Re: Patty or anybody - Thyroid Question

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

Congrats on passing your test!! That has to feel so good, you smart

woman!!

As far as the low iron, that was my first symptom. My doc put me on

prescription Repliva which worked wonders in bringing the Ferritin up

quickly. However, it was during this time that my health spiraled

quickly. I joined an anemia board and found out that if you have an

underlying systemic infection, you should stay away from iron. I

don't have the articles anymore but I'll see if I can dig them back

up. Basically it said that iron supplementation can increase the

infection and that your body's way of protecting itself is to reduce

ferritin while it heals.

What I found was that when I'd go on the pills, my ferritin would go

to normal, yet I'd feel worse. I was told I have high oxalates which

causes anemia that is difficult to treat. High oxalates are a

byproduct of molds such as Aspergillus, Penicillium and Candida. It

is also found in ethylene glycol poisoning. A low oxalate diet has

been helpful for some autistic kids, yet when I looked at it, I felt

that I'm left with water!!

So I went off the pills and now just try to eat meat with veggies

because the combo of the iron from the meat and the Vit C from the

veggies increases absorption. I also cook in an iron pan

occasionally. What I'm hoping is that over time, as I detox the

metals and the fungi, my iron levels will return to normal on their

own through diet. Yours will too, I believe. I know you're limited

now, but as you get these toxins out, your diet can expand.

Love, PH

--- In , " iluvmy3pets " <spinkscl@...>

wrote:

>

> Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy studying

> for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

>

> I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

pretty

> low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but close).

>

> I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

site.

> (see below)

>

> Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to

eat

> enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement -

does

> anybody suggested one?

>

> Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else

has

> info on this topic, please let me know.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

> Ferritin and hypothyroid

> A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover

that

> being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage

> iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage

> iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

>

> Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can

> result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn

> leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body

> temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes

you

> to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result

in

> heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

>

> Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide into

> low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

precursor

> to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

fatigue,

> weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive, and/or

> foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on

> enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

Armour!

>

> Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first

two

> of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

activity

> of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron. Iron

> deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce

the

> conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

concentrations

> of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

>

> Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for

> normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

>

> What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean

> meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

greens,

> kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and

> molasses.

>

> But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron

> tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate, Ferrous

> Fumerate, etc.

>

> Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are taking

a

> good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted with

> the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The owner

> of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with food

> and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

Ferritin

> up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

>

> Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

stomach.

> Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has

fewer

> side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

>

> Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken

your

> teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

(nonheme)

> liquid iron avoids this.

>

> How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take it?

> When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into

> months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL

IRON

> daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your

> Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research. And

> you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

>

> Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's recommended

> to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

least,

> drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> absorption, as can B-vitamins.

>

> What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements? If

> you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add

> Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you

find

> the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days

if

> the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too

much

> will cause diarrhea).

>

> Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

swallow

> your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to

avoid

> swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to some

of

> the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your

> natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow

your

> iron.

>

> What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems absorbing

> oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue, another

> option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

replenish

> body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

>

> Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several of

us

> have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to

> stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

foods,

> especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

>

> Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood

> without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

>

[Guest guest]

Hi ,

I couldn't find the specific articles I was looking for and would have had to join the anemia forum again. I did find these articles though. I would see what your ND (or Patty or Rogene) thinks because I see just as many, if not more, websites encouraging iron supplementation with candida. I know for myself, though, it only made my problems worse. Given that most women with implant illness have some type of fungal, parasitic or bacterial issue, I'd be hesitant and use food instead...even with your limitations I think you can get it. Love, PH

http://www.readingislam.com/servlet/Satellite?c=Article_C & cid=1157365893795 & pagename=Zone-English-HealthScience%2FHSELayout

Excess dietary iron can also increase the risk of bacterial infection (Galland, p.1 and Stein, p.28). Studies in South East Asia and in Africa reveal that even low doses of iron supplements can be harmful if one is not iron deficient. When iron supplements were given to the Somali and Masai people, their rates of infection increased - even though their iron deficiency was corrected (Galland, p.1).

http://www.food-allergy.org/root3.html

Iron supplements feed unfriendly bacteria and protozoan parasites.

http://www.gethealthyagain.com/candidaalbicans.html

Lactoferrin is a protein molecule which attaches itself to the iron in your food to transport it to your cells. Important for dealing with a Candida yeast infection, lactoferrin may help prevent Candida from using iron as a food source.

The significance of this is that free iron may be a primary food source for Candida. Take that food source away by increasing the amount of lactoferrin, and the Candida yeast infection may not do so well.

> >> > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy studying > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.> > > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is > pretty > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but close). > > > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness > site. > > (see below)> > > > Due to my "restricted" diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to > eat > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement - > does > > anybody suggested one? > > > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else > has > > info on this topic, please let me know.> > > > Thanks,> > > > Lynn> > > > > > > > Ferritin and hypothyroid> > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover > that > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can > > have "normal" iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.> > > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes > you > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result > in > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.> > > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide into > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the > precursor > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy > fatigue, > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive, and/or > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your > Armour! > > > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first > two > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the > activity > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron. Iron > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce > the > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3. > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating > concentrations > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).> > > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.> > > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard > greens, > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and > > molasses. > > > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate, Ferrous > > Fumerate, etc.> > > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are taking > a > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted with > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The owner > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with food > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her > Ferritin > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.> > > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on > stomach. > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has > fewer > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach. > > > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken > your > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED > (nonheme) > > liquid iron avoids this. > > > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take it? > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL > IRON > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research. And > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels. > > > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's recommended > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very > least, > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the > > absorption, as can B-vitamins. > > > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements? If > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you > find > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days > if > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too > much > > will cause diarrhea). > > > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you > swallow > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to > avoid > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to some > of > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow > your > > iron.> > > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems absorbing > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue, another > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps > replenish > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to "Chenille" for this info)> > > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several of > us > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich > foods, > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to. > > > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:> >>

[Guest guest]

Thanks PH! I am so happy I am finished with studying! I have one

more test but I don't have to take it until June, so I have some time

off.

Wow, that is a lot of info! Very helpful. I can eat lots and lots

of spinach and incorparte lean meat in my diet too. I hope I can

increase my Ferritin, I think I'd feel much better. Guess I will

have to be patient.

Thanks again.

Love,

> >

> > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

studying

> > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> >

> > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> pretty

> > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

close).

> >

> > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> site.

> > (see below)

> >

> > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to

> eat

> > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement -

> does

> > anybody suggested one?

> >

> > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else

> has

> > info on this topic, please let me know.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Lynn

> >

> >

> >

> > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover

> that

> > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage

> > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage

> > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> >

> > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can

> > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn

> > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body

> > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes

> you

> > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result

> in

> > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> >

> > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

into

> > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> precursor

> > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> fatigue,

> > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

and/or

> > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on

> > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> Armour!

> >

> > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first

> two

> > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> activity

> > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

Iron

> > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce

> the

> > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> concentrations

> > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> >

> > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for

> > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> >

> > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean

> > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> greens,

> > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and

> > molasses.

> >

> > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron

> > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

Ferrous

> > Fumerate, etc.

> >

> > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

taking

> a

> > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

with

> > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

owner

> > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

food

> > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> Ferritin

> > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> >

> > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> stomach.

> > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has

> fewer

> > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> >

> > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken

> your

> > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> (nonheme)

> > liquid iron avoids this.

> >

> > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take

it?

> > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into

> > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL

> IRON

> > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your

> > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

And

> > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> >

> > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

recommended

> > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> least,

> > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> >

> > What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements?

If

> > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add

> > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you

> find

> > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days

> if

> > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too

> much

> > will cause diarrhea).

> >

> > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> swallow

> > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to

> avoid

> > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

some

> of

> > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your

> > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow

> your

> > iron.

> >

> > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

absorbing

> > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

another

> > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> replenish

> > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> >

> > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several

of

> us

> > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to

> > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> foods,

> > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> >

> > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood

> > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

Congratulations on passing the test!!

Sis

--- In , " iluvmy3pets " <spinkscl@...>

wrote:

>

> Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

studying

> for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

>

> I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

pretty

> low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but close).

>

> I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

site.

> (see below)

>

> Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to

eat

> enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement -

does

> anybody suggested one?

>

> Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else

has

> info on this topic, please let me know.

>

> Thanks,

>

> Lynn

>

>

>

> Ferritin and hypothyroid

> A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover

that

> being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage

> iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage

> iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

>

> Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can

> result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn

> leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body

> temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes

you

> to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result

in

> heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

>

> Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide into

> low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

precursor

> to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

fatigue,

> weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

and/or

> foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on

> enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

Armour!

>

> Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first

two

> of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

activity

> of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron. Iron

> deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce

the

> conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

concentrations

> of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

>

> Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for

> normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

>

> What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean

> meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

greens,

> kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and

> molasses.

>

> But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron

> tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

Ferrous

> Fumerate, etc.

>

> Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

taking a

> good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

with

> the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

owner

> of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with food

> and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

Ferritin

> up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

>

> Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

stomach.

> Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has

fewer

> side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

>

> Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken

your

> teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

(nonheme)

> liquid iron avoids this.

>

> How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take

it?

> When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into

> months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL

IRON

> daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your

> Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research. And

> you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

>

> Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

recommended

> to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

least,

> drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> absorption, as can B-vitamins.

>

> What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements? If

> you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add

> Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you

find

> the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days

if

> the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too

much

> will cause diarrhea).

>

> Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

swallow

> your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to

avoid

> swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to some

of

> the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your

> natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow

your

> iron.

>

> What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems absorbing

> oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

another

> option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

replenish

> body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

>

> Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several of

us

> have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to

> stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

foods,

> especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

>

> Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood

> without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Sis! I am glad to know I could do it with this illness!

Hugs, Lynn

> >

> > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> studying

> > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> >

> > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> pretty

> > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

close).

> >

> > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> site.

> > (see below)

> >

> > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to

> eat

> > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement -

> does

> > anybody suggested one?

> >

> > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else

> has

> > info on this topic, please let me know.

> >

> > Thanks,

> >

> > Lynn

> >

> >

> >

> > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover

> that

> > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage

> > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage

> > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> >

> > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can

> > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn

> > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body

> > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes

> you

> > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result

> in

> > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> >

> > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

into

> > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> precursor

> > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> fatigue,

> > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

> and/or

> > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on

> > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> Armour!

> >

> > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first

> two

> > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> activity

> > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

Iron

> > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce

> the

> > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> concentrations

> > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> >

> > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for

> > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> >

> > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean

> > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> greens,

> > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and

> > molasses.

> >

> > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron

> > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

> Ferrous

> > Fumerate, etc.

> >

> > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

> taking a

> > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

> with

> > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

> owner

> > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

food

> > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> Ferritin

> > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> >

> > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> stomach.

> > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has

> fewer

> > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> >

> > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken

> your

> > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> (nonheme)

> > liquid iron avoids this.

> >

> > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take

> it?

> > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into

> > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL

> IRON

> > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your

> > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

And

> > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> >

> > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> recommended

> > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> least,

> > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> >

> > What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements?

If

> > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add

> > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you

> find

> > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days

> if

> > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too

> much

> > will cause diarrhea).

> >

> > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> swallow

> > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to

> avoid

> > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

some

> of

> > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your

> > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow

> your

> > iron.

> >

> > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

absorbing

> > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

> another

> > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> replenish

> > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> >

> > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several

of

> us

> > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to

> > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> foods,

> > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> >

> > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood

> > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Great Lynn,

One more out of the way. You will do well on the next one also.

Lynda

At 08:54 PM 4/1/2008, you wrote:

>Thanks Sis! I am glad to know I could do it with this illness!

>

>Hugs, Lynn

>

>

> > >

> > > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> > studying

> > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> > >

> > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> > pretty

> > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

>close).

> > >

> > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> > site.

> > > (see below)

> > >

> > > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough to

> > eat

> > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron supplement -

> > does

> > > anybody suggested one?

> > >

> > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody else

> > has

> > > info on this topic, please let me know.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Lynn

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to discover

> > that

> > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or storage

> > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your storage

> > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> > >

> > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid can

> > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in turn

> > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your body

> > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which causes

> > you

> > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can result

> > in

> > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> > >

> > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

>into

> > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> > precursor

> > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> > fatigue,

> > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

> > and/or

> > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not on

> > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> > Armour!

> > >

> > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the first

> > two

> > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> > activity

> > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

>Iron

> > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and reduce

> > the

> > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> > concentrations

> > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> > >

> > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential for

> > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> > >

> > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include lean

> > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> > greens,

> > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins, and

> > > molasses.

> > >

> > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with iron

> > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

> > Ferrous

> > > Fumerate, etc.

> > >

> > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

> > taking a

> > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

> > with

> > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

> > owner

> > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

>food

> > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> > Ferritin

> > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> > >

> > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> > stomach.

> > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too, has

> > fewer

> > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> > >

> > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can blacken

> > your

> > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> > (nonheme)

> > > liquid iron avoids this.

> > >

> > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I take

> > it?

> > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks, into

> > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of ELEMENTAL

> > IRON

> > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get your

> > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

>And

> > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> > >

> > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> > recommended

> > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> > least,

> > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> > >

> > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron supplements?

>If

> > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools, add

> > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until you

> > find

> > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few days

> > if

> > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e. too

> > much

> > > will cause diarrhea).

> > >

> > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> > swallow

> > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important to

> > avoid

> > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

>some

> > of

> > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing your

> > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you swallow

> > your

> > > iron.

> > >

> > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

>absorbing

> > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

> > another

> > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> > replenish

> > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> > >

> > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up? Several

>of

> > us

> > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise to

> > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> > foods,

> > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> > >

> > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via blood

> > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> > >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Lynda! It has been a struggle because my memory isn't as good

as it used to be, plus it is tough to concentrate! But I did it and

that makes me feel accomplished! One more - wahoo! Then confernment

in San Diego come September. I need a vacation. Can't afford one,

but this one is on the company

How are you?

> > > >

> > > > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> > > studying

> > > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> > > >

> > > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> > > pretty

> > > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

> >close).

> > > >

> > > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> > > site.

> > > > (see below)

> > > >

> > > > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough

to

> > > eat

> > > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron

supplement -

> > > does

> > > > anybody suggested one?

> > > >

> > > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody

else

> > > has

> > > > info on this topic, please let me know.

> > > >

> > > > Thanks,

> > > >

> > > > Lynn

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > > > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to

discover

> > > that

> > > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or

storage

> > > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your

storage

> > > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > > > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> > > >

> > > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid

can

> > > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in

turn

> > > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your

body

> > > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which

causes

> > > you

> > > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can

result

> > > in

> > > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> > > >

> > > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

> >into

> > > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> > > precursor

> > > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> > > fatigue,

> > > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

> > > and/or

> > > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not

on

> > > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> > > Armour!

> > > >

> > > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the

first

> > > two

> > > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> > > activity

> > > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

> >Iron

> > > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and

reduce

> > > the

> > > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> > > concentrations

> > > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> > > >

> > > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential

for

> > > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> > > >

> > > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include

lean

> > > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> > > greens,

> > > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins,

and

> > > > molasses.

> > > >

> > > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with

iron

> > > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

> > > Ferrous

> > > > Fumerate, etc.

> > > >

> > > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

> > > taking a

> > > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

> > > with

> > > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

> > > owner

> > > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

> >food

> > > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> > > Ferritin

> > > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> > > >

> > > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> > > stomach.

> > > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too,

has

> > > fewer

> > > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> > > >

> > > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can

blacken

> > > your

> > > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> > > (nonheme)

> > > > liquid iron avoids this.

> > > >

> > > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I

take

> > > it?

> > > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks,

into

> > > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of

ELEMENTAL

> > > IRON

> > > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get

your

> > > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

> >And

> > > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> > > >

> > > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> > > recommended

> > > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> > > least,

> > > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > > > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> > > >

> > > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron

supplements?

> >If

> > > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools,

add

> > > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until

you

> > > find

> > > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few

days

> > > if

> > > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e.

too

> > > much

> > > > will cause diarrhea).

> > > >

> > > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> > > swallow

> > > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important

to

> > > avoid

> > > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

> >some

> > > of

> > > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing

your

> > > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you

swallow

> > > your

> > > > iron.

> > > >

> > > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

> >absorbing

> > > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

> > > another

> > > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> > > replenish

> > > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> > > >

> > > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up?

Several

> >of

> > > us

> > > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise

to

> > > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> > > foods,

> > > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> > > >

> > > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via

blood

> > > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Lynda,

I will have to see if it is close to where we are staying. I can't

wait! I have never been to San Diego. I started my designation in

2005 or so, so it has taken me years - it is 10 parts. I took a

break to finish my BS and right after graduation I started studying

again. San Diego will make it all worth it.

I will have to look on a map to see where LaJolla coast is in

relation to the hotel.

Hugs, Lynn

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> > > > > studying

> > > > > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my

Ferritin is

> > > > > pretty

> > > > > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

> > > >close).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid

Maddness

> > > > > site.

> > > > > > (see below)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is

rough

> >to

> > > > > eat

> > > > > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron

> >supplement -

> > > > > does

> > > > > > anybody suggested one?

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If

anybody

> >else

> > > > > has

> > > > > > info on this topic, please let me know.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Thanks,

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Lynn

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > > > > > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to

> >discover

> > > > > that

> > > > > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or

> >storage

> > > > > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when

Ferritin is

> > > > > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your

> >storage

> > > > > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use.

You can

> > > > > > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being

hypothyroid

> >can

> > > > > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which

in

> >turn

> > > > > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your

> >body

> > > > > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which

> >causes

> > > > > you

> > > > > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can

> >result

> > > > > in

> > > > > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the

slide

> > > >into

> > > > > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> > > > > precursor

> > > > > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then

have

> > > > > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness,

easy

> > > > > fatigue,

> > > > > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex

drive,

> > > > > and/or

> > > > > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are

not

> >on

> > > > > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively

low

> > > > > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising

your

> > > > > Armour!

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting

the

> >first

> > > > > two

> > > > > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing

the

> > > > > activity

> > > > > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on

iron.

> > > >Iron

> > > > > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and

> >reduce

> > > > > the

> > > > > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of

T3.

> > > > > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> > > > > concentrations

> > > > > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are

essential

> >for

> > > > > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have

verified low

> > > > > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is

to

> > > > > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include

> >lean

> > > > > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach,

collard

> > > > > greens,

> > > > > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals,

raisins,

> >and

> > > > > > molasses.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement

with

> >iron

> > > > > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous

Glutamate,

> > > > > Ferrous

> > > > > > Fumerate, etc.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you

are

> > > > > taking a

> > > > > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's

depleted

> > > > > with

> > > > > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food.

The

> > > > > owner

> > > > > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate

with

> > > >food

> > > > > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get

her

> > > > > Ferritin

> > > > > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder

on

> > > > > stomach.

> > > > > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it,

too,

> >has

> > > > > fewer

> > > > > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can

> >blacken

> > > > > your

> > > > > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE

BASED

> > > > > (nonheme)

> > > > > > liquid iron avoids this.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I

> >take

> > > > > it?

> > > > > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many

weeks,

> >into

> > > > > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of

> >ELEMENTAL

> > > > > IRON

> > > > > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW

MUCH

> > > > > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to

get

> >your

> > > > > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own

research.

> > > >And

> > > > > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> > > > > recommended

> > > > > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the

very

> > > > > least,

> > > > > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink

like

> > > > > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > > > > > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron

> >supplements?

> > > >If

> > > > > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard

stools,

> >add

> > > > > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day,

until

> >you

> > > > > find

> > > > > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a

few

> >days

> > > > > if

> > > > > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much

(i.e.

> >too

> > > > > much

> > > > > > will cause diarrhea).

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If

you

> > > > > swallow

> > > > > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's

important

> >to

> > > > > avoid

> > > > > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will

bind to

> > > >some

> > > > > of

> > > > > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are

doing

> >your

> > > > > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you

> >swallow

> > > > > your

> > > > > > iron.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

> > > >absorbing

> > > > > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other

issue,

> > > > > another

> > > > > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> > > > > replenish

> > > > > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up?

> >Several

> > > >of

> > > > > us

> > > > > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be

wise

> >to

> > > > > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron

rich

> > > > > foods,

> > > > > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once

into

> > > > > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need

to.

> > > > > >

> > > > > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via

> >blood

> > > > > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it

here:

> > > > > >

> > > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> >

> >

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

San Diego is one of my favorite places, be sure

to take a walk on LaJolla coast. It is the most

beautiful place. One of my very favorite places to take a walk.

Lynda

At 09:03 PM 4/1/2008, you wrote:

>Thanks Lynda! It has been a struggle because my memory isn't as good

>as it used to be, plus it is tough to concentrate! But I did it and

>that makes me feel accomplished! One more - wahoo! Then confernment

>in San Diego come September. I need a vacation. Can't afford one,

>but this one is on the company

>

>How are you?

>

>

> > > > >

> > > > > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> > > > studying

> > > > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> > > > >

> > > > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> > > > pretty

> > > > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

> > >close).

> > > > >

> > > > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> > > > site.

> > > > > (see below)

> > > > >

> > > > > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough

>to

> > > > eat

> > > > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron

>supplement -

> > > > does

> > > > > anybody suggested one?

> > > > >

> > > > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody

>else

> > > > has

> > > > > info on this topic, please let me know.

> > > > >

> > > > > Thanks,

> > > > >

> > > > > Lynn

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > >

> > > > > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > > > > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to

>discover

> > > > that

> > > > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or

>storage

> > > > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > > > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your

>storage

> > > > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > > > > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> > > > >

> > > > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid

>can

> > > > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in

>turn

> > > > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your

>body

> > > > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which

>causes

> > > > you

> > > > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can

>result

> > > > in

> > > > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> > > > >

> > > > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

> > >into

> > > > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> > > > precursor

> > > > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > > > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> > > > fatigue,

> > > > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

> > > > and/or

> > > > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not

>on

> > > > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > > > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> > > > Armour!

> > > > >

> > > > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the

>first

> > > > two

> > > > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> > > > activity

> > > > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

> > >Iron

> > > > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and

>reduce

> > > > the

> > > > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > > > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> > > > concentrations

> > > > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> > > > >

> > > > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential

>for

> > > > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> > > > >

> > > > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > > > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > > > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include

>lean

> > > > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> > > > greens,

> > > > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins,

>and

> > > > > molasses.

> > > > >

> > > > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with

>iron

> > > > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

> > > > Ferrous

> > > > > Fumerate, etc.

> > > > >

> > > > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

> > > > taking a

> > > > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

> > > > with

> > > > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

> > > > owner

> > > > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

> > >food

> > > > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> > > > Ferritin

> > > > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> > > > >

> > > > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> > > > stomach.

> > > > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too,

>has

> > > > fewer

> > > > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> > > > >

> > > > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can

>blacken

> > > > your

> > > > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> > > > (nonheme)

> > > > > liquid iron avoids this.

> > > > >

> > > > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I

>take

> > > > it?

> > > > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks,

>into

> > > > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of

>ELEMENTAL

> > > > IRON

> > > > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > > > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get

>your

> > > > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

> > >And

> > > > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> > > > >

> > > > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> > > > recommended

> > > > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> > > > least,

> > > > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > > > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > > > > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> > > > >

> > > > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron

>supplements?

> > >If

> > > > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools,

>add

> > > > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until

>you

> > > > find

> > > > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few

>days

> > > > if

> > > > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e.

>too

> > > > much

> > > > > will cause diarrhea).

> > > > >

> > > > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> > > > swallow

> > > > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important

>to

> > > > avoid

> > > > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

> > >some

> > > > of

> > > > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing

>your

> > > > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you

>swallow

> > > > your

> > > > > iron.

> > > > >

> > > > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

> > >absorbing

> > > > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

> > > > another

> > > > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> > > > replenish

> > > > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> > > > >

> > > > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up?

>Several

> > >of

> > > > us

> > > > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise

>to

> > > > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> > > > foods,

> > > > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > > > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> > > > >

> > > > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via

>blood

> > > > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> > > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> >

>

>

[Guest guest]

Lynn,Congradulations!From what I hear, insurance tests are really, really tough!You're doing great!Hugs,Rogene

[Guest guest]

Lynn,

That's how I felt when I was in school full-time during the worst of

my illness, I couldn't believe that I made the Deans List with the

brain fog I had. Now I'm trying to pass this awful Project

Management exam and it's so difficult I've failed it twice. It's

not because of my illness, though, it's because of how the exam is

structured. I'm giving it one more try in a couple of months.

Sis

> > >

> > > Sorry, I haven't been on the board much. I have been busy

> > studying

> > > for an insurance ed test - I passed! Yippee.

> > >

> > > I had some routine bloodwork fun and it showed my Ferritin is

> > pretty

> > > low. Mine is 11 and range is 10-154 (so not abnormal but

> close).

> > >

> > > I researched and came across info on Stop The Thyroid Maddness

> > site.

> > > (see below)

> > >

> > > Due to my " restricted " diet and food sensitivies, it is rough

to

> > eat

> > > enough iron filled foods. I am thinking of an iron

supplement -

> > does

> > > anybody suggested one?

> > >

> > > Maybe iron is the kick I need to help - hope so. If anybody

else

> > has

> > > info on this topic, please let me know.

> > >

> > > Thanks,

> > >

> > > Lynn

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Ferritin and hypothyroid

> > > A large body of thyroid patients have been surprised to

discover

> > that

> > > being hypothyroid also results in having low Ferritin, or

storage

> > > iron. Ferritin is an iron-storage protein. So when Ferritin is

> > > measured via a blood test, it is basically measuring your

storage

> > > iron, or the iron you have tucked away for future use. You can

> > > have " normal " iron serum levels, yet a low Ferritin.

> > >

> > > Why do we often have low Ferritin? Because being hypothyroid

can

> > > result in a lowered production of hydrochloric acid which in

turn

> > > leads to the malabsorption of iron. It can also lower your

body

> > > temperature (common for those on thyroxine, as well) which

causes

> > you

> > > to make less red blood cells. Additionally, being hypo can

result

> > in

> > > heavier periods, which causes more iron loss.

> > >

> > > Why is having low Ferritin a problem? First, though the slide

> into

> > > low Ferritin can be symptomless, it eventually becomes the

> > precursor

> > > to being anemic. And once the latter occurs, you can then have

> > > symptoms which mimic hypothyroid–depression, achiness, easy

> > fatigue,

> > > weakness, faster heartrate, palpitations, loss of sex drive,

> > and/or

> > > foggy thinking, etc, causing a patient to think they are not

on

> > > enough Armour, or that Armour is not working. Excessively low

> > > Ferritin can also make it difficult to continue raising your

> > Armour!

> > >

> > > Biologically, insufficient iron levels may be affecting the

first

> > two

> > > of three steps of thyroid hormone synthesis by reducing the

> > activity

> > > of the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, which is dependent on iron.

> Iron

> > > deficiency, in turn, may also alter thyroid metabolism and

reduce

> > the

> > > conversion of T4 to T3, besides modifying the binding of T3.

> > > Additionally, low iron levels can increase circulating

> > concentrations

> > > of TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

> > >

> > > Iron, in addition to iodine, selenium and zinc, are essential

for

> > > normal thyroid hormone metabolism.

> > >

> > > What's the solution? The solution, after you have verified low

> > > Ferritin with a blood test (i.e. lower than the 50's), is to

> > > supplement your diet with iron. Foods rich in iron include

lean

> > > meats, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables (spinach, collard

> > greens,

> > > kale), wheat germ, whole grain breads and cereals, raisins,

and

> > > molasses.

> > >

> > > But most patients have found it necessary to supplement with

iron

> > > tablets, which includes Ferrous Sulfate, Ferrous Glutamate,

> > Ferrous

> > > Fumerate, etc.

> > >

> > > Ferrous Sulfate is usually the cheapest–just be sure you are

> > taking a

> > > good Vit. E with it since there is evidence that it's depleted

> > with

> > > the use of Ferrous Sulfate. And always take it with food. The

> > owner

> > > of this site had to take 2-3 325 mgs. of Ferrous Sulfate with

> food

> > > and throughout the day, for months to even BEGIN to get her

> > Ferritin

> > > up. plus 800 mgs Magnesium.

> > >

> > > Ferrous Gluconate may cause fewer symptoms and is milder on

> > stomach.

> > > Ferrous Fumerate is often prescribed by doctors as it, too,

has

> > fewer

> > > side effects, absorbs well, and is easier on the stomach.

> > >

> > > Beware of liquid iron that is animal based (heme)–it can

blacken

> > your

> > > teeth, as it did to the owner of this site. VEGETABLE BASED

> > (nonheme)

> > > liquid iron avoids this.

> > >

> > > How much iron supplementation do I need, and how long do I

take

> > it?

> > > When Ferritin is low, you have to give yourself many weeks,

into

> > > months, to improve the levels..taking up to 200 mg. of

ELEMENTAL

> > IRON

> > > daily, with meals. BE SURE AND READ THE LABEL TO SEE HOW MUCH

> > > ELEMENTAL IRON IS IN EACH TABLET. The general goal is to get

your

> > > Ferritin to a minimum of 70-90, according to our own research.

> And

> > > you may have to stay on iron to maintain those levels.

> > >

> > > Should I take anything with the iron to help? Yes. It's

> > recommended

> > > to take Vitamin C, which helps absorption of iron. At the very

> > least,

> > > drink down your iron tablets with orange juice or a drink like

> > > Emergen-C. Also taking a mineral supplement can assist the

> > > absorption, as can B-vitamins.

> > >

> > > What about the constipation I get from taking iron

supplements?

> If

> > > you do find yourself with constipation or very hard stools,

add

> > > Magnesium Citrate as a supplement, taken twice a day, until

you

> > find

> > > the amount that softens your stool. You'll know within a few

days

> > if

> > > the amount you are taking is enough….or even too much (i.e.

too

> > much

> > > will cause diarrhea).

> > >

> > > Can I take iron at the same time I swallow my Armour? If you

> > swallow

> > > your Armour instead of doing it sublingually, it's important

to

> > avoid

> > > swallowing iron with your Armour, since the iron will bind to

> some

> > of

> > > the thyroid hormones and make them useless. If you are doing

your

> > > natural thyroid sublingually, you are fine whenever you

swallow

> > your

> > > iron.

> > >

> > > What if I can't tolerate oral iron? If you have problems

> absorbing

> > > oral iron due to a previous stomach surgery or other issue,

> > another

> > > option is to use Venofer - an intravenous iron which helps

> > replenish

> > > body iron stores. (Thanks go to " Chenille " for this info)

> > >

> > > Once I get my ferritin levels back up, will it stay up?

Several

> of

> > us

> > > have had our ferritin levels plummet again, so it may be wise

to

> > > stick with a small dose of supplemental iron and eat iron rich

> > foods,

> > > especially if you are female and still menstruating. Once into

> > > menopause, your ferritin levels may stay where they need to.

> > >

> > > Near a LabOne facility? They can do the ferritin test via

blood

> > > without a doctor's prescription, and you can order it here:

> > >

> >

>