Thyroid Health

Thyroid Health The Thyroid Gland is a small gland, normally weighing less than one ounce, located in the front of the neck. It is made up of two halves, called lobes that lie along the trachea and are joined together by a narrow band of thyroid tissue, known as the isthmus.

Thyroid Health The function of the thyroid gland is to take iodine, found in many foods, and convert it into thyroid hormones: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) Thyroid cells are the only cells in the body which can absorb iodine. These cells combine iodine and the amino acid tyrosine to make T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy). Every cell in the body depends upon thyroid hormones for regulation of their metabolism. The normal thyroid gland produces about 80% T4 and about 20% T3, however, T3 possesses about four times the hormone "strength" as T4. The numbers refer to the amount of atoms of iodine contained in the hormones, but T4 is mostly converted to T3 in the liver and kidneys.

A delicate Feedback Mechanism When the gland is healthy, it releases as much thyroid hormone as we need to keep our metabolism on an even keel. It knows just how much to release because of the feedback mechanisms between the pituitary and hypothalamus. The pituitary contains special cells that are very sensitive to levels of thyroid hormone in the blood. If they are too low, it secretes a hormone called Thyrotropin stimulating hormone (TSH). This in turn stimulates the thyroid to produce more thyroid hormone. The hypothalamus has a hand in this too. It can stimulate or suppress TSH production from the pituitary, by means of a hormone released from the hypothalamus in response to environmental changes from the brain, called thyroid releasing hormone (TRH). The whole system is sometimes called the 'hypothalamic -pituitary -thyroid axis'.

The Effect of T3 and T4 Increase the basal metabolic rate of almost all the cells in the body. Increase the fat and carbohydrate metabolism. Boost protein synthesis. Increase heart rate and blood flow to other organs. Thyroid hormones are also needed for normal development of organs such as the heart and the brain in children and for normal reproductive functioning. The thyroid gland also contains the Parathyroid Glands that are important in bone and calcium metabolism.

Thyroid Problems Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) - symptoms may include feel sluggish and tired, gain weight easily, get cold easily, dry and brittle skin hair & nails, depressed mood, slower thinking, muscle pain, constipation, muscle aches, heavier or longer menstrual periods Overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) - feel jittery, lose weight unintentionally, get hot easily, rapid heart beat, muscle weakness, frequent bowel movements, hair loss, shorter or lighter menstrual periods Thyroid Nodules - one or more lumps in the thyroid gland. These are usually benign but may be cancerous so they need to be evaluated. A history of radiation or family history of thyroid disease may be present. Thyroid Enlargement (goiter) - See or feel a swelling in the neck, tighter collars or necklaces, trouble swallowing or even trouble breathing

Thyroid Problems First hyperthyroidism, which sped up my metabolism and left me unable to sleep for days -- most people lose weight. I didn't," Winfrey wrote in O Magazine. "Then hypothyroidism, which slowed down my metabolism and made me want to sleep all the time." Dr. Samara Ginzburg of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York said that although Winfrey has not officially revealed her exact diagnosis, it sounds like chronic autoimmune thyroiditis or Hashimoto's disease. "Hashimoto's can start with a hyperthyroid phase, due to release of stored hormone from an inflamed gland, followed by a hypothyroid phase," Ginzburg said in a statement.

Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is when the thyroid becomes overactive and releases too much T3 and T4 into the blood. Another name for it is thyrotoxicosis. A person with too much circulating thyroid hormone finds they are living with a metabolism that is continually 'revved up'. That person notices: weight loss, despite an increased appetite nervousness, agitation and anxiety tiredness rapid pulse tremor (shaking) of the hands sweating and sensitivity to heat diarrhea The most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is a condition called Graves' disease, a form of thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid. In the case of Graves' disease the attacking antibodies have the effect of stimulating the thyroid to make excessive amounts of thyroid hormone. Graves' disease usually begins in the 30s or later. It's nine times more common in women than men, and it often occurs with other autoimmune diseases.

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is the opposite condition. In hypothyroidism, the thyroid fails to make and release enough T3 and T4 into the bloodstream and the metabolism slows to a crawl. This produces a range of physical and emotional changes, including: lethargy and tiredness feeling cold (even on warm days) difficulty concentrating unusual weight gain depression puffiness of the face hair loss dry skin constipation

Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism can happen because the thyroid itself fails. This is called primary hypothyroidism, it is more common in women than men, and usually starts between the ages of 30 and 50. Or it can happen when the thyroid is normal but the pituitary or hypothalamus fail to secrete enough hormone to keep the 'hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid-axis' working adequately. This is called secondary hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism can also be caused by a lack of iodine in the diet, which prevents the thyroid from making enough hormone, or as a side effect of certain drugs, like lithium. On a worldwide basis iodine deficiency is the commonest cause of hypothyroidism.

Natural or Synthetic From the early 1900s until the 1950s, the only form of thyroid replacement drug available was natural, desiccated thyroid, namely, Armour Thyroid. The drug fell out of favor with some endocrinologists, as Synthroid's extensive marketing sold synthetic thyroid as a better, more modern option for thyroid treatment in the second half of the 20th century.   Since the 1990s, Armour Thyroid has been enjoying a resurgence in popularity. Derived from the desiccated thyroid gland of pigs, the drug contains natural forms of numerous thyroid hormones and nutrients typically found in a real thyroid gland.

Thyroid Temperature Syndrome Look around you at everything that's not plugged in or alive. Most of the items you see have one thing in common...They're room temperature. If you died you'd be on your way to room temperature too. But you're not room temperature! Whether in the hot Arizona desert, in Alaska, in a freezer, or in a sauna, our bodies all fight to maintain the same temperature. They wouldn't do that if it weren't critically important. In fact the one human characteristic that is most similar across every race, gender, age, or creed is body temperature. We are all similar.

Thyroid Temperature Syndrome If you're sitting in a room that's 75 degrees F, your temperature is probably about 23 degrees higher. Not 5 degrees, not 10 degrees, not 20 degrees or even 25, but 23 degrees! That's no accident.   Some people (even doctors) may say to you that it doesn't matter if your temperature's a little low. Of course it matters! Why else would body temperature be measured in tenths of a degree? Why would our bodies struggle to maintain such similar temperatures?

Thyroid Temperature Syndrome If your temperature goes too high you're dead; if it goes too low, you're dead; if it goes a little too high, you're going to feel sick; if it goes a little too low, you're going to feel sick. I think that's obvious.   What's considered a low temperature? Symptoms can result when the average body temperature is any less than 98.6 F, measured orally, but the more classic symptom complex is seen with an average body temperature below 97.8 F.

Thyroid Temperature Test This test is an excellent way to determine thyroid function using basal body temperature (the body's temperature at rest). If the thyroid is running low, the body's temperature will drop below normal while the body is at rest-sleep. This test is done by measuring the underarm temperature upon waking after a night's sleep. For accuracy, the test is performed five mornings in a row and then the average is calculated. The instructions for performing the test are as follows: The night before, shake down the thermometer (an oral glass thermometer only), and set it on the nightstand next to the bed. Immediately upon waking, without raising your head from the pillow, place the thermometer under the arm. Leave thermometer under arm for 10 minutes. Move as little as possible in this process; you must remain flat on your back during this entire time otherwise the thyroid gland will be activated and a false reading will be taken. After ten minutes, remove the thermometer and record temperature. The test is invalidated if you expend any energy before recording the temperature, i.e., getting up for any reason, shaking the thermometer, etc.

Test Results Date Temperature Day 1 Day 2 Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 To figure average --> Total____________ divided by 5 = __________ An average temperature of between 97.8 and 98.2 degrees is considered normal.

Hypothyroidism/Hyperthyroidism?

DID YOU KNOW ? Almost every symptom often assumed to be related to menopause - including weight gain, fatigue, moodiness and loss of sex drive-- are symptoms of an underactive Thyroid.   One in five women has a Thyroid condition by the time she's 60 -- but most aren't diagnosed. An estimated 50 million people have a thyroid dysfunction -- and most are not diagnosed.

Iodine Supplementation Iodine is a basic element, as are calcium, zinc, oxygen and other elements. The word "iodine" usually refers to two iodine molecules chemically "stuck together" I2, just as the word "oxygen" usually refers to two oxygen molecules "stuck together" 02.   Since iodine is more reactive, and therefore more likely to cause problems, iodine is usually used as "iodide", a word which refers to one iodine molecule combined with another molecule such as potassium k1 or sodium na1. In chemical terms, such molecules are called "salts"; the best known salt is sodium chloride NaCl, a salt of chloride Cl2 "Lugol's solution", invented by Dr. Lugol of Paris in the 1840's, which contains a mixture of types of iodine and iodide, but prepared as a solid in a capsule instead of a liquid.

How much Iodine?

Hypothyroid Questionnaire

Hypothyroid Questionnaire

Salt: What Kind and How Much To find the amount of salt you need, gradually increase your salt intake until you find the amount you feel best on -- usually 2 to 10 grams or roughly 1/2 to 1 tablespoonful. After determining the amount, try to cut back and see if that is just as effective. Table salt is NaCl sodium chloride, which causes an imbalance in the electrolyte system in the body.   Sea salt is a complete salt with a balance of minerals (electrolytes) as found in nature. Celtic Sea Salt is truly a whole sea salt highly recommended by health care professionals and culinary chefs. Celtic Sea Salt provides your body with over 80 minerals while enriching the flavor of all foods. Third party Certified by Europe's Nature and Progress to be free from pesticides, herbicides, and harmful chemicals.

Meat and Potatoes Supplement Iodine with: ADD, ADHD, Asthma, Fibrocystic breast   Iodine Triggers apoptosis (programmed cell death) Every 17 minutes all the blood passes through the Thyroid. Thyroid 6 mg, Breast 5 mg, other tissues 2 mg = 13 mg a day 3" X 3" square patch on forearm and cover with a bandage, should look the same after 8 hours. Stops iodine absorption: Bromine in bread, Fluoride in toothpaste and water and Chlorine Aflatoxin in peanuts will shut down the thyroid 70% of serotonin is made in the gut Acid reflux: Cardiac valve shuts tight at a pH of 2 (HCl deficiency) Reflux: 2 teaspoons of apple cider vinegar or lemon and water Gallbladder: beet leaf thins bile Appendix: Stores your unique bacteria Constipation: Iodine and collinsonia root

Meat and Potatoes Hormones are made from: Amino Acids, Minerals and Cholesterol   Canola oil: Made from Rape seeds in Canada LDL is not cholesterol, it caries cholesterol to the thyroid. Low LDL = low thyroid 1911: vegetable oil and processed food were introduced into the American diet. 1926: First case of heart disease reported Best oil Coconut (difference between oil and a fat) Olive oil: Buy in a can or dark bottle only To decrease Cholesterol go on a high cholesterol diet (butter and heavy whipping cream) Cholesterol is the #1 antioxidant in the body: used for healing Sugar causes every disease known to man: A high sugar meal can suppress the immune system for up to 6 hours. Soy was imported into the U.S. in the 1930s to make tires A can of soy protein is equal to 6 birth control pills

Meat and Potatoes People with a cholesterol over 300 live the longest (over 100 years old)   Wake up before 3:00 am Cortisol high, after 3:00am liver Toxins love to go to inflamed area because of low pH American spirit cigarettes: most natural 1922 10#----1970 120#----1994 150#---1997 160# = 1/2 # per day Every spoonful you eat is an act of nourishment or an act of assisted suicide It is not always bad germs, bad luck or bad genes: In many instance it is just unhealthy choices Fat-soluble compounds leave the lymph and enter the blood circulation at the thoracic duct WITHOUT passing through the liver first. Fat goes to the heart first. The heart uses fat for fuel. A F Betafood for liver and bile flow: 5- 3X a day for 30 days

Meat and Potatoes Ear infections: Immuplex Chest colds: Congaplex   Chest colds: Congaplex Give your patients clarity: it will empower them: A confused patient is paralyzed FEAR = False Environment that Appears Real Thyroid and Adrenal medical treatment: WAG method Your patients would like to: Eat junk, not exercise, sleep 12 hours a day and not work If I had 8 hours to chop down a tree, I would spend 6 hours sharpening my AXE. (LINCOLN) A diet that will work 100% of the time: Cocaine and heroine--- You will be skinny but you will not be healthy. Body weight divided by 2.2 = X X times .8 = Grams of protein needed per day. 2 oz of meat or chicken = 15gm 3 oz of fish = 15 gm 1 egg = 7 gm