i wanted to ask a question...i know i should see a GP (actually an endocrinologist), and my grands keep harping at me to go - but i wanted to do this colon cleansing thing first. i have always had issues with my thyroid, but i have always tryed to do the natural remedy - i dont like taking meds. any suggestions?
I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in 2001, suffered a minor fibrosis breakout in my uterus (sp?), and have never been on a regular cycle (1-3 times a year). i have not been back to the doctors since 2003, because my levels were too high, then too low, then too high, and they wanted to put me on medication....well, i dont take birthcontrol, i did have a steady weight gain - but i think i am controlling that now with the clensing program i am on, and excersise, but occasionally i will feel depressed for no reason or fly off the handle about something stupidly small. the later my husband can attest is getting better - he chalks it up to my age.
i dont like doctors, i hate medication, and i always feel like an idiot when i go into the doctors. expecially now that i am out of the military. i was exposed to a lot of different chemicals, a lot of different things could have triggered the weight gain (partially me just being lazy and bad food diets), but i am reaching out. this is my first step.
thoughts or ideas would be very helpful....thanks....Ada
RE: Thyroid Issues
Changing the diet will help with hypothyroidism. Eating goitrogenic foods such as rapeseed, cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet potatoes, maize, lima beans, soya and pearl millet should be limited. These foods contain natural goitrogens, which are chemicals that cause the enlargement of the thyroid gland by interfering with thyroid hormone synthesis. Cooking is known to make the goitrogens elements less effective but it would be wise not eat these foods raw. Foods that contain iodine such as kelp, beetroot, radish, parsley, potatoes, fish, oatmeal and bananas should be kept in the diet. In the treatment of underactive thyroid, fats, sugars, sodium chloride, red meat and egg intake should also be restricted.
The relationship between iodine and thyroid is complex, iodine is needed by the body to form thyroid hormone, and goitre and hypothyroidism can occur through iodine deficiency. Extreme and prolonged iodine deficiency can lead to serious types of hypothyroidism, such as cretinism or myxedema. On the other hand, consumption of excessive iodine intake can result in either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. The amount of 150 mg that is usually in multi-mineral supplements should be enough to stop iodine deficiency but not enough to do harm.
The amino acid tyrosine is an essential part of the thyroid hormones and neurotransmitters; this has been found to be deficient in people with hypothyroidism. Practitioners often recommended a low dose of thyroxine such as 1000mg to correct hypothyroidism. People with depression also have low levels of tyrosine, this is why it has be linked to hypothyroidism.
Vitamin A, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin C, and vitamin E are needed for the synthesis of thyroxine. The B vitamins and copper are vital co-factors for tyrosine metabolism. copper, iron, selenium and zinc are essential in the production of T3 from T4.
Some herbs can help combat hypothyroidism, nettle will balance the thyroid with both under and over activity. Bladderwrack (Fucus vesiculosus) is a type of brown seaweed that contains iodine. hypothyroidism due to small intake of iodine may possibly improve with bladderwrack supplementation; also kelp has been linked to helping with hypothyroidism. Some people with hypothyroidism have seen improvements by taking Chinese herbs.
Another aspect to look at is chemical sensitivities. Research has shown an association between hypothyroidism and multiple chemical sensitivities. It was found that people with exposure to toxic heavy metals, polybrominated biphenyls and cardon disulfides through their occupations suffered from depression, fatigue, poor memory and constipation which are all symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Another important factor in the treatment of hypothyroidism is exercise. Exercise increases tissue sensitivity to the thyroid hormone and stimulates thyroid gland secretion. This is especially true in people who are dieting; this is because when dieting the metabolic rate decreases but exercise prevents this decline. An exercise regime of between 15-20 minutes per day will be beneficial with hypothyroidism. This exercise needs to be strenuous enough to raise the heartbeat, an exercise such as walking, swimming, running and cycling.
All the best
stewart
RE: Thyroid Issues
Thanks for the quick response and the info Stewert...
does anyone know what tests i should request or look for specificly? i didnt know how to read them the last time - and i dont think that has changed (lol)....
Thanks again!
RE: Thyroid Issues
check out [link= http://www.thyroid-disease.org.uk ]www.thyroid-disease.org.uk[/link] fellow thyroidians with lots of knowledge to share.They will help you and advise. ;)lyn
RE: Thyroid Issues
Lyn & stewert - thank you both so much!
i checked out the web page - and did find a lot of info in there...some of the forums were really an interesting read...helped me out quite a bit...
i have felt so much better in the last few days...i stopped weighing myself daily - and only step on to concur i havent gained weight...
i have had a very healthy diet of fruits latley - been craving a lot of fruits...just fruits....and normally eat something light like a salad...
anywho - finnally pushed myself to go to the gym last night - had lots of energy and feel great today as well...
thank you for taking the time to respond - your word and advice really helped...
warm wishes
Ada
RE: Thyroid Issues
i also found another really good page Lyn.... [link= http://www.myorganicmarket.com/common/adam/DisplayMonograph.asp?storeID=A6B40AE98C7842A98FC8DE4784880288&name=ConsConditions_Hypothyroidismcc ]MOM's[/link] - i shop here a lot, and was shocked to find they had some info as well on this as well.
i know my granny is right - and i know my system isnt going to miraculously just poof fix its self....but i really dont want to go back on that medication...i didnt like who i was on it, and i felt worse than not being on it....
i do have most of the symptoms though =
-slow pulse
-lethargy (i battle this by forcing myself to go to the gym and stay active)
-slowed speech (this happens only on occasions when i have eaten too much - and more when i was eating the wrong things)
-puffy face
-INTOLERANCE TO COLD (i was in iraq - and loved it - was hot almost every day)
-weight gian (have stopped the weight gain by taking care of myself better and eating right)
-menstral disorder (you can read about it in the [link= http://www.healthypages.net/forum/tm.asp?m=415706&mpage=1&key=periods񥟚 ]periods are magical forum[/link])
i didnt see nettle herb in there at all - but i might try it...i have eaten a lot of apples and fruitin general this week - more than normal - and i have had more energy in these last few days, and felt more normal, than i have in years.....
there are alternate therapies....and i know the drug therapy is supposed to be best - but right now, i just dont want to go through all that......am i crazy? maybe...but i just dont want to feel worse, and i know frommy exp with that stupid pill, i get depressed, i feel bloated, sick, and i am not myself....very offish and moody....
anyways....will keep you posted though, because i need to go to my OBGYN in August......and might bring it up....
im stubborn, hard headed....
thank you for your support...
Ada
RE: Thyroid Issues
hi ramadani!
i have hypothyroidism as well (sp?): slow speech, being slow and too tired to do anything is my worst symptom, being cold all the time, aenemic (again not sure about sp, iron deficiency), puffy face too, and have been taking euthyrox 25. were u taking the same one?
in general pills helped me, my energy levels did go up a bit, buti'm writing because lately i've been feelin so depressed, i just want to lie down, do nothing, can't concentrate on my studying and again energy levels low... did u experience the same while taking your pills for thyroid?
i was really stuborn myself for years refusing the pills and taking anything natural that i could find to help me but then had to go back to my country where they've never heard of the supplements i was taking and in the end had to take the pills because i couldn't take my tiredness anymore.. as i said my condition did improve while taking them but at the moment just suffering horrible depression, anger for no reason, unwillingness to do anything but lie down and sleep.
i know ur no expert just sometimes helps to write sth to get things off my chest ;)hope u don't mind...
have a great day all
RE: Thyroid Issues
Hello everyone,
Having been diagnosed as hypothyroid in June 2006 and suffering all of the above symptoms I am now 99% back to normal - the other 1%improvement expected within the next few months!
If it helps at all this is what I found out whilst I was doing my research..
Something to bear in mind is that lots of people who have under active thyroid/no thyroid do suffer from anaemia because the generally low body temperature related to hypothyroidism can mean low levels of red cell production. Since your thyroid regulates metabolism, basically all of your bodily process have slowed down. Therefore the anaemia wont respond to the iron or vitamins you take -only to thyroid supplementation.
I'm afraid many doctors in the UKare not very clued up on the thyroid, it doesnt help that the leading thyroid expert in this country was suspended by the GMC for treating people by what they called 'unorthodox methods'. He is Dr Barry Durrant Peatfield and he eventually left the NHS and set up his own practice. He regularly and successfully treats many people with thyroid complaints - including me! If you 'Google' him you'll see what I mean.
Research has shown that most people respond better to a mixture of T4 and T3 hormones, rather than just T4 as is generally prescribed in the UK (thyroxin). The reason for this is that there may be other issues at play such as conversion. The T4 hormone is converted to T3 by our bodies. If there is a conversion problem it wont matter how much T4 thyroxin we take - we will never see a significant improvement in energy levels. I have switched from taking T4 thyroxin to taking 'Armour thyroid' which is a mix of both T4 and T3. When I did this I saw significant improvement over 1 month - in this time my energy levels returned to normal and I lost over a stone without trying. Another benefit of taking Armour thyroid is that it is taken from a natural source and so in theory it is synthesized by our bodies more easily than the synthetically produced thyroxin.
In addition if adrenal reserve is compromised your thyroid medication becomes less effective. so
another issue to be aware of is the effect of stress and lack of sleep on your adrenal glands. In times of stress you will find that your thyroid medication is not as effective. In this case the solution is to increase adrenal support for about a week, (if you are taking it), and/or increase thyroid medication. So we are forever having to be aware of our symptoms and keep on top of our medication. There is a certain amount of self medication necessary.
So there are quite a few issues to take into account here. I found that switching to a mixture of T4 and T3 then finding that my adrenals where compromised (via a test) and rectifying that - worked like a treat. From having trouble climbing the stairs and having to sleep in the afternoons, I am pretty much back to normal - running up stairs, full of energy! I only switched in October 2006 so fully expect to feel completely peachy again by my birthday in August 🙂
I recommend getting the book 'Your thyroid and how to keep it healthy' by Dr Barry Durrant-Peatfield.
If you're interested, here's a link for it..
[link= http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_b/203-9301128-7607140?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=your+thyroid+and+how+to+keep+it+healthy&Go.x=16&Go.y=10 ]http://www.amazon.co.uk/s/ref=nb_ss_b/203-9301128-7607140?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=your+thyroid+and+how+to+keep+it+healthy&Go.x=16&Go.y=10[/link]
My advice would be to buy the book and get yourself clued up - then make an appointment to see your GP and take it with you. Chapter 18 is specifically written with Doctors in mind and contains much of the information your doctor will need to treat you effectively.
Unfortunately for me my doctor refused to listen so I made an appointment to see Dr Peatfied himself.He is a lovely man. He is ve
RE: Thyroid Issues
Hi raquel & anji....
where i s agree with you raquel that if you are to go the medicinal route - that would be the best option....however - i do not like medicine....at least not that kind...
i did a colon cleanse, i started eating healthier...havent eaten red meat or poultry in roughly 2 months, cut dairy out of my diet, iodized salt cut out, and anything not fresh cut out...
i did this as an experiment on MYSELF! would not advise anyone to follow in my footsteps, as medical treatments are more advised and probably practicle, but i also am not a GP...but i can say - it worked for me....
im more energetic, i feel lighter, i dont crave food as much, im not depressed anymore, i rarley have the anger i used to - i have a LOT more patience....and i feel so much better in and out...
i was on levithyroxide (i think thats the name) and i was anemic...during and after my colon cleanse i ate healthy, and one of the things underactive thyroid sufferers are not supposed to eat raw is broccoli or califlower - doesnt mean you cant eat it cooked (steamed) and it provides enough iodine and iron for the blood if consumed enough for one week in a meal...my iron count is normal now (as i mentioned i was anemic before) and my blood pressure is absolutley normal. i lost 14 pounds (and still loosing), i am no longer lathargic or slow speach..and i enjoyed doing the colon cleanse...
i am currently doing a gallbladder and liver detox...and even though i still dont have my period, all my other symptoms have gone.
i hope this helps, or gives you a different opinion - but def talk to a gpif you decide to try any of these methods i mentioned....
Ada
