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HYPOTHYROID (LOW THYROID FUNCTION)
Natural Support Strategies
Hypothyroid is a
term that refers to low thyroid function. The condition can be either
"primary" or "secondary." Primary hypothyroidism means that the
thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. "Secondary"
(also called sub-clinical) hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland
is producing a normal amount of thyroid hormone but it is not being
converted to its more active form in the liver or the "target"
tissues. Primary hypothyroidism is diagnosed by a blood test. (TSH is
the screening blood test for thyroid function). Secondary
hypothyroidism is determined by symptoms and basal body temperature.
Symptoms of low thyroid function include cold intolerance, fatigue,
anemia, difficulty losing weight, menstrual disorders, memory and
concentration difficulties, constipation, infertility, dry skin,
elevated cholesterol levels, depression, muscle and joint stiffness to
name just a few. Because thyroid hormone sets the "pace" for all cells
in the body, a deficiency can result in "sluggishness" of virtually
any physical function.
Because the body temperatures will be low in both primary and
secondary low thyroid, basal body temperatures are a sensitive
self-test to evaluate thyroid function. If you have thyroid symptoms
or your temperature is low, get a thyroid blood test to see if the
gland is producing sufficient thyroid hormone. These tests usually
require a doctor’s order. Primary low thyroid usually requires
prescription thyroid medication (preferably natural thyroid hormone)
for correction. Secondary low thyroid can be corrected by self-help
measures.
Thyroid hormones are made in the body from
iodine.
the T4 thyroid hormone contains 4 iodine molecules, and T3 contains 3
iodine molecules. Anyone with primary or secondary low thyroid should
have an
iodine test to determine iodine levels.
DIET AND LIFESTYLE RECOMMENDATIONS
-
Exercise regularly. Lack of physical
activity is a common cause of secondary low thyroid function.
- Iodine test. Both low iodine and excess iodine impede
thyroid function. Be careful of taking excess iodine in supplemental
form until the results of an
iodine test are available.
- Diet. Use sea salt or natural unrefined salt which
contains iodine and other minerals necessary to normal thyroid
function
- Avoid bromine. Bromine is a mineral which displaces
iodine from the thyroid gland, impairing thyroid function. it is
used in baked goods as a dough conditioner, in some soda pops and
other foods. Read labels.
PRIMARY SUPPORT
Maxi Multi:
3 caps, 3 times per day with meals. Optimal (not minimal) doses of
vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3, B6, zinc, and selenium are particularly
important for correcting hypothyroidism.
Iodoral
(Iodine) amount based on
iodine test results, typically 1-4 tabs or as directed by
healthcare professional.
OR
Modifilan (seaweed source of natural iodine) 4-6 caps per
day. Provides a highly bio-available source of iodine plus
detoxifying co-factors. Can be safely taken by most people even
without an iodine test.
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
-
Milk
Thistle Plus: 1-2 caps, 3 times per day with meals. This
improves the liver’s ability to convert thyroid hormone (T4) to its
more active form (T3).
-
Thyroid
cytotrophin: 1-2 tabs daily or as directed by healthcare
professional.
Learn more about the importance of iodine in
Iodine: the
"Missing Mineral" for Thyroid, Heart, Healthy Immunity and Cancer
Protection
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1994 - 2008 Dr. Myatt's Wellness Club, All Rights Reserved
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disease. No information on this website is intended as personal medical
advice and should not take the place of a doctor's care. |
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Letter from Dr. Myatt: Read This First
to gain a complete understanding of how best to utilize alternative
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Finally,
*
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