The thyroid, located in the neck, is considered the master gland of metabolism. Around 10 million Americans suffer from hypothyroidism, most being women. The symptoms of hypothyroidism are fatigue, weight gain, cold extremities, dry skin, depression, constipation, and general sluggishness. Why has this condition become so common?
The Thyroid Hormones T3 and T4
The thyroid produces 2 key hormones – triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) – and releases them into the bloodstream. T3 is the more active hormone, the one that helps cells convert oxygen and calories into energy. The thyroid produces some of the T3 needed by the body. But much more T3 is actually converted from T4 in the liver, kidneys, hypothalamus, and muscles, with the help of an enzyme called deiodinase. This is referred to as “T4 to T3 conversion” . The T3 then attaches to thyroid hormone-sensitive receptors in the cells of the body. This activates chemical processes that control a cell’s energy and metabolic functions
Blood Tests:
A basic thyroid blood panel will test for T4 and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) levels. TSH is the hormone the pituitary releases to regulate the thyroid’s output of T4 and T3. However, a more complete panel will test for T3 levels Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) Antibodies, a marker that will indicate if an immune challenge exists in the thyroid. I also recommend having an adrenal panel done as well, checking for cortisol and DHEA levels in the body. Sometimes what is really an adrenal problem can mask as a thyroid problem, so measuring the functioning of both organs is one way to determine which to treat.
Nutritional Deficiencies and Toxic Substances
If T4 and T3 are low, but TPO levels are normal, the cause is generally an undernourished thyroid. The thyroid needs amino acids, fatty acids, and iodine to properly produce hormones. Many times, the iodine coming in is unable to bond to the receptor cells due to toxins that are blocking these receptors. Two of the common toxins are mercury and fluoride.
Amalgams are common sources of mercury leeching into the system, and attaching itself to the nearby thyroid, whose receptors are eager to bond with a metal (although it is iodine they are looking for!) Fluoride from toothpaste and most tap water does the same, but does the additional damage of destroying the enzymes the thyroid needs to produce T4 and T3.
Other man-made chemicals can disrupt thyroid production, conversion, and delivery as well. Pesticides, PCB’s, and xenoestrogen chemicals can alter iodine delivery to the thyroid, or breakdown the enzyme deiodinase required for conversion.
The testing modality NRT (Nutrition Response Testing) can help uncover these toxicities. Treatment is based on each case, but can consist of supplements to pull out mercury, fluoride, or other chemicals, and a mineral supplement to fill the open thyroid receptor cells.
Sometimes low T4 is a result of a true nutritional deficiency. For some people, a protein-bound iodine supplement can do wonders. Other people are not deficient in iodine, but just the amino acid that is needed for the iodine to bind to create T4. In this case, increasing dietary intake of the correct amino acids will help. Fatty acids also play a part in hormone production. A good omega 3 supplement should supply the thyroid with the fats it needs to create hormones. Nutrition Response Testing is a good way of determining which deficiency exists and which treatment to take.
“Autoimmune Condition”
When a blood test show high TPO antibodies, it means the body is attacking thyroid cells. Traditional western medicine calls this an autoimmune condition. However, the body is too smart to attack itself for no reason. Undoubtedly, a pathogen exists in the area – be it a virus, a yeast, a bacteria, or parasite – that the body is trying to clear. Underneath that is generally a chemical or heavy metal toxicity. NRT works well to identify supplements that will clear the toxicity, as well as aid the body in mounting a successful attack against the pathogen, while protecting the thyroid against further inflammation. Once the pathogen has cleared the system, the thyroid can repair itself and function properly again.
The Problem is Not in the Thyroid
Many times a blood test will show normal T4 levels, but low T3 levels. This is a T4-T3 conversion problem. Most of the conversion is accomplished outside the thyroid, and requires the work of deiodinase. As mentioned above, many man-made chemicals can inhibit this enzyme. Sometimes enough T4 and T3 are being produced, but chemicals are disrupting the delivery of the hormones to the cells of the body. These can be tested for through NRT. If in fact this is the problem, the offending chemicals need to be pulled out.
Selenium and zinc, both trace minerals deficient in our food supply, and vitamin E are needed to create this key conversion enzyme. Therefore, a trace mineral and vitamin E supplementation can be beneficial in improving T3 levels. Increasing consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, which are filled with beneficial enzymes, also help with the T4/T3 conversion.
Much of the T4/T3 conversion takes place in the liver, so periodic liver cleanses are helpful to strengthen the organ’s ability to carry out the process. Cortisol, a hormone secreted by the adrenal gland, also aids in the T4/T3 conversion, so focusing on adrenal health is important as well.
Sometimes, TSH levels and T4 levels are not in synch, which can point to a problem upstream in the endocrine system- the pituitary gland. One possible cause of pituitary sluggishness is Vitamin D deficiency. Other causes include pituitary damage by a tumor, surgery, or radiation.
Sometimes, blood levels will be at a normal range, yet a person still has symptoms of hypothyroidism. Possibly, the body is lacking in fatty acids and zinc, both of which are needed to enable the cells of the body to readily attach to the circulating T4/T3 hormones.
Medical vs. Alernative Treatment
Standard medical protocols are thyroid hormone replacement therapy, which is administering synthetic or animal based T4. Sometimes T3 is added as well. This generally does improve most symptoms. For those who have hypothyroidism, and are on medication for it, I highly suggest including alternative treatment as well, so that the underlying cause of the hypothyroidism can be understood and dealt with. This will actually enable the body to repair itself, and may reduce or eliminate the need for medication. When the root of the problem is removed, the symptoms will ameliorate. The NRT method is remarkable for detecting underlying causes of disease and providing information on how to accurately treat it. Basic dietary improvements and proper supplementation of herbs can heal the body at its core, and bring back balanced function.
