We will continue to look at what causes thyroid problems in our bodies. Once we understand what the underlying cause of the problem is then we are able to create a treatment plan to address and correct the imbalance.
In the last blog I talked about how thyroid symptoms -- particularly lack of thyroid or hypothyroidism -- can be missed or misdiagnosed. Even when the hypothyroidism is diagnosed, there are a variety of reasons that a person might be experiencing hypothyroidism. Whenever we -- in naturopathic medicine -- are able to correctly identify and treat the underlying cause of the hypothyroidism it becomes possible to reduce or eliminate medication the patients has to take for it. This time we will talk about many of the problems that can prevent the thyroid hormone from being active in the body.
Let’s start with the production of thyroid hormones from the thyroid gland. Last time we talked about how the brain sends a message to the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland needs precursors to create thyroid hormones including iodine and a catalysis called thyroid peroxidase. The most frequent thyroid hormone deficiency is a disease known as Hashimoto’s disease. This is a type of hypothyroidism that is caused when immune system attacks the thyroid gland tissue and prevents the body from producing the thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Hashimoto’s is actually an autoimmune disease where the body attacks the thyroid gland and preventing it from creating normal levels of T4 and T3. Over time the lower levels create symptoms in the body consistent with hypothyroid disease. In many cases these antibodies can also attach other organs causing decreased function of other organs or create other autoimmune diseases as well. The standard treatment for Hashimoto’s is to give natural or synthethic thyroid hormone. This normally reduces or eliminates symptoms but it does not correct the autoimmune irregularities in the body. To confirm Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in addition to the TSH blood test a thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibody test should be conducted as well.
When I think about treatment plans for autoimmune Hashimoto’s thyroiditis I always think about avoiding goitrogen’s foods that block iodine utilization in the thyroid gland. Examples would be raw turnips, cabbage, mustard, soybeans, and peanuts. Eating a whole food diet is also essential. There are also immune modulating herbs that support normal immune function and reduce the immune system attacking the thyroid and other glands.
We have more thyroid conditions to discuss next time so until then…
Live Vibrantly,
Dr. Dae
Dr. Dae's website: www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's book: Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living can be purchased @ www.amazon.com or www.healthydaes.org
Dr. Dae's Bio:
Daemon "Dr. Dae" (pronounced Dr. Day) Jones is a Naturopathic Physician who completed her training at the University of Bridgeport College of Naturopathic Medicine. She is certified as a General Practitioner by the North American Board of Naturopathic Examiners (NABNE). Dr. Dae provides tailored treatment to meet the unique needs of every individual she sees in her practice. She also provides specialized support for persons challenged by nutritional deficiencies, weight problems, hormonal and reproductive system disorders, attention deficit disorder and those experiencing chronic diseases. Dr. Dae is an adjunct faculty member for Smith Farm Center for Healing and the Arts. She is the author of Daelicious! Recipes for Vibrant Living, The Healthydaes Newsletter, and is a regularly featured writer for the Elite GoogleNews Website empowher.com where she shares her personal and professional vision for living whole and living well. To learn more about Dr. Dae, her products and services, please visit her on the Web at www.Healthydaes.org