5 Ways Stress Can Worsen Thyroid Problems

Emotional stress is what everyone thinks of when "stress" is mentioned but stress comes in many different forms. It can be caused from over-exercising, lack of sleep, a fight with a boyfriend, or consuming too many sweets. The adrenal glands don't differentiate between any of these stressors. Whether it's too much coffee consumption or a final exam, the adrenal glands react the same way - by calling on the adrenal glands to secrete hormones.
Our adrenal glands actually secrete almost 50 hormones but we are most interested in the hormones called adrenaline, DHEA, and cortisol. These hormones work to keep our body's reaction to stress in check by having an anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effect. These adrenal hormones get to work when there is swelling and inflammation, threat of mental or physical danger, infection, and in response to the presence of an autoimmune condition. But the adrenal glands have their limits. They run out of steam and produce less and less of their hormones as they are called on repeatedly by the body to help deal with chronic problems such as thyroid conditions.
When the adrenals cannot keep up, the effects can be far-reaching. Some symptoms and signs of adrenal fatigue are:
• Allergies
• Asthma
• Anxiety
• Autoimmune disorders
• Chronic fatigue syndrome
• Cravings for salty or sweet foods
• Recurrent coughs, colds, flu
• Fatigue
• Confusion, poor memory
• Hypoglycemia
• Insomnia
• Low sex drive
• Blurry vision
• Headaches
• Reliance on coffee or energy drinks
• Feeling bloated
• Trouble falling or staying asleep
• Dizziness (positional - going from sitting to standing or from lying to sitting )
• Weight gain

Thyroid function is intricately tied to our adrenal health. Part of any thyroid treatment plan should include adrenal gland support for the following 5 reasons:

1. Adrenal fatigue causes the thyroid receptors on cells to lose their sensitivity to thyroid hormones
2. Adrenal fatigue can decrease the conversion of thyroid hormones T4 to T3
3. Adrenal fatigue weakens the immune system barriers in the intestines, lungs and the blood/brain barrier
4. Adrenal fatigue inhibits absorption of thyroid hormone into cells
5. Adrenal fatigue disrupts the interchange between the hypothalamus and pituitary gland with the thyroid gland

What Can You Do to Help Adrenal Fatigue?
Here are some "Do's" that can help you avoid or aid adrenal fatigue. Start by managing your blood sugar levels better by:

• Eat a protein-rich breakfast within one hour of awakening.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and energy drinks.
• Keep low-glycemic snacks nearby. We recommend yogurt, nuts, raw vegetables, olives, pickles, and hard-boiled eggs. Eat something every 2-3 hours whether or not you feel hungry.
• Avoid sweets
• Eat a food allergen-free diet

Exercise and the Adrenal Glands
Our adrenal glands need the right type of exercise. It's crucial to lowering high cortisol levels. Sports that require repeated short bursts of energy as in weight lifting burn sugar and actually can stress the adrenals even more.
The type of exercise that burns fat is called aerobic exercise. Examples of aerobic exercise are walking, long slow runs, rowing, and non-competitive cycling. Burning fat with these exercises can decrease cortisol levels.
The adrenal glands' health is vitally important in any thyroid treatment plan. Assessment of the adrenals is part of a functional medicine thyroid evaluation.

By Dr. Frank P Lanzisera

9 Top Thyroid-Disrupting Toxins to Avoid

Every cell in your body depends on your thyroid gland to function properly. Specifically, your cells use the hormones produced by your thyroid to regulate a range of metabolic processes, including getting energy from the food you eat.

Your thyroid hormones also help regulate your body temperature and play a role in the proper functioning of your brain, heart, muscles and other organs. When working properly, your pituitary gland will release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), triggering your thyroid to produce the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which is then converted into triiodothyronine (T3), in the precise amounts your body needs to thrive.

However, this is a very delicate system, one that is easily disrupted by outside influences, including the chemicals that are ubiquitous in our environment. This is one prominent factor that is increasingly being linked to disruptions of the thyroid, disruptions that can seriously impact your health.

What Types of Chemicals Can Disrupt Your Thyroid?

There are concerns regarding numerous chemicals that are currently abundant in the environment.

Nine of the chief offenders include:

1. Phthalates

Phthalates are widely used chemicals often used to make plastic flexible. They're commonly found in shower curtains, medical tubing and plastic toys, as well as in numerous personal care products such as fragrances, nail polish and lotions. Because the chemicals are so widely used, they're also present in drinking water supplies.

Known to cause reproductive and developmental toxicity in animal studies, phthalates can also impact thyroid regulation by decreasing thyroid hormone receptor activity -- at levels found in drinking water.[1] Currently, drinking water treatments do not effectively remove thyroid-disrupting chemicals like phthalates from your drinking water.

2. Flame Retardants

Polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) are flame retardant chemicals commonly used in furniture foam, carpets, upholstery, clothing, toys, draperies, electronics and more. It's estimated that up to 97 percent of Americans have PBDEs in their blood.

The chemicals easily accumulate in your fat cells, and increased levels have been linked to a decrease in TSH levels and an increased risk of subclinical hyperthyroidism in pregnant women.[2]

3. Bisphenol A (BPA)

BPA is another plastics chemical commonly used in polycarbonate water bottles, baby bottles, plastic toys, medical tubing, food packaging, dental sealants and more. Widely known as an endocrine disrupter that can cause developmental problems, early puberty, genital deformities and more, BPA has also been linked to thyroid disruption.

In one study on frog tadpoles, low levels of BPA exposure -- similar to those found in human infants -- interfered with the T3 hormone and thereby suppressed genes controlled by T3, resulting in slowed development and other changes.[3] Previous animal studies have also linked BPA to disruptions in thyroid receptors and thyroid function.

4. Dioxin

Dioxin is a group of chemicals -- including polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo dioxins (PCDDs), and polychlorinated dibenzo furans (PCDFs) -- that are formed as byproducts from industrial processes like chlorine paper bleaching, pesticide manufacturing and smelting. Dioxin was also a part of the toxic Agent Orange used during the Vietnam War.

PCBs, another type of dioxin, were widely used prior to 1977 when they were banned due to environmental concerns. However, they and other dioxins still exist in abundance in the environment, including in your food (especially meat, dairy and seafood).

Not only is dioxin a known carcinogen, but it also has been found to interfere with the production, transportation, and metabolism of thyroid hormones.[4]

5. Perfluorinated Chemicals (PFOA)

PFOA and a related chemical called PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) -- widely used in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant materials and food packaging -- can also cause trouble with your thyroid.

One study found that people with high levels of PFOA in their blood were twice as likely to have thyroid problems as those with the lowest levels[5] while past studies have also linked the chemical to decreased thyroid hormone levels. It's not known how PFOA may cause thyroid disease, or whether the chemical directly impacts the thyroid or instead the immune system, causing it to attack the thyroid gland.

6. Fluoride

Most municipal drinking water supplies in the United States contain added fluoride, a measure that's intended to reduce rates of tooth decay. It can also enter water supplies from fluoride-containing rocks and soils.

Studies have shown that exposure to fluoride can result in decreased thyroid function, including at exposure levels of 4 mg/L or less, which is the EPA maximum allowable concentration for fluoride in drinking water.[6] The effects may be especially problematic for children and people who drink a lot of water.

7. Perchlorate

Perchlorate is a byproduct of rocket fuel production that is now a widespread contaminant in drinking water, certain fruits and vegetables and dairy products from cows that eat contaminated grasses.

Research suggests it can inhibit your thyorid's ability to absorb iodine, leading to an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, even at low-level exposure. In a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was estimated that 44 million U.S. women -- including those who are pregnant, have lower iodine levels or have subclinical hypothyroidism -- could be at increased risk of thyroid problems from perchlorate exposure.[7]

8. Thiocyanate

Thiocyanate is a chemical found in cigarettes and certain foods. It may inhibit iodine uptake by the thyroid, leading to decreased production of thyroid hormone.

9. Pesticides

Thyroid disease has also been linked to pesticide exposure from a variety of sources. Among women whose spouses were licensed pesticide applicators that had used organoclorine insecticides, rates of hypothyroidism were 1.2 times higher than in the general population. Increased rates of thyroid disease were also found among women exposed to fungus killers, herb killers and other types of pesticides.[8]

How to Reduce Your Exposure to Thyroid-Disrupting Chemicals

Chemicals are ubiquitous in our environment, but there are steps you can take to help cut back on your exposure. Some of the top suggestions include:

• Use natural personal care products with ingredients you are familiar with. At the very least look for phthalate-free options.
• Buy children's toys made of natural materials, or at least phthalate-free plastic.
• Avoid exposure to old carpeting and carpet pads and polyurethane foam products (upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows) manufactured prior to 2005 (these are most likely to contain PBDEs).
• Store your food and beverages in glass or ceramic containers instead of plastic, and do not reheat foods in plastic containers or covered in plastic wrap.
• Limit your use of canned goods and soda cans (the linings often include BPA), or look for BPA-free canned items.
• Trim the fat from your meats to cut back on dioxins stored in animal fats, and choose leaner cuts of meat.
• Avoid polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastics, such as plastic milk jugs.
• Look for unbleached sources of household products like coffee filters, tampons, diapers, paper towels, etc.
• Avoid using non-stick cookware, opting for stainless steel, ceramic, or other inert materials instead.
• Install a reverse osmosis water filtration system in your home to remove fluoride from your drinking water, and consider a comprehensive filter to also remove other chemicals like perchlorate.
• Avoid smoking cigarettes and exposure to second-hand smoke.
• Choose organic foods as much as possible to limit your exposure to pesticides. Also, do not use the chemicals around your home (including chemical lice treatments and flea and tick products for pets).

With the evidence increasingly showing that exposure to environmental chemicals, even at low levels, can negatively impact your thyroid, and the knowledge that even small changes in your thyroid homeostasis can influence your health, it's important to reduce your exposure as much as possible.

By making small changes in your food choices and your personal care products and paying special attention to finding household goods made from primarily natural sources, you'll be off to a great start in protecting your thyroid function from these pervasive toxins.

References

1. Environmental Science and Technology 2010, 44 (17), pp 6863-6868

2. Environmental Health Perspectives October 2010, 118(10)

3. Endocrinology Vol. 150, No. 6 2964-2973

4. Alternative Medicine Review 2009 Dec;14(4):326-46

5. Environmental Health Perspectives 118(5) May 2010

6. Committee on Fluoride in Drinking Water, National Research Council, Fluoride in Drinking Water: A Scientific Review of EPA's Standards, 2006

7. Environmental Working Group News Release October 4, 2006

8. American Journal of Epidemiology (2010) 171 (4): 455-464

By Dr Brandon Credeur, D.C.

12 Critical Symptoms of Hypothyroid You Should Know Before It's Too Late

Hypothyroidism occurs if your thyroid gland, which is located on your neck, is under-active and is unable to produce the hormone needed by your body to function normally. This causes your body to also be under-active in a lot of ways which becomes worse as it progresses. If you have this condition, you will feel the following symptoms of hypothyroid although most of these are vague at the outset. You should watch out for symptoms such as:

• Feeling tired often - Your energy tends to be low and you may be weary and sleepy throughout the day.
• Weight gain - This symptom of hypothyroid may be the trickiest. If you try to lose weight and you're doing the right things such as exercising and eating the proper diet, and you still continue to gain weight, you can suspect hypothyroidism.
• Goiter - Swelling of the neck that happens when your thyroid gland in its present state tries to produce enough hormones but comes up short. The strain on your thyroid as it tries to compensate leads to this swelling.
• Swelling of the skin especially around the eyes and cheeks - This makes you look thick and puffy.
• Hoarseness of the voice - Your voice becomes raspy and throaty, all of a sudden.
• Unable to tolerate cold - You may be very uncomfortable in a cold environment and may feel cold even if your surroundings are warm.
• Loss of hair and thin and brittle fingernails
• Slowed pulse - This symptom of hypothyroid relates to the over-all slowing of your body as mentioned, which makes your heart rate slow also.
• Difficulty in bowel movement - You may be constipated most of the time if you have hypothyroidism.
• Feeling of depression
• Forgetfulness - You may become forgetful and the way you react to things may also be delayed.
• Menstrual irregularities - If you are a woman, symptoms of hypothyroid may include having a heavy period or bleeding in between periods.

If you have any of the following symptoms of hypothyroid pointed out above, you should consult with a doctor immediately because it is important that treatment be started as early as possible if you have the disease.

By Jane Jack Collins

Home Remedies for Hypothyroidism

Thyroid gland is a small mass of tissue that is present on either side of the trachea or in general a windpipe. It is one of the most important organs of the human body. The entire body systems run on metabolism and metabolism is controlled majorly by the help of thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism is the condition that results from malfunctioning of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland produces insufficient quantity of the thyroid hormone called as thyroxin. This situation is also developed from the pituitary deficiency, but it is generally due to some abnormality in thyroid gland by birth (called as congenital/deformity) anomaly.

There are many ways to treat the thyroid gland. One of the best ways is adopting home remedy. Home remedy starts from your kitchen and undoubtedly helps in preventing, controlling and treating the diseased condition. There are many benefits of home remedies and one out of them is the cost.

Home remedies are comparatively cheaper and affordable than other therapies to treat hypothyroidism. Here are some of the home remedies that can be very effective in treating and controlling the thyroid gland. Many of them do not decrease or increase thyroid function but it regulates the gland to produce enough quantity of hormone.

1 Spirulina is considered as good health booster and thyroid regulator. There are many products available in the market containing this wonderful herb.

2 Take black Cohosh that helps in balancing the estrogen levels and can also be useful in controlling thyroid gland function.

3 Mullein covers and protects the cells and reduces the inflammation of the glands including thyroid gland. This is very useful in case of goiter.

4 Agnus castus can support the pituitary gland and can help balancing estrogen that is known to interfere with normal thyroid functions.

5 Siberian Ginseng is very useful for adrenal and thymus glands and therefore also helpful to support thyroid health.

6 Another good home remedy for thyroid gland is to have primrose oil. This is the fatty acid that restores the functions of the thyroid gland.

7 Regular intake of vitamin B complex is extremely helpful in treating thyroid conditions. Taking them also prevent other minor diseases. You should include green leafy vegetables. Vitamin B complex can also be taken as pills. It improves the cellular oxygenation and gives us energy. The group provides immunity and rejuvenates the body.

8 Bladder wrack is rich in natural iodine. This will be very beneficial in preventing and treating various thyroid disorders.

9 Food from the kitchen that contains calcium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, terbium, and neodymium are very useful minerals and trace elements those are necessary for the good health of thyroid gland.

10 Go for the low calorie food. Cut down on cakes, biscuits, sweets and alcoholic drinks those are relatively high in calories but low in nutrients.

11 Go for the food that is rich in vitamin A like yellow vegetables, eggs, carrots and dark green leafy vegetables that are thyroid boosters.

By Ryan English