Save 15% with FLOURISH15

Sale ends in
Low Thyroid Symptoms – Steps to Support Your Thyroid Health

Low Thyroid Symptoms – Steps to Support Your Thyroid Health

by teclan Admin in Journal

Could you be suffering from an undiagnosed thyroid condition?

Perhaps you have visited your GP with common low thyroid symptoms and a blood test revealed that all was “normal”, or maybe you are already taking prescription thyroid medication but still don’t feel as well as expected.

One in five women will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime, but the majority of these women will remain undiagnosed.

The test says no, but the symptoms persist.

“Over a period of several years, I never saw a person whose TSH was over 2 microIU/ml who was comfortably healthy, and I formed the impression that the normal, or healthy, quantity was probably something less than 1.0.” Ray Peat Ph.D in Biology

There is an epidemic of thyroid disease in this country and many women are suffering unnecessarily.

Hypothyroidism is also frequently accompanied by cardiac dysfunction and high blood pressure. In fact I know of one woman who after years of trying to get to the bottom of her obvious symptoms of low thyroid, eventually needed a pacemaker.

Studies show that Treatment of hypothyroidism may lead to normalisation of blood pressure.

What is The Thyroid and Why Is It So Important

The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located at the base of the throat,  just below the Adam’s apple. Sometimes you can feel it or the neck may appear puffy.

Thyroid hormone is one of the hormones that regulate metabolism and weight; hence why many women although not eating a huge amount of food and regularly exercising,  just can’t shift extra weight.

Healthy thyroid function is vital for the overall well-being of the body.

It plays a huge role in the functioning of the heart, brain, liver, kidneys and skin and without the correct nutritional fuel the thyroid is unable to function properly and so symptoms appear.

The thyroid influences every tissue in the body and to do this it utilises multiple hormones, including T4, T3, T2 and T1. Perhaps the most important, and frequently discussed hormones are thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).

Common Low Thyroid Symptoms

You may have a few or many of the low thyroid symptoms below although this list is not exhaustive –

  • Low body temperature
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Cold bottom
  • Feeling sluggish
  • Constipation
  • Dry skin, hair and nails
  • Thinning hair
  • Poor circulation
  • Inflammation
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Exhausted easily
  • Hormonal imbalance
  • Fertility issues
  • Inability to lose weight
  • Poor digestion
  • Puffiness

The “Gold Standard” TSH Blood Test

You might have visited your GP with some of the symptoms above and routinely you will be offered the TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) blood test. This lab test was developed in the 1970’s using about 200 volunteers to establish a “normal” range. They didn’t really know at the time if these people were already becoming hypothyroid.

Many people are informed their results are “normal” when symptoms persist.

This can go on for years and years until the TSH test finally comes back as above-range.

“Measuring the amount of thyroid in the blood isn’t a good way to evaluate adequacy of thyroid function, since the response of tissues to the hormone can be suppressed (for example, by unsaturated fats).” Ray Peat

Not Relying on a Blood Test

In Canada Dr David Derry was practicing medicine when the TSH test was introduced –
“The consensus of thyroidologists decided in 1973 that the TSH (lab) was the blood test they had been looking for all through the years. This was about two years after I started practice. Having been taught how to diagnose hypothyroid conditions clinically, I was in a position to watch to see what the relation of the TSH was to the onset of hypothyroidism. What I found was many people would develop classic signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism but the TSH was ever so slow to become abnormal, rise and confirm the clinical diagnosis. Sometimes it never did. Finally I began treating patients with hypothyroid in the normal manner I was taught. I could not see why I had to wait for the TSH to rise for me to be able to treat them.”

So in other words he treated a patient the old-fashioned way, according to their symptoms.

Factors That Inhibit Thyroid Function

Stress is a major factor inhibiting thyroid function but there are others –

  • Stress
  • Auto immune diseases like Coeliac
  • Fluoride which is an antagonist to iodine
  • Infections and trauma
  • Pesticides and heavy metals like mercury and lead
  • Sluggish liver
  • Poor gut health

Nutrients That Contribute to Proper Production of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid requires specific nutrients to function well, many that are lacking in the modern diet –

  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Magnesium
  • Vitamin C
  • Vitamin B2, B3 and B6
  • Vitamin D
  • Iodine

Levothyroxine (T4) Only Medication

Thyroxine is the medication of choice and has become the standard treatment for thyroid conditions because it influences the TSH levels. But this isn’t getting to the crux of the matter.

As I have mentioned above the TSH test is not a good method to gauge thyroid health. It doesn’t consider vital factors such as thyroid hormone conversion and transport or the patients nutritional status. By improving a patients T4 levels, doctors can normalise  TSH levels without ever dealing with the actual true cause of thyroid dysfunction.

Steps To Support Your Thyroid

  • Eliminate unsaturated fats (margarine, vegetable oils)
  • Replace with pro-thyroid fats like butter and coconut oil (consume 2 teaspoons of coconut oil daily)
  • Eliminate processed foods
  • Add nutrient rich carbohydrates such as root vegetables and fruits
  • Ensure your diet includes adequate protein
  • Make a raw grated salad daily with a dressing of coconut oil and apple cider vinegar
  • Reduce or eliminate wheat
  • Eliminate soy products
  • Address any issues of a sluggish liver, insomnia and constipation
  • Reduce stress (so important!)
  • Consume meat on the bone and from organic sources

Support The Body With Supplements

Nutrient deficiencies can be prevalent due to the modern diet but are vital for healthy thyroid function.

Zinc and selenium are essential for the conversion of the storage thyroid hormone T4 to T3 the active thyroid hormone.

Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormone and when used alongside selenium it can play an instrumental role in healing.

The adaptogenic herb Ashwagandha has been shown to have thyroid enhancing properties, can relieve fatigue and combat stress and anxiety.

For more advice on this complex subject please contact us at Botanica Health.

Tags: Health Advice
Previous Post Next Post

Related Posts

Hormonal Migraines - Causes, Prevention and Relief

Hormonal Migraines - Causes, Prevention and Relief

Hormonal migraines are a type of headache linked to fluctuations in hormone levels. They commonly affect women due to the natural hormonal changes that occur throughout the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and menopause. These headaches can vary in intensity, duration, and type, ranging from mild to severe, and are often classified as menstrual migraines or premenstrual syndrome (PMS) headaches.  The headache may be preceded by an aura, with nausea or vomiting and a sensitivity to light. Interestingly there are hormone receptors in the eyes. They can also be accompanied by fatigue, poor appetite or cravings for salt and sugar and a general feeling of inflammation. Causes of Hormonal Migraines The tendency for these type of headaches to occur around the time of menstruation suggests that they are precipitated by a drop in either progesterone or oestrogen or by an imbalance of progesterone to oestrogen ratio, but in the direction of oestrogen excess. Stress will make matters worse as stress can cause low blood sugar resulting in headaches, irritability and exhaustion.  The perimenopause, menopause, the contraceptive pill and HRT can all cause hormone levels to fluctuate. Other causes of migraines/headaches - Skipping meals Poor sleep Over-exercise Artificial sweeteners Stress Alcohol Digestive turmoil Food sensitivities MSG Low salt Low blood sugar Not eating enough Low thyroid Prevention and Relief of Hormonal Migraines 1. Consider the hormone balancing herb Chaste tree (Vitex Agnus-castus). Studies show that women given Chaste tree for three months reduced the headaches they experienced during their menstrual cycle by 66%. Chaste tree can help balance hormones naturally, reducing typical premenstrual symptoms when taken regularly. 2. Avoid hormone disrupting chemicals. As headaches can be caused by unopposed oestrogen (oestrogen dominance) it is important to reduce xenoestrogens (oestrogen mimicking chemicals)  -  Try to purchase hormone free foods Consider swapping out chemical laden toiletries and make-up for more natural products Avoid touching till receipts, or wash hands straight afterwards - BPA's are chemicals present in high concentrations in receipt paper and linked linked to reproductive harm. They are known as Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) because they can act as a xenoestrogens.  Reduce the use of plastics in bottles, food stuffs etc.   3. Hydrate with salted water. Adding a pinch of sea salt to a glass of water has been shown to alleviate migraines. It may be useful to add electrolytes to your water. Neuroscientist Dr Stanton recommends that every migraine sufferer should start the day with one-eighth of a teaspoon of salt.   4. Consider taking natural progesterone like the one from Forefront Health. Studies show that Progesterone appears to play a protective role against migraines.   5. Support liver function. The liver plays a significant role in hormone balance and thyroid conversion. To support healthy liver function and detoxification the liver requires adequate protein and glucose (fruit, root vegetables, honey etc. The liver also needs adequate selenium, copper, zinc and vitamins A, E, and B.  Consider liver supportive herbs like Milk thistle, Dandelion, Andrographis and Digestive bitters.   6. B vitamins help migraines. A 16-week study on women with episodic migraines revealed that supplementing with a B complex reduced headache attacks significantly. Several studies show that B vitamins can help prevent migraines.  Other studies show that taking Vitamin B2 at a dose of 400mg a day reduces migraines when taken consistently for 1- 3 months   7. Support thyroid health. Migraines can be a symptom of low thyroid which often occurs around the perimenopause. It is important to speak to a health expert regarding thyroid health and blood results, even when the report shows results are within range.  The Forefront Health range helps to support healthy thyroid function.   8. Magnesium for migraines. The American Migraine Association report that hormone related migraines can be prevented with magnesium. Magnesium can also help with tension headaches and cluster headaches. Since people with migraines often have low magnesium levels, the American Headache Society recommends a daily dose of 400 to 500 milligrams per day.          

Learn more
Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count and Support Immunity

Natural Ways to Increase White Blood Cell Count and Support Immunity

Proven ways to support your immune system - Echinacea - Several studies have demonstrated how Echinacea supports immunity. Echinacea has been shown to enhance natural killer cell activity and neutrophils rapidly increase within the first 24 hours of taking it.  Astragalus – Studies show Astragalus increases B-lymphocyte and T-lymphocyte levels, interleukin and antibody production. It also promotes phagocytosis, the process by which certain living cells called phagocytes engulf other cells, particles and even pathogens.  Cat’s Claw – A recent study showed that Cat’s Claw significantly elevated white blood cell count in adult men who supplemented with this herb for 6 months.  Turmeric – Studies support its efficacy as an immune supportive plant.  Vitamin B Complex – Especially B6 and B12 can increase the production of white blood cells in the body. Vitamin B9 (Folate) boosts the production of neutrophils and helps fight infections. Vitamin C and Vitamin A are also very important for increasing white blood cell count. Vitamin C supports immunity. Vitamin A boosts the production of lymphocytes. Zinc – Our body's use zinc to build immune system cells called T lymphocytes. Sunlight – A study, published in the journal, Scientific Reports, shows that sunlight may have an energising effect on T cells, a type of white blood cell that activates cells in the body to fight infection.  Selenium – Has been found to have a positive effect on the production of white blood cells.  Green tea – Increases the leukocyte activity and the total plasma antioxidant status and may have role to play in the prevention of inflammatory disease.  It’s important to note that a low white blood cell count can have serious health implications, and its underlying cause should be promptly identified and addressed by a healthcare professional.

Learn more
Five Signs Your Feet Could be Warning You of a Thyroid Problem

Five Signs Your Feet Could be Warning You of a Thyroid Problem

Feet and the thyroid connection - 1. Dry, flaky and cracked - in a 2012 study of 460 patients diagnosed with hypothyroidism, 300 presented with dry, coarse skin. In another study in the same year 100% of patients with hypothyroidism had rough, dry skin. 2. Cold feet - Thyroid pioneer Dr Broda Barnes (1906-1988) wrote, “When thyroid function is low, circulation is reduced. In advanced cases of hypothyroidism, the skin, in fact, may receive as little as one 1/4 to 1/5th the normal blood supply.” Extremities are notably vulnerable to poor circulation, especially in the colder months. You may also have cold hands, tip of the nose and bottom. 3. Yellowing soles of the feet - in hypothyroidism this is due to a build up of beta-carotene which is stored in the external layer of skin - palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Thyroid hormone is needed for the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A. This is what gives carrots their bright orange colour. 4. Cramp and foot pain - is a common complaint in people with thyroid disease. As is plantar fasciitis, especially shooting foot pain first thing. Carpal tunnel syndrome is also associated with hypothyroidism, as are burning feet. 5. Numbness and pins and needles - the insulating layer around nerves, the axonal myelin sheath, degenerates without sufficient thyroid hormone causing these unpleasant sensations. These are just some of the signs our feet tell us about the health of our thyroid, even a long time before a diagnosis.

Learn more