzyme depends on its

temperature. Too much continual heat makes the enzyme too tight, and too much

continual

cold makes the enzyme too loose. People with Wilson’s Syndrome are in a

vicious cycle. If the body temperature is too low, the enzyme becomes too loose

and

the body cannot readily convert T4 into T3. This in turn makes the body

temperature too low, which in turn makes the enzyme even more misshapen and

unable

to perform the proper conversion of T4 into T3!

 

Corrective Measures to Low Body Temperature (besides T3 medication, which you

can obtain only with a doctor’s prescription):

 

Sauna therapy with far infrared (FIR) as the heat source. Studies on heat

therapy are not totally conclusive, but another possible, and adjunctive (to T3

therapy), treatment for thyroid disorders—particularly Wilson’s

Syndrome—may

be sauna therapy. Taking FIR saunas on a regular basis could help raise the

body temperature because with more necessary heat in the system, the 5’

-deiodinase enzyme can convert T4 into T3. FIR not only penetrates more deeply

into the

body than heat from conventional electric heaters, but it is biologically very

compatible with living tissue. My new book, The Holistic Handbook of Sauna

Therapy, discusses this in depth. You can order this book online; click onto the

book cover at the left hand menu.

 

4.

Possible (or Precipitating) Cause: Dietary and Nutritional Deficiencies.

 

1. Too many carbohydrates (starches and sugars) and not enough protein daily

can stress the thyroid gland.

2. Skipping meals and eating at irregular hours can cause hormonal imbalances

and blood sugar problems.

3. Certain vegetables called goitrogens—especially when eaten raw and in

large amounts—may interfere with thyroxin production. Thyroid-inhibiting

vegetables include the brassica family (Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower

and

mustard greens), rutabagas, radishes, and turnips.

4. Another food that has been definitively shown to inhibit thyroid function

is the soybean because of its excessive estrogen-mimicking compounds. The

phytochemicals from soy latch onto the estrogen receptor sites in human tissue

and

act like powerful hormones in the body.

5. In order for the thyroid gland to function, it needs lots of nutrients.

The thyroid’s function is also dependent on other glands—especially the

adrenal

gland, which backs up the thyroid and can get exhausted and depleted if it’s

trying to take over some of the functions of the thyroid.

6. Although iodine is clearly a nutrient, it is so important that it is being

listed separately. The thyroid needs iodine to manufacture its hormones

properly. If there is not enough iodine in the diet, the thyroid gland cannot

make

enough thyroid hormone. (T4 carries 4 iodine molecules, and T3 carries 3

iodine molecules.)

 

By the way, sufficient iodine can also help prevent the enlargement of the

thyroid gland. As mentioned earlier, when the pituitary gland senses a drop in

thyroid hormone levels in the blood, it releases more TSH to stimulate the

thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. But if there is not enough iodine in

the

diet, no matter how much TSH is released, the thyroid still cannot produce

enough hormone. Without sufficient dietary iodine, the pituitary’s continued

production of TSH in its attempt to raise thyroid hormone levels can cause the

thyroid to grow unnaturally. This is goiter. The fact that goiter is not as

prevalent in populations living at or near a seacoast suggests that goiter may

well

be the result of iodine deficiency.

 

Corrective Measures to Dietary and Nutritional Deficiencies: Proper diet and

nutritional supplementation.

 

1. Eat protein at every meal. This means animal protein: red meat, fish,

poultry, game, or cheese—produced naturally, without antibiotics or hormones.

 

2. Eat at regular hours. If your blood sugar levels have a tendency to drop,

eat 4, 5 or 6 smaller meals a day.

 

3. If you don’t want to eliminate goitrogenous vegetables from your diet,

boil them in water first (that’s right, boil them!), and then discard the

water.

Heat destroys the thyroid-inhibiting compounds. Even though some of the

vitamin and mineral content is lost, you will still obtain some nutrients, as

well

as the fiber. Alternatively, you could ferment them. For example, turning raw

cabbage into sauerkraut makes it safe for the thyroid and provides a delicious

and safe source of hydrochloric acid, which aids in the digestion of protein.

 

4. Eliminate soy products such as tofu, and fake soy “foods†such as soy “

ice cream,†soy “cheese,†and soy “milk.†Soy protein powder isolate

isn’t a

great food, either. Think what isolate means: it’s isolated, meaning processed

and out-of-its-matrix. If you must have soy products, eat small amounts of

the fermentated ones—soy sauce, miso, and tempeh. These don’t negatively

affect

the body because the fermentation has eliminated their thyroid-inhibition

properties.

 

5. According to Dr. Michael Schachter, who treats people for hypothyroidism,

proper function of the thyroid gland and the ability of the body to convert T4

to T3 requires sufficient amounts of the following nutrients: the adrenal

hormone cortisol; coenzyme Q10; minerals such as magnesium, iron, zinc, copper,

and selenium; protein, especially the amino acid tyrosine; vitamins B1, B2, B3,

B5; and of course iodine (see below). Numerous herbs can provide adrenal

support; and many people can still obtain supplements containing the required

nutrients.

 

6. Seafood and seaweed (such as kelp) have always been considered good

sources of iodine. However, unless you’re eating massive amounts, these do not

have

enough iodine to thoroughly saturate the body’s tissues. This is when an

iodine supplement is critical.

 

The Importance of Iodine for Thyroid Support

 

According to Dr. Kae Thompson-Liu, of the four possible fundamental building

blocks to health—water, salt, soda and iodine—iodine seems to be the least

understood and most neglected. The main purpose of iodine is to help in the

synthesis, storage, and secretion of thyroid hormone.

 

Iodine has many important functions. To name just a few: it coats incoming

allergenic proteins to make them non-allergenic. It is an anti-cancer and

anti-autoimmune disease agent. Most importantly, iodine is an antiseptic. In the

stomach, iodine deactivates all biological, and most chemical, poisons. “Its

antiseptic potency and safety has never been equaled or surpassed,â€

Thompson-Liu

remarks. “Dilute iodine solutions kill all single celled organisms such as

bacteria, viruses, fungi, protozoa and even staphylococcus, with few side

effects

and no development of bacterial resistance.â€

 

The systems of tadpoles are flushed with iodine at the point they become

air-breathing frogs. It is hypothesized that in infants, their bodies are

similarly flushed with iodine as they are born. This would make iodine critical

for

fetal development. Autopsies of healthy people who die of so-called natural

causes showed trace amounts of iodine in almost all tissues and organs. These

few

examples illustrate the importance of iodine. They also help us understand the

array and intensity of symptoms possible when people are deprived of iodine.

For more information about iodine for thyroid support, see the box at the

upper right of this page containing links to the other essays in this section.

http://www.nenahsylver.com/default.asp?contentID=750 & zlink=59704 & ha=

Thyroid Food: Iodine

http://www.nenahsylver.com/default.asp?contentID=751

Thyroid: Iodine Skin Test

http://www.nenahsylver.com/default.asp?contentID=753

 

These essays contain important information about specific types of iodine

(not all types of iodine are equal!), where atomic (colloidal) iodine can be

obtained, and how to self-administer an iodine skin patch test as another

possible

way of determining thyroid function and iodine depletions levels.

 

Additional Support: Homeopathy

 

The homeopathic remedy Thyroidinum, at a 9C dose or higher will help speed

up thyroid function. For hypothyroidism, a commonly available and commonly used

dose is 12C. Do not take a dose lower than 9C! Lower doses slow thyroid

function.

 

Conclusion

 

The thyroid, though tiny, is extraordinarily powerful. A properly functioning

thyroid can make a huge difference in one’s quality of life. Hypothyroidism

is widespread—but it can be treated. Remember to see a doctor if you think you

have thyroid problems!!!

 

For more information, go to:

 

Dr. Richard Loyd's GREAT site on other aspects of thyroid function

http://www.royalrife.com/hypothyroid.html

 

Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome:

http://www.wilsonssyndrome.com

This site has a phone number you can use to talk to a real live doctor.

 

Also see:

 

http://www.ithyroid.com/

 

http://www.thyroidhealthsolutions.com

 

http://www.thyrodine.com

 

http://www.wellnessresources.com

 

http://www.helpmythyroid.com/iodine.htm