Perking Up That Sluggish Thyroid

I recently came across a headline stating Americans may be
Iodine deficient due to heavy fluoride consumption and the current focus on low
salt diets. This returned my attention to a question posed by my Lil’Mommy a couple of months ago on natural alternatives to treating Hypothyroidism. The most
familiar herb associated with this condition is kelp, specifically for its naturally high iodine content. However, there are a few other recommended nutrients that can be supplemented for additional support. Before we delve into
these options, let us first clarify the difference between hyper and hypothyroidism.

The thyroid gland, at the base of the neck, is the body’s temperature regulator. It does this by secreting two hormones-thyroxine and triiodothyronine-that control the rate at which the body uses calories and energy. If too much of these hormones are secreted, hyperthyroidism occurs. Too little and the result is hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism Some Possible Symptoms

Low body temperature and Intolerance to cold
Chronic fatigue
Reduced appetite
Tendency to gain weight easily
Elevated cholesterol
Yellow bumps on the eyelids and/or droopy, swollen
eyes

A Suggested Self-Test: Using a thermometer, take the temperature underneath your arm as soon as you wake in the morning. Do this before getting out of bed, while lying down still and quiet. Hold the thermometer under your arm for 15 minutes; and repeat this test for the next 4 days, logging your temperature each morning. A consistent measurement of 97.6 degrees Fahrenheit or lower may indicate an underactive thyroid and should
thus be discussed with your physician.

If you believe and receive confirmation of hypothyroidism, your doctor may prescribe a thyroid hormone depending on the extent of the condition and cause of under-activity. If medication is prescribed, request a recommended eating plan to follow and get their thoughts on your supplementing additional supportive nutrients that will not conflict or interfere with your prescribed medication. Once all appropriate information is reviewed and clearance is obtained, the below list of supplements may be helpful in managing the condition. Please note that sometimes medications and even simple foods can interfere with both the body’s natural processes and the helpful benefits of otherwise supportive nutrients.

Supplement	Benefits	Dose	Other Sources	Competing or Conflicting Nutrients
Kelp	Natural source of iodine, important to the synthesis of thyroid hormones	2000-3000mg/day	sea salt, seafood, dulse, asparagus, garlic, mushrooms, sesame seeds, soybeans	Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, turnips, chlorine, fluoride: Known to block the thyroid gland’s absorption of iodine when consumed in large amounts
L-Tyrosine	Thyroid hormones originate from this amino acid	500 mg twice a day, on an empty stomach. For better absorption, take only with water or juice, 50mg of Vit.B6 and 100 mg of Vit.C	Almonds, avocados, bananas, poultry, dairy, pumpkin seeds	Anti-Depressant Medications of the MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitor class. The two combined can cause dangerously high blood pressure
Natural raw thyroid glandular	Can be used as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormone	As directed by your physician and supplement’s dosing instructions	Armour Desiccated Thyroid Tablets;Natural Sources Raw Thyroid	Blood thinners, estrogen therapy including birth control pills, diabetes medications including insulin: may interact negatively with glandular thyroid supplements

For more information on nutritional healing for hypothyroidism, Phyllis A. Balch’s Prescription for Nutritional Healing is an amazing resource, both thorough and user-friendly.

Thank you for visiting. Hopefully this information helps simplify and clarify some options available for managing this condition. Until next week…

Be Informed and BeWell