How to Deal with Hypothyroidism

Well, I thought that I would start out with a blog about hypothyroidism since I just spoke with a mom whose 3 year old was diagnosed with the condition. I think I will organize this blog like this: 1) What is hypothyroidism? 2) What are the syptoms of hypothyroidism? 3)What are some possible environmental causes of hypothyroidism? 4) What are some dietary causes of hypothyroidism? 5) What are some things that can be done to mitigate the environmental factors? 6) What are some dietary changes that can be made? 7) What are some herbs that can be helpful in controlling hypothyroidism? 8) What are the options that a doctor may give?

1) What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothryroidism occurs when the thyroid gland ceases to produce the proper amount of thyroid hormone.

2) What are the symptoms of hypothryroidism?

Fatigue, weight gain, slowed heart rate, constipation, irritability, sensitivity to cold, mental depression, slowness or slurring of speech, drooping and swollen eyes, swollen face, headaches, hair loss, brittleness of hair, female problems (such as heavy menstrual flow, painful periods, and premenstrual tension), decreased immune functioning, and calcium metabolism problems. In childhood, hypothyroidism can cause a retardation of normal growth and development.

3) What are some possible environmental causes of hypothyroidism?

In my opinion, one of the biggest causes of hypothyroidism is fluoride. In the 1950s, small doses of fluoride was used to treat hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) with great success. Today, the average western person consumes many times the amount of fluoride that was given to patients with hyperthyroidism. It is also widely adknowledged and accepted by the alternative medical field that fluoride is one of the possible environmental causes of hypothyroidism. Much of our exposure to fluoride comes from water and toothpaste. Additional possible environmental causes are exposure to radiation, mercury from silver amalgam dental fillings, pollutants in cigarette smoke (namely thyocyanide), and chlorinated compounds that can be found in wood and leather preservatives.

4) What are some dietary causes of hypothyroidism?

There are several different dietary factors. One of these is synthetic and genetically engineered hormones that are present in meat, dairy products, poultry, and eggs. These hormones block the release of thyroid hormones. They can also lead to estrogen dominance symptoms in women which can lead to greater problems. Excess iodine is also an issue because iodine is a powerful thyroid inhibitor. But you don't want to get too little iodine. A balance here is important. There are also certain raw cruciferou vegetables that are thyroid inhibitors. These include cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower. Liver is also a thyroid inhibitor and it is possible that soy may be as well. There are also some vitamin deficiencies, specifically A and B vitamins, and mineral definciencies, specifically zinc, copper, iron, and selenium that may lead to hypothyroidism. Also an excess intake of polyunsaturated fats may lead to hypothyroidism. These include soybean, safflower, and corn oils.

5) What are some things that might be done to mitigate environmental factors?

First and foremost you should change your toothpaste to one that does not contain fluoride. The best one that I have found is called Ultrashine Radiance from a company in Utah called Neways. You can purchase this at www.ineways.com/cs. You can always purchase a non-fluoridated toothpaste from your local health food store but please be aware that these may contain other harmful ingredients that are best avoided. Please see our list of harmful ingredients for this. You should also not drink any water that contains fluoride. You can check with your city or county to see if they enhance your water with fluoride. You also want to make sure that any bottled water you may drink is not enhanced with fluoride. Secondly, you should have all of your mercury amalgam fillings replaced by your dentist. These fillings have also been linked to many other diseases and conditions such as Alzheimer's disease, arthritis, cancer, candidiasis, chronic fatigue syndrome, headaches, heart disease, Miniere's disease, and multiple sclerosis. These are just a few of the conditions that can be triggered by these mercury fillings. So get those taken out! And definitely avoid cigarette smoke!! If you are a smoker, you can try to cut down or quit. One great way to quit is through hypnosis. You can even get a great book called Instant Self-Hypnosis and try it yourself.



6) What are some dietary changes that can be made?

Here is a list of nutrients that help with hypothyroidism:
Vitamin E (800-1200 IU)
Vitamin A (10,000-20,000 IU), necessary because those with hyperthyroidism do not convert vitamin A into beta cerotene efficiently*
Vitamin C (3,000-5,000 mg)
Vitamin B Complex (100-150 mg)
Zinc (25 mg)
Copper (3 mg)
Selenium (200 mcg)
Iron (100 mcg)
Amino acid tyrosine (250-750 mg per day)

*Pregnant women should not take more than 10,000 IU of Vitamin A a day due to the risk of birth defects

I would recommend that you find a good mineral and vitamin supplement to use that contains these. Below are the three I recommend with links:

For Women: SuperMaxx for Her
For Men: SuperMaxx for Him
For Children: Junior Max or smaller doses of the SuperMaxx


There are also some foods that will encourage thyroid production. These include seaweed, garlic, radishes, watercress, seafood, egg yolks, raw milk products such as kefir, yogurt, or cottage cheese, wheat germ, brewer's yeast, mushcrooms, organic beek or poulry, amaranth, quinoa, seeds, sprouted beans, watermelon. tropical fruits and fruit juices, and coconut oil.

Click Here for a great seaweed supplement

7) What are some herbs that can be helpful in controlling hypothyroidism?

Just a bit of a disclaimer here. Please remember that herbal treatments usually take much longer than those that are prescribed by a doctor. This is especially true in this case. If you would like to decrease your medication by using herbal remedies please continue to work with your doctor to ensure your continued health. There are three herbs that may stimulate thyroid function. These include Betel leaf (depending on dosage), Coleus root, and Guggul Gum. If the herbal rememdy route is the path you choose to take please work with a physician or alternative practitioner to determine the best method for you.

8) What are the options that a doctor may give?

Unfortunately, the options that a doctor usually gives a patient dealing with hypothyroidism are very limited. Doctors will usually treat thyroid condition with a drug called Synthroid. Unfortuately many people are not able to utilize this drug properly and it turns out to be an ineffective treatment. A different option is Armour Thyroid. Please make sure that you take an active role in your health to ensure that your doctor is prescribing the best option for you.



Favorite Links on this topic:

Fluoride
http://www.fluoridealert.org/
http://www.mercola.com/article/links/fluoride_links.htm
http://www.fluoridation.com/
www.orgsites.com/ny/nyscof
www.tldp.com/fluoride.htm
www.all-natural.com/fleffect.html
http://www.fluoride-journal.com/
emporium.turnpike.net/P/PDHA/health.htm
www.zerowasteamerica.org/Fluoride.htm
www.wholywater.com/fluoride.html
ehpnet1.niehs.nih.gov/docs/1997/105-11/forum.html
www.icnr.com/FluoridePres.html
www.atlaschiro.com/fluorideresch.htm
www.holisticmed.com/fluoride
doctoryourself.com/fluoride_cancer.html

Additional Reading: