Healthy Thyroid Interventions

[Guest guest]

There's been an article posted in our files section under Healing

Therapies on the thyroid. Here it is again:

Adapted from the book " The Rebellious Body " by Janice Strubbe

Wittenburg, R.N.,

who was afflicted with both CFS and Environmental Illness. This

book is an

excellent and highly recommended resource on healing options in the

treatment

of toxic diseases.

THE THYROID

Low thyroid function is a common cause of chronic fatigue, yet is

often

overlooked because the serum measurement of thyroid hormone may not

accurately

reflect low thyroid hormone levels. Mild, or subclinical,

hypothyroidism can

go undetected. Low thyroid hormone levels can mimic CFS, but differ

in that the

malaise of CFS includes flu-like symptoms. The primary symptoms of

hypothyroidism include fatigue and feeling deep-in-your-bones cold,

without

flu-like symptoms. Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease,

does include

the flu-like symptoms of CFS.

In the case of thyroiditis, the immune system attacks the thyroid

gland; as a

result inadequate amounts of thyroid hormones are produced,

resulting in

fatigue, weight gain and other CFS symptoms. Hypothyroidism is

common in CFS

because of the changes in the hypothalamic area of the brain (which

affect

the hormones of the body) and the upregulation of the immune system

(causing

the production of antibodies to the thyroid.)

The thyroid, located in the lower portion of the throat, produces

thyroid

hormones which are essential to the regulation of metabolism, or the

rate that

cells burn oxygen. Because thyroid hormones are important in all

bodily

functions, their deficienty has widespread effects. Hypothyroidism

causes

decreased utilization of fat, which means a moderate weight gain in

those who

are ill. Women with mild hypothyroidism tend to have a history of

heavy menses,

with irregular cycles. Depression is common, as well as difficulty

thinking

clearly. There can also be muscle weakness and joint stiffness. Dry

rough,

scaly skin, as well as coarse, dry brittle hair are common in

hypothyroidism.

Cravings for sugar and carbohydrates are also noted.

The old fashioned way to determine thyroid functioning, developed by

Dr. Breda

, is to take your basal body temperature. This is done by

shaking down

a thermometer at night and placing it beside your bed. When you

wake up

in the morning, before getting up, place the thermometer under your

armpit for

10 minutes. Don't get up until the results are read. Record the

results for

three consective mornings. Women who menstruate should perform the

test during

the second, third and fourth days of their menses; all others can

take the test

at any time. Your normal, resting temperature should be between

97.6 and 98.2

degrees Fahrenheit. People who are hypothyroid tend to have a

pattern of lower

basal body temperatures.

HEALTHY THYROID INTERVENTIONS

Thyroid replacement allows the glands to rest and repair, easing its

constant

job of hormone production. Some physicians prescribe thyroid

replacement

without having abnormal laboratory results.

Treatment involves the use of synthetic thyroid hormone, or

desiccated thyroid

extract; however, people who are chemically sensitive tend to do

better using

the desiccated form. Health food stores also offer a milder form of

thyroid

extract. A diet rich in vitamins A, C, E, and most B vitamins, and

particularly

iodine can help stimulate the production of thyroid hormone. Kelp

is a good

source of iodine, as well as cod and cod-liver oil, seaweed, dulse,

lobster,

shrimp, crab, haddock, halibut and herring. Other foods, such as

garlic,

radishes, watercress, egg yolks, wheat germ, brewer's yeast,

mushrooms,

watermelon, tropical fruits and coconut oil are thyroid stimulating.

The amino acid tyrosine is necessary for the production of thyroid

hormone,

which is comprised of tyrosine and iodine. Tyrosine supplements can

help

stimulate thyroid function. (250-750 mg, taken between meals.)

Exercise also stimulates the secretion of the thyroid gland.

A 2-4 week diet of only raw foods, with heavy emphasis on raw

greens, seaweed,

nuts, seeds, sprouted beans and seeds, and freshly extracted

vegetable juices

can help improve thyroid function.

Certain foods should be temporarily avoided, as they diminish the

release of

thyroid hormone and interfere with hormone production. These

include mustard

greens, kale, cabbage, peanuts, soy flour, millet, brussels sprouts,

cauliflower,

broccoli, turnips, kohlrabi, spinach, and unsaturated oils, such as

flax, soybean,

safflower, corn, and canola.