Thyriod

A normal thyroid works in the following manner:

• The brain releases TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) in response to low T4 levels.

• The pituitary responds to the signal by producing adequate amounts of T4, which ultimately will end up converting to T3 then T3 free.

HYPOTHYROIDISM (Low Thyroid)

Defined as the body’s inability to produce adequate amounts of the thyroid hormone.

• Hypothyroidism is commonly misdiagnosed due to improper testing by physicians who test for ONLY the TSH and T4 (not the active form, T3- free).

• The fact is that T4 (which makes up 20% of your thyroid function), converts to T3, and ultimately “T3 free” (the active form of thyroid making up 80 % of thyroid function).

• The lack of conversion from T4 to T3 and ultimately T3-Free supports the proper diagnosis of hypothyroidism.

• This is likely to occur as you age, but also may be caused by deficiencies in the following:

• • • Zinc

    • Iodine

    • Selenium

    • Cortisol levels (High or Low)

    • Lithium

    • PCB’s

    • Excess is Copper

    • Dioxins

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

• Fatigue (low energy)

• Slow metabolism

• Weight Gain (or increase in adipose fat)

• Anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Depression

• High cholesterol

• Decrease in mental acuity

• Thinning hair

• Constipation

• Dry skin and brittle nails

• Increase in susceptibility to Atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries)

• Low basal temperature

TREATMENT OF HYPOTHRYOIDISM

• If you have low thyroid your physician will usually prescribe a natural thyroid medication. Amour thyroid aka “desiccated thyroid” will be prescribed. The medication contains 4 parts (T4) to 1 part (T3). This will ensure that 100% of your thyroid is optimized.

• Adding a supplement of Iodine, selenium, and zinc may be part of the protocol.

• If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, including but not limited to VALVULAR DEFECTS, ABNORMAL EKG’S , UNCONTROLLED HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE and/or HEART RATE, SLEEP APNEA, thyroid medication might not be prescribed. If your only issue is high blood pressure (controlled with medication) or sleep Apnea (controlled by CPAP), then your physician might prescribe them for you.

• If Desiccated Thyroid does not relieve your symptoms, low Cortisol levels which may lead to Adrenal Fatigue may be addressed (refer to adrenal fatigue below for more information on the subject).

Cortisol

• Cortisol is referred to as, the “fight or flight hormone”. It is released from the adrenal glands in stressful situations or when a quick response is necessary.

• Adrenal fatigue is very disruptive to brain tissue (brain deterioration leading to Alzheimer’s and Dementia).

• Excess cortisol decreases the conversion of T4 to T3 and ultimately its active form T3 free

• Excess cortisol increases adipose fat, which increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, diabetes, and sleep apnea.

• The natural production of Cortisol may be disrupted due to chronic stress, which may lead to “adrenal fatigue”, causing your reaction to become diminished or non-existent.

Adrenal fatigue- Prevention and treatment of Adrenal Fatigue

• Exercise, yoga, deep breathing, and meditation will play a major role in reducing your stress response.

• A proper diet high in protein, fiber, fruits and vegetables while avoiding foods on the “high glycemic index” will add to the reduction of cortisol.

• Productive sleep helps counteract the increase in cortisol levels (Delta wave and REM sleep).

• DHEA (25-50mg/day) and Pregnenolone (25-50mg/day), along with licorice root are used as adrenal support to counteract the increase in Cortisol.