About 4.6 percent of the U.S. population age 12 and older has hypothyroidism, it’s on the rise. Even the gorgeous Latino TV star from Modern Family, Sofia Vergara, has had a battle with thyroid problems and is an advocate for hypothyroidism awareness.
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland that sits inside the neck at its base. It regulates temperature, energy, sleep, mood, brain function, regular bowels, weight gain and weight loss. If you are losing the last third of your eyebrow or have thinning hair it may be prudent to get your thyroid checked too.
It’s just one of the many signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone (TH) is produced by the thyroid and is an important regulator of the body’s metabolism. Too much TH speeds up the body’s metabolism, increasing heart rate and temperature. Feeling tired or cold can be due to low TH can using the body’s metabolism to slow down.
Hypothyroidism can result from deficiency of thyroid hormone (TH) or inadequate iodine intake, or autoimmune thyroid disease (Hashimoto disease). Many people need lifelong thyroid hormone treatment and some people have surgery and radioactive iodine.
HOW DO I FIND OUT IF MY THYROID IS FINE?
Go to the doctor to discover if you have low thyroid function and take medication to support your thyroid if needed. You can also use this home test by taking your basal metabolic rate. A low temperature may indicate low thyroid function. Menstruating women must perform this test on the second, third and fourth days of menstruating. Men and postmenopausal women may perform the test anytime.
BASAL METABOLIC HOME TEST
1. Shake down your thermometer to below 35° Celsius and place it by your bed before going to sleep at night.
2. On waking, place the thermometer under your tongue on the right side for a full ten minutes. It is important to
move as little as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes closed is best. Do not get up until the ten-minute
test is completed.
3. After ten minutes, read and record the temperature and date.
4.Record the temperature for at least three mornings (at the same time of the day). Your basal temp should be between
36.4° to 36.7° Celsius.
HOW TO KEEP YOUR THYROID HEALTHY
Nutrition is crucial to thyroid health. Eating fresh organic food, green leafy vegetables, appropriate portion control with carbohydrates, protein, good fats and avoiding toxic sprays supports thyroid health. Add kelp (seaweed) liberally in your diet.
Seaweed and kelp contains natural iodine, which feed the thyroid. Some foods can mildly block thyroid function by inactivating iodine. These foods are called goitragens: Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, peaches, peanuts, pears, spinach, strawberries, soy and turnips. You can make sure they’ve gone through a fermenting or cooking process to inactivate their inhibiting nature on iodine.
Check with your naturopath and doctor first but Tyrosine 250mg daily and natural thyroid formula’s can support thyroid deficiency. A good multivitamin and mineral formula with vitamin C and high potency B vitamins and zinc are very good for thyroid support. Two drops of Lugols iodine can be painted in between the big toe daily.
If the color of the iodine fades within this time the body is absorbing the amount of iodine it requires. You won’t need more if there is a deep gold color of iodine for 48 hours left in between your toe. If you are in doubt at any time see your health professional and do not take internally unless prescribed to do so.
Helpful herbs for the thyroid prescribed by your naturopath include Gingko and Cayenne for circulation. Myrrh and Olive Leaf for immune support and Kelp. Supportive homeopathic remedies for general hypothyroidism include Calc, Kali-l or for heart disease with thyroid problems Lyc, Am-C.
OTHER THERAPIES
-Do not use an electric blanket or waterbed. You will raise
your metabolism slightly if the body is forced to generate its
own heat to keep warm.
-Daily exercise (walking, running, cycling or yoga.) — 15 to
20 minutes will stimulate the thyroid gland and increase
metabolism.
-Stop smoking.
-Work on balancing hormones (including reproductive,
cortisol and insulin) and gut flora because often they can be
interlinked.
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