Re: Another thyroid question

[Guest guest]

> I have a lady 6 months pregnant who has just been dx hypothyroid.

> She really does not want to go on thyroxine.

> I am a little unsure of how to approach this considering she is pregnant and

> would appreciate collective wisdom please :0)

She could try the following:

* take zinc, at least 15 mg a day but better double that. (needed for

production of thyroid hormones)

* eat 2-3 brazil nuts a day, for the selenium (needed for T4-T3 conversion)

* reduce stress as much as possible

* take B-vitamins (50 mg of B2, B5, B6 plus the rest) - the most important for

the thyroid gland is B12.

* take magnesium in order to absorb the B:s.

(* add vitamins C and D for good measure.)

* avoid gluten: that's implicated in hypothyroid problems.

* slow down on the carbs: metabolic syndrome is implicated in hypothyroid

problems.

* is she getting enough iodine in her food? If not, have her take iodized

salt, kelp and the like. If yes, don't add more iodine: too much can weaken

the thyroid gland.

Give bitters before meals (preferably those that help an underactive liver:

mahonia, rumex, berberis).

Add adaptogens; I much prefer nettle seed as that's local to me, cheap, and

easy to pick.

See where that lands her, thyroid-wise, within about two weeks.

(And I don't remember, is hypothyroid in pregnancy permanent or only likely to

become permanent shortly after birth? Either way, try to strengthen the

thyroid as much as possible.)

Luck!

Henriette

--

Henriette Kress, AHG Helsinki, Finland

Henriette's herbal homepage: http://www.henriettesherbal.com

New book: http://www.henriettesherbal.com/articles/pract-herbs.html

[Guest guest]

She could try the following:* take zinc, at least 15 mg a day but better double that. (needed forproduction of thyroid hormones)If taking double, make sure she takes 15mg twice daily rather than 30mg all at once, otherwise it won't be absorbed.

[Guest guest]

Also worth a read/listening is Masterjohn's take on groitrogenic foods and particularly vegetables, which is included in the third part of his cholesterol series on ChrisKresser website:

http://chriskresser.com/chris-masterjohn-on-cholesterol-and-heart-disease-part-3In a nutshell, certain plant chemicals can decrease production OR 

activation of T hormones. Eating these veggies is not bad, but to compensate you must increase your intake of iodine (and seleniumas Henriette suggested). Good to know the plant list though.

[Guest guest]

Sorry I did not introduce myself on this list. Apologies.French clinical herbalist, studied and practiced in the USfor a few years (San Diego), then came back " home " to open 

a herbal clinic in the south of France (Provence). I also cultivate a lot of medicinal, local plants but also american (ceanothus,larrea, salvia apiana, etc), ayurvedic and chinese, etc. I love

to get my fingernails dirty :-)Very happy to join this group.

[Guest guest]

Hi ,I would look at her zinc, a key mineral for optimal thyroid function, as well as her ability to adequately digest/absorb protein. Zinc requires a protein carrier, so if she is not absorbing protein or a heavy protein cataboliser, she will likely be low or deficient in zinc. You can do a very simple zinc taste test to confirm her levels. Also tyrosine, selenium and iodine are key for thyroid function. Withania and Rehmannia can be of help here as

well.Cheers! Jeanette Lilly Blanks BSc(Hons),BA(Hons),MNIMH,MNHAA Medical Herbalist, Naturopathwww.herbalphysic.com