The thyroid gland affects us from head to toe. Every single cell in the body needs this hormone in the right amount in order to do the most basic functions. Hence, if it is lacking, such symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue and hair loss can appear.

Why is Thyroid Disease a problem?

According to the Journal of Medical Sciences (2: 89-94), thyroid problems (disorders) have been reported in over 110 countries of the world with 1.6 billion people at risk. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition. Women are five to eight times more likely than men to have thyroid problems. One woman in eight will develop a thyroid disorder during her lifetime.

110 countries of the world.
1.6 billion people at risk.
Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease don’t know they have it.
Women are 5-8 times more likely to have thyroid disease than men.
1 woman in 8 will develop a thyroid disorder.
Rates of it are on the rise due to environmental toxins.
Thyroid disease exceeds diabetes, heart disease or cancer.

Data from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists: Annual Thyroid Awareness Campaign 2010.

What is your Thyroid?

The word thyroid comes from the Greek ‘shield’.

The thyroid is a gland which is located at the front of your neck. Because of its location, when you have thyroid disease, it can impact your swallowing, your speech and your breathing. This gland is butterfly shaped and the weight equal to a deck of cards.

What does your Thyroid do?

Stimulates all cells to form energy.
Burns carbohydrate and fat.
Maintains body temperature.
Repairs hair, skin and nails.
Regulates ovaries and adrenals.
Creates energy for brain cells.
Regulates the movement of bowels.

What causes Thyroid Disease?

1) Genes

Family History of Thyroid Disease – any type
Variations in Iodine Absorption

2) Toxins

Iodine, Fluoride, Perchlorate, Mercury, Cadmium

3) Sun

Vitamin D – below optimal levels (50-70 ng/dl)

4) Bugs

Chronic infections: EBV, hepatitis C, herpes, candida

What are the Symptoms of Thyroid Disease?

Easy weight gain
Fatigue
Hair thinning
Depression
Poor memory
High cholesterol
Difficulty swallowing
Lump in throat
Low levels of vitamins
Dry skin
Muscle aches
Low libido
Tendonitis
Cold sensations
High cholesterol
Heart disease
Constipation

How to make your Thyroid happy?

Correct nutrients levels
Thyroid exercises
Detox your body
Thyroid friendly diet

Let’s review how together.

1) Thyroid Nutrients – Iodine

150-400 mcg daily
Not too much or too little
Use iodised sea salt
Avoid iodine in multivitamins
Avoid kelp and iodine supplements

2) Thyroid Nutrients – Selenium

200-400 mcg daily
Brazil nuts – 1 daily
Multivitamin
Brown rice

3) Exercise for your Thyroid

Yoga shoulder stand
Assisted pull ups and arm hangs
Neck rolling and stretching

4) Avoid Top Thyroid toxins

PCBs (PolyChlorinated Biphenyl) – avoid farm raised fish and full fat dairy (unless organic)
Mercury – avoid it in seafood, vaccines, dental amalgams, HFCS
Perchlorate – use purified water, let dry cleaned clothes off-gas outside for 1 day

5) Thyroid Detox

Wastes go from your liver and colon into your thyroid. To prevent this cycle from happening:

Rice bran – 1-2 tbsp daily
Spinach – 1-3 cups daily
Ground flax – 1-2 tbsp daily
Pure water – 3-5 quarts daily
Sweat – 30+ minutes daily

6) Thyroid Friendly Diet

+ Protein – 25-35% calories

+ Fiber – 40+ grams

+ Alkaline – 50% fresh produce

– Gointrogens – can harm thyroid

– Soy, wheat – can disrupt thyroid hormones

– Sugar – can hurt liver

How to Make your Thyroid Happy! – Steps with your Doctor

Learn if you have thyroid disease
Natural thyroid medicine is best
Find your perfect dose

Test and treat for:

Deeper toxins
Hidden infections
Allergies and intolerances
Other hormones

Suggested Action Steps

If you suspect thyroid disease, learn more about it.
If you have thyroid disease and don’t feel at your best, educate or upgrade your doctor.
Always remember, you CAN get better! 😀

Is your thyroid making you fat, tired and bold?