Many people may be unaware that their symptoms are a result of low thyroid function. This due to the fact that many factors regarding thyroid health are traditionally ignored in conventional diagnosis of hypothyroidism. For example, “normal” lab values don’t necessarily translate to “optimal functioning” of the thyroid or levels of thyroid hormones that are needed for healthy functioning. You can learn all about the various factors to consider for thyroid health here.
This weekend, I spent a few hours bonding with my computer by listening to three experts who were part of The Thyroid Sessions, a webinar series put together by Sean Croxton, host of Underground Wellness Radio.
What I Discovered About Thyroid Health This Weekend.
It started Saturday when I listened to gluten doctor expert, Dr. O’Byran. With his interview I learned:
- How the immune system can become over-stimulated by gluten and it can cause a case of “mistaken identity.” This is due to the fact that gluten shares protein sequences with the thyroid gland and the immune system attacks the thyroid when trying to rid the body of being aggravated by the gluten protein.
- How chlorine, bromide, and fluoride can prevent thyroid hormone from functioning.
- That one-third of people with Hashimoto’s thyroid disorder have gluten sensitivity. Furthermore, hypothyroidism may present as the only symptom of gluten sensitivity.
On Sunday, I spent some time reviewing thyroid biochemistry with Reed Davis. He explained:
- That every signal function of the body is regulated by thyroid hormone and that every cell in the body has its own thyroid hormone receptor
- That too many bad bacteria living in the gut will negative effect conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) into T3 (active thyroid hormone) by the liver. Gut bugs also down-regulate thyroid output by interfering with neurotransmitter levels in the brain.
- The liver makes a protein that determines if thyroid hormone will be bound in the blood or free to do its thing in the cells.
- That the gut produces two additional forms of thyroid hormone T3 (T3S and T3AC), and this conversion with gut bacteria is related to one-fifth of thyroid hormone levels.
- How inflammation affects thyroid production.
- That food sensitivities, cellular toxins, and microbes all modulate thyroid function.
- The specific urine tests that are available that can determine if the liver, inflammation, or infections are responsible trumping thyroid health.
I think my favorite interview was with Chris Kressler, LAc. I have a brain crush on him. He’s wicked
smart! Chris taught me the following:
- That selenium helps protect the thyroid from a toxic compound produced in the process of using iodine to make thyroid hormone. This means that if there is not enough selenium, iodine supplementation can have negative effects for those with autoimmune thyroid issue.
- Those with high levels of antibodies to the thyroid could experience a temporary increase in their values as the immune system is readjusting, and this is important to consider when using natural
treatment methods. - How cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, kale, cauliflower) have chemicals in them that can inhibit the uptake of iodine into the thyroid gland in moderate amounts. This can lead to a goiter (swollen thyroid) or low iodine for thyroid hormone production. The good news is that broiling, cooking, and adding iodine (sea veggies) to the diet can modulate this negative effect.
- Dietary, immune, digestive, and medication optimization for those with thyroid issues.
Finally, I had the pleasure of listening to Dr. Isabella Wentz: the thyroid pharmacist,
this morning. Dr. Wentz reviewed the following:
- The impacts of nutrient and enzyme deficiencies, adrenal health, toxic exposure, gut permeability, and food sensitivities on thyroid health.
- How microbes and viruses can affect thyroid hormone levels.
- That various medications used to treat thyroid disorders can contain fillers, such as gluten, lactose, or corn, which may aggravate the thyroid in those that are sensitive.
- Seven supplements to help support the thyroid.
To learn more about thyroid health, I encourage you to check out The Thyroid Sessions and to read my blog.
The Thyroid Sessions. thyroidsessions.com. Webinar Series.
May 4-May 15th 2014.
