HatherleighPressiscommittedtopreservingandprotectingthenaturalresourcesoftheearth.Environmentallyresponsibleandsustainablepracticesareembracedwithinthecompany’smissionstatement.

Visitusatwww.hatherleighpress.comandregisteronlineforfreeoffers,discounts,specialevents,andmore.

ReverseThyroidDiseaseNaturallyTextCopyright©2018MichelleHonda

LibraryofCongressCataloging-in-PublicationDataisavailable.ISBN:978-1-57826-756-9

Allrightsreserved.Nopartofthisbookmaybereproduced,storedinaretrievalsystem,ortransmitted,inanyformorbyanymeans,electronicorotherwise,withoutwrittenpermissionfromthepublisher.

DISCLAIMERLimitofLiability/DisclaimerofWarrantyThisbookcontainsnutritionandplantbasedsuggestions.Theintentionofthisbookistocomplementaperson’scurrenttreatmentplan.Theauthorrecognizesaqualifiedphysicianorhealthcareprofessionalshouldbeconsultedregardingyourspecificcomplaint.Theauthordoesnotrecommendself-diagnosisortreatment.Thepublisherandauthorspecificallydisclaimanyandallliabilityoccurringdirectlyorindirectlyfromtheapplicationofanyinformationcontainedinthisbook.

PrintedintheUnitedStates10987654321

FollowMichelleHondaPhDonFacebook:www.facebook.com/NewHopeForCrohnsAndColitis

Tolearnlotsaboutnutritionandhealthyliving,andformoreinformationonherprivatepractice,visit

Michelle’sblog:www.michellehonda.com

DEDICATION

ToDennisandBrendaGainesfortheirtirelesssupportandinspiration.

TAcknowledgements

OSTART,Iwouldliketoacknowledgemypatients,whoembracedanewdietaryapproachtohealing. Iapplaudtheirwillingness toadopt thenecessary lifestyle

changesandtofurtherunderstandtheimportanceofpreventivecareandtheroleofcomplementarymedicine.Theirdesiretohealandregainindependenceinspiresmetocontinuetodeepenmyknowledgetobeofbetterservice.Above all, I wish to thank the exceptionally skilled and talented team fromHatherleighPress.I,alongwiththeirotherauthorsandreaders,amindebtedtothisteamforprovidinginvaluableresources,makingitpossibleforpeopletolearnaboutpreventivehealthmaintenanceandthescienceofcomplementarymedicine.Iespeciallywishtothankmyeditor,RyanKennedy,forhissuperbexpertiseandguidance. I have deep admiration to the entire Hatherleigh team; in particular,AndrewFlachandRyanTumambingfortheirwonderfulsupportandknowledge.I am trulygrateful andappreciative toDr.Sherrill Sellman,ND.Youcan learnmoreaboutDr.SherrillSellmanatwww.whatwomenmustknow.com.Aspecialthankstotheresearchersandscientists,withoutwhomIwouldnothavethebroadbaseofknowledgetodrawfromandfurtherextendittomyreadersandpatients. Along with these specialists and other pioneering physicians, they haveavailed us to natural medicine and human cell biology to better understand thediseaseandhealingprocess.Andlastbutnotleast,tomyhusbandRon,whoisalwayssupportiveandpatientaswecontinueoninthislife’sjourney.

CONTENTSForewordbyDr.SherrillSellman,ND

Preface

Introduction

CHAPTER1

TheThyroidGlandTheRoleoftheThyroidGland

PastGenerationsDidNotHaveOurThyroidProblems

TheTSHTest:HowAccurateIsIt?

TheRelationshipBetweenFT4,FT3,RT3andTSH

HowtoNaturallyLowerRT3Levels

CHAPTER2

ThyroidMedicationProblemswithThyroidMedication

MedicationConversionProblems(T4toT3)

Non-ThyroidDrugSuggestions

MedicationsandMedicalTreatmentsthatReduceThyroidLevels

MedicationsandThyroidDisease

MedicationsthatDecreaseNutrientAbsorption

MedicationsthatIncreaseNutritionalRequirements

MedicationsThatLowerThyroidFunction

CHAPTER3

AnOverviewofThyroidDiseaseHypothyroidism

MildlyUnderactiveThyroid

PrimaryHypothyroidism

SecondaryHypothyroidism

TertiaryHypothyroidism

ThyroidSurgery

AutoimmuneDisordersoftheThyroid

AdditionalComplicationsofThyroidDisease

GutDisease

BreastCancer

ReversingThyroidDisease—Naturally

CHAPTER4

ThyroidDisruptersandInhibitorsThyroidDisrupters:Enzymes

IodothyronineDeiodinaseandMercury

AadenylateCyclaseandChemicalPollutants

OtherThyroidInhibitors

AgingProcess

LackofImportantNutrients

TheLiverAffectsConversionofT4toT3

Glyphosate

SoyInhibitsThyroidFunction

AdrenalStressandFatigue

AdrenalGlandsandthePancreas

TheAdrenalGlands

HowtheAdrenalsRespondtoStress

AdrenalGlandLaboratoryTesting

AdrenalGlandDysfunction

SupportingtheAdrenalGlands

CHAPTER5

Hashimoto’sDiseaseImmuneImbalance

BalancingTh1andTh2Cells

Hashimoto’sDiseaseandGluten

CorrectingHashimoto’sImmuneImbalance

Hashimoto’sThyroiditisAffectsBrainHealth

Hashimoto’sDisruptstheBrain’sImmuneSystem

RelatedDisorders

ViralandBacterialInfections

Epstein-BarrInfectionandHashimoto’s

TreatEpstein-BarrVirusNaturally

ChemicalToxins

LeakyGutSyndrome

LabTestsforLeakyGut

ZonulinandGutPermeability

NutritionalRecommendationsforLeakyGut

CeliacDiseaseandHashimoto’sThyroiditis

CHAPTER6

HyperthyroidismCausesofHyperthyroidism

SymptomsofHyperthyroidism

TheHolisticApproachtoHyperthyroidism

FoodsCanHelpReduceHormoneSecretion

Supplements

HerbalMedicineforThyroidHealth

Bugleweed

Motherwort

LemonBalm

Hawthorn

Turmeric

HerbsforOtherSpecificThyroidImbalances

BlueFlag

Ashwagandha

Eleuthero

Bladderwrack

Pokeweed

Guggul

OtherConditionsAffectingThyroidHealth

Goiters

Menopause

OralContraceptives

Pregnancy

Stress

SleepDeprivation

ThyroidCancer

CancerDevelopment

CaseHistory:FullReversalofThyroidCancer

TeasforCancerTreatment

WeightLossonJuiceFast

CHAPTER7

L-TyrosineandIodine

L-Tyrosine:TheRisingStar

L-Tyrosine:WhatDoesItRegulateandAffect?

TyrosineandPhenylalanine

L-TyrosineisaMajorMetabolicComponent

L-TyrosineasAntidepressant

FoodsHighinTyrosineHelpRaiseDopamine

L-TyrosineHelpsStress

L-TyrosineBenefitsNeuralAging

Memory

Vegetables/Fruits

Other

FoodsThatLowerDopamine

TyrosineSupplementation

Iodine

IodineDeficiency

TheWondersofIodine

IodinePreventsandTreatsBreastCancer

IodineAllergyandFetusDevelopment

HowSafeisIodineSupplementation?

IodineKillsAntibioticResistantGerms

CHAPTER8

HomeopathicRemediesforThyroidConditionsHomeopathicRemediesforHyperthyroidism

Iodum(Iodine)

Lachesis(Bushmaster)

Natmur(SodiumChloride)

Fucusvesiculosus(Seakelp)

Lycopus(Bugleweed)

PhytolaccaDecandra

Ferrumiod(IronIodide)

Spongiatosta(RoastedSponge)

HomeopathicRemediesforHypothyroidism

Fucusvesiculosus(Seakelp)

Kalicarbonicum(Potassiumcarbonate)

Graphites(Graphite/BlackLead)

Sepiaofficinalis(InkofCuttlefish)

Calcareacarbonic(Calciumcarbonate)

NuxVomica(QuakerButton)

Lycopodiumclavatum(ClubMoss)

TreatingGoiterwithHomeopathy

Graves’Disease

CHAPTER9

HowtoCareforYourThyroidGlandNutritionforThyroidGlandDisorders

SugarandCaffeine

GoodFats

Protein

L-Tyrosine

Probiotics

NutritionforThyroidDysfunction

Zinc

IronandB12

Iodine

Selenium

EssentialFattyAcids(EFAs)

EPA/DHAFattyAcids

AlphaLipoicAcid

Antioxidants

VitaminC

VitaminA

VitaminE

VitaminBComplex

Magnesium

SuperoxideDismutase(SOD)Enzyme

CandidaandGutPermeability

N-acetyl-cysteineandCandida

ProbioticsandGutFlora

Conclusion

HerbalRemedies:AdditionalResearchResources

Bibliography

AbouttheAuthor

FFOREWORD

ORYEARSOFmy life, I struggledwithmanyundiagnosed symptomsandhealthconditions.Theseissueswereacompletemysterytome.Let’sstartwithweight

gain;eventhoughIwouldeatlikeachurchmouseandexerciseregularly,myweightstubbornlyrefusedtobudge.Thentherewastheextremefatiguethatplaguedme,especially upon arising in themorning. I would feelmore exhausted after a longnight’ssleepthenIdidthenightbefore.I was also haunted by feelings of depression that were impossible to shake, nomatterhowhard I tried.Other symptomswouldappear randomly, includingdryskin,digestiveissues,hormonalimbalances,allergies,andfoggybrain.Itrudgedthroughmylife,neveroncefeelingreallyvitalandfullyalive.Itwasn’tuntilmanyyearsdown the track that I finallydiscovered thatall thesesymptoms were related. They were due to an underachieving thyroid. I wasdiagnosed with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition that canseriouslydamagethyroidfunction.Wow, I thought. After years of dealing with so many debilitating issues, I wasfinallyabletomakesenseofitall.Iamnotaloneinmythyroidchallenges—approximately20twentymillionotherAmericanssharethisdiagnosis.Oneoutofeightwomenintheirlifetimewillhaveathyroiddisorder.Withoutahealthy,functioningthyroid,wecannotliveourlifefully.Anythyroidproblem can compromise not only our quality of life but our quality of health.Standardmedical treatments for thyroid disease are less than adequate and oftenineffective.Evenmoresignificantly,theycannothealathyroidglandthatisoutofbalanceorimpairedinsomeway.I chose to heal my thyroid issue naturally. I changed my diet, cleaned up myenvironment, committed to acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, reducedstress,becamegluten-freeandsugar-free,andbegantakingspecificsupplementsandherbs to support thyroid function and autoimmune issues. I became totallycommitted to healing my thyroid, as well as the other health challenges that Idiscoveredwerecontributingtomyunderachievingthyroid.IamsopleasedtobeabletoreportthatInolongerhaveanyunderactivethyroidproblemsoranyofmypastthyroid-initiatedsymptoms!Ipersonallyachievedthiswithouttheneedforanythyroidmedication.It’sbeenquitealearningandhealing

curveforme,butithasbeenwellworththeeffort.Thankstothesechanges,Iamhealthiernowthanatanytimeinthepast.IwishI’dhadtheinformationthatMichelleHondahasgatheredtogetherinhernewbook,ReverseThyroidDiseaseNaturally,whenIfirstgotmydiagnosis.Itisthebestshortcuttounderstandingthemanythyroidissues,aswellasprovidingprovenandeffectivestrategiestonaturallyregainoptimalthyroidfunctionatanyage.Ourbodyhasthetrulymiraculouscapacitytohealanyproblem.Whatisrequiredisaprovenroadmapthatwillsafelyguideustoourdestinationofgoodhealth.ReverseThyroidDiseaseNaturallyisamust-readforallpeoplewhoarelookingtodiscoverthesolutionsforhealingtheirthyroiddiseases.Thankyou,Michelle,foryourtirelessdedicationtobeingsuchawonderfulLightBearer,guidingusonourpathtooptimalwellness.

—Dr.SherrillSellman,NDAuthorofHormoneHeresy:WhatWomenMUSTKnowAboutTheirHormonesandWhatWomenMUSTKnowtoProtectTheirDaughtersfromBreastCancer

IPrefaceMAGINEALIFEinwhichyoufeelvibrantandenergized—fullofrealenthusiasmforeverythinglifehastooffer!Formanypeople,thiswouldbetheirideal.Butreallifealwaysseemstofallshortofthatideal.Thinkingbackoveryourlife,youmaywonderifyou’veeverfelttrulypresentandalive.What’sworse,youmaynotbeabletosaypreciselywhyyouoftenfeellistless,sluggish,ortired.Knowthatallisnotlost;youcanbecometheactive,engagedpersonyoulongtobe.Thoselingeringfeelingsoffatiguemayactuallybeahealthissuewaitingtobesolved.Wehavecompiledmanydifferentscenariostoshowyouwhyyoufeeltired,whyyoucannotcontrolyourweighteventhoughyouareeatingfar less,andwhyyouareexperiencingmoodswingsandfeelingsofdepression.Your body’s energy levels are a function of a gland in your body known as thethyroid.Whenyour thyroidglandhasnotbeennutritionally supported,which istheonlywayitcanfunctionproperly,youfallpreytoamyriadofdisorders—fromalower-functioningheart,tonolongerhavingazestforlife,tofeelingtiredmostofthe time.The problems surrounding hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorderscanbeverysimpletoremedy,ormayinvolveamorecomplexapproach,requiringattention toother areasof thebodywhereadditional conditionshavemanifested.(Forexample,gastrointestinalproblemsdue to leakygutand inflammationof thethyroid gland are the reason why 95% of the population diagnosed withhypothyroidism in North America have Hashimoto’s disease—a form ofhypothyroidism.)When the thyroidglanddoesnot receivepropernutritional support, itbecomesunable to make necessary hormones, like the thyroid-stimulating hormone TSHandthehormonesT3andT4.Whentestingforanunderactivethyroid,bloodtestswill look to determine the levels of these hormones. However, this in itself isanother area of complication; there is a long list of problems surrounding thecommon thyroid test performed at the doctor’s office,whichwe’ll discuss in thisbook.We will also discuss how to fully restore the function and health of yourthyroidglandsoitcanbestserveyouasintendedbythebiochemicalmakeupofourbody.Having determined that your thyroid may be to blame for your symptoms ofdepression and fatigue, youmay be wondering what options you have available.

Thyroidmedicationisquicklybecomingatopseller;however,adrugsimplycannotdotheworkofyourbody’sownglands,andmanynegativesymptomswillfollowasaresultoftheseartificialmeans.Thisformofmedicationcannotsustainyourglandonanoptimumlevel.The therapies andprotocols presented in this book are the result ofmany yearsspentteachingothershowbesttopropupthisoverworkedgland,andincorporatesthelatestresearchintouncoveringthepitfallssurroundingmainstreammedicationsanddietaryimbalances.Toomanypeoplethinkthereisnothingthatcanbedonetoeasetheirsymptomsorundoyearsofneglect.Thisissimplynotthecase;youdonotneedtobeoneofthe many checking themselves into crisis care centers! Reverse Thyroid DiseaseNaturally, like all the other books in my series, deals with full restoration anddiseasereversalofconditionsbyworkingwithourbody’snaturalbiochemicalandmetaboliccomposition.You’lldiscoverusable,affordable, safe techniquesthatyoucanstartrightaway.Bepreparedtofeelamazing!

—MichelleHondaPh.D.,D.Sc.

YIntroduction

OUGOTOthedoctor’sofficecomplainingoffatigueandmoodswings.Youaretoldyouarefine,butyouknowyouarenot!

In all probability, you are suffering with thyroid dysfunction. Many doctorsmisdiagnose thyroid disease due to faulty testing methods and not beingknowledgeable on thenutritional needs of the body. (Butwe can’t lay toomuchblame;asyet,nutritionisn’tastandardpartofthemedicalcurriculum.)The American Thyroid Association estimates upwards of 20million Americanshavesomeformofthyroiddisease,andthat60percentofthosewiththyroiddiseaseare unaware of it. Further estimates showwomen to be five to eight timesmorelikely thanmen to have thyroid dysfunction; onewoman in eightwill develop athyroid problem during her lifetime.1 The American Association of ClinicalEndocrinologists has estimated that 21millionwomen alone suffer from thyroiddysfunction.2

In fact, I suspect we have all had, at some point in time, an imbalance in ourthyroid. Ingeneral,we arenotbeing taughthow toproperlynourishourbodies;plus, the thyroid—like other glands/organs—is subject to emotional stressors andenvironmentaltoxinsonadailybasis.Whatthisresultsinisathyroidglandthatisoverworked and underpaid. Is it any surprise that it starts to slow down after awhile?Becausethethyroidhassuchanenormousinfluenceoverourday-to-daylives,itisimportanttolearntheearlydetectionsignsofimbalancesandemployapreventativeapproach,rather thanwait for themanyproblemssure to followa lossof thyroidfunctionality. Even though the reports on the subject differ in their particulars,what remains clear is diseases of the thyroid glandneed to be acknowledged andaddressedintheonlywaytheycantrulybecorrected—byadoptinganutritionallysoundplanthatsupportsyourbody’scellularfunction.

ObjectivesforReverseThyroidDiseaseNaturallyWhen embracing lifestyle change on the journey to reclaim one’s health, nearlyeveryone experiences some challenges in their personal lives. It’s a natural part ofadopting new routines and leaving old ones behind.We will now look at a fewlearningobjectiveswe’ll be considering inour efforts tobringyour thyroidglandandbodybacktoanoptimumstateofhealth.3,4

Inthisbook,wewillworkto:

Understandguthealthandwhyitisamajorcontributorinhypothyroidismandinautoimmunethyroiddiseasedisorders.Learnhowtoincorporatesupplementation,anecessarycomponentinreestablishingthyroidhealthanddietary/lifestylechanges.Understandcharacteristicsoftheimmunesystem—immunecellsinfiltratethethyroidglandandproducethyroidantibodies.Understandtheroleoftheproteinglutenininstigatingautoimmuneresponsestothyroidfunction.Learnaboutcommonthyroidproblems,includinghyperthyroidism,Graves’disease,andgoiter.Exploretherolethatcertainmedicationsplayininfluencingthethyroid,includingsyntheticestrogen(birthcontrolpills).Learnhowthyroiddysfunctioncanimpactconnectedsystems,resultinginglucoseandcholesterolimbalances,highbloodpressure,allergies,gutcomplaints,weightgain(especiallyintheabdominalarea),andfatigue.Investigatetheroleofinsulinasaprominentthyroidinhibitor,andtheresultingthyroidresistance.5

Onthetopicofmedication,we’llalsobeevaluatingvariousthyroiddrugsusedtotreat thyroid disease on their performance and long-term effects.While retainingyour thyroidgland isourmainobjective, for thosewhoaremissing their thyroidandaretakingdrugtherapy,wewillshedsomelightastowhyyoumightstillsufferwith hypothyroidism symptoms. Additionally, othermedications will be touchedonasrootcausesofintestinalpermeabilityrelatedtothyroiddysfunction.This book is for the millions of Americans who don’t understand why theirmetabolismis so lowandwhythey strugglewithdepression, stress,moodswings,fatigue,exhaustion,weightgain,hair loss,menopausalsymptoms,hotflashes,andexcessive perspiration. In addition, we’ll also be addressing the more seriousconcernsoffibrocysticbreastdisease,cancer,nodulesandauto-immunedisordersofthethyroid,andmore—alldirectlyrelatedtothehealthandnutrientsusedbythethyroidgland.The primary goal of holisticmedicine inworkingwith the disease process is toreverseandpermanentlychangethepathologyofdestructiveillnesses.Thefocusofthis book will be centered on the thyroid gland, a main area of the endocrine

system. It givesmegreatpleasure tounravel themisinformation surrounding thisextremelyvitalgland,onewhichsodirectlyimpactsourday-to-dayexistence.

CHAPTER2

W

ThyroidMedication

HENA PHYSICIAN suspects that theremaybe an issuewith apatient’s thyroid,theirfirstresponseistypicallytoprescribesomeformofthyroidmedication.

However,whileyoumaystarttofeelbetterwithinacoupleofweeksaftertakingmedicationtotreatyourthyroidcondition,overtime,yourbodywillnotbeabletosustain adequate thyroid function thewayyourownnaturalhormones could.AnindividualmaybegivensyntheticT4,butfindthatitisn’tconvertingtoT3inthebody.ThedoctormightthenprescribesyntheticT3,suchasCytomel,whichmaybeof somebenefit.But often, theproblemofT4not converting toT3 remains,eventhoughT3hormoneshavebeenadded.1

Therearemanyotherreasons(someofwhichwillalsobediscussedinChapter4)astowhyT4maynotbeconvertingtoitsactiveformofT3.Forthosewhofindthemselvespermanentlyonthyroidmedicationandstillsufferfromnegativethyroidsymptoms, look into other areas involved with this conversion process to findunderlyingcontributingfactors,asidefromthelimitationsofthyroidmedication.AmongthethreemostpopularprescriptionthyroiddrugsisLevothyroxine(brandnamesSynthroid,Levothyroid,Levoxyl,andUnithroid),whicharesyntheticformsofthehormoneT4,aprecursortoT32;Liothyronine,asyntheticformofthyroidhormoneT3(brandnameCytomel);anddesiccatedthyroid(brandnameArmourThyroid).Of the three, desiccated thyroidwould by far bemy first choice, since it is theclosest to natural thyroid tissue. Armour Thyroid is a purified form of thyroidhormonemadefromporkthatprovidesbothT3andT4.However,therehasbeenaproblemwithsupplyof thisproduct inrecentyearsdue toshortage.Becauseofthis,theproducersofthisproducthavelimitedtheavailabilityofcertainstrengths(60mlor1gram).Note: non-prescription desiccated thyroid and other glandular extracts can bepurchasedinmanyhealth-relatedstoresthatretailsupplements.3

ProblemswithThyroidMedicationLikeallothermedications,thyroidmedicationscomewitha listofsideeffects.Inthe case of synthetic thyroid medication, most contain only partial hormonereplacementsuchasT4(orT3only)amongothermissingpropertiesnecessaryforhormoneactivation.

MedicationConversionProblems(T4toT3)AcommonproblemformanypeopleonSynthroidmedicationiswhetherT4willbeconvertedtoT3.It’sthisconversionissuewhichaccountsforwhyyoumayfeelfatigued and generally unwell. In order for Synthroid towork, an enzyme calledDe-Iodinasemustbepresent andworkingwell. If it isdeficientorunavailable tothe body, T4 will not be converted into T3. In such cases, switch tonaturally-sourceddesiccatedthyroidextractpreparations.Anothermissing ingredient inSynthroid andCytomelmedication iscalcitonin,which becomes critical for patientswho have had a total thyroidectomy. In suchinstances,thecellsresponsibleforproducingcalcitonin(parafollicularcells)willbemissing, and may still be deficient in patients who have their thyroid gland.Calcitoninispresentinnaturalthyroidextracts.4,5,6

Non-ThyroidDrugSuggestionsNothingwillworkaswellasyourownfully-functioningthyroidgland;however,ifyou have to make a choice, natural desiccated thyroid extract contains a fullspectrumof hormones (T4 andT3 aswell asT2 andT1).This formof thyroidsupporthasbeenusedsincethe1800s.Non-prescriptiondesiccatedorgan/glandulartissues are available in localhealth/supplement stores for thosewhowould like toexplore this option. Youwill likely havemore successwith these products if youhavenotbeenonlong-termthyroidmedication.Most companies also have combination products for glandular support.Suggestions for combination formulas include: Natural Factors, Thorne, Now,Sangsters,Botanica,Eclectric Institute,VitaminShoppeBrand,HerbPharm,andseveralothercompanies.TheUnitedStatesalsohas several sourceswhich includerawordesiccatedthyroidandotherglandularsubstances:NaturalSources,Solaray,Seroyal,NatraBio,andothers.

MedicationsandMedicalTreatmentsthatReduceThyroidLevelsThere aremany drugs commonly prescribed to treat other disorders and illnesseswhichcannegativelyimpactyourhormonelevels,orcauseyourthyroidtofunction

atlessthanoptimallevels.Lithium is a drug widely used to treat bipolar and other psychiatric disorders.Psychoticdrugsseverelyimpactthethyroid,affectingthyroidhormoneproductionand secretion.Mostdevelophypothyroidismsymptoms (bothwithandwithoutagoiter).Amiodarone (cordarone) is a drugused to treat abnormal heart rhythmswhichcontainshighlevelsofiodine.Patientsaremoresusceptiblewhenhypothyroidismispresentandhavebeenshowntoinducehyperorhypothyroidism,especiallyintheUnitedStates.Otherdrugexamplesarethoseusedtotreatepilepsy(phenytoin/carbamazepine),which are shown to reduce thyroid hormone levels, as well as antidepressants,whichalsocontributetohypothyroidism.The increased antibodies from interferons and interleukins, used in thetreatmentofmultiplesclerosis,hepatitis,leukemia,AIDS,andcancer,putspatientsatahigherriskforhypothyroidismoranoveractivethyroid(hyperthyroidism).Inaddition, chemotherapy drugs (like sunitinib/imatinib) can cause or aggravatehypothyroidism.RadiationtherapyisespeciallyproblematicwhenappliedintheheadorneckareaforthetreatmentofcertaincancersorHodgkin’sdisease-causinghypothyroidism.7

MedicationsandThyroidDiseaseConventionalmedicinedoesnot informpatientsonhowtoproperlynourishandsupportspecificsystemsandindividualglands/organstoensureoptimumfunctionandrestoration.Thisleavesthethyroidunabletoproducesufficienthormonesandsecretionsnecessaryformakingotherhormones,likeepinephrineandnoradrenalineintheadrenalglandsanddopamineinthebrain.Somephysicians,recognizingtheirtraditionalformatfortreatingthisglandhavebeeninadequate,havegonetogreatlengthstryingtomanipulatethedosagelevelsofthyroidhormones.Acertainamountofsuccesshasbeenachieved,yethasbeendifficulttosustainoverall.Thereisanexplanationastowhyresultsmaybelimited:thyroidmedicationcannotperform like thenatural elementsused in thebuildingand functioning of the thyroid gland. As in all other nutrient requirements, onlywhole, unadulterated natural sources can be utilized by our cells. Bottom line is,drugscannotworklikenaturalsubstances!

MedicationsthatDecreaseNutrientAbsorptionAside from the critical elements earmarked for thyroid gland health andperformancethatmaybemissingfromsyntheticmedication,amajorcontributingfactor for millions of Americans is the correlation between a sub-optimalgut/digestivesystemandamultitudeofhealthconcerns.Societyat largefacesacommonproblem—drugsdepleteessentialnutrients.Thechallengepeopleandhealthcarepractitionersfaceisnotknowingwhichnutrientsarebeing robbedbymedications.Nutritionaldeficiencies fromprolongeddrugusageare a major side effect and concern. More than 1,000 of the most commonlyprescribed medications (despite being effective and even life-saving) produce areactionknown as drug-inducednutrient depletion (DIND), a problem farmorecommonthanacknowledged.8

Infact,thedepletednutrientsareactuallyresponsibleforatleastthirtypercentofthe side effects experienced from the medications themselves. It is important torecognizeandbeproactiveinreplenishingessentialvitaminsandmineralsthatcanbe lost. In doing so, thosewhomust remain on certain drugs orwho are in theprocessoftransitioningfromtheirusagelessentheriskofpotentialsideeffectswhilemaintaining(andevenincreasing)theeffectivenessofthemedication.You may wonder how medications rob nutrients from our body. There areprimarily two ways. First, they can inhibit nutrient absorption by altering theenvironmentofourdigestive tractandaffectingdigestive stomachsecretions (acidblockers and proton pump inhibitors), impairing the nutrients absorbed fromprotein,carbohydrates,andfat.Anotherwayisbythedrugsbindingtonutrientsandpreventingthemfrombeingabsorbed,suchascholesterolresins(medicationtolowercholesterol)bindingtobileintheintestines.Thisactionblockstheabsorptionoffat-solublevitaminsandfolicacid.Thepatientsatmostriskforthesetypesofcomplicationsareseniors,becausetheytakethemostmedicationsoverall;however,children,pregnantwomen,andanyonewith chronic disease will find themselves at a higher risk of drugs affecting theirbodies’nutritionalhealth.

MedicationsthatIncreaseNutritionalRequirementsDespitebeingdesignedasaremedy,prescriptionmedicationshavetheirownlistofcomplications.Themostcommondrugsusedinconventionaltreatmentsofboweldisorders are corticosteroids and sulphasalazines. They are also prescribed forrheumatoidarthritis and fibromyalgia, amongother conditions.Bothmedicationsare known to increase the nutritional requirements of the body. For example,corticosteroidsareknowntostimulatethedecompositionofproteins(catabolism),hinderproteinformation,anddecreasetheabsorptionofcalciumandphosphoruswhile increasingtheurinaryexcretionofvitaminC,calcium,potassium,andzinc.In addition, they increase blood glucose levels, serum triglycerides, and serumcholesterol,aswellasincreasetherequirementsforvitaminB6,ascorbicacid,folate,andvitaminD.Corticosteroids have also been shown to decrease bone formation and impedewound healing. Sulphasalazine medications have revealed restrictions in theassimilationandtransportoffolate(orfolicacid),aBvitamincommonlyfoundinliverandvegetables.Sulfadrugsalsoreduceserumfolateandironwhileescalatingtheurinaryexcretionofascorbicacid.

MedicationsThatLowerThyroidFunctionMany different medications affect thyroid function. Medications like dopamineagonists,glucocorticoids,rexinoids,andsomatostatinanalogssuppressTSHinthethyrotrope(ahormonesecretedbythepituitaryglandthatregulatestheproductionofthyroidhormones)andinthehypothalamus.Theyalsoaffecthormonesecretion,synthesis,andmetabolism.Drugscanalsodisruptthyroidhormonelevelsbyalteringitsaffinityforbindingtocarrierproteins like thyroxine-bindingglobulin,whichbinds thyroidhormonesinthebloodstreamforcirculation.Theworstofthisgroupbyasignificantmarginis rexinoids, shown to be extreme hormone receptor agonists causinghypothyroidism in patients.9 A study published in the New England Journal ofMedicineinvolvingtwenty-sevenpatientsconductedbyShermanSI,GopalJ.andcolleagues dealt with drug suppression of TSH and the causes of centralhypothyroidismassociatedwithretinoidXreceptor-selectiveligands.An example from this case study: “A 76-year-old male with a diagnosis ofcutaneousT cell lymphomapresented for enrollment into anopen label studyoforal bexarotene after failing multiple topical and systemic therapies.Within twoweeksofstartingbexarotene(650mg/m2/day)thepatientdevelopedsymptomsofhypothyroidismincludingcoldintolerance,fatigueanddepression.Hewasnotedtohave low serumT4 andT3 levels consistentwithhypothyroidism,buthis serumTSHwas also suppressed.Thebexarotenewasdiscontinued;his thyroid functiontestsnormalizedandsymptomsresolved.”10

Rexinoids like Bexarotene interact with a specific nuclear hormone receptor.Nuclearreceptorsareagroupofproteinsfoundwithincellsthatareresponsibleforsensingsteroidandthyroidhormones,amongothermolecules.RexinoidssuppressserumTSHinmostpatientsandcauseclinicallysignificanthypothyroidism.11

GlucocorticoidshavelongbeenknowntoaffectserumTSHlevelsinpatients,inparticularatthepartofthehypothalamusinvolvingTSHsecretion.Amainreasonfor decreased levels of TSH secretion from the pituitary was noted in a studyreleased by Alkemade and colleagues, who determined that high dosage levels ofglucocorticoidsdecreasedTRHmRNAlevelsinthehumanhypothalamus.12

Dopamine(themedicationformofasubstancethatoccursnaturallyinthebody)anddopamine agonist bromocryptine havebeen shown to suppress serumTSH.When used in cases of critical illness and with disorders like hyperprolactinemia(abnormallyhighlevelsofprolactinintheblood),thesesubstancessuppressserum

TSH.Bromocryptinehasalsobeen shownto reduce serumTSHinpatientswithpituitaryresistancetothyroidhormonetherapy.13

Through the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, dopamine can activatedopamine D2 receptors but appears to have the opposite effect on the pituitarythyrotropeandthehypothalamus.Studiesrelatingtotheuseofdopamineinfusionson critically ill patients showed the probability of iatrogenic-induced centralhypothyroidisminthesepatients.14

Somatostatin analogs are drugs used in the treatment of tumors, carcinoidtumors,glucogonomas,andbenignpituitarytumorsandasaninhibitorofgrowthhormones. As well, these drugs are used in infusion therapies in an attempt toprevent retinopathy in diabetics, which also suppresses TSH levels. Studies haverevealed that long-acting somatostatin analogs suppress serumTSH and dampenTRH-stimulatedTSHlevelsinhealthyvolunteers.15,16,17,18

These are just a few examples of medications that can negatively affect yourhormone production and overall thyroid health. More examples will appearthroughout thebook,as theybecomerelevant, tohelpyoubeon the lookout foranythingthatmightinterferewithyourthyroidhormonesorreceptors.

I

CHAPTER3

AnOverviewofThyroidDisease

NTERMSOF thyroiddisease, they canbe groupedunder twoprimary categories:disease as a result of your thyroid underperforming (hypothyroidism) oroverperforming(hyperthyroidism).

HypothyroidismThe term hypothyroidism falls under several different categories, from mildlyunderactivetopermanentconditions.Hypothyroidismwasfirstrecognizedduringthe latenineteenthcenturywhenswelling(hands, feet, face,andaroundtheeyes)was observed following the removal of patient’s thyroid gland. This is a naturaloccurrencedue to the absenceof requiredhormones and substancesproducedbythethyroid.

MildlyUnderactiveThyroidSubclinicalormildhypothyroidismisconsideredanearlystageofhypothyroidism.Thisconditiondescribeslevelsofthyrotropin(TSH)startingtoincreaseasaresultofT4levelsbegintodecline.YourbloodtestswillstillshownormallevelsofT4atthisstage.Yoursymptomswouldbemild,noticingsomefatiguefromtimetotime.Subclinicalhypothyroidism is aproblemarea forphysicians; theydonothave atreatment plan in place since medications are not warranted at this stage.Rebalancingthethyroidnutritionallywouldbethesolution.

PrimaryHypothyroidismIt is estimated that ninety-five percent of hypothyroidism cases start with adysfunctionofthethyroidglanditself,knownasprimaryhypothyroidism.ThetwomostcommoncausesofthisconditionareHashimoto’sThyroiditisandthemedicalovertreatmentofhyperthyroidism(overactivethyroid).

SecondaryHypothyroidismThe cause of secondary hypothyroidism describes a problem with the pituitarygland.Fortunately,thesecasesarerareandareusuallyduetoapituitarytumor.Insuch instances, thepituitary glandwill stopproducing thyrotropin (TSH),whichresultsinthethyroid’sinabilitytoproduceitsownhormones,causingittoshrinkandbecomeweak.

TertiaryHypothyroidismCertainrelateddisordersof thehypothalamusmaycausewhat’sknownas tertiaryhypothyroidism. (The hypothalamus is the part of the brain that controls theendocrinesystem.)Possibleunderlyingconditionsinclude:

Tumorofthehypothalamus.Radiationtothebrain.Cretinism,aconditioncharacterizedbyseverehypothyroidismthatispresentatbirth.

Oneinevery4,000babiesisbornwithoutaproperlyfunctioningthyroidgland,showinglessthanfivepercentofcaseshaveanormalfunctioningpituitaryorhypothalamus.1Thethyroidglandmaybeunderdevelopedormissing.Childrenleftuntreatedwillbecomepermanentlydwarfed,withastrongprobabilityformentalretardationandsterility.

Pregnantwomen,whenthemotherbecomespregnantwhilealreadyhavingtheconditionofhypothyroidism,ordevelopsitduringherpregnancy.Hemochromatosis,aninheriteddisorderexpressedbytheabnormallyhighabsorptionofironbytheintestinaltract,resultinginexcessivestorageofiron.

Thisconditionisalsoreferredtoasbronzediabetes,andaffectstheliver,pancreas,heart,joints,skin,testes,andmore.

ThyroidSurgeryIfmisfortunehas ledyoutoa total thyroidectomy(thecomplete removalofyourthyroid), youwill require a lifetime of thyroid hormone treatment. Even thoughyouareundergoingmedicaltreatmentforthecondition,patientsusuallyexperiencesymptoms of hypothyroidism.Whenever possible, strive to keep one of the twolobesofthethyroidgland.Thisprocedure(calledhemithyroidecctomy)isnormallyperformed for benign growths, but is unlikely to result in hypothyroidismunlessnutritionalrequirementsofthethyroidarenotbeingmet.

AutoimmuneDisordersoftheThyroidConditions falling under the umbrella of Thyroiditis are a common form ofprimary hypothyroid disease. You may be more familiar with Hashimoto’sThyroiditis, although atrophic thyroiditis and postpartum thyroiditis are twoothers. The cells of the thyroid gland come under attack in these autoimmunedisorders.2

ThyroidAutoimmunity

ThemaincellsinvolvedinthyroidautoimmunityareourTandBcells.Thesecellsareimportantimmunefactors and enter the thyroid gland in equal numbers. T cells are well-known for their primary infectionfightingactivity,identifyingbacteria,viruses,andotherinvasivemolecules.TheyalsoassisttheBcellsintheirproductionofantibodies.

TheproblemwithautoimmunityoccurswhentheTcellsmalfunction,registeringmoleculesofthebody’sown cells (like the thyroid) as invaders. B cells are then immediately prompted into action, producingantibodies(auto-antibodies)designedspecificallytoattackthesecells.Whenthebodylaunchesanattackon the thyroid, it is usually the auto-antibodies targeting the thyroid protein (thyroid peroxidase), whichappearstodestroythyroidcells.2

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is the most common form of autoimmune thyroiddisorder in North America (discussed in much greater detail in Chapter 5).2

AtrophicThyroiditis is very similar toHashimoto’s disease,with exception to agoiter(whichisnormallyabsent).Riedel’sThyroiditisisarareconditioninwhichan imbalanceprompts the formationof scar tissue in the thyroidgland.This scartissuecantakeontheformofahard,stonymasswhichcanbecomecancerousorresultinhypothyroidism.2AutoimmuneThyroiditisduringpregnancyalsoresultsinhypothyroidism,inwhichwomendevelopantibodiestotheirownthyroidtissue.During the first trimester, pregnant women who test positive for thyroidantibodies have a thirty to fifty percent chance of developing Thyroiditis afterdelivery.3

AdditionalComplicationsofThyroidDiseaseBeyond its own complications, thyroid disease is showing to be a contributingfactorinanumberofotherhealthissues,includinggutdiseaseandbreastcancer.

GutDiseaseA vast number of patients with undiagnosed thyroid disease also struggle withundiagnosed GI problems. Gut dysbiosis, such as inflammatory bowel disorders(IBD), has reached pandemic proportions in recent years. Several facets of gutdisorderstriggeranimmuneresponse,whichisshowingtobeakeymechanisminthyroid dysfunction and which directly contributes to other major autoimmunedisordersanddiseaseconditions.Ourdigestivehealth isoneof themostcommonconcerns facingpeoplearoundthe world today. Constantly on the rise, 1.6 million Americans have IBD, and70,000newcasesarediagnosedeachyear.4

Havingworkedextensivelyintheareaofgastrointestinalhealth,Ihavelongsincerecognized the correlation between bowel inflammation disorders (leaky gut anddisturbedintestinallining)andthyroidissues,specificallyHashimoto’sThyroiditis.Evidenceofpotentialmechanisms supports anautoimmune response triggeredbydietary factors; in the case of Hashimoto’s disease, gluten is the main link andinstigator (and is the root cause in over 90 percent of all hypothyroidism cases.)Recognizing this fact, gluten intake could therefore severely impact an existingconditionofHashimoto’sThyroiditis.5

Be assured, the gut is a crucial etiological contributor in how your thyroidperforms.Research is ongoing, but it is now apparent that dietary factors have adirectinfluenceonthehealthandfunctionofyourthyroidgland.

BreastCancerAlsonotedinBrodaBarnes,Ph.D.collectivedata,recentstudieshaveobservedtheexceptionallyhighrateofhypothyroidism/goiterandthehighincidenceofcancer.Published inThe Journalof theAmericanMedicalAssociation (1976),his article“ThyroidSupplementsandBreastCancer”evidencedtherateofbreastcancerandthyroiddysfunction.Dr.Barnesstates,“Grazisagoiterarea;theentirepopulationsuffers froma relative thyroiddeficiency.Thyroid replacement is rarely employedthere. Yet the incidence of breast cancer is as high as ten times that seen in theUnitedStates.”1

Thyroid hormone receptors affect both of the processes by which cells change,whether it isnormalbreast cell functionorbreast cancer cellproliferation.Breastcancerwasdocumentedinseveralstudiesdemonstratingthyroidinvolvement.6,7,8,9,10

Taken from several selected studies and analyzed, researchers concluded thatproblemswiththethyroidareassociatedwithbreastcancer.AstudyperformedbyP.J.Hardefeldt,G.D.Eslick, and S. Edirimannewas centered on benign thyroiddiseaseandbreastcancer.Resultsshowedthat“Therewassignificantevidenceofanincreased risk of Breast Cancer in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis. Inaddition, the results supported an increased risk associated with the presence ofanti-thyroidantibodiesandgoiter.”11,12,13

Takingnoteofthesefindingsandthefactthatbreastcancerissteadilyontherise,it makes it even more critical to be sure your thyroid and immune system isfunctioningproperly.

ReversingThyroidDisease—NaturallyWhetherthisbookfindsyouinastateofgoodhealthorduringoneoflife’smanychallenges, over time, imbalances will occur in most of us. Unfortunately, it isprettymuchaguarantee for thosewhohavenot learnedhowto feed theirbodiesappropriately, as dictated by our cells and body systems.My goal inwriting thisbook,asalways,istohelpyoubecomemoreproactivewithyourhealth,toreachforthebesthealthyoucanhave.Remember that diet is the best tool we have in overcoming a vast number ofemotionalandphysical illnesses.Butlikemostthingsthat involvechange, ittakespractice to develop self-control and a new routine, whether it’s taking a fewsupplementsonadailybasisormakingapointtoaddsomethingdifferenttoyourdiet that is reallyhealthy.Know that yourbody andbrainwillworkwith you to

help you stick to new healthier choices. In other words, the longer you apply adifferentfoodorroutine,theeasieritgets!Even exercise has proven to help people exert better self-control and be moredisciplined. Improved food choices and activities impact the frontal lobe of ourbrain, shown to assist us in accomplishing tasks both big and small.One of thebiggesthurdles facingsomeonestartingsomethingnew is seeing it throughto theend. Our brain can actually help us with this challenge. It can help you resisttemptation and impulsiveness, help you with organizing and planning, andultimatelyassistusinadaptingtoanychallengeswe’vetakenon.My own journeywas no different than yourswill be. As I adopted better foodchoices and learned of specific nutrients that are used in greater amounts by thebody,I felt thechangesthatyouwill feel.Thesefeelingsareevidenceofachangeforthebetter.Again,thoughtherewillbeveryspecificrequirementsneededtohelpcorrect long-term deficiencies that have ultimately created a chronic symptom ordisease, you can reverse the damage done. Your body will quickly show itsappreciationforyoureffortstowardsbetternutritionalsupport.Bysimplypickingup a couple of keynutrients neededby your thyroid gland, the changewill havealreadybegun.Energyisthefirstnoticeablesignofimprovedhealth—lookforit!In the following chapter, we will delve into thyroid-disrupting chemicals andhormone inhibitors,aswellas theall-important roleof theadrenalglandsas theypertaintothyroidglandfunction.Tostartwith,we’lltakealookatthecriticaltasksperformedbyenzymesandwhatvaluablenutrientsareneededforthyroidfunction.

I

CHAPTER4

ThyroidDisruptersandInhibitors

N THIS CHAPTER, we’ll focus on a variety of thyroid disrupters and inhibitors,rangingfromenzymestochemicals—includingthoseofourownadrenalglands.

ThyroidDisrupters:EnzymesThereareover75,000enzymes inourbodywhose role it is toactivatemetabolicchanges, using magnesium and zinc as catalysts. For our purposes, we will betouchingontwospecificenzymes:iodothyroninedeiodinaseandadenylatecyclase.Youmaywellaskwhyitisimportanttounderstandtheroletheseenzymesplayinmybody.Itprimarilyhastodowithchemicalsthatgettakenintothebodyandhowtheycaninhibitthoseall-importantfunctionstiedintothethyroidgland.Chemicaltoxins canbothdestroyanddeactivate enzymes inourbody (hence, theyare alsoknownasinhibitors).Theneteffect isthatourhormonescannotdelivermessagesto our cells (which they do via enzymes), and our hormone blood levels remainnormaleventhoughtheyarenolongerhavinganinfluenceoverourcells(catalysts).The most common inhibitors come from heavy metals, industrial pollutants,medications,pesticides/fungicides,cigarettesmoke,ourbody’sownendotoxins,andhouseholdchemicals,allofwhichcontributetothedestructionofenzymesinourbody.1,2

IodothyronineDeiodinaseandMercuryThroughout my entire academic and professional career, I have been aware ofmercury’spotentialfortriggeringautoimmuneproblems,butithasrecentlybecomeapparent that it is also a major thyroid disrupter. Like other thyroid-disruptingchemicals,mercuryharmscellreceptorsandnegativelyaffectshormoneproduction.Thisisparticularlytroublesomegivenhowprevalentthischemicalis,enteringourbody through flu shots, vaccines, dental amalgams, fish consumption, and coalburningfactories.Regardless of normal serum T4 levels, mercury has an inhibitory effect on theenzymeiodothyroninedeiodinase,whichresultsinhypothyroidism.ThishappensduetothefactthatinordertoconvertT4toT3,theenzymedeiodinaseisrequired(along with the minerals zinc and selenium, which are needed to activate theenzyme).Buthowdoesthisrevealitselfinabloodtest?Theproblemisthatyourbloodtestwill still show thyroid hormones to be in normal range even if your thyroidhormone is unable to bind to cell receptors, resulting in symptoms ofhypothyroidism.One of your best options for detoxifyingmercury in your body is tomaintainsufficientlevelsofglutathione.Glutathioneisstoredinyourliver(alsoreferredtoasPhase2detoxification), aswell in the cellsofourbody.Foods showinghigherlevels of glutathione are red beets, whey protein, garlic and other sulfur richvegetables, raw goat whey and milk, raw eggs, asparagus, avocados, aloe vera,peaches,watermelon,grapeseedextract,bilberry,rosemary,Pycnogenolfrompinebark,andBrazilnuts(thehighestnaturalsourceofselenium).

AadenylateCyclaseandChemicalPollutantsTheenzymeAadenylatecyclaseplaysaprominentrole inthesequenceofchangesoccurring in cells specific to important hormones like the thyroid stimulationhormone (TSH). Part of this messenger process also involves Adenosinemonophosphate (c AMP), a critical messenger of cells. As the influence of thissecondmessengertricklesdownthemetabolicpathway,majorglandsandhormonesare affected; if itwere not available to activate changes in cells related to specifichormones,itwouldresultinwidespreadsystematiclossoffunction.Inotherwords,if Aadenylate cyclase and Adenosine monophosphate become disrupted, allmechanismsdependentuponthesemoleculeswouldshutdown,includingthyroidfunction. Typical causes of these disruptions include interference by chemicalpollutants, taken into the body by way of food, pharmaceuticals, and theenvironment.

OtherThyroidInhibitorsTherearevariousreasonswhysomepeoplecannotconvertT4toT3efficientlyinadditiontotoxicchemicaleffects.Somereasonscanberelatedtonutrition,whichmay be inhibited bymalabsorption brought about by the aging process and theeffects of certain drugs. There may also be issues related to independently poorfunctionalityinmainareasoftheendocrinesystem,suchastheliver,adrenals,andpancreas.

AgingProcessSimilarto,butslightlydifferentthan,thepotentialcausesforthyroiddysfunction,thyroidsymptomscanalsopresentwhenthereisalackofspecificelementsduetopoorabsorptionormedication.Whenvitaminandmineralabsorptionisdepressed,it directly affects the thyroidhormone conversion; severalmedication types affectthis,aswell, includingthyroidmedication(discussed inChapterTwo).Aspeopleage,nutrient absorption through the intestinesbecomes impaired; for this reason,supplementationisvitaltomaintainqualityoflife,asthemissingnutrientswillleadto poor conversion of T4 to T3. Nutrients to supplement include antioxidants,selenium,zinc,magnesium,iron,andvitaminsA,B6,andB12.

LackofImportantNutrientsNutrients that are critical for thyroid function and its production of T4 includeiodine,tyrosine,chromium,selenium,andzinc.The importanceof thesenutrientswill bediscussed ingreaterdetail throughoutthis book; for now, just understand that when these items become unavailable(whether throughthedietorare just invery lowsupply) thyroid functionwillbediminished.Afewotherreasonsforwhysomeonemaybelackinginthesenutrients,other than an inadequate diet source, include gastrointestinal problems, oralcontraceptives, low acidophilus/bifidus organisms (needed by the thyroid and theimmunesystem),andadiethighinprocessedfoods(foodprocessingeasilydestroysthesenutrients).

TheLiverAffectsConversionofT4toT3Theliverplaysanimportantandprotectiveroleinthyroidfunction.Abouttwentypercentofthebody’sconversionofT4toT3takesplaceintheliver.ThehormoneT4 (the inactive form) is produced in far greater amounts compared to T3 (theactiveform).AcompromisedliverwillbereducedinitsabilitytoconvertT4toT3.Another way the liver inhibits hormone conversion is when there is a surplus ofReverse T3 (RT3), which hinders the conversion of T4 to T3. A sluggish andlower-functioningliverdoesnotnormallyrevealitselfonbloodteststhatcheckforenzymeshavingtodowithchronicliverdiseases,andtestsdonotlookforsimilarproblemsinducedbymedications.Ifyourliverisn’tfunctioningoptimallyandyouhaveaproblemconvertingT4toT3,consideraliverdetoxificationprogram.3

GlyphosateOurworldisoverflowingwithchemicaltoxins.AningredientfoundinRoundup,glyphosate, is cause for alarm, as it renders us susceptible to Hashimoto’sThyroiditis and Graves’ disease, among other health risks.4 Glyphosate has anegative effect on our gutmicrobiome, promoting intestinal permeability, whichcan trigger autoimmune disorders like Hashimoto’s.5, 6 The beneficial bacteriumlactobacillus,whenfunctioningproperlyinourbodies,convertsinorganicseleniuminto a bioavailable form.Whilewe know selenium is needed in the formationofthyroidhormones,numerousstudiesshowhowseleniumcanhelptolowerthyroidantibodies.

SoyInhibitsThyroidFunctionSoyhasmadethelistoftheeightmostsignificantfoodallergens,asputoutbytheFoodandAgricultureOrganizationof theUnitedStates.Peoplewiththyroidandautoimmunethyroiddisorderconditionsshouldconsideravoidingsoy,especiallyifyouaresensitiveorallergictosoy.Remember:ifyouaresimplysensitivetoafoodorsubstance,youmaynotseeareactionforseveralhoursorevenacoupleofdays,whileanallergicreactionisusuallyimmediate.7,8,9

If you continue to eat foods to which you have a negative reaction, you willdevelop inflammation that leads to leaky gut syndrome and other autoimmuneproblems. Soy being a genetically modified (GMO) food, it also contains highresiduesofglyphosate.Soyalsocontainsgoitrogenproperties,whicharesubstancesthat inhibitthyroidfunction.Short termstudies (suchasone-week studies) showaminimaleffectonthyroidhormones, although longer studies did show amarked risk of developingoverthypothyroidism(overthypothyroidismdescribeselevatedTSHanddecreasedserumlevelsofT4orT3).10

AdrenalStressandFatigueTherearemanyreasonswhyadrenalstressreducestheconversionofT4toT3andwhyweakadrenalscancausehypothyroid symptoms,evenwhenthe thyroiddoesnotshowanydeficienciesitself.Oneexampleinvolvesadrenalstressdisruptingthehypothalamic, pituitary, and adrenal axis (HPA). Chronic stress has also beenshown to depress hypothalamic and pituitary function. Since these two organsdirectthyroidfunction,anyinterruptionoftheHPAaxiswillalsosuppressthyroidfunction.In other words, adrenal functionmust be established and adequately supportedbeforethethyroidglandcanfunctionproperly.Thisisbecausehormonessecretedby the adrenal glands play crucial roles throughout the body, some ofwhich aredirectlyrelatedtothyroidhealthandgonads.Determiningfactorsresultinginstressto the adrenal glands include internal imbalances, such as gut inflammation anddigestionproblems,andaweakimmunesystem.Otherfactorstoconsiderincludeconstantemotional stressors, suchas thechronic threatof loss (of a job, financialsecurity, or a loved one) and persistent day-to-day occurrences that ultimatelydepleteourglandsandbody.Psychological stress is only part of the problem; environmental stressors areanothercomponent,includingairpollution,householdmolds,pathogens,radiation(EMFs),andtoxinssuchaspesticidesandfungicides.Wecannotproperlytreatthyroiddysfunctionwithoutconsideringtheroleplayedby the adrenal glands. For this reason, it is necessary to address the needs of theadrenalstopreventfurtherdisruptionthroughitsexcessproductionofcortisol.Thestresshormonecortisolcaneitherinhibitthyroidhormoneproductionorinhibititsabilitytobindtoreceptors.

AdrenalGlandsandthePancreasAnother inhibiting factor to consider is the role of the pancreas. Healthy bloodsugarlevelsareasequallyimportantforoptimumthyroidfunction.11Thethyroid,the adrenals, and the pancreas—these three members of our endocrine systemconstantlyinterrelatewitheachotherinanongoingcycle.Theadrenalglandscanputthesqueezeonthepancreas,causingittosecretearushofinsulin.Indoingso,thissurgeofbloodsugarfurtherdecreasesthyroidhormoneproduction.

TheAdrenalGlandsAsmoreinformationonourphysiologyisrevealed,we’vecometounderstandtheimpactouradrenalglandshaveonourthyroidwhentheybecomelowfunctioningand imbalanced in theirhormonesecretions.This sectionwill shedsome lightontheimportantroletheadrenalsplay,theproblemsofdysfunction,andhowtotestfortheirleveloffunction,aswellashowtobestnutritionallysupportthesetirelessglands.Theadrenalglandsaresmall,grape-sizedglandsthatlieontopofthekidneys.Youcan think of them as our shock absorbers; these very hard-working glands haveoftenbeen likened to overachievers, and are responsible for regulatingourbody’sresponsetostress.Theadrenalglandsconsistoftwomainsections,describedastheouter adrenal cortex and the inner adrenal medulla. The adrenal glands have aspecial connection to the brain (themedulla), as opposed to other glands,whosemessagesarerelatedviahormonepathways.Themedullaisadirecthotlineofsortsduetoanervepathwayconnectionfromthebraintotheinnermedulla.Thebrainissodesignedtoallowforrapidresponsestostressfulsituations,suchaswhentheflight-or-fightresponseistriggered.Asmentionedearlier, the thyroid,adrenals,andpancreasworkasa triad,alwaysinterrelated.Thus,eventhoughthebodyistobetreatedasawhole,thethyroidandadrenalglandsandthehormonestheyproducegreatlyimpacthowwefeelandcopewhen it comes to energy levels, cravings, stress, mood swings, water retention,weightgainandloss,patience,anger,andanxiety.Adrenaldysfunctioncanalsoleadto food sensitivities,blood sugar imbalances, and infections.Basically, theadrenalglandsareinvolvedinallperceivedstressorsthatimpactthebody.Afewexamplesof physiological effects due to the adrenal glands include hormonal balancing,gastrointestinal function, thyroid and immune function, bone metabolism, andmore.

HowtheAdrenalsRespondtoStressWeareallfamiliarwithhowwefeelwhenourbodyreactstostress.Wetenseup,ourheartbeatsfaster,andourbrainisacutelyfocused.Ofcourse,moderndaystressdoesn’tinvolveusfleeingforourlives;morelikely,we’reworryingoveralate-nightemailfromworkorhowtoshuttleourchildrenofftoaneventbecauseyouhavetowork. But regardless of the triggers, the initial response is stimulated by thehormones noradrenaline and adrenaline. These are released by the medulla inresponsetostress.

Initially, the sympathetic nervous system is stimulated by the hypothalamus toalert thebodyof impendingdanger. In reaction to this response, thebodydrawsuponnutrientsandincreasesbloodsupplytotheheart,brain,andmuscles.Whendealingwithnormaldailystressorsinahealthyway,thebodysecretesthehormonesDHEA,cortisol,andadrenaline.12

However, when stress becomes chronic, it severely disrupts the secretion andbalanceofadrenalhormones.Asmanyofusknow,cholesterolisnecessaryfortheproductionofhormonesinthebody.Underchronicstress,cortisolbecomeshighlydemanded. The main adrenal hormone, pregnenolone, is then directed toprogesterone production to enhance cortisol production (pregnenolone is derivedfrom cytochrome p450 enzymes). Pregnenolone can be converted into hormonesand derivatives such as progesterone, cortisol, aldosterone, DHEA, andandrostenedione(precursorstoestrogenandtestosterone).Hereinliestheproblem:aspregnenolonemakesitswaytowardsprogesteroneandcortisolproduction,DHEAlevelsdecline,causingestrogenand testosterone levelstoalsodecline.Inresponsetothedropintheseessentialhormones, thefollowingsymptoms surface: depression, hot flashes, sexual dysfunction, low libido, poormemory,lackofenergy,andmore.

AdrenalGlandLaboratoryTestingTheadrenalsalivarytestisthemostpopularmethodforassessingadrenalfunction.Itissimpleenough;thepatienttakesfoursalivasamplesthroughoutthecourseoftheir day. These samples help determine salivary cortisol and DHEA levels(although other factors need to be incorporated, like the patient’s history andsymptoms).Astudyinvolvingserumcortisolandsalivarycortisolshowsalmostnodifferenceintestresults.AtestconductedbyClinChemLabin1998foundthat“In42ofthe45testsperformed,thesameconclusionastocortisolstatuswasdrawnwhenbasedonserumandsalivarycortisolresponses.Inhealthysubjectsandgoodresponders,themean cortisol relative increasewas greater in saliva than in serum in all threetests.”

AdrenalGlandDysfunctionOveractiveadrenalglandsproducetoomuchcortisol,epinephrine(adrenaline),andaldosterone,allofwhichmayleadtoinsulinresistanceandmetabolicsyndrome.Underactive adrenal glands essentially do the opposite, producing inadequateamountsofhormonessuchascortisol,whichtheninterruptthereleaseof insulin,causingsymptomsofhypoglycemia.Symptomsrelatedtolowbloodsugarmaybetrembling,feelinglightheaded,impatience,andirritability.The adrenal glands produce epinephrine and norephinephrine (noradrenaline),bothofwhicharehormonesthatstimulatetheheartandmetabolicactivity.Ofthetwohormonesproduced, eightypercent is epinephrine,which is themorepotentstimulator.Symptoms of adrenal exhaustion are extreme fatigue, often accompanied bypsychologicalstress.Adrenalfatigueisacollectionofsymptomsandindicators;forexample, a person exhibiting extreme fatigue may crave salt and experienceweaknessinthelegs.Prolongedandacutestressduetoillnessessuchasrespiratoryinfections, influenza, bronchitis, or pneumonia, can leave the adrenal glandsdepleted.Unfortunately, the symptomof fatigue isnot relievedby sleep.Anotherscenariowhere adrenalsbecomeexhausted is in caseswhere the threatofdeath islooming, either for the person themselves or a caregiver, such as in cases were aparentwithachildisdealingwithaprolongedillness.13

Butbeingovertiredorweakarenot theworst symptomsassociatedwithadrenalfatigue.Feelingsofbeingoverwhelmed, coupledwith the emotionof sadness anddepression,addtoanalreadyweakenedstate.All toooften,peoplesuffering fromadrenalfatigueorexhaustionroutinelyturntostimulantslikecoffeeandcolastogetthem through the day. Stress may also be compounded by and related to thefrequent use of caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and medications. You may want toconsidernaturalmethodsofproppingupyouradrenalsifyouregularlyexperienceoneormoreofthefollowingsymptoms:

Fatigueorlistlessness,inspiteofadequatesleep.Stillfeelingtiredinthemorningevenwhenyou’vehadeighthoursofsleep.No“getupandgo,”feelingwornoutandweigheddown.Donothavethereservestobouncebackfromstressorillness.Lackofsleepasaresultofinsomnia.Sluggishness,especiallyinthemorningandmid-afternoon(thethyroidglandreachesitslowforthedayatmid-afternoon).

Lowlibidooradecreaseinsexdrive.Requiresagreatdealofefforttodoeverydaytasks.Stressbecomesoverwhelming.HeightenedPMSsymptoms.Brainfog,hardtofocus;memoryproblems.Waterretention.Farlessresistancetobacteriaandvirusinvasion;recoverytimeismuchlonger.Milddepressiontofeelingsofdesperation.

Under these circumstances, a person will not experience much enjoyment orhappinessintheirlife.Othersymptomsoflowadrenalsincludehigher-than-normallevels of cortisol (a stress hormone), which often signals fat storage. During thistime, adrenaline may be over-produced, creating more unwanted feelings.Overproduction of unwelcome substances like cortisol and other hormonesneedlessly overworks the glands,weakening them.This scenariomay create sugarcravingsandeatingbinges.14

SupportingtheAdrenalGlandsAbroadrangeofvitaminsandmineralsshouldbeconsideredwhensupportingtheadrenalglands.Adequatenutritionthroughdietandsupplementswilllowercortisoloutputwhileaidingandrelievingstress(whilealsoreducingcravings).15,16,17

Manysymptomsofadrenalexhaustionmayberelatedtoadeficientdietaryintakeof pantothenic acid, since these glands are dependent on this nutrient. B5(pantothenicacid)isearmarkedfortheadrenalglandsbythebody,andshouldbebalancedwiththeotherBvitaminswhentakingahigherdosageofB5.Adaptogenicherbs, like ginseng and ashwagandha, are very supportive, and rhodiola andphosphytidylserine are particularly helpful. Essential fatty acids (EFAs) are highlyendorsed, as with all glandular tissue issues.Glands in general want high qualityproteinandfats,andessentialfattyacids(EFAs)areatypeofgoodfatthatthebodyrequires for proper functioning and restoring.EFAs are always earmarked for theendocrinesystemasawholeaswellaseachglandororganindividually.Full adrenal support formulas can be especially helpful. These are specializedcombinationproductsavailablethroughpractitionersandsomehealthfoodstores.Thistypeofsupplementoffersmoresupportthanindividualsupplementsandmaybe a combination of desiccated glandular extracts or a combination of vitamins,minerals,herbs,andaminoacids.Mostcompanieshavecombinationproductsforglandular support; while fewer in number, there are those who offer raw ordesiccated glandular extracts. The United States has several sources, includingNatural Sources, Solaray, Seroyal, NatraBio, and others. Combination formulasinclude Natural Factors, Thorne, Now, Sangsters, Eclectric Institute, VitaminShoppeBrand,HerbPharm,andseveralothercompanies.Othermethodsofsupportingtheadrenalsthroughnutritionandsupplementationinclude:

Omega-3fattyacidsinadequateamounts(fishoil,coldpressedseedandnutoils).Avoidingstimulantssuchascaffeine,alcohol,tobacco,soda,sugar,andexcessivecarbohydrates.Beneficialsupplements,includingantioxidants,EFAs,vitaminC,vitaminE,andallBvitamins,magnesium(aloneorcoupledwithcalcium),andzinc(with2mgofcopper).Rawvegetablejuice.Beepollenandpropolis.

Algae,includingblue-greenandchlorella.Aminoacidcomplex.PregnenoloneandDHEA.L-Tyrosine(thetwomainadrenalhormones,epinephrineandadrenaline,areformedfromtheaminoacidtyrosine).18

Nowthatyouhavelearnedaboutbothunnaturalandnaturalthyroidinhibitors,thenextchapterwillfocusonthosethyroidissuesthatcanariseduetoanautoimmuneresponse,otherwiseknownasHashimoto’sThyroiditis.

T

CHAPTER5

Hashimoto’sDisease

HETHYROIDCONDITIONHashimoto’s,namedafterthesurgeonwhodiscovereditin1912,isanautoimmunedisorderinwhichimmunecellsattackthyroidtissue

ratherthanprotectit.Alsoknownasthyroiditisandchroniclymphocyticthyroiditis(CLT), immunecellscalled lymphocytesenter the thyroidgland,damagingcells,tissue,andbloodvessels,whichresultsininflammationofthethyroidgland.1,2

Butwhywouldtheimmunesystemattackthethyroidgland?In truth, the attack is an accident; the immune system mistakenly attacks ourthyroid as a result of problems surrounding the ingestion of gluten and gutpermeability. In the process of leaky gut syndrome and food sensitivities, glutenfinds itself in places where it does not belong, and the body responds with animmuneresponsetoremoveanddestroytheproblem.But insteadof itbeinganormal immunereaction,weseethe immunesystemismalfunctioning.Theissueisthatglutenhasanalmostidenticalmatrix,orprofile,to thyroid tissue. Because of this coincidence, the immune system cannotdifferentiate between thyroid tissue and the protein gluten. For this reason, thisscenario—Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis—has become the number one thyroidconditioninNorthAmerica:hypothyroidism.3,4,5,6,7

So,whydoesthisscenariocausehypothyroidism?Whenthyroidtissuecomesunderattackfromrogueimmunecells,itinhibitstheproduction of thyroid hormones. As the influence of Hashimoto’s diseasecontinues,thethyroidglandwillbeunabletoproperlyproducethyroidhormones,theendresultofwhichishypothyroidism.8,9

PeoplecangoforyearswithoutrealizingtheyhaveHashimoto’sThyroiditis.Forgeneralawareness, the twomostcommonconditionsassociatedwithHashimoto’sdisease are hypothyroidism and goiter. Specific symptoms of Hashimoto’s andhypothyroidismcanbefoundinChapter3.10

Twotestscanhelpdiagnosethepresenceofantibodiesandtheirlevels:thethyroidperoxidase antibody test and the anti-thyroglobulin antibody test. These tests,knownasmicrosomalantibodiestests,willultimatelyhelptodeterminethereasonforyourhypothyroidism—eithertoincludeorexcludeHashimoto’sThyroiditisasthecause.

ImmuneImbalanceThe immune system operates through several mechanisms (as does autoimmunedysfunction).Thcells,shortforThelpercells,arethecellswhichinitiatethereleaseof cytokines that guide other immune cells to attack. A person may be Th1dominantorTh2dominant.Th1cellsdonotinvolveantibodies,butdorespondtoforeignproteinsthroughthereleaseofvariouscytokines.Hashimoto’sdiseaseisextremelycomplex,withimmunetriggersvaryingfromoneperson to another. What stimulates Th1 activation in one patient may beunderactive inanother.Thesameapplies toTh2,whichmayoveractivateand/orsimultaneouslydepressTh1.ChronicinflammationisstronglyassociatedwithTh1dominancecausedbytheoverstimulationofimmunecells,commonlylymphocytes(T cells and natural killer cells) and macrophages. To help determine whichimmune category your illness or thyroid condition registers under, consider thefollowingexamples:11

Th1Dominance

Hashimoto’sThyroiditis:LowT3levelsoranimbalancebetweenT3andT4Graves’diseaseMultiplesclerosisCeliacdisease

People with Th1 dominance tend to get sick much less often, as their immunesystem is on guard. There is also a lower probability of cancer, as cytokines likeinterferon gamma and TNF are in pursuit of tumor cells and destroy them;however,certaincancers(multiplemyelomas)areTh1dominant.12,13

Th2Dominance

LupusInflammatoryboweldiseaseUlcerativecolitisCancerBrainfogSeasonalallergiesAsthmaEczema(dermatitis)

IgE-relatedallergies(producingmoreimmediateresponsesuchasinskintests)

Th2 dominance is shown through lower levels of systemic inflammation; Th2 isconsidered an anti-inflammatory profile. Instant food allergies aremore likely tooccur,asTh2dominanceproducesmoreantibodies.

NeitherTh1orTh2Dominant

AutismCrohn’sdisease/colitisIrritablebowelsyndromeADHD/OCDHeartdisease

BalancingTh1andTh2CellsBothtypesofimmunecells(Th1andTh2)canbestimulatedbythepropertiesinbotanicals,meaningsupplementingtheirfunctionispossible.ExamplesofTh1 stimulating compounds include astragalus, echinacea,maitake,lemonbalm,ginseng,algae(chlorella),licorice,andgrapeseedextract.TodampenTh1cells,thefollowingsupplementshaveprovenhelpful:fishoil,oliveleafextract,boswellia, pregnenolone, EGCG, curcumin (taken earlier in the day), and highdosagesofresveratrol.Th2 stimulating compounds can be found in antioxidants and properties inbotanicals such as green tea extract, pine bark extract, matcha tea, white willowbark,caffeine,lycopene,resveratrol,pycnogenol(anextractoftheFrenchmaritimepinebark),gotukola,curcumin,quercetin,andgenistein(apropertyinsoybeans).Supplementingwith trimethylglycine (TMG), SAM-e, andB-vitaminswill helpdeactivatetheimmunesystemtoacertaindegree.14

Glutathione has also been shown to have some positive effect in treatingHashimoto’s. Glutathione is a potent antioxidant and has demonstrated greatbenefitasanimmunemodulator.Ithasshowntohelpregulateandstrengthentheimmune system while dampening autoimmune response with conditions likeHashimoto’s disease.Among its long list of credits, glutathione promotes healingandprotectiontothyroidtissue.

Hashimoto’sDiseaseandGlutenThe hard truth is that youwill need to eliminate gluten from your diet if anyantibodies show up in tests indicating an autoimmune disorder of the thyroid.

Glutenisaproteinfoundincommonly-eatengrainsandproductsmadefromthem;examplesincludewheat,barley,rye,bulgur,setain,triticale,andmanyderivativesofwheat.However,mostphysicianswillnotmentionglutenorotherdietaryinterventionswhen discussing Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. Rather, patients will be given thyroidmedication,butaswehavecometoknow,medicationsdonotaddressautoimmuneresponsesthatdamagethyroidtissueandfunction.Rather,thetriggerthatsetsoffthe immune response must be discovered and steps must be taken to avoid theinstigatorsofimmuneresponseandinflammation.15

Fromaholisticperspective, theunderlyingcauseofyourthyroiddysfunction,aswell as any individual unique causes of hypothyroidism, should be investigated.Findingtheoriginandtriggerofgutcomplaintsinvolvesinvestigationonthepartof the practitioner, as well as full involvement on the part of the patient wheninitiatingthereversalprocessandinultimatelyestablishingcompleterecoveryfromtheseconditions.Moreawarenessandeducationisneeded,bothamongphysiciansandthegeneralpublic.Wecannotmaskthesediseases;wemustcommittodoingourduediligenceand adapting aroundour intolerances.Formanyof thosedesiring to achieve andsustainnormality,knowthatitisattainablethroughthepropermanagementofdietandlifestyle.16

Some people will admittedly require additional help from complementarymedicineandsupplementation,especiallyintheinitialstages.Thedigestivesystemisunique toeach individualandneeds tobe treatedas such.Long-termillnessormore severe conditions (as seen with inflammatory bowel diseases) put a greaterresponsibilityon thepatient to incorporate an appropriate time allowance for thehealing process. The same may be said of the healing process of Hashimoto’sThyroiditis;understandingthebasicsofbowelanatomyandphysiologywillgiveusfurtherinsightintothecausesandeffectsofthemanysubstancesthatareroutinelytakenintoourbodiesandabsorbed.

CorrectingHashimoto’sImmuneImbalanceAmainfeatureintreatingHashimoto’sThyroiditis,whetherthecauseisdietaryordue to autoimmunity, is to correct the levels of thyroid hormone in the body.Regardless of immune dysfunction, the main focus must involve enhancingregulatory T cell function, removing immune triggers, and treating existinginflammation.

Poorfunctioningsystems,problemswiththediet,bacterialinfections,andtoxinsare among themain instigators for promoting autoimmune activity and immuneimbalance.Besides these, certain medications and estrogen fluctuations have also beenattributedtoautoimmuneattacksonthethyroid.Wheneverthebodyisfunctioninglessthanoptimallyordealingwithchronicillness,thefollowingitemswillenhancethyroiddysfunction(inaddition tomanyothercomplaints):nutrientdeficiencies,problemswithgluten,bloodsugarfluctuations,adrenalfatigue,leakygutsyndrome,excessiveamountsofiodine,andfoodintolerances/sensitivities.17

Hashimoto’sThyroiditisAffectsBrainHealthWe know that inflammation contributes and supports all symptom complaints,whethertheyaremildorsevere.Butdidyouknowthatyourthyroidhormonesarenecessaryfordampeningbraininflammation?TheinflammatoryresponsegeneratedbyHashimoto’scantriggerthebrain’simmuneresponse,causinginflammationofthe brain. This is a direct result ofHashimoto’s disease, which leads to reducedthyroidhormoneproduction.18,19

Whilethyroidhormoneproductioncanbecorrectednaturally,formanypatientsdealingwith thyroid inflammation issues, their immunedysfunction—as it relatestootherareasofthebody,suchasthebrain—goesunchecked.Acommonproblemassociated with brain inflammation is neurodegeneration causing brain fatigue,depression, accelerated aging, and brain fog, especially whenHashimoto’s is notaddressed.

Hashimoto’sDisruptstheBrain’sImmuneSystemOurbrainconsistsof twotypesofcells:neuronsandmicrogliacells.Neuronsareinvolvedinourbodies’automaticresponseslikebreathing,digestion,andourheartbeating,inadditiontoourintelligenceandemotions.Microglia cells make up the brain’s immune system, but they are unlike theimmunesystemintherestofthebody.Thebrain’smicrogliacellsperformfull-onattacks on invaders and lack the other T suppressor cells that would call off theattack.Due to this lackof restraint, themicroglia cells createbrain inflammationthatactuallydegeneratesbraintissue.Asmentioned, thyroidhormones step inat thispoint todampenmicroglial celloveractivity.ButbecauseHashimoto’scauseslowthyroidhormoneproduction,itinturnactivatesmicrogliacellsandleadstobraininflammationanddegeneration.Inother words, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis causes an inflammatory response that

increases activity of the brain’s cells (microglia), resulting in brain inflammation,whilealsofailingtoprovidethehormonesneededtodampensaidactivity.20

Healthymicrogliacellsmakeforahealthyblood-brainbarrier,whichisnecessarytokeepforeignmaterialandpathogensoutofthebrain.Thereareseveralreasonswhy this important barrier may become leaky, of which prolonged Hashimoto’sdisease isone.Other causes forblood-brainbarrier leakage include inflammation,high serum zonulin, chronic stress, blood sugar problems (especially insulinresistance),poordiet,lackofhealthyfats,adiethighinbadfats,andautoimmuneactivity.Similarinconcepttoleakygutsyndrome,botharesusceptibletomanyofthesameproblems,includinggluten.21,22

Sinceitmaybehardtounderstandtheinfluenceofleakygutsyndromeandhowbesttoapproachit,thefollowinginformationwilltouchoncauses,testingfor,andsuggested nutritional requirements to help restore your mucosal lining whiledampeningyourautoimmuneresponse.

RelatedDisordersSinceHashimoto’sThyroiditisisanautoimmunedisorderandthethyroidglandisinvolved in critical relationships with the rest of the body, it’s no surprise thathypothyroidismincreasesone’sriskofotherautoimmunedisorders(andtoalesserdegree,thyroidlymphoma,atypeofcancer).23

Someexamplesinclude:

Graves’diseaseAddison’sdiseaseType1diabetesLupusThyroidcancerRheumatoidarthritisBloodclottingproblems(thrombocytopenicpurpura)PerniciousanemiaVitiligo(skindiscoloration/whitepatches)Ovarianfailure(premature)

ViralandBacterialInfectionsInaddition,asHashimoto’scompromisestheimmunesystem,itcanbehelpfultotest for the following pathogens if you suspect an infection to be the underlyingcauseofyourthyroiddisorder:

RubellaRetrovirusInfluenzaBLymediseaseEpstein-BarrH-PyloriCoxsakieYersinia(gutbacteria)

These infectious microbes disrupt TSH receptors and imbalance your immunesystem.

Epstein-BarrInfectionandHashimoto’sEpstein-Barr virus (EBV), also called mono, spreads primarily through personalcontact by way of saliva, and is one of themost common human viruses in theworld. Apparently, most people have been infected in their lifetime, yet remainsymptomfree.24

Most people would not consider EBV when discussing a thyroid condition;however, as the immune systemweakens over time, this virus can reactivate andeven show up in people’s thyroid tissue, inciting an autoimmune disorder. Onesuchstudy(2015)foundtheEpstein-Barrvirusinthethyroidcellsof80.7percentofparticipantswithHashimoto’sdiseaseandthehyperthyroidconditionofGraves’,resultingin62.5percentofcases.25

Request through your doctor the Epstein-Barr Virus Early Antigen test if yoususpectthisvirusmaybeactive.

TreatEpstein-BarrVirusNaturallyWhenchoosinganaturalremedytotreatEBV,keepinmindthatitisoftheherpesvirusfamily;therefore,anyrecommendationsforthetreatmentofherpeswouldbehelpful, such as the amino acid lysine and vitamin C. For items that directlyeradicateinfection,consideroliveleafextract,colloidalsilver,andoreganooil.

Other helpful choices include glycyrrhizic acid (a property in licorice) withinhibitory effects on EBV, also proven to be highly effective for soothinginflammationofthedigestivesystem.Theimmune-boostingqualitiesinReishiandother healing mushrooms are also wonderful as an accompaniment to anyvirus/bacterialprogram.Lastly,monolaurin(derivedfromcoconut)alsoworks,andhasbeenshowntohavepotentantimicrobialactivity.Lauricacidandcapricacid,bothpropertiesincoconut,changeintoaglycerolmolecule(monoglyceride)calledmonolaurinandmonocaprin.26

ChemicalToxinsEnvironmental toxins are prevalent in our daily existence and are a contributingfactorofautoimmunedisorders.Mercuryisawell-knownpromoterofautoimmuneactivityinvolvedwithHashimoto’sdisease,rheumatoidarthritis,fibromyalgia,andautism.Considertestingformercuryandotherheavymetals/chemicals,asthesewillnegativelycontributetoyourthyroidcondition.27,128

ReducingInflammation

All of these conditions are directly tied into the body’s inflammation response initiated by the immunesystem.Initially,theimmunereactstoanythingitregistersasharmful.Inflammationisthensetinmotion;therefore, in treatinganautoimmunecomplaint, all substances (organicor inorganic) that incite immunecells to attack should be eliminated. These include cooking oils (omega 6 fatty acids), which arepro-inflammatoryanddiseasepromoting,aswellasfoodadditivesandpreservativesandanyfooditemsthatcausedigestionproblems.

Foracompleteguideonthebestmethodstotreatandstopthespreadofinflammationinthebody,pick

upmybookReverseInflammationNaturally.Thyroiditisisaninflammatory/autoimmunecondition.Learnall

aboutwhat initiatesanautoimmuneresponse inthisandmanyothermainstreamdiseasecomplaintsandhowtoundothisprocessinyourbody.

LeakyGutSyndromeIndividuals with leaky gut syndrome do not absorb nutrients properly. This isbecauseaperson’sgut,whichhasexperienceda lotof inflammationandirritationfromavarietyof causes,hasholes in it.There are anumberof causeswhichcanleadtodamageanddeteriorationofthegut’smucosalbarrier;afewoftheseincludehigh levels of fecal and serum zonulin (an intestinal protein), chemical toxicity,excessive alcohol consumption, chronic stress, infections, medications, lack ofdigestiveenzymes,foodintolerances,allergies,andnutritionaldeficiencies.There are also conditions associated with leaky gut syndrome, such as gastriccomplaintsanddigestivedisordersinvolvingbloating,constipation,anddiarrhea,aswellascandidaandfungalinfections.Toreiterate,whenagutbecomesdamagedfromextendedperiodsofirritation,asseen in thecasesofgutdisorders, the intestinal liningwillbe farmorepermeablethanagutwouldbe fromanormalbadhabit, suchasdrinking toomuchcoffee.Whentheguthasbecometoopermeable,substanceslikegluten(theproteinfoundingrains)willslipthroughtheholesandintothebloodstream.Thebodydoesnottolerate this protein in the blood and instructs the immune system to remove it.Becauseofthis immuneresponseandthefactthatglutenis identical inmatrixtothyroidtissue, thebodytriggersanautoimmuneresponsethatattacksbothglutenandthyroidtissuesimultaneously.Asmanypeopleknowfromtakingtoomanyantibiotics,onceaninvaderhasbeenrecognized, the body will be on the alert for the next time it shows up.Consequently,apersonwhodidnothaveaproblemeatingstarcheswithgluteninthe past now discovers an allergy or intolerance to the protein gluten. Thisconditionmaynotbepermanent,especiallyiftheindividualdoesnothaveahistoryofglutenintolerance,buttheinitialprotocoltoresolvetheissuewillbethesame.

LabTestsforLeakyGutWhentestingtodeterminehowleakyyourgutis,practitionerswilluseatestcalledthe lactulose-mannitol challenge test, which measures the permeability of thepatient’sgut.Inperformingthistest,thepatientconsumesorallyfivegramseachofthesugarslactuloseandmannitol.Thenormalratiowithinthegutislessthanonepercent permeable of lactulose, to approximately fourteen percent of mannitol,whichisasmallermolecule.Onceabsorbed,thetestmeasuresurinaryexcretionofboth sugars and then compares the ratio of lactulose tomannitol.Under normalconditions,thegutwouldmeasurelessthan0.03percentoflactulosetomannitol,whereasaleakygutwillregisterahigherratiooflactulosetomannitol,indicatingalossoflactuloseacrosstheintestinalbarrierwall.

ZonulinandGutPermeabilityAmain aspect of gut permeability is the breakdownof intestinal junctions (tightjunctions between intestinal epithelial cells) which allows foreign particles,microbes,andpoorly-digestedfoodtoenterthebloodstream.Dr. Allessio Fasano recently discovered zonulin, an intestinal protein whoseprimary function is to regulate thepassageof substancesbetween thegutand thebloodstream. Dr. Fasano determined that when too much zonulin is released,intestinal junctionpointsbecomeweakandbegintoleak.Othercellularreceptorsforzonulincanbefoundinthebrainandheart,inadditiontothesmallandlargeintestine.Whenviewedalongsideincreasedgutpermeabilityandelevatedlevelsofzonulin,astrong correlation has developed with several autoimmune and inflammatorydisorders, as well as neoplastic diseases (abnormal growth, whether benign ormalignant). Higher levels of zonulin increases the risk of developing Crohn’sdisease,type1diabetes,glucoseintolerance,juvenilenonalcoholicfattyliverdisease,and obesity in adults. Data continues to accumulate for all inflammatory boweldisease(IBD)conditions,plusrheumatoidarthritis,multiplesclerosis,andasthma.Thegoodnewsisdietarychangesandsupplementationofnutrientsthatsupporttherestorationofthegastrointestinalmucosalhavebeenshowntolowerfecalandserum zonulin levels. Examples include probiotics, L-glutamine, vitamin C, aloevera, curcumin, gamma-linoleic acid, omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA), zinc,beta-carotene,pantothenicacid,andquercetin.

NutritionalRecommendationsforLeakyGutLeakygutsyndromeiswell-knownforproducingalonglistofmineraldeficiencies,suchasmagnesium,zinc,calcium,boron,silicon,andmanganese.L-Glutaminecanassist intheprotectionof themucous liningof the intestinesandstomach.OtherlostnutrientstobeconsideredforsupplementationarecoenzymeQ10,Bcomplexvitamins(especiallyfolicacidandvitaminB12),andselenium.The occurrence ofmalabsorption is initiated by inflammation and resultswhenthetransporterofproteinsinthegastrointestinaltracthasbeendamagedandisnolongerabletocarrymineralsfromtheintestinetothebloodstream.Anexampleisthe mineral magnesium; even with higher levels of supplementation, when thecarrier protein for this mineral is damaged, an intake of higher dosages will notcompensate. Take care to replenish magnesium, since metabolic systems requiremagnesiumtofunction.Similarly,azincdeficiency—anecessarycomponentfortheimmune system—produces itsown listofproblems, suchashair lossorbaldness,andmayalsoleadtohighbloodpressureandhighcholesterol.Dampeninginflammationresponseinthebodyinitiallyrequiresadequateomega3fattyacids.Thesefatsareanecessaryelementtoensureabeneficialoutcome.Tofurtherassistthegutinreducingthedamagingeffectsof inflammation,additionalantioxidant supplements arebeneficial andwillprevent tissuedamagebroughtonby inflammation. To naturally increase antioxidant levels, include foods thatcontain high amounts of carotenoids, such as carrots, squash, yams, and berries.Exotic berries, such as acai, aronia, andwolfberry have extraordinary amounts ofantioxidants, as do certain plant enzymes such as those found in green kamut,barleygreen,andwholeleafaloeverajuicewithhighMPS(mucopolysaccharides)content. Bioflavonoids, available in many foods including citrus fruits, onions,garlic, peppers, buckwheat, and black currants, are also useful. Other potentenhancements are spirulina, chlorella, beepollen, and royal jelly,which all aid intherepairofleakygutsyndrome.AfewmoreexamplesofstaplesupplementswouldbevitaminCandEandaminoacids likecysteine,N-acetyl-cysteine,methionine,andreducedL-Glutathione,allofwhichareimportantantioxidants.Another area of assistance to improve nutrient absorption is with substancesequipped to aid the digestive process. Such items include the pancreatic enzyme,proteolytic enzymes like proteinase or serrapeptase, glutamic acid, hydrochloride,betaine hydrochloride, pepsin, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, and stomachbitters.

WhenCanIRe-IntroduceGluten?

As always, when many areas of your body have become low-functioning, the list of immune triggers willescalate, producing autoimmune responses to other foods, food additives, and environmental chemicals.ThisisalsomorepronouncedforpatientswithCrohn’s,colitis,andothersimilardisorders.

Thatsaid,ifyoustarttofeelbetterorhaveabloodtestperformedshowingyourantibodieshavereturnedtonormal, Iwouldstill recommendyouwaitsixmonthstooneyearfromwhenyoulastategluten.Whenreintroducingglutenbackintoyourdiet,startslowlytohelpavoidtriggeringanautoimmuneresponse.Forexample,tryeatingsourdoughbread,whichisloweringlutenthanotherbreadchoicesduetoitsleaveningprocess.Beginbyeatingonehalfsliceofsourdoughbreadeverythirddayfortwoweeks.Apersonwithafull-blowngutdiseasemightexperiencean immediate reactionsuchasdiarrhea,gas,bloating,andpain;thiseithermeanstheyneedmoretimetorecoverorthattheyarepermanentlyintolerant.

Ifyoudonotexperienceanyadversesymptomsandcontinuetofeelgoodbutwanttobesure,haveyourthyroid antibodies checked. Many of my patients who were not originally celiac have been able toreintroduceglutenbackintotheirdiet.Ontheoffchanceyoumaybeceliacbuthaveyettobediagnosed,theoverviewoutlinedbelowmayhelpwithyourdecisiontodeterminewhetheryoushouldbetestedforthedisease.Becauseoftheconnectionbetweenthyroiddiseaseandgluten,itisespeciallyimportanttobesureyouarenotatriskforceliacdisease.

CeliacDiseaseandHashimoto’sThyroiditisCeliacisanautoimmunediseasethatbreaksdownanindividual’sintestinalbarrier.Celiac disease is triggered by consumption of the plant protein gluten, which isfoundingrainslikewheat,barley,andrye.Currently,researchissheddinglightonthesequenceofeventswhichproducetheT-cellantigenstospecificpolypeptidesorhydrolysates of gluten. Further studies and educationwill hopefully pinpoint theaminoacidsequenceintheglutenproteinofgrasses.Since celiac’s discovery in 1908, many discoveries have been made helping toexplain why so many reactions occur that are related to biological factors. Suchfindingsincludemanytypesofmentaldisordersandphysicaldisordersconnectedtoyeast infections. Other areas of interest were studies on neurological disordersassociatedwithadultceliacdiseaseandpsychoseswithdigestiveorigins.Manyofthesestudiesinvolvedmeasuringtheleveloftoxinswithintheintestinaltract,whichwereaffectingnormalbrainfunctionandtheovergrowthofintestinalmicrobes. In 1982, theNewEngland Journal ofMedicine reported thatD-lacticacid, a waste product from bacterial fermentation, was invading brain tissue andharming brain cells. Chronic diarrhea and epileptic seizure episodes were alsooccurring in babies. Once a child is weaned and put on formula or solid food,problems such as these began taking place. Favorable results were reportedwhencertaingrainsanddairyproductswereremovedfromthediet.Theproteinglutenfoundinmanygrainsandlactoseindairyarefrequentlytheoffendingsubstances,promoting imbalances throughout thebodyof sensitive individuals.Anestimated

eighty-threepercentofAmericanswhohaveceliacdiseaseareeithermisdiagnosedorundiagnosed.Withthemanydebilitatingrisksfacingceliacpatients,adheringtoagluten-freedietiscriticalforpreventingfurthercomplications.29,30

Becauseglutencan triggeranautoimmuneattackof the thyroid, it increases thelikelihoodofdevelopingHashimoto’sThyroiditisforthosewhoaregluten-sensitive,including celiac patients. To help reduce levels of thyroid antibodies andinflammationofthedigestivetract,adoptagluten-freediet.31,32

HowtoHealGastrointestinalProblemsAssociatedwithGluten

ForhelpinhealingallaspectsofglutenandothertriggersassociatedwithHashimoto’sThyroiditis,pickup

my book Reverse Gut Diseases Naturally, which contains step-by-step instructions to reverse your gutdisorder,andHashimoto’sdiseaseintheprocess.Itcontainsacompletedietaryprogramforgutwellness,aswellasnaturalsubstitutesforpopularover-the-counterandprescriptionmedicationsanddetailedcasehistories demonstrating the effectiveness of natural methods. You will learn how to achieve safe andsustainableresultsthatwillletyoureclaimyourlifeandyourindependence.

T

CHAPTER6

Hyperthyroidism

HETHYROIDGLANDproducesthehormonesthatcontrolthewayeverycellinthebody uses energy, otherwise known as ourmetabolism.An overactive thyroid,

one where the thyroid gland produces too much hormone, is known ashyperthyroidism. Symptoms typically include rapid heartbeat, weight loss,nervousness, not enough breath, increased appetite, insomnia, irritability, absentmenstruation,moistskin,anddamporincreasedperspiration.(Notethatoveractivethyroidconditionsandoveractiveadrenalsoftenoccuratthesametime,whichmayleadtointerlinkedoradditionalsymptoms.)Depending on the type of thyroiditis, it is not uncommon for the thyroid tobecome enlarged, with or without pain or tenderness. Hypothyroidism (anunderactivethyroid)isfarmorecommonthananoveractivethyroidcondition,butduetotheriseingutpermeabilityandthelong-termuseofcertainmedications,therateofhyperthyroidismhasbeensteadilyrising.

CausesofHyperthyroidismManyconditionscancausehyperthyroidism,including:

Graves’disease(mostcommon)Inflammation/thyroiditis(common)Viralinfections(common)Certainmedication(common)Followingpregnancy(common)Takingtoomuchthyroidhormone(common)Growth(noncancerous)ofthethyroidorpituitarygland(rare)Sometumorsofthetestesorovaries(rare)Medicalimagingtestswithcontrastdyethathasiodine(rare)

An overactive thyroidmay be initiated by problems with the immune system orfood intolerances, bouts of high fever, and Graves’ disease (an autoimmunedisorder).Theseconditions(aswellasothers)cancausehyperthyroidism.CulturesliketheJapanese,whoconsumehigheramountsofiodinemoreoftenthanothers,

are at higher risk for contracting Hashimoto’s disease (discussed in Chapter 5).Medications such as interferon-alpha, interleudin-2, lithium, and amiodarone canalsobringaboutthyroiditis;thesearestronglyassociatedwithhyperthyroidismasaresultoftheirsideeffects.SinceconventionaltestingtypicallymeasuresT4andthyroidstimulatinghormone(TSH)andmaynotincludeT3levels, it’s importanttoensurethisareaoftestinghas been properly considered. Another area of testing to consider is determiningwhetherfoodsorothersubstancesaretriggeringanautoimmuneresponse.

SymptomsofHyperthyroidismCommonsymptomsofhyperthyroidismtobeonthelookoutforinclude1,2,3,4,5,6,7:

ProblemswithconcentrationFatigueGoiter/thyroidnodulesProtrudingeyes(exophthalmos)Skinblushing(flushing)HairlossHeatintolerance/increasedsweatingIncreasedappetiteIrregularmenstruationinwomenNervousnessPoundingofheart(palpitations)Restlessness/sleepproblemsWeightlossFrequentbowelmovementsordiarrheaItchyorirritatedeyes/itchyskinMoist/clammyskin

TheHolisticApproachtoHyperthyroidismUnderstanding the properties of different plants, foods, and nutrients can beinstrumental in the treatment of an overactive thyroid. Equally helpful are thenaturalandsafewaystheyprovidetoblockantibodiesthatattackthyroidtissue.

FoodsCanHelpReduceHormoneSecretionFoods that can decrease the amount of thyroid hormone your thyroid glandproduces are called goitrogens. Cruciferous foods like broccoli are part of the

goitrogenfamily.Foods that inhibithyperthyroidism include cabbage,Brussels sprouts,bok choy,broccoli, cauliflower,kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, andmustardgreens. (Eventhoughsoyisathyroidhormoneinhibitor,itisalsoassociatedwithinflammation,whichmayreduceabsorptionofthyroidmedication.)Avoid all foods and substances that lower the immune system and promotestimulationsuchassugar,caffeine,alcohol,wheat,refinedfoods/carbohydrates,anddairy(withexceptionsmadeforhealth-promotingprobioticcultures,bothfreshandsupplemental).

Supplements

Essential fatty acids (EFAs)—in particular omega-3s, for their inflammationloweringcapabilities—areverybeneficialforloweringthehormonesecretionofanoveractive thyroid. The body’s inflammation response requires an omega-3 fattyacid, as does the immune response.Only fish oil possesses 100 percent omega-3fatty acids; other good sources canbe found in coldpressedoils like flaxseedoil,chiaoil,eveningprimroseoil,andborageoil.

Vitaminsandmineralsarenecessaryfornormalthyroidhormoneproduction.Besure to include vitamin C, A, E, B complex, riboflavin (B2), niacin (B3), andpyridoxine(B6),andthemineralszincandselenium.

Bromelainisanenzymefoundinpineappleandisusedasadigestiveaidandforitsinflammation-reducing qualities. For this reason, it is often combined withturmeric,whichenhancesitseffects.

L-carnitine is an amino acid that has demonstrated an ability to inhibit thyroidhormones from getting into the body’s cells. Sometimes, when taking thyroidmedication for the treatment of a goiter, the treatment can result in too muchhormoneproduction,causinghyperthyroidism.Onesuchstudyverifiedthebenefitsof L-carnitine’s ability to counteract symptoms associated with mildhyperthyroidism,suchasheartpalpitationsandnervousness.8

Patientswithhyperthyroidismshouldavoidbladderwrack(Fucusvesiculosus)andashwagandha(Withaniasomnifera).

HyperthyroidismandGluten

Whenitcomestohyperthyroidismandautoimmuneresponses,it’sbesttoconsidertreatment“throughthebackdoor.”Thekey is todetermineexactlywhat is triggering the immune responsewhilesupporting theimmunesystemandpickingupasmanydeficienciesaspossible.Tocalmdowntheautoimmuneresponse,includehigheramountsofmagnesium in yourdiet and removegluten fromyourdiet.Glutenhappens to

haveanalmostidenticalmatrixtothyroidtissue,whichcausestheimmunesystemtoattackglutenaswellas the thyroidgland. In suchcases, extracts fromherbs suchasbugleweedhaveproven tobeextremelyvaluableforthetreatmentofhyperthyroidism.

HerbalMedicineforThyroidHealthWhilemanypractitioners think in termsofnutritional supportwhen consideringthyroid health, there are wonderful botanicals that can assist in the rebalancingprocess. Herbal preparations will calm an overactive thyroid and boost anunderactive one. An area most do not think about is the removal of toxins likemercury from the thyroid gland. Natural medicine is safe and can even makesynthetichormonemedicationsworkbetter.9

A note: the remedies and symptoms for hyperthyroidism are not dissimilar tothoseofGraves’disease.Bothconditionscanexpressthemselveswithrapidweightloss,arapidheartrate,excessiveperspiration,nervousness,agitation,andinsomnia.Bulging eyes can be noted in both conditions, butmore classically with Graves’disease.Graves’isconsideredanautoimmunedisorder;therefore,intreatment,theunderlyingcauseofautoimmunityshouldbeaddressed.

BugleweedBugleweed is a member of the mint family (Lamiaceae), traditionally usedworldwide to treat hyperthyroidism andGraves’ disease. Its usefulness extends toincludepropertiesthatblockthyroid-stimulatinghormones(TSH)whiledecreasingperipheralT4deiodinizationand,insomecases,caninhibitiodinemetabolism.ForremedyinghyperthyroidismandGraves’disease,theherbbugleweed(Lycopusamericanus)ismypreferredchoice.BugleweedalsoaffectstheantibodiesthatblockthyroidhormonereceptorsandeveninhibitstheconversionofT4intoT3.10

Herbaltincturesofbugleweedaremorepotentandconvenienttotakeascomparedto other preparations. Look for bugleweed liquid tinctures with a dosageconcentrationof1:5.Theseproductsmaybeweakeror stronger; for a guide, thelowerthesecondnumberisintheratio,thestrongerthepotency.Forexample:1:2would be stronger than 1:5, while 1:10 would be weaker than 1:5. Adjustaccordingly, but do not stress over a slight difference in dosage; herbal dosages,unlikedrugs,areveryforgiving.11

Preparation:Addtwodroppersoftincturetooneounceofwaterandholdinyourmouth for thirty seconds before swallowing. Take on an empty stomach 10–20

minutesbeforeameal.Maintaindosageforthreemonths,oruntilyourthyroidhasnormalized.Donotcontinuetotakebugleweedoverthelong-term.For herbal enthusiasts, bugleweed couples great with supportive herbs such asAstragalus,NorthAmerican ginseng, or Siberian ginseng (keep tincture potenciesthesameforlesscomplicatedformulas).

MotherwortMotherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) works similarly to bugleweed, and both may befound innaturalmedicineproducts to treathyperthyroidismandGraves’ disease.Likebugleweed,MotherwortalsoinhibitstheconversionofT4intoT3andhelpsto regulate a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia), a common symptom of an overactivethyroid.12

LemonBalmLemon balm (Melissa officinalis) works wonderfully with bugleweed andmotherwort. It offers carminative qualities and a pleasant taste. Besides theoveractivity of the thyroid gland, lemon balm is extremely useful for loweringadrenaline output by the adrenal glands, essentially calming them down. Lemonbalm is excellent for nervous body tension and agitation associated withhyperthyroidism. For children, lemon balm is safe and effective for hyperconditions.

HawthornHawthorn is an excellent herb to use for heart health and for“hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid-axis” support.Problems canoccur evenwhen thethyroidglandishealthy,butwhenthisaxissystemisnotworkingproperly,eitherthe pituitary or hypothalamus can fail to secrete enough hormones. In thissituation,hawthornisveryhelpful.

TurmericTurmeric,theyellowpigmentknownasthemainingredientinAsiancurrycuisine,iscurrentlybeingheavilyresearchedtoascertainthepositivepropertiesofitsprimecomponent,curcumin.Curcuminhasbeenfoundtopossessprofoundanti-inflammatorypropertiesandis well-established as an effective adversary against inflammation problemsthroughout the whole body, including the thyroid, intestinal tract, andautoimmune disorders. Supportive studies show how curcumin protects theintestinalbarrieragainstbacterialinvasionbyutilizingkeyinflammationpathways,allwhilehelpingtohealaleakygutandreduceheavymetallivertoxicity.13,14,15

However, there is an issue involvingcurcumin’spoor rateof absorptionand therate atwhich the body purges it from its system.The productTheracurminwasdeveloped to address these issues, and when tested against all other commercialbrands,rankedfarsuperiorintermsofitsabsorptionrate.Thereasonforitssuccessis due to its particle size (100 times smaller than the average curcumin powderparticle),whichradicallyincreasesitssolubilityinwater,resultinginanunequalledabsorption rate. The benefits of Theracurmin range from reduced tissue damagecaused by inflammation and increased mobility to improved heart and liverfunction.16,17,18

HerbsforOtherSpecificThyroidImbalances

BlueFlagBlueFlag(Irisversicoloror irisroot) isrelativelyunknownintherealmofthyroidsupportingplants;however, itsuse in correcting thyroid imbalancesdatesbackasfar as 1895. The focus of Blue Flag’s use in thyroid correction is its ability toremove toxins (such as mercury and other environmental chemicals) from thethyroid.AsreferencedinChapter4,mercuryisanautoimmunetriggeranddisruptsthyroidfunction,causingHashimoto’sthyroiditis.Blue Flag is a valuable remedy for several types of conditionswhere purging ofsubstances from the body, either organic or inorganic, is called for. It is mostnotablyrecommendedforcasesof thyroidenlargement,goiter,andexophthalmia.Ithelpsremedyandprevent inflammationof thethyroidbyremovingtoxins thattrigger an immune response.BlueFlag seems to have a particular affinity for theglandularsystem,stimulatingittoreleasethroughtheirrespectivechannels.19,20

AshwagandhaImmensely popular, Ashwagandha, an Ayurvedic herb also known as IndianGinseng,iswellknownforitsadrenalrestorativequalities.Asdiscussed,whentheadrenals are functioning less thanoptimally, therewillbeanegativeeffecton thethyroid. Because of its adaptogenic properties, Ashwagandha is very helpful forthose with Hashimoto’s disease in addition to enhancing the conversion of T4(inactiveform)toT3(activeform).Anyone sufferingwith an overactive or stressed thyroid glandmay have troublesleeping. Ashwagandha doesn’t appear to have any type of stimulating effect andmayactuallyhelpwithsleepissuesinsomepeople.21

Thyroid medications (such as synthroid and levothyroxine), which are onlycomprisedofT4,canbe ineffective inpatientswhohavedifficultyconvertingT4

intoT3.ThegoodnewsisAshwagandhastimulatesthisconversion,meaningitisanaturalremedywell-suitedtohelpingadrugworkbetter.22

EleutheroOnce called Siberian Ginseng, Eleuthero (eleutherococcus) is another adaptogen.WhereAshwagandha isearmarkedfor theadrenals,Eleuthero ishighlysupportiveof the thyroid gland.When the thyroid is functioning at low levels, Eleuthero isgreat at improving chronic fatigue and depression. Eleuthero has a positiveinfluenceon the adrenal glandswhen stressors are toohigh, raisingDHEA levelswhileloweringcortisoloutput.ThisherbwasextensivelyresearchedbytheRussianswhile looking for naturalways to boost theirOlympic athletes’ performance andstamina.ConsiderEleutheroifyourmoods,energy,andmetabolismneedboosting.Eleutherowillbenefithypothyroidism,Hashimoto’sdisease,andhyperthyroidism.

BladderwrackWheniodineisneeded,manyprofessionalsrecommendbladderwrack(infact,thehomeopathicFucusissourcedfrombladderwrack;formoreinformationaboutthisremedy,seepagexx).Ordinarily,onewouldshyawayfromiodinewhenconditionsof thyroiditisandoveractive thyroidarepresent.Luckily, it is still safe to take forHashimoto’sThyroiditisbecauseitisn’tahighiodinesource.Likeotherseaplants,bladderwracksupportsthethyroidglandandbodyasawholethroughitshightracemineralcontent.

PokeweedPokeweedtinctureismyfavoriteremedyforlymphaticcongestion.Pokeweedisalsoearmarkedforotherswollenglandulartissueandinflammation.Asahomeopathicremedy,itiscalledPhytolaccaDecandra(pleaserefertopagexxformuchmoreonits various applications). Pokeweed reduces thyroid swelling and goiter whileincreasing lymphatic circulation.Because of its beneficial actionon circulation ingeneral,itisalsousefulforoveractivethyroidconditions(hyperthyroidism).

GuggulGuggulmyrrh(Commiphoramukul)datesbacktobiblicaltimesandpossessesmanyanti-inflammatory, antiviral, and immune-boosting properties. In studies, guggulhas shown to enhance the conversion of T4 into T3 as well as support iodineabsorptionandimportantthyroidenzymes.23,24

OtherConditionsAffectingThyroidHealth

Goiters

GoitersIn the case of Hashimoto’s disease, the immune cells malfunction and attackhealthythyroidtissue,resultingininflammationwhichcausesthethyroidglandtoswellanddevelopwhatisknownasagoiter.Anothercauseofgoitersrelatestothethyroidgland’snutritionalneeds.Whenthenecessarynutritionalelementsarenotadequatelysupplied,thethyroidglandcannotfunctionnormally.Mainlythroughalackofiodine(requiredforseveralaspectsofthyroidhealth),thethyroidglandbeginstoswell,tryingdesperatelytodothejobitismeantfor.Agoitermaybevisible,ormaybediscoveredthroughaphysicalexaminationatthedoctor’soffice.Ifleftuntreated,itwillcontinuetoenlargetothepointwhereitinterfereswithswallowingandbreathing.

MenopauseMy treatmentofpatientswithmenopausal symptoms always involves the thyroidgland.Hot flashes are themain area that benefits fromboosting thyroid activity,along with adrenal health. Since thyroid function involves mood enhancingneurotransmitters and hormones, supporting the thyroid glandwith the essentialnutrientsrequiredforoptimumfunctionautomaticallyalleviatesdepression,moodswings, night sweats, and flushes, increases energy levels, reduces irritability, andimprovessleep,memory,andconcentration.Recommendations for hot flashes are the same as for those properly supportingtheirthyroid, inadditionto lightsupport forthebodyasawhole.Dependingonhealth circumstances, the adrenal glandsmay require attention to address variousmenopausalsymptoms.*ExercisecautionwhentakingprescriptionestrogensuchasHRTorsimilarproducts.Studies have proven it to be risky, increasing the threat of breast cancer, ovarian anduterinecancer,andheartdisease.

OralContraceptivesThechemical estrogenblocks the thyroidhormone.How this actuallyhappens isestrogen increases the protein that binds to our thyroid hormone. This leavesthyroid hormone bound to protein which remains inactive until it becomesunbound.As a result,womenwhoare givenbirth control (with itshigh levelsofestrogen)canessentiallydeactivate their thyroid’s functions,especiallywhentakeninaninjectionformthatgoesintobodyandlastsforthreemonths.Atleastwhenbirth control is taken in a daily pill form, the patient has some control over theimpact the medication will have upon their body. If you are taking oral

contraceptivesandexperiencingthyroid-relatedsymptoms,ceasetakingituntilthethyroidglandhasbeenproperlysupported.

PregnancyThyroid disorders are one of the most prevalent complications among pregnantwomen.Anendocrineproblemsuchasthiscanimpactthehealthandwell-beingofthefetus,aswellaspromoteinfertilityandmiscarriages.Monitorthethyroidglandcloselywithpropertestingandsupportwithpropernutrition.25

StressStressisanaturalpartofeverydaylife.However,stressalsoaffectsourthyroidandendocrinefunctioninanumberofways.Whenthedemandsplaceduponusexceedourabilitytocope,wefindourselvesonthepathtoanxietyanddepression.Whenthesecircumstancesbecomechronicandon-going,thebodybeginstobuckleundertheconstantbombardmentofhighlevelsofcortisolandcorticosterone.Our body’s master gland (the pituitary) stimulates and controls the hormoneproduction of the adrenal cortex, which secretes adrenocorticotropic hormone(ACTH).This hormone secretion is critical to the production of ourmain stresshormone, cortisol, in response to stress. In today’s world, stress is a constantcompanion,andthepituitaryglandcanbecomeoverworked.Insuchanincidence,thepituitaryglandmaystimulatethesynthesisoftoomuchACTH,whichinturnwillredirectawayfrommanufacturingothernecessarybalancinghormonessuchasthyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), andluteinizinghormone(LH).ExcesscortisolwillalsodepletelevelsoftheaminoacidL-tyrosine,whichhappenstobethesameonerequiredforsynthesisofthyroxine.(RefertoChapter7forallthe important reasons why we must strive to maintain sufficient levels ofL-tyrosine).Chronic stress inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3 as well, by inhibiting thesecretionofTSH.Oneofthewaysstressharmsourbodiesisbydepletingnecessarynutrients; in thisparticular case, thenutrients required for theproductionofT4,namely chromium and zinc. When we have inhibiting factors of hormonesassociatedwith thyroid function, there isanotherneteffect:yourmetabolismwillbe significantly reduced, as will your immune system. And in other cases,auto-immune issues can show up, such as inflammation of the thyroid(Hashimoto’sdisease).Regardless of the level of stress a person sufferswith, assessing the needs of thethyroidglandisalwayspartofmyinitialprotocol.Whenourbodiescannotsustain

ahealthybalance, stress goesunchecked and the entirebodybecomes affected.Aconstantstateofreadinessleadstoexhaustionandchronicfatigue.

SleepDeprivationAnall-too-commonsymptomreportedbypatientsisdisruptedorinsufficientsleep.J.M.Krueger,F.Obal,D.Parker,andL.Rossmanareamongphysicianswhohavededicatedthemselvestoresearchingtheproblemsofsleepandhormoneinhibition,amongothersleepdeprivationsymptoms.KruegerandObal(2001)sharedvaluabledata:“Whensleepdeprivation ismaintainedforweeks, theplasmaconcentrationsof T4 and particularly T3 decline but TSH remains normal.” Make a point todiscussyoursleeppatternswhenreferencingsymptomsofthyroiddysfunction.26,27

ThyroidCancerWehave coveredmanyproblems involving the thyroid gland, someofwhich aremajorlydisruptiveandlife-altering.Perhapsthemostdisruptiveandlife-alteringisthyroidcancer.The factors involved indevelopinga tumorareverycomplex.Wedoknowthatinflammation is the driving force in a cancer’s development, all aspects of itsgrowth, and its spread throughout the body. The link between cancer andinflammationwasfirstdiscoveredbyRhudolfVirchow,aGermanpathologist,whowas also the first person to discover immune cells existing in cancer tumors.Hethenmadethecorrelationbetweeninflammationandtumors,whichhasremainedafocusinpresentdayresearch.28

CancerDevelopmentAtumorrequiresthesameelementsforsurvivalasanyothermainbodypart(suchas an organ): it needs a support system of blood vessels to supply itself withnutrition, oxygen, andwaste removal.Tumors use a process called angiogenesis,whichdescribeshowatumordrawsitsbloodsupplyfromnearbybloodvessels.Theangiogenesisprocessisoneofgreatinteresttoresearchersallovertheworld,asitistheprimarymeansforhowcancermanifestsandspreadsinthebody.Attheoutset,aminusculetumorcangatherenoughnutritionandoxygenfromitssurroundingenvironment.But thingsquicklybecomedesperatewhenthetumor’secosystemcannolongersupportitsgrowth.Atthispoint,thetumorisforcedtogofurther afield for what it needs, which draws more attention from the immunesystem.Thetumor,initsstruggletosurvive,sendsoutmalfunctioningsignalsthatattract immunecells (macrophages andgranulocytes),whichpenetrate the tumor.Upon entering the tumor, these immune cells begin secreting cytokines, which

inducesangiogenesis(growthofnewbloodvessels).Onceoxygenandnutritionaresupplied to the tumor, it continues to establish itself through various cytokines.Certaincytokinespreparetheareawherethetumorwillrest(calledthestroma)byinitiatingcellulargrowthtocushionandsupportitsmass.Meanwhile,freeradicals(suchasinflammatorycells)aresprayedontothetumor,whichcausesfurtherDNAimpairment.Researchhassuggestedthatinflammationcouldalsobewhatpromotesspreadingofthetumor.Picturingthisseriesofevents,it’snothardtoimaginehowimmaturetumorsusethe inflammation process to accelerate into a full-blown disease like cancer. Forsome time now, drug companies have been trying to find a way in which tomanipulateinflammationinanattempttotryandpreventtheonsetandspreadofcancer. It has even been suggested that taking aspirinmay be a solution, since itdampensinflammation.Butaspirin,justlikealltheothermedications,comeswithitsownlistofshortcomings.Problems such as cancer develop over long periods of time. Regardless ofinflammation’s role in the process, it first required an environment to allow forroguecellstomatureandproliferate.Evaluateyourdietandlifestyletodeterminewhatareasmayneedtobeadjustedandproppedup.29,30,31

CaseHistory:FullReversalofThyroidCancerItwas early inmy careerwhen I first treated amalepatientwith thyroid cancer.Thiswasaninterestingcaseforme,inthatthepatient’swifedidthemaintherapyprotocolalongwithherhusbandforsupport.Themainpartofthetreatmentplaninvolvedavegetablejuice“fast”offorty-twodays.Numerouscasesdocumentedbypatientreportsandcontinuedbyotherpractitionershasdemonstratedcancerdyingoffduringtheforty-two-dayfast.Inthiscase,thepatientwasputontheBreussjuiceformula,recommendedteas,and thyroid support. This program was one which I had studied during myacademic years, so named after its originator, Rudolf Breuss, an Austriannaturopath.ThisprogramisthestrictestIhaveused,involvingaverylimiteddailyamountof juicewithabsolutelyno sediment. If youconsiderusing theR.Breusscancer protocols, be sure to investigate the program thoroughly, as there aredifferentnuancesforcertaincancersandrelatedsymptoms.The patient is only permitted to drink 2 cups (500 ml) per day. Dr. Breussconsidersthelessjuicedrankperday,thebetter.Therecipeisincludedbelow;youwillnoticeblackradishandceleriac(celeryroot)aspartoftheingredientslist,andwhilemany patients are unfamiliarwith these items, they are usually available in

large or upscale grocery stores. (Black radish is oval, hairy, and blackish-whiteinside;celeriacisquitelarge,beigeincolor,andveryknotty-looking).

Dr.Breuss’JuiceRecipe

9.6ounces(300g)beetroot

3.2ounces(100g)carrots

3.2ounces(100g)celeriac

1.06ounces(30g)blackradish

Drinkthejuiceslowlyanddonotswallowimmediately;allowittoremaininyourmouthforafewsecondsorlonger(consumedthroughouttheday).Idoadvisethepatienttostartdrinkingthisformulaforseveraldaystooneweekpriortostartingthisjuicefast.Itisalwaysagoodideatoeaseintoafast,aswellaseaseoutofone.Inotherwords,donotimmediatelygobacktoeatingheavyfoods(bread,potato,fleshprotein,junkfood,chemical-andsugar-ladendrinks).Atthisprogram’s inception, researchhadnot advanced to the level it has reached today,showingusthatoneofcancer’sfavoritefoodsissugar.Backintheday,Breussfeltitwas mainly solid food that fueled cancer in the diet; therefore, he was adamantaboutonlyconsumingclearliquids.32

TeasforCancerTreatmentTherearemanywonderfulplantsandsubstancesfoundinnaturewiththeabilitytorid the body of cancer cells. In this particular case study,wemostly stuck to theprogramoutlinedbyBreuss.

SageTea

2teaspoonsgroundsage2cups(500ml)water

1teaspoonSt.John’sWort

1teaspoonpeppermint1teaspoonlemonbalm(Melissaofficinalis)

Drink½cupofsageteaatonetime4timesperday(roomtemperature).Though normally an infusion process would be indicated for aerial plant parts,Breusspreferredthesagetobeboiledforthreeminutestoremovetheessentialoilsfordrinking.Once theboiling stagehasbeencompleted,add the followingherbsand further steep the blend for another ten minutes and allow to cool. Add 1teaspooneach:St. John’sWort,peppermint, and lemonbalm(Melissa officinalis).Sageisthoughtbymanytobeoneofthemostimportantteastobedrunk,andisextremelyhealthpromoting.

CranesbillTea

¼teaspoonCranesbill

½cupboilingwater

Steepfortenminutes.Coolteatoroomtemperatureandsipslowlyonceperday.The patient also consumed iodine, which can be taken through both dried orliquidforms.Takeasdirected(usually2–3timesaday).

WeightLossonJuiceFastIthasbeenmyexperiencethatweight loss isdifferent frompersontoperson.Mymale patient loss sixty pounds in forty-two days,while hiswife lost twenty-threepounds.Amainfactorinweightlossishowmuchextraadiposetissueapersoniscarrying.Again,myexperienceisweonlylosebodyfatwhileonahealth-promotingfast.In order to reverse and prevent the onset of cancer, dietary factors must beconsidered.Youmustdeterminewhatwillbest supportahealthy immune systemandliverfunction.Equallyasimportantisthelevelofcarcinogensbeingtakenintothe body. As science has shown us, the list extends much further than merelyremovingsolidfoodfromthedietforaprotractedperiodoftime;cancerislinkedto toxins in the environment, lifestyle choices, nutrient deficiencies, bad habits,carcinogenicsubstancesinthefoodweeatanddrink,anddeadfood.We shouldall take apage fromRudolfBreuss’sbookand incorporate fresh rawjuices into our weekly routine to ward off and lessen the known contributors ofcancer.IfIdonotsuccumbtotheillsofcancer,Iwillgivefullcredittomyroutineofregularlyconsumingvegetable juiceformorethanthirty-fiveyears.Consumingthisliquidsincemytwentieswasthemainstepthatultimatelyinfluencedmeinmycurrentcareerandlifestylepath.

MichelleHonda’sFormula

3–4poundscarrots

1mediumbeet

1appleDandelion,parsley,orothercomparablegreen

Donotpeelthevegetables.Pareandtrimanybadspotsand/ortopsandendsthataredamaged.Donotmixfruitwithvegetables;however,youareallowedanappleinavegetablejuiceformulatoincreasethemixture’ssweetness.Thisrecipemakesenoughfortwoadults.Foroneperson,cutrecipeinhalfandconsumetwocups.Buyonceaweek(orasneeded)anddivide.Onebunchofdandeliontypicallylastsfivejuiceformulas.Onoccasion,addblackradishand/oraportionofceleryroot.Ifthesevegetablesseemlarge,divideandreserveforanotherday,orjuiceagainwithinthesameday.Drink1pintatatimewithinanhourorless.Makes4cups.

T

CHAPTER7

L-TyrosineandIodine

L-Tyrosine:TheRisingStarHEAMINOACIDL-Tyrosinecontinuestobethesubjectofrobustresearchstudies,especiallyintheareaofpharmaceuticals.L-Tyrosine

(amongotheraminoacids)havebeeninvestigatedforuseasmedicationsforADHD,depression,andreducingbloodpressure,andforimprovingindividualcopingabilitiesduringstressfulsituations.Thereismuchinvestigativeworkbeingpresentedinthisarea,includingworkpartneringtyrosinewithmedicationstoincreasethedrug’seffectiveness.Classified as a nonessential amino acid, tyrosine is derived from the amino acidphenylalanine.It isessential fortheproductionofseveralneurotransmitters(brainchemicals), including dopamine, epinephrine, andnorephinephrine. Functionally,neurotransmitters assist nerve cells with their communication, as well as aid theorgans/glands responsible for making and regulating hormones (the adrenal,thyroid, and pituitary glands). Tyrosine is also needed for the production ofmelanin(thepigmentresponsibleforskin/haircolor).Before we get into the supportive research of the benefits and application oftyrosine,takeaquicklookatalightoverviewofthisinfluentialaminoacid.

L-Tyrosine:WhatDoesItRegulateandAffect?

Thisaminoacidisthemaincomponentinproducingenergy.Forthatreason,chronicfatigueisgreatlyhelpedbyhigherlevelsoftyrosine.Tyrosinemakesallthedifferenceinbrainexhaustionandfatigue.L-Tyrosine(combinedwithVitaminB6andVitaminC)isrequiredtoconvertandsustainproperlevelsoftheupliftingandenergy-producinghormonedopamine,whichhasanenormousimpactonmetabolicenergy.L-Tyrosineisnecessaryfortheproductionofepinephrineandnoradrenaline,twokeyadrenalhormones.L-Tyrosineisrequiredforcortisolproduction.L-TyrosinesupportshormoneproductionofT3andT4.L-Tyrosineisinstrumentalintheavailabilityofaconstantenergyoutputtothebodybywayofpromotingbalancedmetabolicrates.Theaminoacidtyrosineisneededforthyroxinesynthesis.

TyrosineandPhenylalanineSeriousconditionscanalsoresultwhentyrosineisn’tinbalancewithotheraspectsofthebody,suchastheaminoacidphenylalanine,ofwhichtyrosineisabyproduct.Theconditionphenylketonuria(PKU)isaseriousconditionthatoccurswhenthebodycannotproperlyutilizephenylalanine.PeoplewithPKUwillfindthemselvesdeficientintyrosinebecauseitismadefromphenylalanine.Thisseriousproblemcanleadtomentaldisabilityandbraindamage.PeoplewithPKUmusttaketyrosineasasupplementwhilealsoavoidingintakeofexcessphenylalanine.1

L-TyrosineisaMajorMetabolicComponentTyrosineispartofthehormonesT3andT4’smatrix.Thismeansitisaprecursorforthyroidhormonesynthesis;therefore,thepresenceoftyrosineincreasestheavailabilityofthesehormones.Itisalsoaprecursorforstimulatingneurotransmittersandadrenalhormoneproduction.Butitisalsothemaincomponentinourbodyformakingenergy.2Chronicdepression,exhaustion,andpoormetabolismareallpotentialsymptomsoflowbloodlevelsofL-tyrosine.Manypeopletodayovertheageoftwenty-fourarestrugglingwithlowerlevelsoftyrosineasaresultofpoorqualityproteinchoicesandproteinabsorptionproblemsduetoacompromiseddigestivesystem.The thyroid gland is the crucial component and regulator for efficient energyproductionthroughoutthewholeday.Thethyroidglandactuallyonlymakesoneteaspoon of hormones each year; and yet, if this hormone is not available insufficientquantities,itwillhavethegreatestimpactonyourenergylevels.As previously indicated, the reason for this is because our energy levels aredeterminedbytherateatwhichourbodiesmetabolizethefoodweeatintoenergy,a process which is established and controlled by the thyroid gland. Thyroidhormonereacheseverycellinourbody,andisthereforeinstrumentalinallaspectsofourbody’sfunctioningandmaintenance.When the thyroid glandbecomes sluggish, so, too,doesourmetabolism,whichresults in energy dysfunction on a cellular level. By evaluating the followingsymptomsandwhattyrosineregulatesinthebody,wemayhelpshedsomelightastowhyyouandyourbodyhavebeenstruggling:

DepressionandoverallmoodsbeingloweredDecreasedcognitivefunctionPoorcirculationChronicfatiguePoordigestionConstipation

L-TyrosineasAntidepressantTyrosineistheprecursoroftheneurotransmittersdopamine(DA)andnorephinephrine(NE),alsoknownascatecholamines(CA),whichplayapartinthebrain’sresponsetoacutestress.Depressionislinkedtospecificneurotransmitters,ofwhichmorethanoneisaffectedbydepression.Knowingthattyrosineproducesthemoodenhancingchemicaldopamineandthatpeoplewhosufferwithdepressionoftenhavelowlevelsoftyrosine,researchersarelookingintotyrosineasatreatmentoptionfordepression.Overall,manystudiessuggestusingL-Tyrosineasanantidepressant.3,4,5

Inpatient treatment forallmannerofdepression,aswellasADHDandmentaldisorders like bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, L-Tyrosine is amain feature ofmytreatmentplans.Mostpatientsseenoticeableimprovementinoneweek’stime.6

FoodsHighinTyrosineHelpRaiseDopamineWhenlookingtoraisedopaminelevels,lookforthefollowingfoods,whicharehighintheaminoacidtyrosine.Startingwiththehighesttyrosinefoodcategory(1–10),eachlistalsostartswiththehighestleveloftyrosineofeachfood.CheeseParmesancheese

Gruyere

Swiss

Edam

Lowfatmozzarella

Bluecheese

Monterey

Hardgoatcheese

Cottagecheese

SoyFoodsRoastedsoybeansDried,frozentofu

Soyflour

Tempeh

Friedtofu

Natto

Sproutedsoybeans

LeanBeef/LambLeanbeef

Grilledsteak

Beefsirloin

Lambshoulder

Stewinglamb

LeanPorkPorkchops

Bacon

Ham

Porktenderloin

Shoulder

Fish/Seafood(Cooked)Salmon

Tuna

Snapper

Mackerel

Shrimp

Halibut

Haddock

Cod

Crab

Chicken/TurkeyChicken

Turkey

Seeds/NutsPumpkinseeds

Peanuts

Sesameseeds

Sunflower

Chia

Pinenuts

Macadamia

Flaxseeds

Pistachio

Almonds

Eggs/DairyEggsFat-freenaturalyogurt

Naturalyogurt

Skimmedmilk

Buttermilk

Wholemilk

Sourcream

Butter

Beans/Lentils(Cooked)Whitebeans

Adzuki

Lentils

Splitpeas

Roman

Kidney

BlackbeansBroad(fava)

Pinto

Chickpeas

WholeGrains(Cooked)Wildrice

Rawoats

Teff

Kamut

Brownrice

Millet

Bulgur

Quinoa

CouscousBarley(pearl)

L-TyrosineHelpsStressStress is a natural part of everyday life, but when the demands placed upon usexceed our ability to cope, we need to provide our bodies with what ourbiochemical nature requires to help restore harmony and balance. Anxiety anddepressionare reaching epidemicproportions, andwhen these conditionsbecomechronic, the body cannot withstand the constant bombardment of high levels ofcortisolandcorticosterone.Theadrenalglandsaredirectlyimplicatedintheeffectsofstressorsonthebody,whethertheyaretheresultofemotionalstress,injury,infection,diet,orfatigue.Itis the adrenal glands that manage the body’s stress response, resulting in thephysiologicalsymptomsthatpromoteheartdistress,suchasincreasedheartrateandbreathing,bloodsugarregulation(whichaffectstriglyceridelevels),andmanymore.When looking to properlymanage your adrenal glands, tyrosine levelsmust beconsidered.Tyrosine is involved in theproductionofour stressneurotransmittersepinephrineandnorephinephrine,secretedbytheadrenalglands.Researchershavecometorealizethat,whileunderstress,ourbodiescannotconvertenoughtyrosinefromtheaminoacidphenylalanine.Tyrosine’s benefits extend to those experiencing acute stress, as well. Takingtyrosine prior to physical and environmental stressors reduces adverse behavioralandexecutionincidencessuchasmemoryproblemsandphysiologicalstressduetoheatandcoldexposure.7,8,9

L-TyrosineBenefitsNeuralAgingNeuralagingdescribestheprocessbywhichcellsinthebrain(neural)andperipheralnervesdegenerateandweakenovertime,resultinginadeclineofsensory,motor,andcognitivefunctionsofthebrain.L-TyrosinehassparkedinterestinthepharmaceuticalindustryasameanstoalleviatingneurologicaldeclineintheareaofdementiaandAlzheimer’sdisease.Beingthattyrosineincreaseslevelsofcatecholaminesinthebrain,whicharetypicallydecreasedindementiapatients,theadditionoftyrosinecanincreaselevelsofcatecholamines,showntobeantioxidantstothebrain,therebyobtainingneuroprotectiveproperties.10

MemoryL-Tyrosine was tested to see if it would benefit individuals suffering from sleepdeprivation. A series of tests administered tyrosine and other drug substances tohealthy young men to evaluate their memory (running and long-term) andcognitive and motor performance. Of the various drugs tested, the nutritionalamino acidL-Tyrosine improvedperformanceon several tests,warranting furthertestingofnutritionalstrategies.11,12

Vegetables/FruitsMany fruits andvegetables contain tyrosine toaid indopamineproduction;plus,thebenefitofdopamineprotectiveantioxidantsagainstfreeradicaldamage.13

OtherSpirulina is one of the richest sources of tyrosine commonly taken as a dietarysupplement.Ginkgobiloba,ginseng,andturmerichaveshowntoincreaselevelsofextracellular concentrations of dopamine in the brain, while oregano oil helps tomaintainsufficientlevelsofdopamine.Greentea,throughitslevelsofpolyphenolsandthemoodenhancingpropertiesofL-Theanine,supportsdopamineproduction.

FoodsThatLowerDopamineCertainfoodsandchemicalssimulatedopaminewhileprovidingatemporarysurgeofenergy.Sugar,store-boughtcookies(suchasOreos),andchemicalsweetenersareexamplesofitemsthatgiveyouashort-termrushfollowedbyalong-termcrash.Manypeoplebecomeaddictedtoartificialsweeteners,sugar,andcarbohydratesandenduphavingaverydifficulttimebreakingthehabit.Overtime,excessivesugarconsumptionwilldepletedopamineinthebody.

TyrosineSupplementationFor themostpart,peoplewhocrave sugary, chemical-laden foods and substancesare not inclined to offset this behavior with foods that will replace the nutrientsmissingandbeingleachedfromthebody.In such cases, it is helpful to supplement with sufficient quantities of theunbound, free form amino acid L-Tyrosine (in capsule or tablet form). Whensupportingthethyroidwithiodineortyrosine,itisbesttotakeitthreetimesaday.SometimesthevitaminsB6,B9(folate),andcoppermaybeneededforthosewhohavedifficultyconvertingtyrosineintobrainchemicals.Tyrosine and iodine are interrelated in several aspects of thyroid function andhormoneproduction.Wewillnowlookatmajorbenefitsofiodineanditsroleinthyroidhealth.

Iodine

IodineDeficiencyThethyroidglandrequiresasmallamountofiodineinorderforthethyroidglandto produce thyroid hormone each day. Lack of iodine impacts fertility, cognitiveability,energy,metabolism,andcirculation.Likemost essential nutrients, the body does notmake iodine on its own. As aresult,iodinemustbeconsumedthroughone’sdietortakenasadailysupplement.It is imperative that this tracemineral be supplied to thebody, since the thyroidglandcannotmakethyroidstimulatinghormonewithout it.Yet therepercussionsand benefits surrounding the availability of iodine go far beyond themandatorythyroidhormoneproduction.Remember, the commonoccurrenceof an enlargedthyroid(goiter)isduetoalackofiodine,astheglandswells,attemptingtodoajobitisill-equippedfor.14,15,16

TheWondersofIodineOne area that is not getting enough attention from traditionalmedicine, despitebeing well established in studies, is how hypothyroidism promotes mentalretardationinchildrenofmotherswhoweredeficientindietaryiodine.Itisforthisreason that infertility and miscarriages are closely related to iodine levels in thebody,sincethethyroidglandcannotmakeTSHwithoutadailysupplyofiodine.Thebodyrecognizesthatyourthyroidglandislow,andyouthereforemaynothavea healthy baby, so it doesn’t let you get pregnant. As referenced in Chapter 6,pregnantwomenhavealong-establishedhistoryofthyroidproblems.17

IodinePreventsandTreatsBreastCancerThetracemineraliodinemayverywellbeanunsungherointhepreventionandtreatmentofbreastcancer.Breastcancerissteadilyontherise,with4,000newcasesweekly.Onedoesnotneedtolookveryfarforsupportiveevidence;simplyobserveprominentculturesaroundtheworldwhoseincidenceofcancerremainsmuchlowercomparedtostatisticsinNorthAmerica.Tobeginwith,theRDAforiodine,setat150mcgperday,istoolowforoptimalhealth.Dr.GuyAbrahampoints thisoutandsuggests12.5mgof iodineperdaywouldbeacloserequivalenttotheJapanesedaily iodine intake.TheJapaneseareshowing to have the lowest rates of breast, thyroid, and prostate cancer. Dr.Abrahamcreditsthisstatistictotheirhigherdailylevelsofiodine.18

IodineAllergyandFetusDevelopmentLikeotheressentialelementsinthebody,itisnotpossibletobeallergictosomethinglikeelementaliodine.Itwouldbeakintoapersonbeingallergictotheoxygenintheircellsorlong-chainfattyacids.Withoutiodine,afetuscannotdevelopproperly;iftherewasanychanceofitbeingallergictoiodine,itwouldnotsurvive.In thecontextofdevelopingembryos, agreatanalogy for thyroid support is thegrowthstagesofthetadpole.Frogmetamorphosisisregulatedbythyroidhormones,advancingthetransformationoftheaquaticlarvaeintoanadulttetrapod.Itisthehormonethyroxinethatstimulatesthisgrowthanddevelopmentinthetadpole,justasthyroxineisessential inallstagesofhumandevelopment(embryo/fetus/infant).A point to note: whether it is amphibian or human biology, when the hormonethyroxine is depressed, the embryo does not develop past the larvae stage.Whenmorethyroxineisaddedtotheenvironment,thelarvaetransformsintoasmallfrogatanacceleratedrate.19

HowSafeisIodineSupplementation?

Themineraliodineiswater-soluble,whichindicatesthatitcannotbeabsorbedintotissues and held there like our fat-soluble vitamins, A,D, E, andK2. The FDArecommends 130mg of iodine for safety purposes, and suggests this amount ofiodine can serve as protection against thyroid cancer due to radiation poisoning(eventhoughtheRDAismuchlower,at150mcg).Infact,iodinehasshowntobetheonlytraceelementthatcanbesafelyingestedinamountsupto100,000timesthatoftheRDAvalue.Addtothat,potassiumiodideisbeingprescribedsafelyindosagesofup to six gramsperday forpatients sufferingwith chronicobstructivepulmonarydisease(COPD).Highdosagesofthisamounthavebeentakenforyearsbyindividualsduetoitstherapeuticvalueinactivatinglungsecretions.20

IodineKillsAntibioticResistantGermsManyofusaschildrenwerefamiliarwithaniodinesolutionbeingtopicallyappliedonascrapeorcut.Itworkstoenhancewoundhealingbecauseitkillsmostpathogensontheskinwithinninetyseconds.Asageneralreferenceforwhatiodinemaycombat,thefollowinglistcanprovideguidance:AntibioticactivityAntiviral(manyviruses)

Antifungal(molds,yeasts)

Anti-parasiteactivity(protozoa)Antibacterial(gram-positiveandgram-negativebacteriaandmycobacterium*)*Gram-positivesamplesActinomyces(Gram+)FilamentousBacillus(Gram+)EndosporeClostridium(Gram+)ObligateAnaerobeEndosporeCorynebacterium(Gram+)PleiomorphicEnterococcus(Gram+)

Gardnerella(Gram+)RodsLactobacillus(Gram+)Listeria(Gram+)Rods*Gram-negativesamplesEscherichiacoli(E.coli)Salmonella

Shigella

Enterobacteriaceae

Pseudomonas

Helicobacter

Stenotrophomonas

Legionella

Iwishtoinspireyoutothinkofiodineforawiderangeofdisorders.Itisclearthatthe thyroid gland requires iodine, and the immune system requires a healthyfunctioningthyroidforoptimumperformance.21,22

I

CHAPTER8

HomeopathicRemediesforThyroidConditions

NTHEEARLYstagesofthyroidconditions,homeopathictreatmentisofteneffective.Thedomainofaprofessionalhomeopathincludesaddressingotherconstitutionalimbalances and remedying themappropriately, according to themodalityof eachrecommendation.That said, there are rarely any definite protocols for treating specific disordersusinghomeopathy.Therefore, twopatients sufferingwith the samediseasewouldmost likely be given different sets of remedies. This makes it difficult for anindividualtryingtopickthebestremedytosuittheirproblem,sincehomeopathictreatmentissoindividualized.Homeopathy also follows the holistic approach, evaluating the whole person—their mental, emotional, and physical state—in addition to their symptoms.Another principle of homeopathy that differs from traditional treatment is theunderstanding that a poison can become a remedy in a sufficiently diluted state(similartohowvaccinesfunctioninconventionalmedicine).Homeopathy is perhaps one of the most misunderstood treatment modalitieswhenexaminedforitstangibleproperties.Inhomeopathy,theenergyfrequencyoftheoriginalremedyiswhatisretained,whichthenworkswithourownbiochemicalenergymake-up.Simplyput,therearespecificvibrationfrequenciesorpatternsthatneutralize the disease’s frequency, all the while reinforcing our own innate bodyenergy. From homeopathy’s perspective, disease involves inherent patterns calledmiasmas. Miasma has retained its same meaning ever since it first appeared inEnglish in the 1600s: it comes from the Greek word miainein, meaning “topollute,” as in a disease-causing substance. These patterns may be geneticallypredisposedoracquiredthroughoutone’slife.Theaimofaprofessionalhomeopathis to have these patternsmade latent or reduced, and ideally eradicated from thebody.1,2,3

Becauseoftheinabilityofthyroidmedicationtoworkoptimallyformanypatientseven with additional supplementation of T3, homeopathic remedies have showntheir usefulness in conjunction with conventional medicine like Synthroid or itsgenericequivalent(T4hormone).Thyroidmedicationhasshowntobeinadequateatfullymaintainingthyroidbalanceandfunctioningdespiteadjustments;therefore,

homeopathy offers great benefit for relievingpatient’s symptom complaintswhengivenalongsidetraditionalthyroidmedications.4

Consideringasmany factors aspossible, there are a fewgo-to remedies to choosefrom when looking to help a low-functioning thyroid or one that is overactive.Homeopathic treatment has been used successfully to help patientsmanage bothhypothyroidandhyperthyroiddisorders.Asageneralguidewiththeseremedies,try30cstrengththreetimesadayintheformofpelletsorliquiddrops,placedunderthetongueformaximumabsorption.If there is no noticeable improvement or permanent change, then other avenuesneedtobeexplored,suchasfoodallergies,gutpermeability,andheavymetals.Inaddition, depending on the person’s current health status, other symptoms andcomplaints,alongwiththeirlevelofnutrition,mightalsoneedtobeaddressed.

HomeopathicRemediesforHyperthyroidismIodum,Lachesis,andNatmurarethreeofthemostcommonlyusedhomeopathicremediesinthetreatmentofanoveractivethyroidgland,althoughthereareotherslike Fucus, Lycopus, Ferrum iod, and Spongia tosta that provide great help formanyofthesymptomsinvolvedwithhyperthyroidism.

Iodum(Iodine)The homeopathic remedy iodum is indicated for patients experiencinghyperthyroidism.Whengivenincorrectdosages,iodumhelpsboththethyroidandpituitary glands. It is also useful in the treatment of goiter and exophthalmoses(bulgingeyes).Checkthefollowingsymptomstodeterminewhetheritsapplicationiswarranted:

EatingexcessivelyandstilllosingweightExperiencingheartpalpitationsandbodypulsations(shaking)Glandularatrophyoflymphnodes,thymus,ovaries,breastsandtestesVeryimpatient,rushingUnusuallytalkative,liketokeepbusyDifficultyrelaxing,feelingsofagitationorangerBodyrunshot(feelingworseindoors);feelsbetterincooltemperaturesandoutofdoorsBulgingeyes

Lachesis(Bushmaster)Lachesis is veryuseful for treating anoveractive thyroid and inflammationof thethyroid gland. It is also useful in cases of hypertension, heart palpitations, hotflashes, goiter, and bleeding vulnerability. Consider Lachesis if your symptomscoincidewiththeconditionslistedforiodum,aswellas:

NeckfeelsconstrictedDifficultyswallowingHeatsensitivity;feelworseintheheatandsunNervousness;intensefeelings(talkative)Feelingsofjealousy,mayhavehadheartbroken;nottrustingIncreasedsexdriveTired,extrasleepdoesnothelp;feelingunwell

Unwantedthoughts;maysuccumbtosubstanceoralcoholabuse

Natmur(SodiumChloride)Natmurisoneofthemostcommonlyusedremedies(inconjunctionwithothersmentioned in this section). In particular, treatment protocols for problems ofhyperthyroidism, thyroiditis, exophthalmoses, and goiter benefit from theaccompaniment of Nat mur. Symptoms to be on the watch for include thefollowing:

Exhaustion,experiencinggreatweaknessHeartsymptoms:palpitationsandflutteringWeightlossDryskinandmouthOilyfaceMigrainesFlushingorlighthotflashesSuppressingemotions(seekingsolitude)Senseofgriefandloss;doesnotwishtobeconsoledFeelworseinheatandsun;feelbetterincoolsurroundingsandoutsideMentalworkisbestinthemorning

Fucusvesiculosus(Seakelp)Fucus mainly helps underactive thyroid conditions, but when the dosage isincreased,ithasapplicationsforhyperthyroidism,aswell.Seekprofessionalhelpinregularizing dosage levels of fucus for hyperthyroidism.Muchmore on the usageandbenefitsoffucuscanbefoundunderHypothyroidismonpagexx.

Lycopus(Bugleweed)Whileiodum,Lachesis,andfucusmaybethemostcommonlyused,lycopusisoneofmy favorites when dealingwith an overactive thyroid involving inflammation.(You can find out more about bugleweed under “Herbal Remedies for ThyroidConditions,”whereitisusedinadifferentpreparationforthetreatmentofthyroidauto-immunedisordersandthyroiditis.)In its homeopathic state, Lycopus is indicated for hyperthyroidism,exophthalmoses,andanenlargedthyroid.Apersonneedingthisremedymayhavethefollowingsymptoms:

Heartandlungproblems

RapidpalpitationsorheartpainChestconstrictionandshortnessofbreathPronetobleedingHemorrhoidsmaybepresentNervousnesscoupledbyatendencytorush;mayencountertremblingHardtofocus,mindwandersHeightenedsymptomsduringmotionandexertion,andwhenit’stoohotMayfeelworseuponwakingupfromsleepandnearingtheendtimeofday;approachingsunsetFeelingweakSufferingwithinsomniaWorseduringmenopauseDislikingthelingeringsmelloffood

PhytolaccaDecandraThehomeopathicversionofpokeweed,PhytolaccaDecandraisanexcellentremedyfortreatinganenlargedthyroidglandorgoiter.Itisamongthetopchosenremediesinthyroid-relateddisorders,especiallywhenaccompaniedbyexcessiveweightgainandhardened,swollenthyroidtissue.Anotherwayitbenefitsthethyroidandotherglandular tissue is by increasing lymphatic flow and circulation throughout thebody.PhytolaccaDecandraisindicatedforthefollowingsymptomcomplaints:5

GlandularenlargementSwelling,accompaniedbyheatandinflammationSwollentonsilsThroatlesionsandsorenessLymphnodepainandswellingBreastinflammationMastitisinbreastfeedingPainandinflammationoffibroustissueandmusclesHeatandinflammationoftheskinOthervarioustypesofpain(sharptodull)

Ferrumiod(IronIodide)Ferrumiodisveryusefulinuncommonsituationswhereapersonisoverweightandsufferingwithhyperthyroidism.Ferrumiodisindicatedforindividualsdealingwithan overactive thyroid, especially after menses have stopped. Other associatedsymptoms may include a hard goiter, enlarged glands, the absence of regularmenstrualcycles,orurinarytroubles.Strongindicationsforironiodidemayinvolvethefollowingsymptoms:

WeightlossAnxietyandrestlessIrritabilityandfeelingtheneedtorushMaybeanemicPalecomplexionorflushed(redface)Bloodrushing;increasedcirculationWorseatnightwhilelyinginbedFeelworseinhottemperaturesandduringphysicalexertionFeelbetteroutsideintheopenair

Spongiatosta(RoastedSponge)

Spongiatosta(RoastedSponge)Spongia tosta helps thyroid conditionswhen the gland appears hard and swollen(goiter),aswellastheproblemofbulgingeyes.Thispersoncouldhaveahistoryofasthma and coughing episodesduring thenight.Theymay feel that the cough isrelated to thegoiter andnot simply theirdifficultybreathing.Painmight alsobeinvolvedwhentouchedorwhenpressureisapplied.Otherindicatorsinclude:

HeartpalpitationsAnxiety,fear,anddespairHotflashesorflushingSwollentestesExophthalmoses(bulgingeyes)

HomeopathicRemediesforHypothyroidismHomeopathy offers several great choices when looking for relief from theall-too-common condition of a low-functioning thyroid gland.We’ll be coveringFucus vesicelosus and Kali carbonicum, Graphites, Sepia officinalis, Calcareacarbonica, Nux vomica, and Lycopodium clavatum. These are among the mostpopularchoicesfortreatinghypothyroidismhomeopathically.

Fucusvesiculosus(Seakelp)Fucusismostoftencalledforwhenthethyroidislow-functioning,especiallywhencoupled with a slowmetabolism. Stimulating the thyroid and pituitary glands isessentialforprovidingourmetabolismwithamuch-neededpick-me-up,andfucushas shown to have a positive effect on both. It is also suitable for Hashimoto’sThyroiditis; you don’t want too much iodine in this case, and fucus provides amuchloweramountcomparedtosomeotheriodinesources.This is perhapsmymost commonly prescribed homeopathic remedy. Considerfucusifyourecognizethefollowingsymptoms,especiallyiftheyarepersistent:

Fatigue,sluggishness,andlowmetabolismWeightgainshownasloose,flabbyfatColdhandsandfeetGoiterinobesepatientsSwollenglandsHeartdisease;cloggedarteriesComplainofpressurearoundthehead;subjecttoheadachesExcessivehairlossExcessiveperspirationSexualdysfunctionTendtobeconstipatedMayexperiencejointandmusclepain

Kalicarbonicum(Potassiumcarbonate)Kali carbonicum is another veryhelpful remedy for a slowmetabolismcombinedwithanunderactivethyroid.Theremaybeadditionalindicatorsofbenefitforthisremedy,butthesymptomlistexpressedabove, for fucus,wouldgenerally indicatesomebenefitfortheuseofKalicarb.Afewotherindicatorsinclude:

ObesityFatigueandexhaustionConstipationandflatulenceFeelingcold;dislikingverycolddrinksDigestionproblems;maybemilkintolerantWaterretentionandpuffyeyesHistoryofbronchitis,sinusitis,oranemiaMaysufferwithbackpainCravessweets

Graphites(Graphite/BlackLead)Graphite is useful in circumstances where an underactive thyroid presents withexcessbodyweight,especiallywhentheindividualisverysensitiveandemotional.Itis alsohelpful forpersonswhomay lackconfidenceorcomplainofdigestionandbowel problems. Some of the patient’s symptoms will be the same as describedunderKalicarb;otherwise,lookforthefollowing:

VeryobeseOngoingchronicconstipationConstantabdominaldiscomfort;bloatingUpsetseasilyandmayhaveanticipationanxietyDifficultymakingdecisionsDryskin;cracked,crepey,oreczemaNailsmaybecorrugated(ridgesandgrooves)

Sepiaofficinalis(InkofCuttlefish)Hypothyroidism is strongly associated with menstrual problems, especially whenmenses are very profuse.The patient’s cyclemay be starting earlier than normal,thoughtheremaybeotheraccompanyingcontributorstothisproblem,suchasthexenoestrogensinourenvironmentandfood.However,sepiaisanexcellentremedytohelpcorrectmenstrualimbalances.TheremedyCalcareacarbonica(whichwillbediscussednext)isbestaccompanyingsepiawhenthereisheavymenstrualbleeding,inparticularwhenaperson’souterextremitiesareextremelycold.FerrummettalicumandCinchonaofficinalisisanothersuggestedcombinationtoconsider when excessive bleeding during menses is a problem. Ferrum is veryeffectiveincasesofanemiaassociatedwithheavymenses,andCinchonaisforthe

sameindicatorswhenfoundinconjunctionwiththepresenceofdarkclots.Afewmorehintsforusingtheserecommendationsinclude:

Pale,anemicandfeelingfaintVerysensitivetocold,feelingcoldObesityExhaustionExcessivehairloss(alopecia)Pelvisdiscomfort;mayhaveexperiencedearlymensesExcessivemenstrualflowApathytowardlovedonesandsex;possiblydepressedUterineprolapseProblematicperspirationandnightflushes

Calcareacarbonica(Calciumcarbonate)Calcareacarbisanexcellentchoiceforanunderactivethyroidwhenthereisextremeweight gain involved. The patient may be of fair complexion and suffer fromsweating, especially during the night. Their excess weight appears flabby and thepersonalwayscomplainsofbeingcold.Inaddition,theremedygraphiteisusefultohelp control ongoingweight gain, andLycopodium clavatummay be helpful forpatients who retain their weight in the lower half of their body (buttocks andthighs). Look for the following indicators of Calcarea carb and similar remedycharacteristics:

ExcessiveweightgainFlabbychildhoodfatProblematicperspirationinheadarea;overexertionDislikescoldenvironmentsDesireswarmdrinksWorriesabouttheirfutureFair-hairedandchalkyskinMaysufferwithconstipationandanxietySwollenglandsArthritisandweakbonescouldbeanissueCravessweets

NuxVomica(QuakerButton)

Nux vomica works wonderfully in those patients of hypothyroidism who findthemselveseasilyoffended.Itisparticularlyhelpfulwhenthereisalow-functioningthyroid coupled with obstinate constipation. In the instance of women who areexperiencing prolonged menses with hypothyroidism, Nux vomica would be anadditionalremedychoice.Other symptomsexpressedby individualspossessinganunderactive thyroid thatmayhaveindicatorsforNuxvomicainclude:

Intense,impatient,andtemperamentalCriticalandirritableDesirestimulants;coffeeandalcoholCravesfattyandspicyfoodBloatingisaconstantcompanion,beforeandaftereatingPatientfeelscoldScantystool;feelingofincompletebowelelimination

Lycopodiumclavatum(ClubMoss)Slightly different to other remedies suggested for constipation, Lycopodium isexcellent for thosewhosufferwithgastriccomplaintsandanunderactive thyroid.This remedy is also indicated for excessive hair loss (alopecia). The followingsymptomsmayindicatetheneedforLycopodiumclavatum:

GastritisorproblemswithacidityDigestioncomplaintslaterinthedaybetween4:00–8:00PMDifficultdefecationandhardstoolsDesireshotfoodanddrinkMaycravesweetsSkinpallor;yellowishwithdarkcirclesundereyesLiverweaknessandhemorrhoidsMaysufferwithlowselfesteemFeelshungrybutfillsupquicklyDoesnotfeelbetterlyingdownWorseaftereatingfoodsthattendtoproducegas(legumesandcruciferousvegetables)Decliningmemoryandmentalacuity

TreatingGoiterwithHomeopathyThere is a wide range of homeopathic support available for individuals sufferingfrom a goiter, many of which have been mentioned. There are, however, somespecificsforcertainremedies,havingtodowithwhethertheswellingisontheleftor right side of the thyroid gland.As always, the chosen remedy depends on thepatient’sconstitutionalsymptoms,butpopularchoicesincludeFucus,Calcareaiod,Lachesis,Lycopodium,andSpongia.Specificindicationscontinuebelow:

Lachesisiscalledforwhenthegoiterisontheleftsideofthethyroid.Patientsmayexperiencedifficultyswallowingliquidsasopposedtosolidfoodandgenerallycomplainoffeelinghot.Lycopodiumisindicatedforwhentheswellingisontherightsideofthethyroid.Spongiaisveryusefulwhenthegoiterissolargethatiscancausesuffocationwhilesleeping.Calcareaiodishelpfulwhenagoiterappearsaroundpuberty.Fucusishighlybeneficialwhenthereisobesityorsteadyweightgain.

Graves’DiseaseHyperthyroidismissynonymouswithGraves’disease,andeventhoughthereareacouple of go-to remedies, detailed patient evaluation must be performed for allcontributingfactors.Iodum is especially indicated for hyperthyroidism aswell as for treatingGraves’disease. Symptoms to be on the lookout for are extreme heart palpitations evenwhen therewas very little physical activity and the patient feeling extremely hot.Thisindividualwillcontinuetoloseweighteventhoughtheycontinuetoeatandhaveanincreasedappetite.Lycopusvirginicus isofgreathelpintreatingGraves’disease, inparticularwhenthere is the presence of exophthalmoses (bulging eyes). There will be similarproblemsofpalpitationsandpoundingheart;also,expect theheart rate tobeup.Theseoccurrencesoftenaccompanyagitationandnervousness.

We have looked at many ways to treat thyroid dysfunction, covering differenttreatmentmodalities aswell as lookingatotherhealthcomplications thatmaybepreventingyourthyroidglandfromfullyfunctioningoptimally.Thenextstepistoensurespecificnutrientsarenotmissingfromyourdiet,whichcanaddtooreven

causeyourthyroid imbalance.Theinformationcontainedinthenextchapterwillhelpyoupinpointanyfurthernutrientdeficienciesthatmayneedtobeproppedup.

A

CHAPTER9

HowtoCareforYourThyroidGland

LACKOFKEYnutrients can instigate a thyroidcondition, especially ahypo state.Addingqualitysupplementsorherbstoincreaseintakeofmineralandvitamins

can help ease various deficiencies. For a general overview, use whole foodsupplements whenever possible, such as those found in nutritional yeasts (all Bvitaminsandaminoacids)andalgae(blueorgreenworksbestasacompletefoodsource); include raw juices for antioxidants, nutrition, and enzymes; and seavegetablesoralgaefortracemineralsandiodine.VitaminD3,selenium,zinc,alphalipoicacid,andmagnesiumshouldalsobeconsidered.

NutritionforThyroidGlandDisorders

SugarandCaffeineWhether your thyroid condition is hypo or hyper, it’s best to avoid sugar andcaffeine products. Often, people with low thyroid condition turn to thesestimulantstocompensatefortheirlackofenergy.Butwhattheydon’trealizeistheharm being inflicted by high amounts of caffeine and sugar. In general, eat lessstarchy foods, carbs, sugar, and sugar products (unless it is deemed safe, as for adiabetic) and eat more non-starchy vegetables and greens. For hyperthyroidism,avoid all refined foods, dairy products, wheat, gluten, sugar, caffeine, coffee,alcohol,andotherchemicalstimulants.

GoodFatsVitallyimportantaswellisyourintakeofomega-3fattyacidsintheformoffishoilandseedoils (suchas flaxseed).Yourglandsrequirehighqualityproteinandfat.Othergoodfatsourcesincludenutsandnutbutters,avocados,seeds(likeflaxandsesame), olive oil, ghee, coconut oil andmilk products, full fat and aged cheese,yogurt,kefir,andcottagecheese.

ProteinAdequate quality protein sources benefit thyroid function, as it is protein thattransports thyroid hormone to the tissues. Choose drug-free flesh proteins andvegetariansourcessuchaslegumesandnuts,seeds,andbuttermadefromthesame.

L-TyrosineCoveredmoreextensivelyinChapter7,L-Tyrosineisanaminoacidearmarkedforthe thyroid gland which, during times of under-activity, offers more than onebenefit.Mostoften,aminoacidsaretiedintotheneurotransmittersofthebrain.Inthe instance of L-Tyrosine, it is a required element for dopamine, aneurotransmitter responsible for any number of functions, including mood andsleep. Increasing the health of the thyroid, then, has a direct effect on one’semotionalwellbeing—awin-win,allround.

ProbioticsAnotheressentialdietarycomponentforhealthmaintenanceandfunctioningofthethyroid gland is the consumption of “probiotics” in supplement form, or else incertainfoodssuchasyogurt,kefir,andclabberedmilk.Twentypercentofthyroidglandfunctiondependsonfriendlyflora.

NutritionforThyroidDysfunctionBesidesthenumerouschemicalswearebombardedwithdaily,nutrientdeficienciesareaprimesuspectincompoundingthyroidproblems.Let’stakeabrief lookatafewnutrientsknowntocontributetothyroidfunction,whichneedtobesupportedtopreventthyroidinstability.

HowtoTakeMinerals

Allminerals require aprotein tobe ingestedat the timeof consumption; for example, small amounts ofyogurt,groundflaxseeds,nutbutters,whey,orotherproteinpowdersandmealswhereaportionincludesprotein.Allothersupplementsaretobetakenwithfoodunlessspecifiedonthelabel.Thereasonproteinisneeded when taking minerals is because they require an amino acid to carry and direct them onto theirdesignatedpaththroughoutthebody.

ZincZinc is a mineral required to ensure thyroid cell receptors successfully bind tothyroidhormone,aswellforactivationofthesehormones.Studiesrevealdramaticbenefitstothosesufferingwiththyroidproblems,especiallyhypothyroidism,whensupplementingtheirdietswithzinc.Intheconclusionofafour-monthstudywherezinc deficiency was clinically corrected, participants’ thyroid hormoneconcentrationsincreased,asdidtheirrestingmetabolicrate.1ForthetransferenceofinactiveT4intotheactiveT3,zincmustbepresent.Additionally,thepituitaryandhypothalamusrequirezinctosignalthyroidactivation.2

For sustaining and enhancing the healing process, zinc is the second mostimportantelementinourbodies,performingahundredormorefunctions,amongthemtissuerepairandimmunefunction.

IronandB12Ironisanothermineraltokeepaneyeon;whenironlevelsbecomelow,itsupportshypothyroidism.Lowferritin(iron)valuesaremorecommonlynotedwithwomenandpeoplewhohavedifficultysustainingB12levels.Oftentimes,lowferritinisaninherit predisposition (B12, along with folic acid, holds iron in the blood).Therefore,dietaryironintakemaynotbetheculpritincasesofanemia.Bloodtestsshouldprovideaclearpictureofwhichnutrientisneededforbalance.

IodineIodine is synonymous with thyroid health and figures prominently in differentstages of growth; is important for body functions andprovides protection. PleaserefertoChapter7formoreonthecriticalbenefitsofandsourcesforiodine.3

The thyroid gland requires a small amount of iodine daily to make thyroidhormone.Itfollows,then,thatyoushouldavoidiodinewhenthethyroidglandhasbecome overactive or inflamed until the condition is rectified.Having said that,dependingontheiodinesourceanddosage,amoremodestamounthasshowntobehelpfulincertaininstancesofthyroidoveractivity.During the 1950s, the incidence rate of goiters was such a problem that saltbecame iodized to ward it off. However, salt is not the ideal method of gettingiodineintoyoursystem;notonlythat,butoursoilhasfarfewernutrientsthaninyearsprevious.Inotherwords,asupplementisrequiredtofeedourgland’sneedforiodine.Thegoodnewsisthatiodineisaninexpensiveproducttobuy,andthereareseveralnatural sources, suchas seaplants likekelp,dulse, and seaweed, aswell asconvenient liquid iodine drops. Other choices include potassium iodide or fullthyroid support in a combination product and homeopathic preparations. Theseshouldbetakendaily,asdirectedbyproductofchoice.

SeleniumSeleniumisrequiredforthyroidhormoneactivationandhastheabilitytodecreasethyroid antibodies. Selenium is crucial for the conversion of T4 to T3, withoutwhichT3cannotbeproducedinthecorrectamounts.SeleniumalsoreallyhelpstoboostglutathioneandcanaidintreatingHashimoto’s.4,5

EssentialFattyAcids(EFAs)Theword“essential”hasneverhadamoreimportantmeaning.Withoutthesefatsin their proper proportion, it is impossible to remainwell—let alone pain-free—throughoutone’slifetime.Hugestrideshavebeenmadeinscience,showingusthenecessity for adequate amounts of EFAs for disease prevention and for fullyfunctioningbodysystems.Ofthese,omega-3saretheonesmostsoughtafterbythebody (typically found in fish and seed oils), especially since our diets have beentraditionallyhighintheomega-6fattyacidsfoundinvegetableandgraincookingoils. The proper ratio for optimum balance in the body of omega-6 fatty acidscomparedtoomega-3fattyacidsisa1:1ratio,whereasmostpeoplemaintaina20:1oreven30:1ratio.6,7,8

EPA/DHAFattyAcidsEssential fatty acids, especially from cold water fish, are abundant with EPA(eicosapentaenoicacid)andDHA(docosahexaenoicacid).Omega-3fattyacidsarereferred to asEFAs (essential fatty acids) or PUFAs (polyunsaturated fatty acids);thesefatsarerequiredintheircorrectbalanceforutilizationthroughoutthebody.Dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids include fish oils and seed oils such as flaxseedoil,hempoil,chiaoil,andwalnutoil.But what is the difference between fish oil and seed oil? Fish oil differs fromplant-based oils in that fish oil has long-chain fatty acids and seed oils haveshort-chain fatty acids. Only long-chain omega-3 fatty acids have the ability todirectlyfeedthebrainandthebody,whereasplantomega-3snourishotherpartsofthebody.Ourbody’sinflammationresponse,immuneresponse,tissuerepair,andformationofeverycellmembraneallrequireanomega-3fattyacid.Knowingthat,itisn’thardto understand why our bodies aren’t able to restore properly or block theprogressionof chronic inflammatoryproblemson theirown.Peoplewith chronicinflammation taking fish oils a few times a day have significantly less pain and abetterqualityof life.Whenchoosingaqualityblendof fishoil, lookfortheratio

betweenDHA (docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) to be inhigherconcentrations.

AlphaLipoicAcidReferred to as a semi-essential nutrient, alpha lipoic acid is a key player in theantioxidant recycling process and therefore is of value when found in multiplesupplement formulas. It is the only nutrient that is both water- and fat-soluble.Alphalipoicacid’ssuperbantioxidantactionprotectsthyroidtissuefromoxidativestressandimprovesendothelialfunctioninpeoplewithsubclinicalhypothyroidism.ForthosetakingthyroidT4medicationtherapy,alphalipoicmayinterferewithitsconversionprocess.9

AntioxidantsInnature,antioxidantsarethepigmentsinplantsthatgivethemtheirintenseandbrilliantcolors.Butmoreimportantly,antioxidantsareamajorpartofourbody’sdefense teamandcome inmanydifferentcategories.Eventhoughwe’vehasbeenconsumingthesenutrientsforthousandsofyears,onlyrecentlyhavecomprehensivestudies taken place to understand the complex role they play. By incorporatingfoods rich in antioxidant qualities, dangerous free radicals in the body areneutralized,preventingdegenerativediseaseswhilealsoprovidingprotectionagainstinfectionsandrepairingdamagedgenes.Antioxidants are classified into two groups:water-soluble (hydrophilic) or lipids(hydrophobic).They are also groupedby their response time in the body, as fastactingandslowacting.Aslow-actingantioxidantexampleisclassifiedasacomplexorganic antioxidant (such as phenolics), while a fast-acting antioxidant would besomethingclosertovitaminC.

VitaminCVitaminCisespeciallyneededincasesofhyperthyroidism.Onereasonmaybeduetoaprolongeddeficiencyof thisvitamin,which in itselfwillcause the thyroid tosecrete too much hormone, resulting in thyroid overactivity. People withhyperthyroidism require high amounts of vitaminC,mainly because it is leavingthebodysoquickly.VitaminCisimpressiveonmanylevels.Itreacheseverycellofthebodyandplaysasignificantroleinfightinginfectionbystimulatingimmuneresponse(productionofwhitebloodcells)against theonslaughtofdisease-causing invaders.Apowerfulantioxidant,vitaminCishighlyendorsedforcombatingcancerandinflammation.VitaminCisrequiredfortherepairofconnectivetissue,aswellastheproductionofcollagen.

VitaminAVitaminAhasprovenuseful in the treatmentofgoiterand lowthyroid function,even when iodine is deficient. For a little background, vitamin A has multipleeffects on the pituitary-thyroid axis function. Vitamin A is involved in theperipheral metabolism of thyroid hormone and the production of thyrotropin(TSH)bythepituitary,inadditiontomodulatingthyroidglandmetabolism.It is common knowledge that these conditions are related to iodine deficiency;however,studiesshowedvitaminAtohaveapositiveimpact(withouttheadditionof iodine)onthesethyroiddisorders.ResearcherZimmermannreportsonastudyofchildrenpresentinganenlargedthyroidandhypothyroidism,“VitaminAgivenalone,withoutiodinerepletion,high-dosevitaminAsupplementationincombinedvitamin A deficiency and iodine deficiencymay reduce thyroid hyperstimulationandreduceriskforgoiter.”10

BecausevitaminAisnotedfordecreasingautoimmuneresponsesinthebody,it’spresencereducestheriskofautoimmunediseaseslikeHashimoto’sThyroiditis.11

VitaminEVitamin E is stored in the body’s fatty tissue and is perhaps best known for itshighly-motivated assault on free radicals.Whatmay not be commonly known isthatvitaminEhasacellularmetaboliceffectonthethyroidgland,theadrenals,andpituitarygland.VitaminEalsopreventsthebloodfromclotting,andhenceisgreatfor heart disease and boosts the immune system,which is naturally beneficial forthosepeoplewithautoimmunethyroidconditionssuchasHashimoto’sThyroiditisand Graves’ Disease. Vitamin E also works synergistically with other nutrients,including fatty acids, selenium, and manganese. Vitamin E and selenium arerequired nutrients for the proper conversion of T4 to T3. Always choosenaturally-sourced vitamin E because it is fifty times more powerful than thesyntheticform.12

VitaminBComplexAswithallnutrientsinthebody,Bvitaminscollectivelyarevitalforgoodthyroidhealthandhaveindividuallydifferentroles,asoutlinedbelow:

B1(thiamine)isparticularlyhelpfulintreatingahyperthyroidcondition.B2(riboflavin),whendeficient,willinhibitthyroidfunction,depressingthesecretionofthyroidandadrenalhormones.B3(niacin)seemstobemulti-purposed,beinginvolvedinallbodycells.B6(pyridoxine)isinstrumentalinthyroidfunction.B6isessentialforthethyroid’sabilitytoutilizeiodineeffectively(tomakethyroidhormones)andmaybeneededevenmoreduringhyperthyroidactivity.B12isvitalforthosewhonolongerhaveathyroidglandandforhypothyroidconditions.Intheseinstances,theyeithercannotabsorbthisvitaminorhavegreatdifficulty.

MagnesiumMagnesium is arguably themost importantmineral in thebody. It is involved inmany biological roles and performsmore functions than any othermineral by asignificantmargin.Not only doesmagnesium assist in the production of cellularenergy, but the heart cannot make use of the constant energy supply needed tofunctionproperlywithoutadequatemagnesium.Like other areas in the body,magnesium is also utilized by the thyroid for theconversion ofT4 toT3.A few other requirements ofmagnesium include energyproduction,bonesandteeth,neuromuscularandsensorysystems,andthesynthesisofvitaminDtoassistcalciuminfindingitswayintothebloodstream.

SuperoxideDismutase(SOD)EnzymeSuperoxidedismutaseisapotentantioxidant,highlyregardedforitsabilitytobreakdown potentially harmful oxygen molecules in cells, thereby preventing tissuedamage. Among its many profound benefits is excellent inflammation control,whichassistsinThyroiditisconditionsandoxidativestress.

CandidaandGutPermeabilityBecause theoverproliferationofcandida isamajor instigatorof leakygut,whichthenbecomesthefoundationformanyautoimmunedisorderssuchasHashimoto’s,we’llneedtotakeacloserlookattheroleofyeastandprobiotics.Several causeshave alreadybeen explored, but oneof the roots fordisease is anovergrowth of candida albicans, which makes its way into the lining of ourintestinal tract, causing gut permeability. When our intestinal lining becomescompromised, it allows for unwanted proteins, particles, sugar molecules, andbacteria to seep into the bloodstream. This automatically initiates an immuneresponse, causing inflammation. These and other pathogens also release toxicsubstances throughout their life cycle, known for degrading and decaying tissueswithinthegastrointestinaltract.Candida seems to bemore of a permanent fixture, since it appears to bemuchhardierthanotherbacteria.It isanopportunisticpathogenwhichflourisheswhengood gut flora (acidophilus and bifidus strains, also known as probiotics) becomeinsufficient in our intestinal tract. Another element that alters the balance of thefriendly flora in our body are toxic chemicals and geneticallymodified organisms(GMOs).Pesticide-andGMO-ladenfoodsallhaveanadverseeffectonourgoodgutbacteria.Candidawillcontinuetobounceback(aswillotherpathogens)solongastoxinscontinuetoinvadetheintestinaltract.

N-acetyl-cysteineandCandidaN-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) is a form of the amino acid Cysteine, a precursor toglutathione (our most potent antioxidant), which plays a key role in liverdetoxification.Aswehavecometoknow,toxicchemicalsdoaffectthehealthandfunction of the thyroid gland. Inflammation and autoimmune disorders of thethyroid are interrelatedwith candida andother infectious bacteria residing in theintestinal tract that precipitate gut permeability. It is in this area that NAC hasshown a unique benefit for autoimmune disorders, including Hashimoto’sThyroiditis.NAC is not only disruptive to bacteria biofilms (the protective layer formed bybacteriaandyeast),but research showsNACalsodisrupts thebiofilmofcandida.Many biofilms are resistant to our immune system and traditional antibacterialtherapies.13

Forstubborncasesofyeastandbacteriaovergrowthorweakimmunesystems,youmaywanttoconsideraddingNACtoyourlistofremedies.14,15

Being that NAC is a natural precursor to glutathione, it is also effective as achelatorofmercury.Asalreadydiscussed,mercuryisverydamagingtothethyroidandNAChasshowntobeveryeffectiveinassistingitsremovalfromthebody,aswellasotherpoisons.16

ProbioticsandGutFloraOur body’s individual microbiome environment—the community ofmicroorganisms that perform a number of crucial functions in our body—is ourconstantcompanionandcaregiverthroughoutourlife,withoutwhichwecouldnotsurvive.And,becausethesebeneficialbacteriaarekeytoawell-functioningimmunesystem, it’s only natural that they helpward off chronic inflammation.We have100,000billion viablemicrobes inour intestines; of the fecalmass excreted fromthebody,85percentisbiomass(bacteria).Lactobacillus acidophilus andBifidobacterium bifidum have the unique ability toincrease our body’s built-in defense mechanisms. Probiotics assist in fightingsuperbugsandroutinelybalancecertainpathogensinthebodylikeH-pylori,yeast,fungus,ande-colitoassistwiththemaintenanceofnormalintestinalhealth.The biggest threat to these 200 different species (7,000 strains) is antibiotics.Consideringtheprominentplacethesemicrobesholdinourbody,itisn’thardtoseehowchronicinflammatoryintestinaldiseaseslikeCrohn’sandcolitiscanbesiegethebodyasaresultofourguthavingbeenessentiallynapalmedbyantibiotics.Tosupport this crucial system, supplement daily with probiotics and eat fermentedfoodslikekefir,natto,andsauerkraut.17,18

Manylifestylechangesmayneedtobeintroducedtosupportthefunctionofyourthyroidglandandrelatedsystems,dependingonyour individualhealthstatus.Byrecognizingdiettriggersandmakingnecessarynutritionaladjustments,alongwithsupplementregimens,isafirststepinrebalancingthismostcrucialendocrinegland.

WCONCLUSION

EHAVECOMEa longwaysince thedaysofourancestors.Our liveshavebeenshaped by the introduction of modern agricultural practices and modern

medical practices, and the challenges of being healthy and staying happy in theindustrializedworldweliveinisaneverydaystruggle.Our ancestors had limited access to year-round food and supplies, the sort ofluxuriesthatwenowtakeforgranted.Yetphysically,ourancestorsweresuperiorinmany ways. The stressors our biological ancestors dealt with resulted in theircompletely different evolution. They did not eat from chemical-laden andnutrient-void soil. Their drinking water wasn’t full of toxic pollutants caused byagriculturalrunoffandenvironmentalchemicalsintheair.Today, our bodies have been shaped by improper food choices, modern-dayagricultural practices, and advanced medical procedures that have disrupted ourbiochemical makeup. Over the course of this book, you’ve seen the impactmedications have on our bodies—how they block thyroid hormones and disruptthyroidcellreceptors.Younowunderstandthatthyroidmedicationisnotideal,butmore importantly,younowknowhowtoproperly takecareof thiscrucialgland,whichhasthegreatestinfluenceoverourday-to-dayexistence.Our journey is no longer as simple as providing proper nourishment to ourendocrinesystem.Wearealsofacedwiththerepercussionsofmedicationroutinelyusedtotreatcomplaintsthathasledtothemanifestationofautoimmuneproblems.Aprimarycauseofleakygutsyndromeisantibioticsortheprolongeduseofotherdrugs,theconsequencesofwhicharedirectlylinkedtoinflammationofthethyroidgland,aswellasotherautoimmunediseasecomplaints.Hypothyroidism is rampant today due to inadequate testing and lack of propernutrition.Thereisamajorimbalanceinoursociety,onethatisnotbeingtaughttothose we trustmost, who in turn are responsible for telling us how to keep ourbodies nutritionally sound to prevent disease. Our body cannot utilize syntheticcompoundsthatnolongerpossesstheabilitytogrowtissue(medications).Itisonlythrough whole, natural biochemicals found in nature that we are provided therequiredelementstofunction.I’vetriedtoprovideasmanypracticaltoolsaspossibletohelptreatthemyriadofsymptoms associated with a poorly functioning thyroid. Some of these includenaturalmedicineandspecificdietarynutrientstailoredtosuit individualneeds,as

well as a comprehensive homeopathic guide for those who favor an alternativehealingapproach.Takecomfortinknowingthereisabrighterfutureaheadofyouonceyourthyroidis properly supported.That said, youdonot need to be treating a disease of thethyroidtotakeadvantageoffastimprovementsinyourenergylevelsandmood;thesupplementsdescribedinthisbookcanbebeneficialforanyonelookingtoensuretheirthyroidisproperlysupportedandworkingatoptimumlevels.Andyoucannotachieve optimum health withoutmanaging the health of your thyroid/endocrinesystem.Byunderstanding the intricatedancebetweenyour thyroid and the restof yourbody,youplaceyourselfonthepathtophenomenalhealth—oneinwhichyoucanrenewandrejuvenatephysicallyandmentally.

RESOURCES

HerbalRemedies:AdditionalResearchResources

54HerbSocietyForumwww.network54.com

NaturalStandardsDatabase3rdparty.naturalstandard.com/frameset.asp

CochraneDatabaseSystemsReviewscommunity.cochrane.org

NationalInstitutesofHealthhttps://nccih.nih.gov/

TheNationalInstitutesofHealth(NIH)isabiomedicalresearchfacilityprimarilylocated in Bethesda, Maryland. An agency of the United States Department ofHealth and Human Services, it is the primary agency of the United Statesgovernmentresponsibleforbiomedicalandhealth-relatedresearch.TheNIHbothconductsitsownscientificresearchthroughitsIntramuralResearchProgram(IRP)and provides major biomedical research funding to non-NIH research facilitiesthroughitsExtramuralResearchProgram.

NationalInstitutesofHealthOfficeofDietarySupplementsods.od.nih.gov/

NationalCenterforComplementaryandAlternativeMedicinenccih.nih.gov/

NaturalDatabaseTherapeuticResearchnaturaldatabase.therapeuticresearch.com/

Herbs-at-a-Glancenccih.nih.gov/health/herbsataglance.htm

AyurvedicMedicinenccih.nih.gov/health/ayurveda/introduction.htm

AmericanBotanicalCouncilABCabc.herbalgram.org

AmericanHerbalistsGuildwww.americanherbalistsguild.com/

TheCollegeofPractitionersofPhytotherapywww.phytotherapists.org/

HerbResearchFoundationwww.herbs.org/herbnews/

InternationalHerbAssociationwww.iherb.org/

NationalInstituteofMedicalHerbalistswww.nimh.org.uk/

HerbsareSpecialwww.herbsarespecial.com

HerbalandSupplementSourcesACSwww.allcosmeticsource.comSalesworldwide.

EclecticInstitutewww.eclectichrtb.com

FrontierCo-opwww.frontiercoop.com/ourproducts.php

HerbPharmwww.herbpharm.com

NaturalFactorswww.naturalfactors.com

NowFoodswww.nowfoods.com

NutraceuticalSolaraywww.nutraceutical.com/collections/healthy/solaray

SeroyalGenestraProfessionalProductswww.seroyal.com

VitaminShoppewww.vitaminshoppe.com

BIBLIOGRAPHY

INTRODUCTION1. Broda Barnes, PhD. Thyroid Supplements and Breast Cancer. JAMA 1976; 236(24):2743-2744].www.thyroid.org/media-main/about-hypothyroidism/

2. Thyroid Disorder Link to Breast Cancerhttp://www.mypureradiance.com/thyroid-disorder-link-breast-cancer/ (21millionwomen).More than 21millionwomen inAmerica suffer from thyroid dysfunction—and the chances are their doctors aren’ttellingthemitcouldbeaprecursortobreastcancer.

3.Dr. IzabellaWentz, PharmD,FASCPThyroidFunction:AFunctionalMedicineApproach thatBeginswith the Gut:http://blog.pureencapsulations.com/register-now-thyroid-function-functional-medicine-approach-begins-gut/andDr.IzabellaWentz,PharmD,‘DoYouHaveHypothyroidismorHashimoto’sorBoth?March’,21,2015.

4. Dr.Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms?http://www.thyroid360.com/

5. Suzy Cohen R.Ph., The Facts About Thyroid Treatment, October 13, 2015.http://www.lifescript.com/health/archive/keep_your_thyroid_healthy_naturally.aspx

CHAPTER11.HypothyroidismIn-Depth:http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypothyroidism/prc01.html2.SPeckham,DLowery,andSSpencer.Arefluoridelevelsindrinkingwaterassociatedwithhypothyroidismprevalence in England? A large observational study ofGP practice data and fluoride levels in drinkingwater. J Epidemiol Community Health doi:10.1136/jech-2014-204971http://jech.bmj.com/content/early/2015/02/09/jech-2014-204971

3. Balas, E A. (2001). “Information Systems Can Prevent Errors and Improve Quality.” Journal of theAmerican Medical Informatics Association 8 (4): 398–9. doi:10.1136/jamia.2001.0080398. PMC130085.PMID11418547.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/11920942

4.BindraA,BraunsteinGB.Thyroiditis.AmFamPhysician.2006;73(10):1769-76DifferentiationBetweenthe Two Types of Amiodarone Associated Thyrotoxicosis Using Duplex and Amplitude DopplerSonography.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6374663

5.“Diagnosisofhypothyroidism:ArewegettingwhatwewantfromTSHtesting?”TheNon-ProfitNationalAcademyofHypothyroidism.Nahypothyroidism.org.Retrieved2016-12-17.

“How Accurate is TSH Testing?” NAHypothyroidism.org. Retrieved 2016-12-26.https://www.nahypothyroidism.org/how-accurate-is-tsh-testing/

6.JozefKropMD,CNP.HealingthePlanetOnePatientataTime;http://ecohealthcentre.ca/jozef-krop/7. Treating Thyroid Conversion Disorders with T3 by HoltorfMedical Group - Kent Holtorf, Thyroidtesting:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kent_Holtorf

8. Kent Hoftorf M.D., Thyroid Blood Tests Don’t Always Tell the Whole Story. April 6, 2012https://www.holtorfmed.com/ andhttps://www.nahypothyroidism.org/thyroid-blood-tests-dont-always-tell-the-whole-story/

9. “Why Doesn’t My Endocrinologist Know All Of This?” The Non-Profit National Academy ofHypothyroidism.Nahypothyroidism.org. Retrieved 2016-12-17.(This article was also part-published in“ThePituitaryNetworkhttps://www.nahypothyroidism.org/about/

CHAPTER21. Suzy Cohen, R.Ph, “The Facts About Natural Thyroid Treatment and More” October 13, 2015http://www.lifescript.com/health/archive/keep_your_thyroid_healthy_naturally.aspx

2. Dr. Jonathan Wright, Bio-identical hormone expert - Thyroid Summit.http://www.naturalnews.com/045370_Jonathan_Wright_natural_medicine_Thyroid_health.html#ixzz4RDoPVdJY

3.ThyroidReplacementHormoneshttp://www.medicinenet.com/thyroid_replacement-oral/page2.htm4.NewStudyRevealsWhy1 in6HypothyroidPatientsStillFeelsBadonLevothyroxinebyJoeGraedonJanuary 15, 2015 peoples pharmacyhttps://www.peoplespharmacy.com/2015/01/15/new-study-reveals-why-1-in-6-thyroid-patients-still-feels-bad-on-levothyroxine/

5.Panicker,Vijay,etal.“CommonvariationintheDIO2genepredictsbaselinepsychologicalwell-beingandresponsetocombinationthyroxineplustriiodothyroninetherapyinhypothyroidpatients.”TheJournalofClinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 94.5 (2009): 1623-1629.http://jeffreydachmd.com/why-natural-thyroid-is-better-than-synthetic/ Jeffrey Dach MDBioidenticalHormonesNaturalThyroid

6. Heidi Godman, Executive Editor, Harvard Health Letter, ‘For borderline underactive thyroid, drugtherapy isn’t always necessary’ November 29, 2016.http://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/for-borderline-underactive-thyroid-drug-therapy-isnt-always-necessary-201310096740

7. Drugs and Medical Treatments that Reduce Thyroid Leaves;http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypothyroidism/prc02.html

8. Tom Smiley, BScPhm, PharmD Drug-Induced Nutrient Depletion (1000 medications) Page 4http://www.tevapharmacysolutions.com/sites/default/files/pdf/ratio_nutrient_20090226.pdf

9.StudypublishedintheNewEnglandJournalofMedicinedealingwithdrugsuppressionofTSHandcauseof central hypothyroidism associated with retinoid X receptor-selective ligands.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2784889/

10. Filippi L, Pezzati M, Cecchi A, Serafini L, Poggi C, Dani C, TronchinM, Seminara S. DopamineInfusionandAnteriorPituitaryGlandFunctioninVeryLowBirthWeightInfants.Biol.Neonate.2006;89(4):274–80.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16508259

11.ShermanSI,GopalJ,HaugenBR,ChiuAC,WhaleyK,NowlakhaP,DuvicM.CentralHypothyroidismAssociated With Retinoid X Receptor Selective Ligands. New England Journal of Medicine. 1999;340:1075–9.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2784889/

12. Alkemade A, Unmehopa UA, Wiersinga WM, Swaab DF, Fliers E. Glucocorticoids DecreaseThyrotropin-ReleasingHormoneMessengerRibonucleicAcidExpression intheParaventricularNucleusof the Human Hypothalamus. J.Clin.Endocrinol.Metab. 2005; 90(1): 323–7.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-lookup/doi/10.1210/jc.2004-1430

13.OhzekiT,HanakiK,MotozumiH,OhtaharaH,IshitaniN,UrashimaH,TsukudaT,ShirakiK,SasakiS,NakamuraH.EfficacyofBromocriptineAdministration forSelectivePituitaryResistance toThyroidHormone.Horm.Res.1993;39(56):229–34.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8314208

14.Vanden,BergheG,deZegherF,LauwersP.DopamineandtheSickEuthyroidSyndrome inCriticalIllness.Clin.Endocrinol.(Oxf)1994;41(6):731–7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/7889608

15.LightmanSL,FoxP,DunneMJ.TheEffectofSMS201-995,aLong-ActingSomatostatinAnalogue,onAnteriorPituitaryFunctioninHealthyMaleVolunteers.Scand.J.Gastroenterol.Suppl.1986;119:84–95.http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/00365528609087435

16.ReisineT,BellGI.MolecularBiologyofSomatostatinReceptors.EndocrineReviews.1995;16:427–42.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2589268/pdf/yjbm00030-0074.pdf

17. Vigersky RA, Filmore-Nassar A, Glass AR. Thyrotropin Suppression by Metformin.J.Clin.Endocrinol.Metab.2006;91(1):225–7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16219720

18. Thyroiditis. Bindra A1, Braunstein GD. Am Fam Physician. 2006 May 15; 73(10): 1769-76.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16734054

CHAPTER31. (4000 Babies) - Miller-Keane Encyclopedia and Dictionary of Medicine, Nursing, and Allied Health,Seventh Edition. © 2003 by Saunders, an imprc03 of Elsevier, Inc. By Miller-Keane and Marie T.O’Toole,EdD,RN,FAANhttps://evolve.elsevier.com/cs/product/9781416026044

2. Reference: Autoimmune Diseases of the Thyroid.http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/hypothyroidism/prc03.html

3. Thyroid conditions: PennState Health, Milton S. Hershey Medical Center:http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000164

4.http://www.ccfa.org/assets/pdfs/updatedibdfactbook.pdf5.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3271310/6. Thyroid Disorder Link to Breast Cancerhttp://www.mypureradiance.com/thyroid-disorder-link-breast-cancer/ (21millionwomen).More than 21millionwomen inAmerica suffer from thyroid dysfunction—and the chances are their doctors aren’ttellingthemitcouldbeaprecursortobreastcancer.

7. Al Sears, MD, CNS 1. Broda Barnes, PhD., Thyroid Supplements and Breast Cancer. JAMA 1976;236(24):2743-2744http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/article-abstract/350123

8.Hardefeldt, P.J.,Eslick,G.D.,Edirimanne, S.Benign thyroiddisease is associatedwith breast cancer: ameta-analysis. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2012 June; 133(3): 1169-77.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22434524

9. SogaardM.,Kormendine,D., Ehrenstein,V. et. al., “Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism and breastcancer risk: a nationwide cohort study.” European Journal of Endocrinol. 2016.http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S0100-879X2005000500014

10. Federal Register 62, No. 157, 14 August 1997, p. 43535-8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19155436

11.AcevesC,AnguianoB,DelgadoG.“Is iodineagatekeeperofthec03egrityofthemammarygland?.”JMammary Gland Biol Neoplasia. 2005. 10(2): 189-96.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2917028/

12.ZieglerRG,HooverRN,PikeMC,etal.“MigrationpatternsandbreastcancerriskinAsian-Americanwomen.”JNatlCancerInst.1993;85(22):1819-27.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8230262

13.SchomburgL1.“Selenium,selenoproteinsandthethyroidgland:c03eractionsinhealthanddisease.NatRevEndocrinol.2011Oct18.Endocrinol.2011Oct18;8(3):160-71.doi:10.1038/nrendo.2011.174.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22009156

CHAPTER41. Dr. Mercola,’ What You Need to Know About the Different Forms of Mercury,’ January 06, 2013http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2013/01/06/dr-shade-on-mercury-exposure.aspx

2. Dr. Chris Shade Quantifying Your Mercury Burden and Detoxificationhttps://thequantifiedbody.net/quantifying-your-mercury-burden-dr-chris-shade/

3. Natural Thyroid Treatment Methods Graves’ Disease & Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto’s &Hypothyroidismhttp://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/do-you-have-a-t4-to-t3-conversion-problem/

4. Glyphosate and Thyroid Healthhttp://www.naturalendocrinesolutions.com/articles/does-glyphosate-have-a-negative-effect-on-thyroid-health/

5.ClinEndocrinol (Oxf).2013Feb;78(2):155-64.doi:10.1111/cen.12066.DrutelA1,ArchambeaudF,Caron P.Selenium and the thyroid gland: more good news for clinicians.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23046013

6. Lancet. 2000 Jul 15; 356(9225): 233-41.RaymanMP1.The importance of selenium to human health.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10963212/

7. Environ Health Perspect. 2002 Jun; 110 Suppl 3: 349-53.Goitrogenic and estrogenic activity of soyisoflavones.DoergeDR1,SheehanDM.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12060828

8. Biochem Pharmacol. 1997Nov 15; 54(10): 1087-96. Anti-thyroid isoflavones from soybean: isolation,characterization, and mechanisms of action. Divi RL1, Chang HC, Doerge DR.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9464451

9.EndocrRegul.2008Jun;42(2-3):53-61.Short-termeffectofsoyconsumptiononthyroidhormonelevelsandcorrelationwithphytoestrogenlevelinhealthysubjects.HamplR1,OstatnikovaD,CelecP,PutzZ,LapcíkO,MatuchaP.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18624607

10. JClinEndocrinolMetab. 2011May; 96(5): 1442-9. doi: 10.1210/jc.2010-2255.Epub2011Feb16.The effect of soy phytoestrogen supplementation on thyroid status and cardiovascular risk markers inpatientswith subclinical hypothyroidism: a randomized, double-blind, crossover study. SathyapalanT1,Manuchehri AM, Thatcher NJ, Rigby AS, Chapman T, Kilpatrick ES, Atkin SL.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21325465

11. Arlyn G. Riskind, New Fact Sheets Dispel Myths of Adrenal Fatigue and Wilson’s TemperatureSyndromehttp://www.hormone.org/public/myths_facts.cfm

12. A fact sheet on Adrenal Insufficiency can be found online at:www.hormone.org/Resources/upload/adrenal-insufficiency-bilingual-081810.pdf

13. NIDDK > Health Information > Health Topics > Endocrine & Metabolic Diseases > AdrenalInsufficiency and Addison’s Diseasehttps://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/endocrine/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease/Pages/fact-sheet.aspx

14.MousumiBose,BlancaOliván,andBlandineLaferrère.CurrOpinEndocrinolDiabetesObes.2009Oct;16(5): 340–346.doi: 10.1097/MED.0b013e32832fa137.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2858344/(weightgain)

15.GhizzoniL,CappaM,ChrousosG,LocheS,MaghnieM(eds):PediatricAdrenalDiseases.EndocrDev.Basel, Karger, 2011, vol 20, pp 161–172.(DOI: 10.1159/000321239)Autoimmune Addison’s Diseasehttps://www.karger.com/Book/Toc/254635

16. S. Karger AG.Pediatric Adrenal Diseases https://www.karger.com/Article/Abstract/321239 Workshop,Turin,May 2010,Editor(s): Ghizzoni L. (Turin),CappaM. (Rome),Chrousos G.P. (Athens), Loche S.

(Cagliari),MaghnieM.(Genova),Vol.20,201117.BetterleC,MorlinL.AutoimmuneAddison’sdisease.In:GhizzoniL,CappaM,ChrousosG,LocheS,Maghnie M, eds. Pediatric Adrenal Diseases. Endocrine Development. Vol. 20. Padova, Italy: KargerPublishers; 2011: 161–172. Adrenal Insufficiency & Addison’s Disease,What is adrenal insufficiency?https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/endocrine-diseases/adrenal-insufficiency-addisons-disease

18.Dr.NikolasHedberg, Supplements thatHelpCorrectAdrenalDysfunction-ThyroidAdrenalPancreasAxis’Sep18,2016http://drhedberg.com/herbal-medicines-for-thyroid-disorders/

CHAPTER51.DuntasLH.Environmentalfactorsandautoimmunethyroiditis.NatClinPractEndocrinolMetab.2008;4(8)454-60.NatClinPractEndocrinolMetab.2008Aug;4(8):454-60.doi:10.1038/ncpendmet0896.Epub 2008 Jul 8. Environmental factors and autoimmune thyroiditis.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18607401

2. Kresimira (Mira) Milas MD, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis Overview.http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hashimotos-thyroiditis/hashimotos-thyroiditis-overview

3.Chronicthyroiditis(Hashimoto’sdisease)page.MedlinePlusMedicalEncyclopediaWebsite.Aserviceofthe U.S. National Library of Medicine and the National Institutes of Health. Available at:http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000371.htmJune17,2008.AccessedJan.9,2017.

4.MarioSkugor,JesseBryantWilder.Ifyou’reoneofthe20millionAmericanswiththyroiddisease,youdeservereliefandanswers.TheClevelandClinicGuidetoThyroidDisorders(ClevelandClinicGuides)Paperback – February 3, 2009.https://www.amazon.com/Cleveland-Clinic-Thyroid-Disorders-Guides/dp/1427799695

5. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: Information for Patients page. The American Association of ClinicalEndocrinologists (AACE) Web site. 2005. Accessed Nov 6, 2016.http://www.aace.com/pub/thyroidbrochures/pdfs/Hashimoto.pdf

6.Hashimoto’sThyroiditis:FrequentlyAskedQuestionspage.TheU.S.DepartmentofHealth&HumanServices NationalWomen’s Health Information CenterWeb site. January 1, 2006. Accessed Jan. 11,2017.Availableat:http://www.womenshealth.gov/faq/hashimoto-thyroiditis.cfm#a.

7. Leslie J DeGroot, M.D., Nobuyuki Amino, M.D., and Takashi Akamizu, M.D., Ph.D. Hashimoto’sThyroiditisHISTORICALREVIEW.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK285557/

8. Brent GA, Weetman AP. Hypothyroidism and thyroiditis. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR,Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2016:chap 13.http://prc05er-riendly.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000371&c_custid=815

9.Dr.StevenGeanopulos.http://drsteveng.com/2015/08/from-raging-to-a-trickle-the-hormone-story

10. Chronic thyroiditis (Hashimoto disease)Hashimoto’s disease (chronic thyroiditis)Thyroid glandDefinitionwww.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hashimotos-disease/home/ovc-20269762

11. CHRIS KRESSER, Basics of Immune Balancing for Hashimoto’s, August 30, 2010https://chriskresser.com/basics-of-immune-balancing-for-hashimotos/

12.TakashiNanba,MikioWatanabe, Increasesof theTh1/Th2CellRatio inSevereHashimoto’sDiseaseandintheProportionofTh17Cellsinc05ractableGraves’Disease.Thyroid.May2009,19(5):495-501.doi:10.1089/thy.2008.0423.http://online.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2008.0423

13. TH1 TH2 CYTOKINE TEST | BASIC:http://www.truehealthlabs.com/TH1-TH2-Balance-Panel-Basic-p/lc_815250.htm

14. Chris Krsser Autoimmune Patients, Have You Heard of Th1 and Th2 Dominance?http://hypothyroidmom.com/autoimmune-patients-have-you-heard-of-th1-and-th2-dominance/

15.Dr.NickolasHedberg:http://drhedberg.com/16. Dr. Izabella Wentz, Pharm D Thyroid Pharmacist March 21, 2015.https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/infections-and-hashimotos/

17. Jill Grunewald, Thyroiditis-Hashimoto’s disease, University of Maryland Medical Center. April, 12,2012.13WaystoTreatHypothyroidismNaturallyhttp://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-3139/

18. Front Cell Neurosci. 2015; 9: 194. Possible role of glial cells in the relationship between thyroiddysfunctionandmentaldisorders.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4452882/

19. Dr. Datis Kharrazian, DHSc, DC, MS. Why Isn’t My Brain Working? The ThyroidBookhttp://brainhealthbook.com/thyroid-book/

20.FlavinRSL,etal.Regulationofmicroglialdevelopment:Anovelroleforthyroidhormones.TheJournalof Neuroscience. 2001; 21(6): 2028-2038.http://journal.frontiersin.org/article/10.3389/fncel.2015.00194/full

21.Espositie,P,etal.Acutestressincreasespermeabilityoftheblood-brainbarrierthroughactivationofbrainmastcells.BrainResearch.2001;888(1):117-

22.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11146058

HarohJ,etal.Oxidativestressactivatesproteintyrosinekinaseandmatrixmetalloproteinasesleadingtoblood-brain barrier dysfunction. J neurochem. 2007; 22(1).https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2013/297512/VenturaA,RonsoniMF,ShiozawaMB,etal.Prevalenceandclinicalfeaturesofceliacdiseaseinpatientswith autoimmune thyroiditis: cross-sectional study. Sao Paulo Med J. 2014; 132(6): 364-371.http://www.scielo.br/scielo.php?script=sci_arttext&pid=S1516-31802014000600364

23. Milas Kresimira MD. Professor of Surgery, Chief of Endocrine Surgeryhttps://www.endocrineweb.com/author/1276/milas

24.AboutEpstein-BarrVirus(EBV)https://www.cdc.gov/epstein-barr/about-ebv.html

25.Epstein-BarrandHashimoto’s:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2593104326.Glycyrrhizicacid&Epstein-Barr:http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1842390227. Chris Krsser “Basics of Immune Balancing for Hashimoto’s. August 30, 2010https://chriskresser.com/basics-of-immune-balancing-for-hashimotos/

28. Xue H1, Wang W, Selenium upregulates CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in iodine-inducedautoimmunethyroiditismodelofNOD.H-2(h4)mice.EndocrJ.2010;57(7):595-601.Epub2010Apr27.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20453397

29.http://www.calgaryceliac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Calgary-Celiac-Conference-May-2014-dr-fasano.pdf

30.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aretaeus_of_Cappadocia31.Dr.NickolasHedberg:http://drhedberg.com/

32. Alessio Fasano, M.D., Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center and Center for CeliacResearch Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston MA – U.S.A.http://www.calgaryceliac.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/Calgary-Celiac-Conference-May-2014-dr-fasano.pdfMilestone#1(1997):WhatistheRecipetoDevelopCeliacDisease.CeliacOriginAlessioFasano,M.D.

CHAPTER61.BahnRS,BurchHB,CooperDS,etal.Hyperthyroidismandothercausesofthyrotoxicosis:managementguidelines of theAmericanThyroidAssociation andAmericanAssociationofClinicalEndocrinologists.EndocrPract.2011;17(3):457-520.PMID:21700562www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21700562

2. Davies TF, Laurberg P, Bahn RS. Hyperthyroid disorders. In: Melmed S, Polonsky KS, Larsen PR,Kronenberg HM, eds. Williams Textbook of Endocrinology. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier;2016:chap12.http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=113&pid=1&gid=000356

3.DukeWS,TerrisDJ.Hyperthyroidism.In:CameronJL,CameronAM,eds.CurrentSurgicalTherapy.11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2014: 652-658. http://arh.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=101&pid=1&gid=000356

4. Ferri FF. Hyperthyroidism. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri’s Clinical Advisor 2015. Philadelphia, PA: ElsevierMosby; 2015: 623-624. http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=000356

5.WeissRE,RefetoffS.Thyroidfunctiontesting.In:JamesonJL,DeGrootLJ,deKretserDM,etal,eds.Endocrinology: Adult and Pediatric. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 78.http://prc06er-friendly.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=117&pid=1&gid=003374&c_custid=758

6.BrentWisse,MD,AssociateProfessorofMedicine,DivisionofMetabolism,Endocrinology&Nutrition,UniversityofWashingtonSchoolofMedicine,Seattle,WA.c06ernalreviewandupdateon07/24/2016by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/goiter-simple

7. Hyperthyroidism University of Maryland Medical Center.http://umm.edu/health/medical/ency/articles/hyperthyroidism

8. Benvenga S, Ruggeri RM, Russo A, et al. Usefulness of L-carnitine, a naturally occurring peripheralantagonist of thyroid hormone action, in iatrogenic hyperthyroidism: a randomized, double-blind,placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2001; 86: 3579-3594.http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000164

9. McDowell’s Herbal Treatment: Human Health – Thyroid Imbalancehttps://www.mcdowellsherbal.com/blog/1426-human-health-%E2%80%93-thyroid-imbalance

10. Review of Botanicals Used for Thyroid Function Regulation. Date: May 15, 2007.http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/pdfs/070465-328.pdf

Thyroiditis, University of Maryland Medical Centerhttp://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/thyroiditis

11. Michael Vertolli, RH, Thyroid Problems Heal Your Thyroid Naturallyhttp://vitalitymagazine.com/article/heal-your-thyroid-naturally/

12.Motherwort:http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/condition/thyroiditis13.JinAhCho1andEunmiPark,Curcuminutilizestheanti-inflammatoryresponsepathwaytoprotectthec06estineagainstbacterialinvasionhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4388941/

14.García-NiñoWR1,Pedraza-ChaverríJ2,Protectiveeffectofcurcuminagainstheavymetals-inducedliverdamage.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24751969

15.BrightJJ.,Curcuminandautoimmunedisease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17569223

16.García-NiñoWR1,Pedraza-ChaverríJ2.Protectiveeffectofcurcuminagainstheavymetals-inducedliverdamage. Food Chem Toxicol. 2014 Jul; 69: 182-201http://www.allaboutheaven.org/observations/15832/221/protective-effect-of-curcumin-against-heavy-metals-induced-liver-damage-017774

17.García-NiñoWR1,Pedraza-ChaverríJ2.Protectiveeffectofcurcuminagainstheavymetals-inducedliverdamage.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24751969

18. Jin Ah Cho1 and Eunmi Park corresponding author2Cho JA, Park E. Curcumin utilizes theanti-inflammatoryresponsepathwaytoprotectthec06estineagainstbacterialinvasion.NutritionResearchandPractice.2015;9(2):117-122.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4388941/

19.Dr.ScharBlueflag.http://doctorschar.com/blueflag-iris-versicolor/20. Blueflag, Fucus, Bladderwackhttps://riordanclinic.org/2012/05/blast-from-the-past-thyroid-supporting-herbals/

Blueflag:

Watkins, Lyman. An Eclectic Compendium of The Practice of Medicine. John M.Scudder’s Sons.Cincinnati.1895.P.440.Felter,HarveyWickes andLloyd, JohnUri.Kings’AmericanDispensatory.VolumeoneandVolumetwo.OhioValleyCompany.Cincinnati.1898.P.1077.

Scudder, J. M. The American Eclectic Materia Medica and Therapeutics. Published by the Author.Cincinnati.1883.P.179.

21.Ashwagandha.http://drhedberg.com/simple-supplements-for-hypothyroidism/

22. Thyroid medications (synthroid and levothyroxine)http://drhedberg.com/herbal-medicines-for-thyroid-disorders/

23.TripathiYB,TripathiP,MalhotraOP,TripathiSN.Thyroid stimulatory actionof (Z)-guggulsterone:mechanism of action. PLANTA MEDICA 1988; 54:271-7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3222368

24.YarnellE,AbascalK.Botanicalmedicineforthyroidregulation.Alternative&ComplementaryTherapies2006;12:107-12.https://www.researchgate.net/publication/244889874

25. Thyroid Disease and Pregnancy: NEW YORK TIMES (Page 12.)http://www.thyroid.org/thyroid-disease-pregnancy/

26. Parker DC, Rossman LG, Pekary AE, Hershman JM, “Effect of 64-hour sleep deprivation on thecircadianwaveformof thyrotropin (TSH): further evidenceof sleep-related inhibitionofTSHrelease.”JClin Endocrinol Metab. 1987 Jan; 64(1): 157-61.https://academic.oup.com/jcem/article-lookup/doi/10.1210/jcem-64-1-157

27.LynnKessler,MD,1ArletNedeltcheva,MD,1 Jacqueline Imperial,BS,2 andPlamenD.Penev,MD,PhD1 Changes in Serum TSH and Free T4 during Human Sleep Restrictionhttps://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2910542/

28. Rudolph Virchow. Theory on cancer origin: Wagner, RP (1999). “Anecdotal, historical and criticalcommentariesongenetics.RudolphVirchowandthegeneticbasisofsomaticecology”.Genetics.151(3):917–920.PMID10049910.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rudolf_Virchow

29. Fran Balkwill. Cancer Research UK-funded research Inflammation Microenvironment 2013.http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/76/21/6167.full.pdf

30. Safia Danovi. Feeling the heat – the link between inflammation and cancerhttp://scienceblog.cancerresearchuk.org/2013/02/01/feeling-the-heat-the-link-between-inflammation-and-cancer/

31.Psaila,B.,&Lyden,D.(2009).Themetastaticniche:adaptingtheforeignsoilNatureReviewsCancer,9(4),285-293DOI:10.1038/nrc2621https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19308068

32.RudolfBreuss,‘TheBreussCancerCure’Alivebooks,1995

CHAPTER71.vanSpronsenFJ,vanRijnM,BekhofJ,KochR,SmitPG.Phenylketonuria:tyrosinesupplementationinphenylalanine-restricted diets. Am J Clin Nutr. 2001; 73(2): 153-157.http://ajcn.nutrition.org/content/73/2/153.full

2. The Path to Phenomenal Health Sam Graci 2005; 119. Retrieved Nov. 2016http://www.vitasource365.com/the-path-to-phenomenal-health-by-sam-graci.html

3.TheAntidepressantEffectofL-Tyrosine-LoadedNanoparticles:BehavioralAspects.AlabsiA1,KhoudaryAC1,AbdelwahedW2.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27647959

4.MeyersS.Useofneurotransmitterprecursors for treatmentofdepression.AlternMedRev.2000;5(1):64-71https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10696120

5. Abdelrahman Alabsi, Adel Charbel Khoudary, Wassim Abdelwahed, The Antidepressant Effect ofL-Tyrosine-LoadedNanoparticles:BehavioralAspects.AnnNeurosci2016Jul7;23(2):89-99.Epub2016Jul7.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5020390/

6. Low Dopamine Levels: Symptoms & Adverse Reactions.http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/04/02/low-dopamine-levels-symptoms-adverse-reactions/

7. LiebermanHR1,Georgelis JH,Maher TJ, Yeghiayan SK.Tyrosine prevents effects of hyperthermia onbehavior and increases norephinephrine. Physiol Behav. 2005 Jan 31; 84(1): 33-8. Epub 2004Dec 8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15642604

8. Fernstrom JD.Can nutrient supplementsmodify brain function?Am JClinNutr. 2000; 71(6 Suppl):1669S-1675S.http://pennstatehershey.adam.com/content.aspx?productId=107&pid=33&gid=000329

9.HoffmanJR,RatamessNA,GonzalezA,BellerNA,HoffmanMW,OlsonM,PurpuraM,JägerR.TheeffectsofacuteandprolongedCRAMsupplementationonreactiontimeandsubjectivemeasuresoffocusand alertness in healthy college students. J c07 Soc Sports Nutr. 2010 Dec 15; 7: 39.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10837313

Banderet LE1, Lieberman HR. Treatment with tyrosine, a neurotransmitter precursor, reducesenvironmentalstressinhumans.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2736402

10.JodkoK,LitwinienkoG.Oxidativestressintheneurodegenerativediseases--potentialantioxidantactivityofcatecholamines.PostepyBiochem.(2010)https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21117312

11.Magill RA1,WatersWF,BrayGA,Volaufova J, Smith SR, LiebermanHR,McNevinN,RyanDH.Effects of tyrosine, phentermine, caffeine D-amphetamine, and placebo on cognitive and motorperformance deficits during sleep deprivation. Nutr Neurosci. 2003 Aug; 6(4): 237-46.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12887140

12.NakashimaA1,HayashiN,KanekoYS,MoriK,SabbanEL,NagatsuT,OtaA.RoleofN-terminusoftyrosine hydroxylase in the biosynthesis of catecholamines. J Neural Transm (Vienna). 2009 Nov;116(11):1355-62.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19396395

13. Foods That Increase Dopamine: Think “Tyrosine” Mental Health Daily Blog.http://mentalhealthdaily.com/2015/04/07/foods-that-increase-dopamine-think-tyrosine/

14.AmericanThyroidAssociation,IodineDeficiency.http://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/15.c07ernationalCouncilfortheControlofIodineDeficiencyDisorders.http://www.iccidd.org

16. Iodine Status Worldwide, WHO Global Database on Iodine Deficiency, Geneva 2004.http://apps.who.c07/iris/bitstream/10665/43010/1/9241592001.pdf

17.ThePublicHealthCommitteeof theAmericanThyroidAssociation2006IodineSupplementation forPregnancy and Lactation – United States and Canada: Recommendations of the American ThyroidAssociation®.Thyroid16(10):949-51.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17042677

18.Abraham,G.E.,Thesafeandeffectiveimplementationoforthoiodosupplementationinmedicalpractice.TheOriginalc07ernist,11:17-36,2004.http://www.optimox.com/iodine-study-8

19.KaoriMiyata1andKeikoOse1.ThyroidHormone-disruptingEffectsandtheAmphibianMetamorphosisAssay.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3320151/

20. Bernecker C. Acta Allergol. 1969 Sep; 24(3): 216-25. c07ermittent therapy with potassium iodide inchronic obstructive disease of the airways. A review of 10 years’ experience.http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/5395878

21. Category:Gram-negative bacteria.https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1AOHY_enCA708CA708&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=gram%20negative%20bacteria%20list

22. Category:Gram-positive bacteria.https://www.google.ca/webhp?sourceid=chrome-instant&rlz=1C1AOHY_enCA708CA708&ion=1&espv=2&ie=UTF-8#q=gram+positive+bacteria+list

CHAPTER81. Dr. Vikas Sharma MD, Natural Homeopathic Remedies for Hypothyroidismhttps://www.drhomeo.com/thyroid/top-5-natural-homeopathic-remedies-hypothyroidism/

2.ASAHershoffND.http://www.drasahershoff.com/3. Joette Calabrese, Thyroid and Homeopathic Iodine. June 24, 2009.http://www.westonaprice.org/homeopathy/thyroid-and-homeopathic-iodine

4. Can homeopathic medicines can be taken parallel to Allopathy also is there any harm.http://hpathy.com/ask-homeopathy-doctors/can-homeopathic-medicines-can-be-taken-parallel-to-allopathy-also-is-there-any-harm/

5. Leah Deitz, What Is Homeopathic Phytolacca Decandra Used For?https://www.leaf.tv/articles/what-is-homeopathic-phytolacca-decandra-used-for/

CHAPTER91.MaxwellC1,VolpeSLEffectofzincsupplementationonthyroidhormonefunction.Acasestudyoftwocollegefemales.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17541266

2.DavidGutierrezBoost your thyroid health and shift your thyroid hormone levelswith zincMarch 26,2013.http://www.naturalnews.com/039648_thyroid_gland_zinc_nutrition.html

3. CHRIS KRESSER. Iodine for Hypothyroidism: Crucial Nutrient or Harmful Toxin. JULY 5, 2010https://chriskresser.com/iodine-for-hypothyroidism-like-gasoline-on-a-fire/

4. Xue H1, Wang W, Selenium upregulates CD4(+)CD25(+) regulatory T cells in iodine-inducedautoimmunethyroiditismodelofNOD.H-2(h4)mice.EndocrJ.2010;57(7):595-601.Epub2010Apr27.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20453397

5. Arthur J, Nicol F, Beckett G et al. Selenium deficiency, thyroid hormone metabolism, and thyroidhttps://www.researchgate.net/publication/14772505

6. University of Maryland Medical Center. Omega 3 Fatty Acids.http://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/supplement/omega3-fatty-acids

7.BlasbalgTL,HibbelnJR,RamsdenCE,MajchrzakSF,RawlingsRR.Changesinconsumptionofomega-3and omega-6 fatty acids in theUnited States during the 20th century. Am J ClinNutr. 2011; 93(5):950-62.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21367944

8.DavidsonMH.Omega-3fattyacids:newinsightsc09othepharmacologyandbiologyofdocosahexaenoicacid, docosapentaeonic acid, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Curr Opin Lipidol. 2013; 24(6): 467-74.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24184945

9. GDX, JHP,HLS, LSZ Alpha-lipoic acid improves endothelial dysfunction in patients with subclinicalhypothyroidism. Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes. 2010; 118: 625–629. doi: 10.1055/s-0029-1237702.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4247316/

10.ZimmermannMB.c09eractionsofvitaminAandiodinedeficiencies:effectsonthepituitary-thyroidaxis.c09JVitamNutrRes.2007May;77(3):236-40.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18214025

11. Ikeda U, Wakita D, Ohkuri T, Chamoto K, Kitamura H, Iwakura Y, Nishimura T.1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 and all-trans retinoic acid synergistically inhibit the differentiation andexpansion of Th17 cells. Immunol Lett. 2010 Nov 30; 134(1): 7-16. doi:10.1016/j.imlet.2010.07.002.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20655952

12. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Thyroid Disease.http://www.thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/treatment/vitamins.html

13.DinicolaS1,DeGraziaS,CarlomagnoG,Pc09ucciJP.N-acetylcysteineaspowerfulmoleculetodestroybacterial biofilms. A systematic review. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2014 Oct; 18(19): 2942-8.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25339490

14. N-acetylcysteine Inhibits and Eradicates Candida albicans Biofilms, El-Baky RehabMahmoud Abd1,Dalia Mohamed, Mohamed Abo El Ela1, Gamal Fadl Mamoud Gad11Department of Microbiology,FacultyofPharmacy,MiniaUniversity,Minia,Egypt.http://pubs.sciepub.com/ajidm/2/5/5/

15. Aslam S1, Darouiche RO. Role of antibiofilm-antimicrobial agents in controlling device-relatedinfections. c09 J Artif Organs. 2011 Sep; 34(9): 752-8. doi: 10.5301/ijao.5000024.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22094553

16.NBallatori,MWLieberman, andWWang. EnvironHealth Perspect. 1998May; 106(5): 267–271.N-acetylcysteine as an antidote in methylmercury poisoning.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1533084/

17. Patricia López, Irene González-Rodríguez, Miguel Gueimonde, Abelardo Margolles , Ana Suárez.Immune Response to Bifidobacterium bifidum Strains Support Treg/Th17 Plasticity Published:September22,2011.http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0024776

18.AhernPP1,FaithJJ2,GordonJI3.Miningthehumangutmicrobiotaforeffectorstrainsthatshapetheimmunesystem.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24950201

M

ABOUTTHEAUTHOR

ICHELLEHONDA, PH.D. is a holistic doctorwho specializes in disease reversalthrough the employment of natural medicine and clinical nutrition.Within

twoyearsoffinishingherPh.D.,MichelleopenedaHolisticHealthClinicwithherhusband Ron Honda, called Renew You Holistic Health (www.renewyou.ca) inAncaster,Ontario,Canada,wheresheconductsherprivatepractice.Authorof the innovativebookReverseGutDiseaseNaturally,Michelle iswhollydevoted to thewelfareofmankind and thepreservationof the environment.Hersuccessinfulldiseasereversalofintestinalcomplaintsisunprecedented,andshehasdeveloped a reputation as in the fields of applied natural medicine and clinicalnutrition.Michelle has applied this same expertise toReverseHeart Disease Naturally andReverseInflammationNaturally,aswellasthelatestseriesaddition,ReverseThyroidDiseaseNaturally.Michelle ispassionate about sharing the sortofknowledge thatoffers readers thepowerofpersonalchoice,enablingothers torestore, renew,andrejuvenate themselves. To this end, Michelle continues to publish informativearticlesenlighteningothersontheirjourneytowellness.

Visitherwebsiteatwww.michellehonda.com.

AlsointheHatherleighNaturalHealthGuides

Series

ReverseGutDiseasesNaturallyISBN978-1-57826-596-1

ReverseHeartDiseaseNaturallyISBN978-157826-663-0

ReverseInflammationNaturallyISBN978-1-57826-680-7

Availableatwww.hatherleighpress.comandwhereverbooksaresold.