Thyroid Function and Healthy Weight Maintenance
By Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, www.naturalnurse.com
The thyroid gland plays a key role in weight problems because it controls the body’s overall metabolic rate. When it’s not working properly, it may lead to an array of health problems, including weight gain, arthritis, depression cold hands and feet, dry skin, high cholesterol, chronic constipation and hair loss. Symptoms caused by low thyroid function are so varied, that they can easily be confused with those of other conditions.
The thyroid is the body’s metabolic thermostat, controlling body temperature, energy use, and, in children, the body’s growth rate. The thyroid controls the rate at which organs function and the speed with which the body uses food. When the thyroid is dysfunctional, there are a number of ways that it can seriously impact your weight.
Correct thyroid function keeps the body at a normal, resting temperature of 98.6° F. The thyroid sends chemical messages via hormones to every cell in the body, directing the maintenance of body temperature, heart rate, and muscle movements. When the thyroid is dysfunctional or underactive (hypothyroidism), it sends out fewer hormones, causing metabolism to slow down. When metabolism slows, the body will store rather than burn calories, causing an accumulation of fat.
Low thyroid function also leads to a sluggish digestive system, often resulting in a number of gastrointestinal problems, including constipation, gas and bloating, abdominal pain, and decreased absorption of nutrients. Decreased digestive efficiency may lead to a condition called leaky gut syndrome, in which undigested food particles enter the bloodstream causing allergic reactions and depleting the immune system. Weight gain is one of the potential results of these digestive disturbances. Because low thyroid function causes fatigue and lack of stamina as well as muscle aches or weakness, people with this condition may find it difficult to exercise which is another factor in weight problems.
Thyroid problems have been on the rise due to the increasingly toxic environment in which we live. Exposure to radiation, fluoride (in water and toothpaste), mercury from silver amalgam dental fillings, pollutants (thyocyanide) in cigarette smoke, and chlorinated compounds (found in wood and leather preservatives) are just a few of the many causes of hypothyroidism. Radiation is probably the greatest environmental cause of hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems, including thyroid cancer. PCB’s (Polychlorinated biphenyls) , chlorinated pesticides, and heavy metals such as mercury(which comprises up to 50% of silver amalgam fillings) have been scientifically proven to disrupt endocrine function. Even at low exposure levels during pregnancy, environmental contaminants can interfere with thyroid status in later life. Heavy metals also interfere with an enzyme critical in converting the inactive form of thyroid hormone (T4) into the active form (T3).
Dietary factors that depress thyroid function include synthetic and genetically engineered hormones in meat, dairy products, poultry, and eggs, which block the release of thyroid hormones, and either a deficiency or excess of the mineral, iodine. Although deficiencies are rare in developed countries, excess accumulation occurs due to an overabundance of iodine in commercial salt, baked goods (in dough conditioners) and dietary supplements. Some vegetables that have a wide variety of health benefits, such as raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts) contain thyroid inhibitors called goitrogens, that may cause an enlargement of the thyroid gland and inhibit hormone synthesis. However, lightly steaming the vegetables stops the activity of the thyroid-suppressing substances. Soy products, especially if not fermented, may depress thyroid function. Other dietary influences include vitamin deficiencies (particularly vitamins A and B), mineral deficiencies (zinc, copper, iron, and selenium), and excess intake of polyunsaturated fats ,such as soybean, safflower, and corn oils. Alternative medicine practitioners generally begin to treat hypothyroidism by strengthening intestinal health and digestion. To help spark proper thyroid function a combination of specific foods, nutrients, exercises and therapies is needed. Thyroid glandular therapy and thyroid hormone therapy may be indicated.
Gugulipid, an Ayurvedic herb that has been used in India for over 2,500 years, is helpful for supporting the thyroid. Studies have shown that gugulipid stimulates thyroid function. Gugulipid is often available as an extract standardized to 2.5-5% guggulsterones. Yoga, Tai chi and Castor Oil packs can also be used in a thyroid healing protocol. . Proper nutrition combined with regular exercise can help restore a weakened thyroid, and lead to weight loss as well!
Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, can be heard on radio daily. She is the author of several books, including Weight Loss, The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1587612593?ie=UTF8&tag=natunurs-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1587612593
Dr. Kamhi has been involved in natural health care for over 4 decades. She answers consumer questions and has a private nutrition consultation practice. www.naturalnurse.com (954) 418-2388
Featured Image Credit: By CFCF (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons
Hi Ellen! I love listening to The Natural Nurse and Dr. Z, and find it fascinating to learn about all the wonderful ways that herbs can be used medicinally. In regard to the topic of thyroid disfunction, I am among the seemingly rare group of people suffering from overactive as opposed to underactive thyroid. I recently sought help for this condition when the symptoms which up until then we’re relatively mild began to include heart symptoms and continuing weight loss (down to ninety-eight lbs.) I am 73 years old and have not had a need for medical care since my two children were born, so I have no primary care physician. Being overwhelmed with the prospect of going the conventional medicine route, knowing its
dismal treatment outcomes with this disorder, I sought the help of an iridologist who immediately confirmed my belief that I was suffering from hyperthyroidism. Hopefully she will be able to help determine the cause of the dysfunction, i.e. immune system disorder, environmental factors,etc. I am a vegan but some of my symptoms were present years before my becoming vegan, such as a somewhat protruding right eye, insomnia and gradual weight loss. I am not a junk food vegan, keeping my diet pretty clean, with well-fortified smoothies and some juicing, lots of nuts, seeds, avacadoes,fruits and veggies, quinoa, brown rice, beans etc. all organic. However, in an effort to get some weight back on I have felt quite comfortable as of late eating an occasional egg sandwich or a pasta dish containing cheese, and also a little bread. Now with the heart symptoms I’ve discontinued the dairy and wheat altogether. After some google searches on herbal help for hyperthyroidism, I began using bugleweed, motherwort and lemon balm, as well as some of Gary null’s heart protocol (l Carnitine, cayenne, co-enzyme Q-10 etc., all of which dramatically helped with heart rhythm symptoms in less than a month, but they are still a problem.
I feel that it would be wise to have some medical testing, maybe blood work, etc. but as I said at the start, I am overwhelmed at the prospect of being led down the path of standard medical treatment. I would like to seek out a good naturopathic doctor but I’m not sure how to find someone who is competent and experienced with the aforesaid issues, as naturopaths are few and far between in the area where I live (south of Buffalo, NY).
I guess I’m basically looking for a little guidance on how to best address my thyroid issues, and would gladly sign up for a consult with you, if you give consults, and if you feel you could offer some direction.
Many thanks, and thank you for your excellent programs!
Rosemary Childs
2148 Davis Rd.,
West Falls, NY 14170
hi this is good article for thors women who are suffering from gland problem and other sing of this type I am also a suffering this problem I gain waight I did some test use med but its not working I want to know about what I do next my diet proper my age 28 but I take so much stress plx help my problem
There are many natural therapies that can be helpful. I have a full protocol in my book, Cycles of Life, or find a natural health care provider to help you.
Herbs that may be useful include Dandelion and Rhodiola, along with a wheat free diet for one month to start. Thank you, Ellen Kamhi PhD RN