Malady Makeover, Oct 07

Low-Revving Motor
When your thyroid isn’t working properly, life becomes a chore.

By Marissa Candela

   Something just wasn’t right with Victoria. She kept gaining weight, no matter what, and always felt sluggish and cold. She would moisturize her dry skin to no avail and was even losing hair—a highly distressing development for such a young woman.
   A depressed and draggy Victoria saw her doctor. He said her bloodwork was fine, prescribed an anti-depressant and gave the standard diet-and-exercise lecture. She felt as if she was slowly losing control of her health and with it, her mind.
   Victoria’s real problem? A thyroid that wasn’t doing its job.

Hormonal Underachiever
   The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It is integral in making the hormones T3 and T4 that regulate the body’s organ functions and metabolism; when it malfunctions the result is called hypothyroidism, a condition that affects an estimated 20 million people in the US.
   The chief cause of a sputtering thyroid is Hashimoto’s disease, in which antibodies in the blood attack the thyroid. The body responds to the resulting lack of hormones by producing symptoms such as weight gain, fatigue, hair loss, low immune system function, depression and even high cholesterol.
   Hashimoto’s isn’t the only cause of hypothyroidism. An underactive thyroid can be present at birth, or it can be caused by some medications and by treatment of hyperthyroidism—an overactive thyroid. The environment also plays a role, according to Mark Starr, MD, author of Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic (New Voice). “Toxins greatly contribute to thyroid disease, interfering with essential thyroid hormones and proper nutrient absorption,” he notes.
   As Victoria discovered, a sluggish thyroid isn’t always properly diagnosed right away. “When patients complain of these symptoms to their physicians, non-thyroid related drugs are often prescribed—masking the root of the problem and causing untreated thyroid disease to worsen,” says Mark Hyman, MD, author of The Ultra­Simple Diet (Pocket Books) and UltraMetabolism (Scribner).

Powering Up
   Locating a practitioner who will take the time required to make a correct diagnosis is crucial. “A comprehensive physical examination is needed and should include details about stress level,” says Hyman. “Diet, lifestyle and a complete medical history must also be taken into account.” For example, he routinely asks his patients if their diet is rich in cold-water fish and if they’ve been exposed to heavy metals. He also tests for sensitivity to gluten—a protein in wheat and other grains—which can affect the thyroid. So if your blood T3/T4 levels are normal but you still suffer from symptoms, seek out someone who will treat you, not your lab results.
   Another obstacle people with hypothyroid face is finding the treatment that works best. As Theodore Fried­man, MD, co-author of The Everything Guide to Thyroid Disease (Adams Media) puts it, “There is no ‘one drug fits all’ prescription when it comes to treating hypothyroidism.” While most conventional doctors will prescribe synthetic hormones, alternative practitioners often use natural dessicated thyroid hormone replacement. Another option is colloidal iodine, the mineral from which the body creates thyroid hormones. Selection of the proper therapy will depend on your unique circumstances; it’s a fine line to walk because overtreatment can cause such adverse effects as nervousness and heart palpitations.
   Your practitioner can also help you devise a thyroid-friendly supplementation plan. “Herbs rich in iodine, including dulse (red algae), nori (seaweed), kelp and other sea vegetables can boost thyroid function,” says Mary Hardy, MD, medical director of the Cedars-Sinai Medical Center program in Integrative Medicine. Homeopathic remedies include spongia testa and thyroid 30c, and adaptogens such as ginseng and rhodiola can help fight stress. Just remember it’s important to keep a careful eye on dosages.
   “Adequate zinc is also necessary for proper thyroid function,” says Hardy; he favors such zinc-rich foods as meat, seafood, and pumpkin and sesame seeds. Many people don’t get enough selenium, which helps convert the less active T4 into active T3. Sources include Brazil nuts, lamb, garlic and onions, and fish such as halibut, tuna, salmon and snapper. (Both zinc and selenium are available in supplemental form.) Don’t forget vitamin D, which also helps support thyroid function. In addition to getting the proper nutrients, daily exercise can help improve energy, stimulate metabolism and lift mood.
   Feeling draggy? Rev up your thyroid and watch your health soar.

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