Heal your thyroid by banishing inflammation, boosting immunity and improving digestive health

Thyroid hormones regulate other hormones, including the adrenal glands' adrenaline production. Thyroid gland hormones also influence cellular metabolism, digestion, libido, and overall energy.

There are three maladies involving the thyroid. Not everyone knows he or she has a thyroid issue even while exhibiting low energy or the inability to lose weight. One is an autoimmune disease and the other two are conditions.

The disease is known as Hashimoto's disease, which actually slowly destroys the thyroid while potentially creating both conditions. In addition to both conditions alternating with Hashimoto's disease, a swollen thyroid or goiter which becomes evident.

The two conditions are hypothyroidism, not enough hormone production or utlization, and the other is hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid that causes too much hormone production.

Hypothyroidism is the more common condition with its symptoms of low energy, fatigue, low libido, overweight problems and sensitivity to cold.

Hyperthyroidism can lead to nervousness, restlessness, manic behavior, and difficulty concentrating. Goiter and weight loss can also manifest. Pre-Nazi Germany used sodium fluoride to reduce the excessive hormone production of hyperthyroid patients.

Now, fluoride is in over 75 percent of USA's public water supplies, to keep American citizens dumb and docile with decreased thyroid hormone production.

It's a good idea to eliminate the possibility of Hashimoto's disease before pursuing hypothyroid solutions because the solutions for hypothyroidism are actually dangerous for those with Hashimoto's disease.

Hypothyroidism signs and remedies

Hypothyroidism may be the most common hormonal deficiency in the Western world. It can even occur when the thyroid does produce enough thyroid hormones that are not utilized properly. That's known as thyroid hormone resistance, which produces the same symptoms as hypothyroidism.

Many who think they have fibromyalgia may simply have one of these two manifestations of hypothyroidism. According to Dr. John Lowe, conventional testing can fall short of diagnosing hypothyroidism, especially for those with thyroid hormone resistance.

That's because the T3, T4, and TH hormone counts can appear normal with someone experiencing thyroid hormone resistance. Also, allopathic endocrinologists often have a low expectation of normal. When it comes to remedying thyroid hormone resistance, the high amounts of thyroid hormone Dr. Lowe recommends shock the average endocrinologist.

Dr. Lowe has discovered that treating fibromyalgia complaints the same as hypothyroidism works very well. He uses an additional TRH (thyroid releasing hormone) test with symptom observations.

A simple self-administered test would be to take your temperature immediately upon waking up from a regular night's sleep. A low temperature indicates probable thyroid hormone deficiency, according to Donna Gates of Body Ecology website.

Here is an abbreviated list of other symptoms, most of which resemble fibromyalgia.

* Fatigue mistaken as fibromyalgia
* Unable to lose or stop gaining weight
* Feeling cold easily and often
* Dry skin, eyes, or hair
* Excess muscle tension
* Low immunity
* Low basal body temperature
* Delayed tendon reflex, when the foot returns position slowly after tapping the Achilles heel

Dr. Lowe's complete list of symptoms can be found here: (http://www.drlowe.com/geninfo/hyposymptoms.htm)

It's common for holistic health practitioners to recommend a quality iodine supplement or seaweed consumption. Iodine is thyroid food. They also recommend various natural thyroid hormone supplements.

It makes sense that increased fibromyalgia incidents coincide with a rise in iodine deficiency since iodine was taken out of table salt. Increasing iodine or using thyroid hormone supplements will help a thyroid that's hormone deficient.

Additionally, a comprehensive metabolic approach is required that could also prove helpful for Hoshimoto's disease.

Avoid inflammation causing processed foods and pharmaceutical drugs. Eat organically produced whole vegetables, nuts, legumes, fruits and grains (some say eliminate grains). Hydrate with non-fluoridated water, exercise, and stress less. (http://www.naturalnews.com/032129_fluoridation_intelligence.html)

Sources for this article included:

http://bodyecology.com/articles/low_thyroid_symptoms.php

http://bodyecology.com

http://bodyecology.com

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/hypothyroidism/a/hashivshypo.htm

Learn more: http://www.naturalnews.com/036522_thyroid_inflammation_immunity.html#ixzz21COM4eXm

Dementia & Hypothyroidism

Thyroid Hormone Deficiency (Hypothyroidism):

A grossly underactive thyroid gland (hypothyroidism) can lead to the symptoms of dementia. Simple tests can detect this condition. The symptoms include loss of interest, apathy, slowing down of mental abilities and poor short-term memory. Treatment involves replacing the naturally occurring thyroid hormones with synthetic hormone preparations. This is more likely to be effective in reversing the dementia if the problem is identified and treated within two years of its onset. 

Source: alzheimers.boomja.com/

Personal note: This is just my opinion folks. As much as I agree with this information, I would seek out alternate therapies: meaning if I were diagnosed early enough, and having the symptoms of Alzheimers or dementia, I would seek out "natural" methods to supplement the thyroid deficiency.  A good osteopath, or chiropractor may be able to help you with supplementing your body with natural thyroid. 

How To Cure Hypothyroidism Naturally

It is estimated that around 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, with it most often striking women.  It is a condition whereby the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones.  It is usually caused by Hashimoto's thyroiditis, which is a condition in which the immune system targets the thyroid gland.  Thus, the establishment considers it to be yet another "autoimmune disease".  In actuality, the immune system only attacks things which are detected to be toxic.  Poisoned thyroid glands are very common, due to our modern diets. The thyroid is furthermore suppressed by our constant intake of soy; an ingredient in the great majority of processed foods.  Additionally, fluoride is extremely damaging to the thyroid.  Until the 1970's, doctors prescribed fluoride to patients with hyperthyroidism (an over-active thyroid), in order to cripple it.  It was shown to be effective at a minuscule 2 mg. per day.  People in the present are estimated to be consuming 2-10 mg. per day from tap water, Teflon (non-stick) pans, toothpaste, pharmaceuticals, infant formula, processed cereals and sodas.  Hypothyroidism is also known to be caused by certain medications, such as lithium. In order to treat hypothyroidism, the medical establishment prescribes hormone pills to patients, and the individual must continue taking them for the rest of his life.  The similarities between hypothyroidism and diabetes treatments are undeniable, as both create perpetual consumers who will forever be reliant on 'the system'.  In a similar manner, those who have been taking pharmaceutical hormones are much harder to cure than those who did nothing, or those who turned to alternative medicine immediately.  There is always a price to pay for dealing with the devil. Symptoms of Hypothyroidism Mood swings Cold sensitivity Weight gain Depression Dry skin Constipation Fatigue Brittle hair, skin, or fingernails Heavy or irregular menstrual periods How To Cure Hypothyroidism Please note that curing hypothyroidism requires a long term religious commitment for a period of at least a year.  Creating this problem took years of self poisoning, so fixing it is neither quick, nor easy. Eliminate Soy: Soy suppresses thyroid function, imbalances hormones and has been shown to cause goiters (an enlargement of the thyroid gland) in previously healthy individuals. Adhere to an Alkaline Diet: This is extremely helpful when curing any chronic disease.  Use the pH food chart to guide you on alkaline/acidic foods. Balance Estrogen Levels (Women): Excess estrogen slows down the thyroid gland.  This means eliminating birth control medications, increasing the fiber in the diet, and avoiding all non-organic meats.  Growth hormones in meats lead imbalance in the hormones.  Reduce dairy intake, because milk often contains lots of estrogen; primarily because cows are milked frequently during pregnancy. Exercise: Without regular exercise, optimal health can never be reached.  Find a physical activity that you enjoy, and do it often.  We believe that exercise could half the cure time. L-Tyrosine: Tyrosine is a natural amino acid which helps the body produce its own thyroid hormone.  This is also known to help with the depression, which usually accompanies hypothyroidism.  Most naturopaths recommend 500 mg. taken 2-3 times day. L-Arginine: Arginine is known to stimulate the thyroid and its hormones. It also improves immune function, improves fertility, and alleviates erectile dysfunction. Avoid ALL SOURCES of Fluoride:  As already mentioned, fluoride suppresses the thyroid, and is likely to be the leading cause of hypothyroidism.  Drink spring water, avoid soft drinks, use fluoride-free toothpaste, use a shower filter, and throw away your non-stick pans. Eat a natural diet:  To help your body to heal itself, you need to remove strains on its immune system.  This means that all processed foods, artificial flavors, colors, preservatives, white flour, white sugar, "table" salt, hydrogenated oils, aluminum, high fructose corn syrup, and etc. should be eliminated from the diet.  Organic food is always the ideal.  Do not trust marketing that reads "All Natural", because this phrase is unregulated, and thus anyone can use it for practically anything.  Read the ingredients to verify. Iodine: The thyroid needs iodine to function properly, and lots of people now suffer from iodine deficiencies.  To test yourself, place some Iodine (we use 2%) on your stomach.  Make a dot the size of a silver dollar (or twice the size of a British 50p).  If it disappears within 12 hours, then you are iodine deficient.  Keep adding iodine in this way, until it no longer disappears in a 12-hour period.  This works due to the fact that the body absorbs iodine at the rate at which it is needed. Do not use povidone-iodine and do not orally consume iodine.  This is especially an important precaution for those with Hashimoto's. Pears: The ancient Chinese discovered that pears have a powerful tendency to balance hormones; especially in women.  Try the pear juice recipe, and drink it regularly. Bladderwrack: Bladderwrack will increase your iodine intake safely. Zinc and Selenium: Studies indicate that severe zinc or selenium deficiencies can cause decreased thyroid hormone levels.  Never take zinc on an empty stomach. Coconut Oil: You should buy organic, cold pressed, coconut oil from a health food store.  Take around 1 teaspoon of it daily.  You can also use it to cook with, but be warned that it smokes at low cooking temperatures.  Unlike most modern oils, its smoke is not poisonous.  Coconut oil speeds the metabolism, encourages production of the thyroid hormone, and kills candida. Avoid Canola Oil: Canola oil interferes with the production of thyroid hormones, amongst its many other dangers.  Treat canola oil like the God-forsaken, genetically engineered, poison that it is. If depression due to hypothyroidism is a problem, try taking St. John’s Wort to help elevate your mood.  Do not take St. John's Wort while pregnant, and research before using it if you are currently taking any pharmaceuticals.  Some pharmaceuticals can react with St. John's Wort.  It can cause abortions.  Do not use it as birth control, because herbal birth control is more likely to cause horrific birth defects than terminate pregnancies.  Only 'conventional' medicine is reliably effective in killing. Chronic constipation can be addressed by adding additional dietary fiber such as psyllium to your diet.  You will also want to take flax seed oil, and combine it with a high-sulfur food like cottage cheese.  Flax seed oil is very helpful for those suffering with chronic constipation. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis There is a lot of conflicting information on the internet regarding the application of iodine in those with Hashimoto's, so it is prudent that we comment.  Dosage is especially important in these cases, as the overdose of iodine can cause the thyroid to shut down completely.  However, a small amount of iodine does help this condition.  Problems occur in those who take potassium iodide supplements, and those who take internal iodine drops.  However, we have not found any evidence of this in those who apply iodine transdermally.  Remember that the transdermal application allows the body to regulate the absorption at its own rate. Prologue Like all modern epidemics, hypothyroidism is created from a poor diet and lifestyle, and it will only be corrected when that changes.  Hypothyroidism can be cured using the protocol above, but it will take time; just as it took time for this condition to occur.  The protocol will give you freedom from the medical establishment, which would otherwise make you into a perpetual victim.  Our recommendations are safer, cheaper, and dramatically more effective in the long term.

Source: http://healthwyze.org/index.php/curing-hypothyroidism.html Author: Sarah Cain

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism May Be the Cause of Many Carpal Tunnel Cases

August 1998 -- Until recently, despite much research on the subject, many doctors and endocrinologists have not been generally aware of the connection between carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and hypothyroidism. CTS is a repetitive strain injury (RSI) that manifests itself as pain, achiness or numbness in the wrist, fingers or forearm. It is due to swelling of membranes that compress a nerve in the forearm, and is more common in people with hypothyroidism.

In writing to me, many people have reported that their CTS cleared up after being diagnosed and treated for hypothyroidism. In addition, some patients on thyroid hormone replacement but with high-normal TSH values have also reported that they continue to suffer from an existing case of CTS, or even develop new cases. I speculate that this is due to the fact that their hypothyroidism is undertreated. [Bold emphasis is that of the author of this blog.]

The medical research has for more than 15 years shown a strong relationship between CTS/other RSIs and hypothyroidism. However, the July 27, 1998 Archives of Internal Medicine published by the American Medical Association, has just reported on a research study that found that many people with CTS may have unrecognized medical diseases, including hypothyroidism, as the cause of their CTS.

In the article, titled "Concurrent Medical Disease in Work-Related Carpal Tunnel Syndrome", it was reported that in a third of all the patients studied, other illnesses -- mainly hypothyroidism, diabetes and joint disease -- were present that could be the cause of the CTS.

The researchers concluded that at minimum, doctors first need to determine if a case of CTS is due to a treatable medical problem such as hypothyroidism.

If you have CTS and hypothyroidism, my recommendation would be to make sure you are receiving proper treatment, and proper management of your TSH level, in order to make sure that your thyroid problem is under full control to minimize your symptoms.. Remember, the normal range is a range, not an absolute number. You might have symptoms -- including CTS problems - - at a TSH of 4.5, but not at a TSH of 2, for example. So if you are potentially what I refer to as undertreated, get in and discuss this with your doctor as soon as possible!

If you have CTS but have not been diagnosed with or tested for thyroid disease, clearly, these new findings would suggest that your doctor should order a thyroid function test for you before starting on any other treatments for your CTS.

After testing for and treating underlying diseases, the various treatments for CTS include:

* a wrist brace, worn at night and sometimes throughout the day, to keep the wrist in an unbent position to minimize nerve compression
* anti-inflammatory drugs to minimize swelling
* exercises
* changes in your office ergonomics
* cortisone injections
* surgery

In addition, some alternative practitioners are having success with alternative medicine treatments for CTS. Several years before being diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I had a painful bout of CTS (primarily due to working 12 hour days on the computer, I think, and probably not due to my thyroid at that point.) I couldn't even hold a glass in my right hand, it hurt so much. My doctors, who are osteopathic physicians, were reluctant to go to drugs or surgery as first course of action. So I had osteopathic manipulation and a few acupuncture treatments, and it took care of the problem. Last year, when I was pregnant, I had it again, this time due to the fluid retention and swelling of pregnancy. I went to a myotherapist for trigger point massage that helped relieve it. So I'll add osteopathy, acupuncture, and myotherapy to the lineup of treatment options. It appears that chiropractors are also claiming to offer good treatments, but I don't know anyone who's done this, so I can't say for sure, but chiropractic does operate on similar principles as osteopathy.

Author: Mary Shomon, About.com Guide

Source: http://thyroid.about.com/cs/symptomsproblems/a/carpal.htm