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Hypothyroidism refers to the low or under functioning of the thyroid gland, resulting in the deficiency of thyroid hormones being produced. This gland is located in the front of the neck, and is the hormones produced are active in the control of metabolism and growth in virtually every cell of the body, so a deficiency can affect all body functions. When the thyroid gland is working properly, it uses the amino acid tyrosine and iodine to make the thyroid hormone called thyroxine or T4. The other important thyroid hormone is triiodothyronine or T3. T3 is actually the major active thyroid hormone, being much more active than T4. T4 is produced within the thyroid gland and is later converted to the active T3 outside the thyroid gland in peripheral tissues. The thyroid secretes its hormones in response to a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) which is produced from the pituitary gland in the brain. At times when the thyroid hormones are low, the pituitary will secrete more stimulating hormone, but for some reason the thyroid gland does not respond. This is called primary hypothyroidism, and accounts for approximately 20% of females and 5% of males with in the population with thyroid disease. When both pituitary and thyroid hormones are low, it is termed secondary hypothyroidism. Iodine is needed by the thyroid gland to produce its hormones, and iodine deficiency can lead to hypothyroidism and to the development of an enlarged thyroid gland, commonly known as goiter. Goiters can develop in response to the stimulation from the pituitary gland hormone TSH, and the thyroid gland grows in response. In this situation the cells of the gland enlarge but the activity is not increased because of lack of iodine. Some foods can interfere with thyroid function. These are called goitrogens because excess ingestion may contribute to an imbalance of thyroid function and promote goiter formation. Foods in the cabbage family such as cabbage, turnips, Swede’s, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and cauliflower, soy bean foods, maize, sweet potatoes, lima beans, soy, and pearl millet are all considered goitrogens because they contain chemicals that interfere with thyroid function or the utilization of iodine. Hashimoto's thyroiditis (also called chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis) is an autoimmune condition of the thyroid gland where white blood cells infiltrate the gland itself and cause glandular destruction. It is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. A form of congenital hypothyroidism can occur, called cretinism. The term cretinism was originally applied to infants in areas of low iodide intake and goiter, and these children have developmental delays and mental retardation. Testing for congenital hypothyroidism should happen at birth. Babies born to women with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis have an increased risk of cretinism. The toxins PCB and
PBB have adverse effects on the thyroid, but it is not known how
important a contributor it is to the incidence of thyroid disease
in the general population. Preliminary studies have found an association
between multiple chemical sensitivities and hypothyroidism. One
study found a correlation between high blood levels of lead, a toxic
heavy metal, and low thyroid hormone levels in people working in
a brass foundry. Many of these people also complained of depression,
fatigue, constipation, and poor memory (symptoms of hypothyroidism).
Occupational exposure to polybrominated biphenyls and carbon disulfide
has also been associated with decreased thyroid function. Symptoms Hashimoto’s
thyroiditis has a slightly different clinical picture, in that initially
the symptoms may appear to be related to over activity of the thyroid
gland. There may be a painless enlargement of the thyroid, but it
may shrink later in the course of the condition. Hashimoto’s
disease is also associated with joint pain, pernicious anemia and
other forms of autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis. Diagnosis and Pharmaceutical Interventions Diagnosis by conventional medical practitioners is made almost exclusively from blood tests. Generally, T4 and TSH are measured in the bloodstream. Additionally, a protein that binds T4 is also measured. From this protein and T4, the free T4 is calculated. A high TSH and low T4 indicate primary hypothyroidism; in secondary hypothyroidism the levels of TSH and T4 will be low. At times the levels of TSH and T4 will be normal or only slightly depressed; this may be diagnosed as ‘euthyroid sick syndrome’, ‘low T3 syndrome’ or Wilson’s hypothyroidism’. These conditions reflect the inability of the body to convert T4 to T3. Although the blood levels of the hormones are normal, the conversion is dampened by physical factors, some of which are aging, stress, liver disease, chronic alcohol intake, toxic metal exposure, severe or systemic illness and surgery. These factors can cause the body temperature to be lower than normal, and the enzyme needed for conversion is inactivated. The taking of a basal body temperature can be considered by some to be indicative of hypothyroidism. A lowered temperature can indicate the decreased activity of thyroid hormones, and the decreased conversion of T4 to T3. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis testing is similar to the testing for hypothyroidism but also includes testing for autoantibodies. Western
Medications Desiccated thyroid,
also called thyroid extract (e.g., Armour Thyroid), is used by some
doctors as an alternative to synthetic thyroid hormones (such as
thyroxine [Synthroid® or other brand names]) for people with
hypothyroidism. Thyroid extract contains two biologically active
hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine), whereas the most commonly
prescribed thyroid-hormone preparations contain only thyroxine.
One study has shown that the combination of the two hormones contained
in desiccated thyroid is more effective than thyroxine alone for
those with hypothyroidism. Some doctors report that thyroid extract
works better than standard thyroid preparations for many of their
patients with hypothyroidism. Glandular thyroid products, which
are available from health food stores, have had most of the thyroid
hormone removed and would therefore not be expected to be effective
for people with hypothyroidism. Intact desiccated thyroid is available
only by prescription. Hypothyroidism sufferers who want to use desiccated
thyroid must first consult with a physician. Lifestyle and Dietary Modifications Avoidance of goitrogenic foods is important for those with a low functioning thyroid gland. Cooking can inactivate this effect in most foods. Soy foods and products are used in many processed food, so avoidance of all processed foods containing soybean oil is advised. A whole food diet that emphasizes lower calories from fat and carbohydrate and good fiber and protein sources will help metabolism and encourage good thyroid function. Exercise is beneficial to increase metabolism for those with low thyroid. Not only will it promote weight loss, it will also decrease stress. Coritsol, a hormone that is produced in high stress situations, reduces thyroid hormones. Alcohol intake and
conditions associated with high alcohol consumption such as liver
cirrhosis can decrease the body’s ability to convert the thyroid
hormones in the active form. Nutritional Factors Shown to be Beneficial Zinc Vitamin
A Bladderwrack
(Fucus vesiculosus) Guggul (Commiphora
mukul) Coleus forskohii Rhodiola
rosea Ashwagandha
(Withania somnifera) Recommended NaturalMeds Products for Hypothyroidism Guggal Extra
Strength 300 mg |
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