Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not make enough of the

thyroid hormone.

Symptoms can range from tiredness to weight gain or inability to tolerate cold.

There is currently an epidemic of low thyroid disease.

Most doctors only rely on the TSH (Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone) test for a diagnosis, which

is not the most accurate method of testing.

There are more advances lab tests like Total T3, Free T3, and T4 that should be conducted on

anyone who may have low thyroid.

A diagnosis should include a basal body temperature reading in addition to these lab

tests.

Unfortunately our environments can adversely affect thyroid.

This includes pollutants in the air, water pollutants such as chlorine, bromine, and fluoride as well as herbicides

and pesticides, which can be found on our foods.

People who have taken thyroid medication in the past but did not find it made them feel better could have been experiencing an incorrect dosage,

the wrong form of thyroid medication or they may have an adrenal, iodine, or environmental illness that has to be addressed prior to thyroid treatment.

Excessive vegetables can actually make the thyroid worse.

These vegetables include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, particularly cruciferous

vegetables.

3 servings per week is a good guideline.

Soy milk and tofu should only be consumed once a week however Miso and tempeh are okay to consume more

frequently because they are fermented.

Additional tests that can signal a low thyroid are an adrenal stress index, heavy metal

testing, and testing for thyroid antibodies.

Good places to find more information:

• http://www.brodabarnes.org• http://thyroid.about.com• Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness

by Dr. Broda Barnes, M.D.• Hypothyroidism Type 2 by Dr. Mark Starr,

M.D.• Thyroid Power by Dr. Richard Shames,

M.D.

An insight to Hypothyroidism by Dr. Morgan Camp, integrative

physician, M.D.