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! 😀