Thyroid at Root of Many
Symptoms
Star Lawrence is a medical journalist based in Chandler, Ariz.
Published Nov. 11, 2002.
Women are five to seven times more likely than men to experience thyroid
problems, and half do not know it.
Gaining weight, losing weight, exhaustion, the blahs, anxiousness, insomnia,
constipation, hair loss, dry skin, pounding heart, infertility -- just about any
ailment that can plague a woman often can be traced back to a small,
butterfly-shaped gland in the neck called the thyroid. More than 13 million
Americans have thyroid problems, and half do not know it.
There is a laundry list of symptoms associated with both hypothyroidism (under
active) and hyperthyroidism (overactive). However, Elizabeth Lee Vliet, MD, an
internist in Dallas and author of Screaming to be Heard: Hormone Connections
Women Suspect, and Doctors Still Ignore and Women, Weight and Hormones, says
none of this is as clear cut as many doctors think. For one thing, she says, the
thyroid regulates every cell in the body, including the ovarian hormones, and
the secondary effects of an imbalance in these hormones can exacerbate problems
with the hormones secreted by the thyroid.
What Goes Wrong - Perhaps for this reason, women are five to seven times
more likely than men to experience thyroid problems. As many as 10% develop a
thyroid problem after giving birth. The most common single disorder is an
autoimmune problem (in which the body "fights" itself) called Hashimoto's
disease, which results in under active thyroid. Women with other autoimmune
disorders are at prime risk for some form of thyroid dysfunction. "There is also
evidence," Vliet says, "that pollutants such as PCBs and dioxin can damage the
thyroid gland [in the womb]." Other culprits are radiation to the neck area and
certain medications.
Symptoms - Most women suffering from hypothyroidism, says Mary Shomon,
author of Living Well With Hypothyroidism:
What the Doctor Doesn't Tell You ...
That You Need to Know, go to the doctor
because they are fatigued. "You sleep 10 hours and then need a nap," she says.
Other symptoms are weight gain or inability to lose weight, feeling cold,
constipation, dry skin, dry hair, hair loss (eyebrows, too), high cholesterol
that doesn't submit to drugs or diet, drastically reduced sex drive, and brain
fog. Hypothyroidism can also prevent you from getting or staying pregnant and
cause a full-feeling neck, swollen hands and feet, muscle pain, carpal tunnel
syndrome, or other tendonitis. In short, you may feel lousy.
In the case of an overabundance of thyroxin flooding through the system and
supercharging every cell to an unhealthy degree, the result can be another
autoimmune disorder called Grave's disease. Although late in the progression you
may lose weight, Vliet says, at first you will be gaining just as with
hypothyroidism. Other symptoms apart from the dry hair and skin and hair loss
include a restlessness, inner tension, tossing and turning, and an agitated sort
of depression.
Despite the misdirected energy, fatigue is a symptom of an overactive thyroid,
too. Having hyperthyroidism, Vliet says, is like sitting in park with your foot
on the accelerator. Sometimes Grave's disease causes the eyes to bulge slightly.
(Graves, Vliet says, is also related to postpartum psychosis in which the
ovarian hormones join with the thyroid hormones to produce psychiatric
symptoms.)
Art of Testing - Shomon urges women not to drag (or rev) around feeling
bad but to consult a doctor. Probably the first test that will be done is a TSH
test for thyroid stimulating hormone, a substance produced by the pituitary
gland that regulates the thyroid gland. If the TSH is greater than the upper
level of normal (4.5 to 5 mU/L), many doctors will check the "free" T4 level
(thyroxin), which costs less than a T4 index, which tests both T3 and T4. A TSH
above 2 can mean fertility is impaired, Vliet says.
Kenneth R. Blanchard, MD, an endocrinologist in Newton, Mass., says what he
learned in medical school -- to test only TSH -- was flat wrong. He always tests
for T3 and T4. "I have seen people living in misery with 100% T4," he
emphasizes. Vliet also tests for T3 and T4, as well as antibodies that can cause
autoimmune problems. "You can have shortages of T3 and T4 before the TSH goes up
or down," she says. "Women with significantly elevated antibodies may need
medication before the TSH reaches 4 or 5."
"We're patients, not lab values" is Shomon's motto.
She says the range of "bad" test results is too small and that doctors will
dismiss the same set of symptoms in one woman as hypochondria if the test
readings are a few tenths of a point lower than in another woman with the same
complaints. Vliet and Blanchard specialize in nailing down and treating thyroid
dysfunction at varying levels for each woman.
Treatment - Treatment of both hypo- and hyperthyroidism is not totally
benign. A careful diagnosis is important.
Hypothyroid is an underproduction of thyroxin, so levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid,
Levoxyl) is given. "They used to tell you one pill a day and you'll be fine,"
Shomon says. Now, she and Blanchard recommend giving T3. "In a low dose," Vliet
says. "High-dose T3 can cause heart attacks."
As for treating hyperthyroidism, radioactive iodine is sometimes used or the
gland is surgically removed. Treating hyperthyroidism is tricky. Vliet herself
immediately defers to an endocrinologist.
Shomon urges baseline testing for women at 35, as well as at least a TSH test
before getting pregnant, four months postpartum, and before starting on
antidepressants or hormone replacement therapy. "If your HMO won't cover the
test, you can get an FDA-approved home test." With the fine-tuning required with
this delicate gland, however, a doctor's supervision is highly recommended.
What is at the root of Thyroid?
--Liver and Pituitary--
In looking at her live and dried blood sample, it seemed as
though there was a lot of viral material in both samples. I have really come to
respect the strength of viruses and what they will do to survive in the body.
After the blood sample, I muscle tested and found the viral test point to be
extremely weak. I had Michelle keep the viral test point activated while I went
to the other points that also came up weak, to see if the virus was responsible
for the other weak area as well. In my assessment of her, based on her blood and
muscle testing that an underlying viral condition was responsible for her
hyper-thyroid.
So the first thing I did was to deal with the virus. It has been my experience
that it takes about 3 months to rid the body of such extensive viral material,
so we needed to rotate her viral herb (Una de Gato,
Pau d' Arco,
Hi Potency
Garlic) about every 8 to 10 days. I also put her on a
Probiotic plus, something
anti-inflammatory (we rotated between
IF-C,
Yucca and
Glucosamine) plus
Omega 3
Fatty Acids, to take on an empty stomach first thing in the morning. After about
a month, I started to build her endocrine system as a whole with
Thyroid Support and
something green (Alfalfa,
Super Algae). After she finished the
Thyroid Support bottle, I
started working on the Pituitary Gland (Gota Kola,
Super Algae,
Alfalfa),
adrenals (Nervous Fatigue, always). Her body loved that and calcium (which she
had been getting from the green stuff, but was now testing for more
Herbal CA as
well. She is on LIV-J now and no thyroid herbs. As soon as she started that the
swelling in her neck and eyes came down quickly. It just took us a little while
to get to where the liver wanted some attention, too.
I checked her every 3 weeks. She also took
Proactazyme and
Hi Lapase as well.
With Michelle being an "O" blood type I had to stay on top of her rotating in
and out of things. Fortunately for us, we have a friend who has learned muscle
testing that lives closer to her than I do, so our friend would help with the
rotating in and out of the herbs she needed.
---Carol
Your Thyroid May be Low, After All
KELLMAN, M.D.
The routine thyroid tests used today often do not detect low thyroid
function. Low thyroid can be at the base of many illnesses, or it can accompany
and "hide" behind other degenerative diseases. The TRH challenge test is a
reliable way to reach an accurate diagnosis.
You complain of fatigue and weight gain. You are cold when everyone around you
is warm. Your hair is thinning, your skin is dry--you are sure your thyroid is
low. You go to your primary care physician, he draws a thyroid function test (TSH,
T3 and T4), and tells you that your thyroid is completely normal and that you
are fine. You are shocked! You go to another doctor and again you are told you
are fine. You think you have reached a dead end. You feel helpless!
This is the unfortunate scenario for thousands of people in this country. It is
now well known among many holistic doctors that routine blood tests often do not
detect many cases of hypothyroidism or low thyroid. Doctors are taught in
medical school that the routine blood tests are perfectly sufficient diagnostic
tools. If the blood test results are normal then the patient is healthy. We now
know that this way of thinking is far too simplistic. Routine blood tests only
measure the tip of the iceberg. People can have significant health problems even
with normal blood tests.
There are many reasons why this is so. First, the routine blood tests do not
reveal the whole story. Perhaps other markers, still unknown, are needed to
detect a thyroid problem. Secondly, there are degrees of function and
dysfunction. In the past we understood disease in black and white. You were
either sick or healthy. We now know that an organ or a system might not be
functioning up to par, in a kind of gray area, and yet can cause significant
symptoms. However, routine blood tests may still come out normal.
The TRH Test
If the thyroid is under-functioning, the pituitary, which commands and controls
the thyroid, will be in a hyperactive state. Upon stimulation with TRH, the
pituitary will secrete a large amount of TSH into the blood. In the TRH test,
1.the baseline TSH level is established; 2.TRH is injected intravenously; 3.a
blood sample is taken 25 minutes later to measure the post- challenge TSH.
If you think your thyroid is low, you might be right after all. A more sensitive
thyroid test called the TRH stimulation test could prove you right. This is the
gold standard test, yet most doctors do not know this.
Commonly used in the past, it fell out of vogue fifteen years ago when the
sensitive TSH test was developed. It was just assumed that we no longer needed
the TRH test. Yet not one study was done to prove this. Doctors in Europe still
use the TRH but few doctors in this country do. We who do use it know how
valuable it is. We know it is a grave mistake not to use it.
The Value of TRH
We have shown that by using the TRH test, many people who complain of fatigue,
weight problems, cold intolerance, and hair loss--and whose routine thyroid test
results showed normal functioning--in fact do have a thyroid problem. Many
people have hypothyroidism and are not being diagnosed. We have seen the lives
of literally hundreds of people turned around just because of this one test.
People who were suffering for years with chronic fatigue syndrome got better
within weeks after we picked up hypothyroidism by using the TRH test.
Additionally, many people with weight problems who thought they had a metabolism
problem--but tested normally--turned out to be right after all. Their thyroid
was not functioning properly.
Why is the TRH test more sensitive than the routine tests? The TRH test is a
challenge test. We inject a hormone called TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone).
This is the hormone from the hypothalamus gland that controls the pituitary
gland. If the thyroid is low, then the pituitary gland, which controls the
thyroid, should be in a hyperactive state. When you inject the TRH, the
pituitary will secrete a relatively large quantity of TSH. We can then measure
this on a blood test taken 25 minutes after the injection. This test is entirely
different than the routine static blood test. The TRH test challenges the system
and allows us to see how well it is functioning. The routine test comes out
positive only in certain situations, and usually only when there is already
significant pathology. The complexities of the body are still beyond our
comprehension. It has elegant compensatory mechanisms and therefore routine
tests can come out normal even if important parts are operating on a sub-par
level.
Thyroid disease has become a hidden epidemic. Studies have shown that one in
four to five women has a thyroid problem. If the TRH test were used, the numbers
might even be closer to one in three. What are the causes of this epidemic?
Inflammation or thyroiditis is listed in the medical textbooks as the number one
cause. Inflammation occurs when the immune system is activated. Any imbalance
can activate the immune system. Most doctors believe that thyroiditis is
incurable. Thyroid hormone is prescribed and the case is closed.
Case History
Jean, a 43 year-old woman, came to us with complaints of fatigue, joint pain,
allergies, gastrointestinal distress, anxiety, and brain fog. Routine thyroid
tests were normal. However, the TRH test revealed hypothyroidism (low thyroid).
Stool test showed dysbriosis imbalance in the gastrointestinal tract. Adrenal
saliva test showed low cortisol (an essential adrenal steroid) during the day
and high levels at night. The puzzle was complete. Jean's case is a good example
of how, in disease, numerous systems can become dysfunctional, and it is often
difficult to tell which system started the cascade. Regardless of the primary
cause, the dysfunctional systems tend to feed off each other and often a
downhill spiraling course results. The first step in overcoming this problem is
understanding this principle; then we can intervene accordingly. In Jean's case,
we felt we could hold off on thyroid hormone but we decided to intervene on a
few levels simultaneously. We put her on the "4R Program" to improve
gastrointestinal function. The first "R" is Remove-the unfriendly bacteria. We
use Probioplex anti-yeast from Bio-ecological Nutrients. The second "R" is
Replace-digestive enzymes and hydrochloric acid. We used Metagest and
Spectrazyme. The third "R" is Repair-the gut wall. We gave Jean specific
nutrients in which she was deficient that enabled
the cells to repair themselves. The fourth "R" is Reinoculate, by ingesting
lactobacillus and other probiotics. Additionally, we treated her adrenal gland
with isocort. This helped the adrenal gland control the immune system and other
endocrine glands. The result was extraordinary. With the commencement of
treatment, Jean just felt that "things were falling into place." Her energy
started to improve, and the brain fog lifted within two weeks. When the gut is
working better, the adrenals work better. And when the adrenals are working
better, the gut functions better. This in turn causes the thyroid gland to work
better, and so on ... Health can also spiral in the right direction!
The Pharmacological Approach
This approach is what I call pharmacological industry medicine. This views the
body as a machine subject to frequent breakdowns and invasion by microbes. It
does not believe that the body can heal itself, cannot overcome disease, without
drugs. This approach is outdated. It overlooks the intricate interconnections of
systems that communicate with each other so that the body can heal itself.
Sometimes, of course, the body does need help to restore its natural state of
health, and that is where holistic medicine comes in.
For example, the gastrointestinal tract is an ecosystem in itself. It contains
more microbes than there are cells in our body. These microbes need to live in
harmony with themselves and our bodies. Any imbalance of the intestinal flora
causes a condition called dysbriosis, which is associated with inflammation and
various diseases. Knowing this, we can intervene and improve this condition.
First, dietary changes are necessary. Removing refined carbohydrates is of the
utmost importance. The use of various nutrients that encourage friendly bacteria
to proliferate is also helpful. Additionally, various nutrients can help modify
cellular biochemistry and thereby improve function. This treatment is
non-pharmacological; it is still not part of the current medical paradigm and
most doctors know very little about it.
Causes of Low Thyroid
Other causes of thyroid disease include radiation and toxin exposure, and
nutritional deficiencies. Adrenal pathology can also be a significant cause of
low thyroid. The adrenal gland responds to stress by altering the immune system
and other hormones accordingly. If the adrenal gland itself is "stressed", the
immune system is adversely affected and the end result could be inflammation of
the thyroid gland. Treatment includes the use of thyroid hormone, nutritional
support, and getting to the root or cause of the problem. Even with the use of
thyroid hormone, however, we still need to search for the underlying cause(s).
We have seen diabetics whose glucose was well-controlled, but who still
complained of fatigue. This is not uncommon; the two often go together. Once
again, in these cases, routine tests usually come out normal, but the TRH test
often does not. It is common for the thyroid to be the cause of the fatigue, not
the diabetes. It is the same for many people with cancer; the cause of their
fatigue is not their cancer, but low thyroid.
The association between chronic disease and low thyroid is not fully understood,
but a few theories have been proposed. One theory is that the same problem(s)
causing the chronic disease is also causing the low thyroid. Another possibility
is that the body attempts to go into "low gear" when it is suffering from some
chronic disease. Whatever the reason, we do know these patients usually feel
better, and their overall condition improves, when their thyroid problem is
treated.
The TRH test story teaches us an important lesson. The categories, the diseases,
and the divisions we created to help us understand the human body are arbitrary
and are not absolute. The problems people have often do not fit neatly into the
categories that too many doctors take as gospel. Many of the blood tests we use
are only helpful in understanding the problems as they have been defined by
modern medicine. But people have their own unique problems that often defy our
classifications, and it is easy for them to fall through the cracks of modern
medicine.
We need to begin to approach patients from a new perspective. We must not rely
too heavily on blood tests nor take rigid disease categories too seriously. We
need to think more in terms of function rather than disease. If tests that can
measure function, like the TRH test, were more widely used, more people could be
helped.
The bottom line is that if you complain of fatigue, difficulty losing weight, or
unexplained symptoms, just because your doctor cannot find anything wrong with
you, it does not mean that you are "healthy." Go beyond the routine tests and
disease categories. Get the TRH stimulation test and find out if the various
systems in your body are functioning adequately. You do not have to suffer with
fatigue or unexplained symptoms. You do not have to settle with sub-optimal
health!
From: Alternative Medicine 11/99
Hypo & Hyper thyroid?
Frequently, readers write in frustration, stating that they have
been diagnosed as hypothyroid, but have symptoms of both hypothyroidism and
hyperthyroidism.
I'm gaining weight, exhausted all the time, and my hair is falling out, but I'm
also having high blood pressure, my heart is racing all the time, and I get
diarrhea. Can I actually be hypo and hyper at the same time? The answer is yes.
While you should always see your doctor regarding any concerns with blood
pressure, heart rate, or other symptoms, here are some important factors to
consider.
You Have Both Hashimoto's and Graves'
Some patients actually have both Hashimoto's and Graves' disease antibodies,
which puts the thyroid into a push-pull situation, where it cycles up and down
through hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. This is not a very common situation,
but hypothyroidism patients who frequently have hyperthyroidism symptoms should
ask their doctors for full antibody profiles to detect the presence of both
Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
Your Symptoms Aren't Textbook
Everyone who has hypothyroidism doesn't follow the typical course of symptoms.
Some hypothyroidism patients will, for example, lose substantial amounts of
weight - rather than gain weight. And others will have anxiety or
panic attacks as a symptom of their condition.
You Have Dysautonomia
Imbalances in the autonomic nervous system - known as dysautonomia - are more
common in autoimmune thyroid disease. In dysautonomia, the sympathetic system -
part of the autonomic nervous system that controls the body's "fight or flight"
reactions - becomes unbalanced. Symptoms of dysautonomia can include anxiety
attacks and rapid heartbeat, among many other symptoms.
You're Having a Thyroiditis Flare
Some patients who have the autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto's thyroiditis
are diagnosed during a period when they are hypothyroid. But in a thyroid that
is failing due to autoimmune disease, the thyroid can
frequently sputter into overdrive, then back into under activity, and into
overdrive again, as it "burns itself out" over time. You can, therefore,
experience periods of over activity - hyperthyroidism - even while your thyroid
is under active over time and generally on its way to burning itself out. So,
you can experience hypothyroidism symptoms, but periodically have
hyperthyroidism symptoms that also appear. And remember...hyperthyroidism
symptoms don't "cancel out" your hypothyroidism symptoms...they more often are
added to them.
At the same time, Hashimoto's can also mean that periodically, the thyroid
experiences a flare-up, or "attack" of thyroiditis, which is frequently
accompanied by symptoms such as palpitations. Noted thyroid expert Stephen
Langer, M.D., who coauthored the popular thyroid book Solved The Riddle of
Illness with James Scheer, refers to thyroiditis as like an "arthritis of the
thyroid." He explains that just as arthritis attacks the joints with pain and
inflammation, thyroiditis can mean pain and inflammation in the thyroid for some
sufferers. And in particular, during a thyroiditis attack, common symptoms you
might experience are anxiety, panic attacks, heart palpitations and problems
sleeping. - all common hyperthyroidism symptoms - as well as swelling in the
thyroid area, and problems swallowing.
What Can You Do?
Generally, whatever the cause, some patients find relief from palpitations and
rapid heart rate with beta blockers. Anxiety drugs may also be a help in panic
attacks and anxiety. Some patients find that they require treatment for
particularly troublesome hyperthyroidism symptoms. For example, during periods
when palpitations or high pulse become bothersome, drugs such as beta blockers -
which lower heart rate and blood pressure and can slow or stop palpitations --
can be prescribed to help control symptoms. Sometimes, anti-anxiety drugs can be
a help, and in some people, temporary use of sleeping pills may also be of
assistance. On the natural end, some patients find that yoga, biofeedback, or
breathing exercises can help with palpitations or rapid pulse.
One of the best treatments for dysautonomia symptoms is regular physical
exercise, which calms down and regulates the autonomic nervous system.
Palpitations are also responsive to acupuncture treatments. From a more
nutritional medicine perspective, Dr. Langer suggests that patients experiencing
thyroiditis and having trouble sleeping take calcium/magnesium, which are
nutrients that have a sedative effect, along with a pain reliever to relieve
inflammation -- buffered aspirin or ibuprofen -- before you go to bed, this
might help. He's found that this helps about two-thirds of his patients
suffering from nighttime thyroiditis symptoms.
Reducing swelling is another key aspect of dealing with thyroiditis attacks,
according to Dr. Langer. Says Langer" Just as with arthritis, an
anti-inflammatory pain reliever doesn't cure the problem, but it temporarily
ameliorates the symptoms."
When it comes to palpitations, Dr. Langer feels that they can be misunderstood.
What happens with Hashimoto's patients having thyroiditis attacks is that many
wind up in the emergency room seeing cardiologists. It happens a few times and
then they're written off as psychiatric cranks. They end up with large doses of
anti-anxiety medications or antidepressants. Frequently, when not misdiagnosed
as a heart problem, anxiety, or depression palpitations may be misinterpreted as
a sign that a patient is getting too much thyroid hormone. But when medical
evaluation rules out hyperthyroidism due to too much thyroid medication, mitral
valve problems, or other cardiac abnormalities, Dr. Langer has found that
nutritional deficiencies may be to blame -- in particular, deficiencies of
calcium, magnesium or Vitamin D. Says Dr. Langer There's compelling evidence
coming to the surface that Vitamin D is not only a vitamin but a hormone...The
recommended daily allowance for Vitamin D is 400 IU, but scientists doing
studies actually believe that people who do not get regular exposure to sunshine
should be getting 2000-4000 Vitamin D. The Vitamin D also has profound effects
on absorption of calcium and magnesium.
HYPOTHYROIDISM AND HERBS
Hypothyroidism is the under-production of hormones by the thyroid gland. It can
be hereditary or it may result from iodine deficiency. The thyroid needs iodine
to function normally. Without the proper amount of iodine the gland cannot
manufacture the normal quantity of its hormone, thyroxine.
The thyroid is a small butterfly shaped gland located in the neck and weighing
less than and ounce. The thyroid controls the metabolism which transforms food
into energy. It regulates the rate at which the body utilizes oxygen and
controls the rate at which various organs function. Every organ, tissue, and
cell is affected by the hormone secretions of the thyroid gland. Dr. Broda 0.
Bames, M.D., in his book Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, says "Of all
the sly, subtle problems that can affect physical or mental health, none is more
common than thyroid gland disturbances." Dr. Barnes has worked with patients for
over 35 years and says that he is convinced that as many as 40 percent of
Americans today are affected by some degree of hypothyroidism.
It is a well known fact that hypothyroidism can have a mental and emotional
effect on the body. The following are only a few of the problems Dr. Barnes
found that can be a result of hypothyroidism:
ANEMIA
APPETITE DECREASES
CONCENTRATION
DIFFICULTIES
CONSTIPATION
DEPRESSION
FATIGUE
HAIR PROBLEMS, (LOSS)
HEADACHES
HEART PROBLEMS
HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE
INFECTIONS
INSOMNIA
MEMORY DISTURBANCES
MENSTRUAL PROBLEMS
MENTAL FATIGUE
SKIN PROBLEMS
WEIGHT
LaDean Griffin, in her book Health In The Space Age, says that the thyroid
becomes weakened and it’s function is either over or underactive because of too
much mucus waste and improper nutrition with the added burden of not enough
iodine. The thyroid gland seems to be low in iodine when the body has an
infection (toxic buildup), such as a cold. It is also low in chronic disease.
The need, for iodine does seem to increase when swelling or infection invades
the body. Using natural herbs like Kelp or Dulse will regulate the gland whether
inactive or overactive. Iodine taken in the natural form is absorbed by the
thyroid and manufacturers the hormone thyroxine. LaDean says to use caution and
not take iodine at the same time as you take Vitamin C. for they will destroy
each other.
Dr. Barnes had used a simple temperature test for many years to determine
hypothyroidism. It has been published in medical literature and some doctors do
use his test. He says that commonly used tests for thyroid function are not
accurate, particularly when it comes to mild and even some moderate forms of
hypothyroidism, and many if not most of those with low thyroid function.
The test Dr. Barnes uses is called basal temperature test. Some early studies of
hypothyroidism patients in England noted that they ran temperatures below the
normal range. Dr. Bames found in his practice when he ran a basal metabolism
test, and it was a practice to take a patient's temperature first so that the
test would be accurate, he found that they were always lower than the normal.
The test is taken by putting a thermometer by your bed, and on awakening in the
morning you put it under your arm and leave it for ten minutes. The normal range
for underarm temperatures is 97.8 to 98.2 F. / temperature below 97.8 indicate
hypothyroidism; one above 98.2 hyperthyroidism.
THYROID ACTIVATOR is one way of
getting the iodine you need for normal thyroid function as well other essential
minerals. It contains all the essential minerals for a healthy thyroid, such as
Potassium, Magnesium, Iodine, Chlorine, and Sodium plus many more.
The mucilage found so abundantly in Irish Moss contains a kind of pectin which
exists in ripe fruits and vegetable juice, making it soothing to inflamed
tissues, which makes it useful in lung and kidney problems. Irish Moss purifies,
strengthens and vitalizes cells and vital fluids of the system. Other glands
besides the thyroid require iodine for healthy functioning. Irish Moss helps
supply it in a natural form. It has the ability of changing the chemistry of the
body from disease to health. It is useful to all the functions of the body. This
herb will support life if necessary for it contains most of the elements that
make up the human body.
KELP (Fucus vesiculosus) supplies all the essential minerals to the body
in a form that is easily assimilated. It is rich in Iodine and is strengthening
to the nervous system and the brain, helping the brain to function efficiently.
It is said to be essential during pregnancy. Kelp is rich in Sodium, which not
only is essential in treating rheumatism and arthritis, but also helps the
Calcium to be absorbed properly in the system. It contains Potassium which is
considered essential in purifying the blood and in treating cancer. Kelp is an
excellent promoter of glandular health. Glands include the thyroid, pituitary
and adrenal. Kelp contains every vital mineral needed for sustaining bodily
health. Kelp cleans the arteries and walls of the blood vessels, helps chronic
constipation, stomach disorders, and high blood pressure. It is almost
considered an emergency kit all its own.
BLACK WALNUT (Juglans nigra) helps the body to withstand stressful
conditions. Its properties are necessary for normal functioning of the adrenal
gland. It contains protein for healthy cells. It is rich in Potassium and
Iodine, which contains very healing and antiseptic properties. Black Walnut
oxygenates the blood and kills parasites and helps balance sugar levels. It is
also helpful in burning up excess toxins. Black Walnut's therapeutic properties
are: Astringent (has a constriction or binding effect, checks hemorrhage and
secretions), Tonic (promotes the function of the system). Antiseptic (helps
prevent the growth of bacteria), Vermicide (expels worms from the system),
Parasiticide (substance that destroys parasites in the digestive tract or on the
skin), Hemostatic (arrest bleeding), Antisyphilitic (has the ability to cure
venereal disease). Alterative (produces a healthful change, blood purifier, and
also helps the body to assimilate nutrients and eliminate waste), Laxative
(helps promote bowel regulation). Detergent (cleanser for boils, ulcers, and
wounds). Vulneray (healing for fresh cuts and wounds).
PARSLEY (Petroselinum sativum) is a good preventive herb. It contain:
vitamins and minerals and is rich in chlorophyll. The Calcium, Copper Iron,
Manganese work together to help create a hormone-like benefit to any stiff
"pockets" in the system. It contain easily assimilated Vitamin A that helix feed
the glands, which regulate the hormones. Parsley is excellent to help increase
resistance to infections and disease. It has a tonic effect on the entire
urinary system. Parsley root has been found tc contain all natural ingredients
that will produce an anodyne (pain-relieving) benefit to relax stiff fingers and
joints and to help promote more youthful flexibility of the limbs. Parsley is
high in Iron which is beneficial in strengthening the liver. It also acts as a
tonic to strengthen the muscles. Parsley's therapeutic properties are Diuretic
(increases the flow of urine), Tonic (promotes the system by stimulating
nutrition). Nervine (nourishes the nervous system and calms the nerves).
Carminative (helps to relieve gas and pain in the bowels), Expectorant (helps to
expel mucus from the lungs and throat).
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax ornata) is an excellent herb in glandular herbal
combinations. It has an invigorating affect to the entire system. In Indian
Herbology of North America, by Alma R Hutchens, it is stated that in the mid
1800's Sarsaparilla was a national phenomenon in the United States as a spring
tonic to eliminate poisons from the blood and purity the system. Sarsaparilla
contains cortin, one of the hormones secreted by the adrenal glands. It's
stimulating properties are noted for increasing the metabolic rate. It
stimulates breathing when there is congestion and increases circulation of the
blood. It contains B complex vitamins which help improve mental attitude and
strengthen the nervous system. It also contains the minerals that strengthen the
thyroid gland such as Iron, Copper, Sodium, Iodine, Manganese, Silicon, Sulphur
and Zinc. It also contains Vitamin A, C, and D. Sarsaparilla's therapeutic
properties are Alterative (herbs used to modify nutrition, so as to overcome
morbid processes), Diuretic (increasing the secretion and flow of urine),
Demulcent (relieving inflammation, soothing mucilaginous), Stimulant (herbs that
increase the energy of the body, speeds up circulation, and breaks up
obstructions), Antiscorbutic (preventing or curing scurvy).
Herbs will balance the thyroid whether low or high. NSP has the following herb
available:
Thyroid Activator (100 capsules)
Thyroid Support (60 capsules)
TS II - Stock (100 capsules)
Target TS II (90 capsules)
KELP (100 capsules)
BLACK WALNUT (100 capsules)
Liquid Dulse (2 oz)
Go to my personal
NATURE'S SUNSHINE site for your Personal "Health Analysis".
You may
also check on product information, ordering and become a member for FREE.
Contact: Karen Olerich, Herb Specialist and Natural Health Consultant
Phone: (719) 495-4930
E-mail:
Karen
