What Can You Do For HYPOTHYROIDISM?
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What Can You Do For HYPOTHYROIDISM?
Sherry L. Granader, ACE, AFAA, NETA, ACSM, BBU, is a Nutrition Consultant, National Speaker and Spokesperson, Author and Writer. She teaches Yoga, Pilates and Group Exercise classes. Download her FREE “Eat Right, Feel Good, Lose Weight, Have Fun” Cookbook at http:// www.sgtotalhealth.com
Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormone. The most common symptoms are fatigue and feeling cold alot while others around you are hot. You may also experience a loss of appetite, weight gain, muscle weakness and cramps, fertility problems, a yellow/orange color in your skin, recurrent infections, slow speech and swollen eyes.
The thyroid gland is best described as your body’s internal thermostat that regulates temperature by secreting 2 hormones. These hormones control how quickly your body burns calories and uses energy. If the thyroid secrets too much hormone, the result is hypothyroidism. Too little hormone release can lead to hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects mostly women causing recurring illness, fatigue and frustrating weight gain.
Your doctor may do a blood test to measure your levels of thyroid hormone or thyroid-stimulating hormone known as TSH. This hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and helps regulate thyroid hormone production. Many doctors believe that even a minuscule drop in thyroid function is a sign of an elevated TSH level. TSH levels rise when a person is in the early stages of thyroid failure.
You can test yourself for an underactive thyroid by keeping a thermometer by your bed. When you wake up in the morning, place the thermometer under your arm and hold it there for 15 minutes. Be still – do not move as any motion can upset your temperature reading. A temperature of 97.6 or lower may indicate an underactive thyroid. Measure your temperature for 5 days in a row and keep a log of your readings.
Here are some recommendations to consider for HYPOTHYROIDISM:
- AVOID processed foods, especially anything with white flour and sugar.
- drink distilled water or invest in an Alkaline Water (ionized water) system
- stay away from antihistamines unless directed by your doctor
- include one egg yolk with your egg white omelet, add parsley to your salads, and eat apricots, dates and prunes
- eat fish and chicken
FOODS that suppress thyroid function are:
broccoli
brussel sprouts
cabbage
cruciferous vegetables
kale
mustard greens
peaches and pears
spinach
If you are having severe symptoms of hypothyroidism, eliminate the above foods entirely.
Avoid fluoride toothpaste and chlorine found in tap water which is why it is so important to drink clean, filtered water or distilled water. Chlorine, flouride and iodine are chemically related and block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland which can lead to hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, drugs used to treat hypothyroidism can cause a loss of bone mass which can lead to osteoporosis.
There are many supplements to consider that are important when it comes to hypothyroidism:
1. KELP – contains iodine which is the basic substance of thyroid hormone. My favorite supplement is called Tidal Greens which includes 3 of the most potent seaweed grown off the coast of Ireland.
2. L-TYROSINE – is an amino acid that supports thyroid function
3. RAW THYROID GLANDULAR – can be prescribed by a Natural Medicine Doctor ONLY.
4. B-complex – improves oxygenation and energy in the body plus are needed for good digestion, immune function, red blood cell formation and thyroid function.
5. Vitamins C and E – powerful antioxidants that improve circulation and the immune system
6. Omega 3′s – essential fatty acids which are necessary for proper thyroid function
Learning which foods damage the thyroid, what to avoid, supplements that work and learning new eating habits are the first line of defense when it comes to hypothyroidism.
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This article is a great example of how to spot BAD information on the internet. This lady has some huge errors either her logic and/or understanding thyroid function, and/or the English language. Below I’ve quoted the parts that don’t make sense.
“Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormone” – first paragraph (believed to be true)
“If the thyroid secrets too much hormone, the result is hypothyroidism. Too little hormone release can lead to hyperthyroidism.” – next paragraph (contradicts the first definition of hypothyroidism)
This part is all-kinds-of-weird. She states…
“Avoid fluoride toothpaste and chlorine found in tap water which is why it is so important to drink clean, filtered water or distilled water. Chlorine, flouride and iodine are chemically related and block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland which can lead to hypothyroidism. Unfortunately, drugs used to treat hypothyroidism can cause a loss of bone mass which can lead to osteoporosis.”
First of all, iodine is lacking in people with hypothyroidism from what I understand. Supplements are prescribe by M.D.s all the time to persons with hypothyroidism for that reason. I think this persons logic is revolving around the science that iodine has been lacking in people with goiters, so table salt was made to incorporate iodine to help solve the issue. Well, some goiter are also cause by too much iodine, and goiters are not indicative of thyroid malfunction anyway. Some people can have thyroid goiters with having thyroid problems. Anyway, she might not be thinking this at all. But where then does she get her facts. From thin air I guess.
The fact is people with hypothyroidism are lacking in iodine. articles for accuracy relating to health is very important, so whoever reads this, don’t believe everything your hear without researching the facts.