ADDRESSING THYROID CONDITIONS WITH INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE
Based on the writings of the following physicians:
Dr. David Brownstein, author of “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders”, Dr. Mark Starr, author of “Hypothyroidism Type II: The Epidemic”,
Dr. Broda Barnes, author of “Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness”
Based on the writings of the following physicians:
Dr. David Brownstein, author of “Overcoming Thyroid Disorders”, Dr. Mark Starr, author of “Hypothyroidism Type II: The Epidemic”,
Dr. Broda Barnes, author of “Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness”
- Evaluation of thyroid function must
include the patient’s clinical presentation as well as a complete thyroid lab
panel, including TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 (a level above 15 can be
significant), Antithyroglobulin Antibodies, (ATA), and Thyroid Peroxidase
Antibodies (TPO). Lab values may lie
within the “normal” reference range, but if the patient has symptoms of
hypothyroidism, including sensitivity to cold, cold hands and/or feet, fatigue,
chronic headaches, etc., the patient may well benefit from treatment with a
thyroid medication. It is important to
note that we do not have at the present any form of lab testing which reveals
what is happening on a cellular level with thyroid hormone. Environmental toxins, stress, and food
sensitivities can all interfere with the effectiveness with which thyroid
hormone enters the receptors on each cell.
A “normal” TSH only means that there is enough T4 in the serum, but we
cannot assume that this T4 is being effectively converted into T3, which is 4
times more active than T4, or that this “normal” level of thyroid hormone is
actually entering the thyroid hormone receptors optimally. Reverse T3 can compete with T3 at the
receptor level, and therefore reduce the availability of a “normal” level of T3
to the cells, leading to the presence of symptomology.
- All of the above physicians have
found that the synthetic Synthroid or Levothyroxin do not resolve patient
hypothyroid symptoms for the vast majority of their patients unless T3 is
added. The use of desiccated thyroid
hormone, such as Naturethroid or WP Thyroid, is far superior in its effectiveness
because it is a far more complete medication which includes T1, T2, T3, T4,
calcitonin, and other synergists that add to its effectiveness. It is important to note that Synthroid has
never been proven to be effective for treating the symptoms of hypothyroidism
in any long-term study, but was “grand-fathered” in by the FDA in 1917, 20
years before the FDA required testing to prove the efficacy of a new drug.
- If the TPO and ATA lab tests reveal
the presence of antibodies, even within the reference range, gluten and dairy
foods should be avoided. Our present-day
genetically altered wheat is highly pro-inflammatory, and can greatly decrease
thyroid function.
- Maintaining optimal levels of the
nutrients needed by the thyroid gland for the conversion of T4 to T3 is a
necessary part of an effective treatment plan.
Vitamin D3 levels should be above 50, usually requiring a daily intake
of 5,000-10,000 IU. Iodine, necessary
for T4-T3 conversion, must be taken supplementally in a dose of 12-50 mg. We
are currently experiencing an epidemic of iodine deficiency worldwide. Magnesium, in the form of glycinate, orotate,
or chelate is essential, as are adequate iron stores (ferritin should be above
60), Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and selenium (200-300 mcg daily).
- Foods that optimize thyroid function
include vegetables, organically grown when possible, proteins from vegetable or
animal sources which are free from hormones, and healthy fats, including
lightly roasted or raw almonds, walnuts, coconut oil, and olive oil. Avoid processed vegetable oils and
margarine. Do not microwave your food,
as this intense energy destroys many nutrients.
- Drink half your body weight in ounces
of pure water, free from chlorine and fluoride, daily. Limit coffee to 1 cup daily with food and after
drinking water, and do not consume soda.
Both of these are dehydrating and acidifying, and deplete our stores of
vital minerals and vitamins necessary for optimal thyroid function.
- Avoid environmental exposure through
personal care products, air fresheners, insecticides, household cleaners, and
processed foods. Choose products free of
parabens, SLS, “fragrance”, which are petroleum derived, propylene glycol and
other solvents.