Stewart Hare asked:

The condition known as hypothyroidism is when the thyroid gland does not function properly. This results in the body having reduced levels of thyroid hormone in it. Dry skin, hair loss, hoarseness, excessive menstruation, fatigue, lethargy, depression, intolerance to cold, constipation and weight gain are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.

There are different causes of hypothyroidism, cretinism is a type of hypothyroidism that develops at birth and results in stunted growth and mental development. A common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease of the thyroid gland. Damage done during radiation treatment or surgery to the thyroid gland to treat hyperthyroidism (an over active thyroid gland) is another common cause of hypothyroidism. Also some drugs, such as phenylbutazone and lithium, sometimes also cause hypothyroidism. Some people with an enlargement of the thyroid gland which is known as goitre have hypothyroidism. This is cause by an iodine deficiency which could be the result of eating too many foods that contain goitrogens such as rapeseed, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower or by another disorder that effects the thyroid hormone production. A condition known as secondary hypothyroidism is cause by the hypothalamus or pituitary gland not stimulating the thyroid gland properly. Severe hypothyroidism is called myxedema.

Extreme iodine deficiency is another possible cause of hypothyroidism but this is rare.

Medical treatment of hypothyroidism consists of prescribing synthetic thyroid or desiccated thyroid hormone. Naturopathic practitioners like to use desiccated natural thyroid complete with all thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormone replacement is necessary in most cases of hypothyroidism.

Changing the diet will help with hypothyroidism. Eating goitrogenic foods such as rapeseed, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, maize, lima beans, soya and pearl millet should be limited. These foods contain natural goitrogens, which are chemicals that cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. Cooking is known to make the goitrogens elements less effective but it would be wise not eat these foods raw. Foods that contain iodine such as kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas should be kept in the diet. In the treatment of underactive thyroid, fats, sugars, sodium chloride, red meat and egg intake should also be restricted.

The relationship between iodine and thyroid is complex, iodine is needed by the body to form thyroid hormone, and goitre and hypothyroidism can occur through iodine deficiency. Extreme and prolonged iodine deficiency can lead to serious types of hypothyroidism, such as cretinism or myxedema. On the other hand, consumption of excessive iodine intake can result in either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The amount of 150 mcg that is usually in multi-mineral supplements should be enough to stop iodine deficiency but not enough to do harm.

The amino acid tyrosine is an essential part of the thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters; this has been found to be deficient in people with hypothyroidism. Practitioners often recommended a low dose of thyroxine such as 1000mg to correct hypothyroidism. People with depression also have low levels of tyrosine, this is why it has be linked to hypothyroidism.

Vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E are needed for the synthesis of thyroxine. The B vitamins and copper are vital co-factors for tyrosine metabolism. Copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of T3 from T4.

Some herbs can help combat hypothyroidism, nettle will balance the thyroid with both under and over activity. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a type of brown seaweed that contains iodine. Hypothyroidism due to small intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation; also kelp has been linked to helping with hypothyroidism. Some people with hypothyroidism have seen improvements by taking Chinese herbs.

Another aspect to look at is chemical sensitivities. Research has shown an association between hypothyroidism and multiple chemical sensitivities. It was found that people with exposure to toxic heavy metals, polybrominated biphenyls and cardon disulfides through their occupations suffered from depression, fatigue, poor memory and constipation which are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Another important factor in the treatment of hypothyroidism is exercise. Exercise increases tissue sensitivity to the thyroid hormone and stimulates thyroid gland secretion. This is especially true in people who are dieting; this is because when dieting the metabolic rate decreases but exercise prevents this decline. An exercise regime of between 15-20 minutes per day will be beneficial with hypothyroidism. This exercise needs to be strenuous enough to raise the heartbeat, an exercise such as walking, swimming, running and cycling.

In conclusion, to combat hypothyroidism, it is best not to consume foods high in goitrogens especially raw but to increase foods high in iodine in the diet, to exercise daily for 20 minutes, to supplement the diet with multiminerals and multivitamins, B complex, vitamin C, manganese, tyrosine, kelp and iodine and to check whether sensitivity to chemicals are causing hypothyroidism. Some Chinese herbs may also help.

The following supplements may help if you are suffering from Hypothyroidism.

B vitamins complex

Manganese

Multivitamin and multiminerals

Vitamin C

Tyrosine

Kelp

Iodine

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Lu Young asked:

1. Always take on an empty stomach. At least 4 hours after your last food and 1 hour before you eat any additional food.

2. Always take your thyroid drug with no other medications.

3. Wait at least 2 hours after you take your thyroid prescription to take anything with high iron content (chicken or beef liver, sardines, spinach, or even a multivitamin and mineral supplement).

4. Avoid eating large quantities of food that are known to act like anti-thyroid prescriptions. These foods include: Brussels sprouts, millet, cassava, cauliflower, turnips, and rutabagas.

5. Take antacids (like TUMS) at least 2 hours after your thyroid prescription. Antacids may slow or diminish the absorption of your prescription.

6. Eat calcium-rich foods at least 2 hours after your thyroid prescription. Calcium-rich foods include: milk, fortified juices, yogurts, and cheeses.

7. Be aware that if you start taking a birth control pill or other hormone replacement therapy, you may need to discuss with your physician a change in your dose of thyroid prescription.

8. Take your antidepressant separately from your thyroid prescription. Taking them together may accelerate the effects of both medications.

9. Cholesterol lowering medications should be taken at least 4 hours after your medication.

You are not alone.

Let me tell you my own story. I was very sluggish. My hair was thinning. I felt like my mind was in a thick fog. I could look at food and gain weight. When my TSH was first checked it was 84. I was put on Synthroid. My TSH shot down to less than 0.03 and stayed that way for over six months. My thyroid was finally radiated into submission. Thru the years my TSH never stayed stable. My symptoms have not subsided. I have followed the above steps for taking my medication properly and have since I first started taking it. So it is not a matter of non-compliance or improperly taking my medication.

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Amy Myers asked:

Recently Oprah was spotted flaunting a healthy appearance but her earlier days were full of struggle. She was battling with life at every stage. Her fluctuating weight condition was the greatest cause of concern but her victory over weight gain and hypothyroidism deserves a great applause.

The insufficient production of Thyroid hormones in our body causes this disorder that consequently stimulates weight gain and tiredness. There are various symptoms of this disorder such as depression, infertility, high cholesterol levels, hair loss, lower sex drive and unhealthy menstrual cycle. Thyroid problems are common in women around the globe. There are several factors that can slow down the production of Thyroid hormones such as environment, genetics and medications. Aging is the most common factor. Hypothyroidism affects mostly women over 60.

Oprah’s Thyroid cure was mainly a combination of healthy nutrition, workouts and proper rest. She thinks lifestyle plays a major role in shaping your body. She followed a strict dieting and workout regime for losing those extra pounds. She took lost of high fibrous foods such as fruits and vegetables in her diet. These foods are rich in anti-oxidants, which enables our body to flush out toxins with ease.

She performed Yoga with her friend Bob Greene who is a fitness expert. Yoga not only helps in boosting metabolism but also rejuvenates your mind and soul. Cardio workouts such as running and walking can also be performed from the comfort and privacy of your home. One should preferably sleep 8 hours daily.

Acai Berry Diet plan is one of the most effective fat burning nutrition. This diet plan can boosts metabolism in your body and stimulate fat loss. The unique mood enhancing properties of Acai Berries keeps you motivated throughout your diet plan. They contain lots of essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and fibers. Acai berry diet plan also acts as an appetite suppressant.

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Sona Tanna asked:

Most doctors agree that one of the most often used and successful of the thyroid disorder solutions for treating hypothyroidism is to supplement the thyroid hormone. Originally thyroid glands of various animals that had been desiccated were what were prescribed in order to treat hypothyroidism. Now, this has been replaced using a synthetic type of hormone called Synthroid. 

Thankfully there are other thyroid disorder solutions and treatments available and one of those includes supplementing the iodine in your body. Many experts believe that iodine only has one major function and contribution to your body and that is that it is considered essential in order for the thyroid gland to create Thyroxine.  

However other thyroid disorder solutions are of a natural nature and can include:

Thyromine that is used to help promote healthy thyroids and it does not produce side effects. It is a combination of sea vegetables, such as Bovine Powder and Nori (seaweed with a high amount of iodine in it) and several different and unique herbs.

Another one of the thyroid disorder solutions is to use Thyax which contains amino acids, many different vitamins, mineral and other trace elements. It contains a small amount of iodine as well as a comprehensive amount of B vitamins and helps to boost any deficiencies in the Phenylalanine amino acids that are in your body.  

All of these ingredients together will work with your body’s own system to help restore the thyroid to its properly functioning manner as well as improving your overall health.

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