Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Every single muscle, organ and cell in the body depends on adequate thyroid hormone levels for achieving and maintaining optimal functioning.
The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck just below the voice box (larynx). It releases hormones that control metabolism. It is impossible for the body to function at an optimum level of health if there is inadequate production of thyroid hormone.
What I find the most intriguing fact is why testing alone isn’t 100% accurate:
Thyroid hormone exerts its influence on every cell in the body inside the cells while the blood tests only measure the circulating thyroid hormone levels outside the cells
If the thyroid glad was not properly balanced a wide variety of medical problems could develop. Oftentimes, the thyroid isn’t suspected as the culprit for many of these conditions, because the blood tests results are ‘within normal limits.”
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism
Early symptoms:
- Being more sensitive to cold
- Constipation
- Depression
- Fatigue or feeling slowed down
- Elevated cholesterol
- Inability to concentrate
- Poor memory
- Infertility
- Muscle cramps
- Muscle weakness
- Puffy eyes
- Heavier menstrual periods
- Joint or muscle pain
- Paleness or dry skin
- Thin, brittle hair or fingernails
- Weakness
- Weight gain (unintentional)
- Insomnia
How does the thyroid function?
The thyroid gland produces 2 major hormones, Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones work inside the cells of the body, i.e. thyroid hormones help the cell machinery produce energy.
A pituitary hormone, knows as Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) stimulates the thyroid gland. When TSH is secreted from the pituitary gland, it causes the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormone.
If the TSH is elevated, it is a sign that the pituitary gland is sensing a low thyroid hormone level in the body, and the TSH is being secreted in order to stimulate the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormone. If the TSH test is normal, many physicians believe that automatically rules out a hypothyroid state.
The problems with the TSH test are that it doesn’t provide an accurate picture alone. It isn’t sensitive enough in identifying a hypothyroid condition. Many physicians are questioning the ‘normal’ range of 0.5-4.5 (mIU/L) and believe it needs to be changed.
A holistic approach includes looking at the client/patient medical history, thyroid blood test, basal body temperatures, nutritional status and deficiencies and what signs & symptoms the client/patient is experiencing.
Dr. Brownstein believes that iodine deficiency is the number one reason of an epidemic of thyroid disorders.
Why iodine?
Every cell in the body requires and utilized iodine. The thyroid gland contains the largest concentration of iodine – about 15-20mg when iodine levels are sufficient. Without sufficient iodine supply, the thyroid gland is unable to make thyroid hormones in adequate amounts. The thyroid gland cannot optimally function in an iodine-deficient state.
Facts:
- Approximately 1.5 billion people, about 1/3 of the earth’s population, live in an iodine-deficient area as defined b the World Health Organization
- In the U.S. iodine levels have fallen by 50% over the last 30 years
- The incidence of thyroid cancer has increased 240% from 1973 to 2002.
- The amount of iodine in salt is inadequate for providing enough iodine for the rest of the body’s needs.
- Iodized salt is insufficient for maintaining proper thyroid function
- The exposure to toxic chemicals such as fluoride and bromide further increase our need for iodine
- Our water supply is fluoridated
- Our baked goods contain bromide
- Bromide is also used as a fire retardant and found in a wide range of consumer products including computer, furniture, automobiles and carpeting
- Required nutrients for optimized thyroid function can also include selenium, zinc, magnesium and a range of B vitamins. Soil erosion, pesticides, and climate change cause deficiencies.
Part II of this article will be published in the May issue of our newsletter.
If you have symptoms of hypothyroidism, feel sluggish, mental fog, inability to lose weight, or any of the above-mentioned symptoms, please send us an email.
Sources:
David Brownstein, M.D. http://www.davidbrownstein.com
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001393/
