Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism 
Hveragerthi
14 y
5,850
http://nhiondemand.com/ViewContent.aspx?mgid=109
The thyroid gland uses iodine to make thyroid hormones. The two most important are thyroxine (T4), which has four iodine molecules in its chemical structure, and triiodothyronine (T3), which has three. More than 99 percent of all thyroid hormones are bound to proteins in the blood and do not interact with the body cells. Only a small fraction is free, but these free thyroid hormones are the important and active hormones that directly interact with body cells.
Normally, the rate of thyroid production is regulated by the pituitary gland. When there is insufficient thyroid in the body for normal functioning of cells, the pituitary releases another hormone, thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). This triggers the thyroid to make more hormones. Generally, the more severe the hypothyroid condition, the higher the level of TSH will be.
Hypothyroidism is defined as the clinical and biochemical syndrome resulting from decreased thyroid hormone production. Overt hypothyroidism occurs in 1.5 to 2 percent of women, and 0.2 percent of men, and its incidence increases with age.(2),(3),(4) The vast majority of hypothyroid patients have primary hypothyroidism, or thyroid gland failure. Less common causes include pituitary failure (secondary hypothyroidism) or even more rarely, generalized resistance to thyroid hormone. Hypothyroidism may be associated with heart disease(5), systematic lupus erythematosus (SLE)(6),(7) and preeclampsia.(8) Hypothyroidism is an independent risk factor for all-cause mortality.(9)
Thyroid hormone is essential for normal growth and development during embryonic life. Thyroid hormone deficiency during fetal and neonatal development results in mental retardation. In the child, thyroid hormone deficiency may manifest as growth retardation. In the adult, manifestations are varied and nonspecific. There is slowing of mental activity, as well as cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neuromuscular function.(10)
Causes of hypothyroidism include: primary hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, iatrogenic hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency, enzyme defects, thyroid hypoplasia, goitrogens, secondary hypothyroidism, pituitary disease, and hypothalamic disease.
World Health Organization, 2001.
American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, 2005.
American Medical Women's Association, 1999.
The Thyroid Society, 1996.
Selenium deficiency may cause an inhibition of deiodinase enzyme activity, which could result in elevated levels of circulating T4, and a corresponding decrease in the concentration of T3 in peripheral tissues. Low levels of selenium may also accelerate the depletion of iodine from the thyroid gland and increase some of the problems associated with iodine deficiency. Selenium deficiency may also be involved in the occurrence and development of iodine deficiency disorders. In China, Keshan disease, which is primarily due to selenium deficiency, was also observed to alter thyroid hormone metabolism.(15)
It has also been noted that selenium deficiency may cause a lowering of glutathione peroxidase activity in the thyroid gland. This in turn could allow hydrogen peroxide produced during thyroid hormone synthesis to be more cytotoxic. In individuals who are deficient in both selenium and iodine, selenium supplementation may aggravate hypothyroidism by stimulating thyroxin metabolism via the selenoenzyme type I iodothyronine 5'-deiodinase. In cases of combined selenium and iodine deficiencies, selenium supplementation is not used without iodine and thyroid hormone supplementation.(16)
Overdosages of iodine may lead to symptoms of hyperthyroidism, including weight loss, fatigue, and frequent soft stools. These symptoms were reported in a 72-year-old female following six months of ingesting a commercial kelp product.(21) Another report of a 24 year old woman developing thyroid goiter after taking a proprietary product, which included 0.4-0.5mg/day of iodine for three months.(22) It is recommended that products be used in which the iodine content is assayed to avoid potential iodine toxicity problems.
Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C
Weakness; Nervous restlessness; Cold sensitive
Typical Dosage: 6X or 6C, 30X or 30C
Coldness of hands and feet; Lowered metabolism
Typical Dosage: 6X
Sarcode support
Acupuncture was used to treat 14 cases of hypothyroidism in patients recovering from serious brain injuries. Scalp acupuncture was applied at both the front slant (from Qian Ting (Du 21) to Xuan Li (GB 6)) and the rear slant of the temple (from Bai Hui (Du 20) to Qu Bin (GB 7)) on the side where intracranial hemorrhage occurred. For postoperation patients, acupuncture was applied at both the front and rear slants of the temple (from Qian Ting (Du 21) to Bai Hui (Du 20) and from Feng Fu (Du 16) to Ya Man (Du 15)) on the unoperated side. The needles were retained for an hour after insertion. In addition, body acupuncture was applied on Jian Yu (LI 15), Qu Chi (LI 11), Nei Guan (P 6) and He Gu (LI 4) in the upper limbs, and on Huan Tiao (GB 30), Zu San Li (St 36), Cheng Shan (UB 57) and San Yin Jiao (Sp 6) in the lower limbs. The uniform reinforcing-reducing method was in maneuvering the needles, and the needles were retained for 30 minutes. One course of treatment consisted of 15 sessions. The results: the thyroid function improved in all patients; in particular, T4, FT 4 (P<0.01), and rT3 (P<0.05) all significantly improved, so much so they were not significantly different from those of healthy people (P<0.05).(24)
Moxibustion treatment
Herb power-mediated moxibustion was used to treat 7 cases of hypothyroidism. Warming and kidney yang-reinforcing herbs were ground into fine powder and applied on Shen Shu (B23), Pi Shu (B20), and Ming Men (Du 4) as moxibustion medium. Three to five moxas were applied per acupoint in each session. Three sessions were conducted each week, and one course of treatment lasted four months. The results: 3 cases had the condition under control, 2 cases improved, and the remaining 2 cases did not respond to the treatment.(25)
Extracts derived from bovine, procine, or sheep have been used for generations by healers from a wide variety of cultures. The ingestion of gland materials was said to strengthen the corresponding organs or glands within the human body.
Glandular extracts are used for health maintenance, rejuvenation, and conditional support to organ-specific conditions. Glandular extracts consist of peptides, proteins, fatty acids, and traces of hormones, as well as signal or messenger substances. These constituents are thought to contribute to the physiologic effects of the substances. Some active peptides have been identified within various glands; however, it will take years to identify all of the various peptides that have beneficial effects. Isolating single fractions contained in these agents may negate the purpose of providing organ-specific nutrition. They can be thought of as concentrated food sources, supplying certain nutrients to support organ-specific function.
Thyroid extracts support thyroid functions and help regulate metabolic activities. These products may provide a mild increase in energy and stamina.(30)
Most recently, reactivity to foods has been implicated in thyroid dysfunction. Various labs offer food intolerance screenings. In addition, if this proves true in an individual, assessment of the status of nutrient exchange in the gut should be considered. In addition, a great deal of research is now being oriented at stress and its effects on the neuroendocrine response. Elevated cortisol or long-term adrenal exhaustion can contribute to down regulation of thyroid activity.
Other clues to investigate include heavy metal or halogen toxicity (toxic inhibitor for thyroid receptors).
I have stated a number of times in the past that I have no problem with iodine supplementation as long as it is not over done, and I really prefer natural sources. I don't recommend Lugol's for this reason, but I do recommend seaweeds such as dulse and bladderwrack or black walnut hull, which is also a good source.
In addition I like to emphasize to people that iodine IS NOT the cure all for hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is just one of many causes of hypothyroidism. This is why I tell people that if you go to an herbalist for hypothyroidism and they just tell you to take kelp then run away quick!!! If they say this then they obviously do not have a clue what they are talking about. Again iodine will work for some, but not all causes, of hypothyroidism.
As for the reference in the article the only way to find out what that is all about is to look at the abstract or study. There would likely be an explanation of the finding there.
Why have I not yet seen you post anything related to hypER-T? Perhaps I've simply missed something here or there.
Thoughts on hyperthyroidism and iodine supplementing, source of supplementation aside.
I have discussed it a few times. Not sure if all of them were one these boards. Mainly discussing not overdoing the iodine, using herbs to suppress thyroid function such as bugleweed, Melissa (lemon balm) and prunella, and focusing on the adrenals for autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Grave's disease).
Excessive iodine intake can put the thyroid in to overdrive. Unfortunately it is very difficult to tell if you are getting to much iodine unless you really over do it. This can cause a suppression of thyroid hormone, mouth ulcers, diarrhea, vomiting, hyperactivity, swollen salivary glands, rough skin, mental problems, emotional instability, and a metallic taste in the mouth. This is why I had a fit earlier when a poster was recommending 50mg daily since the body uses iodine in micrograms:
http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1518340#i
>>I have discussed it a few times. Not sure if all of them were one these boards. Mainly discussing not overdoing the iodine, using herbs to suppress thyroid function such as bugleweed, Melissa (lemon balm) and prunella,
This statement is unclear. You refer to using herbs, etc. to suppress thyroid function directly following the iodine reference. Are you suggesting some benefit to suppressing thyroid function (as one might for hyper-T) or the opposite?
You were asking my thoughts on iodine supplementation so I addressed that. And you asked about why you have not seen me mention hyperthyroidism so I addressed that. I only recommend the herbs for suppressing the thyroid in cases of hyperthyroidism.
>>and focusing on the adrenals for autoimmune hyperthyroidism (Grave's disease).
Article suggests a variety of causes. Do you suggest that supporting adrenals will address those such as environmental, genetic, etc.?
This is an autoimmune condition, which is not hereditary (genetic). A major part of autoimmune conditions is adrenal function as the adrenals are regulators for immune responses and proper adrenal function is essential for the production of the normal high affinity antibodies as opposed to the autoimmune low affinity antibodies.
http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter10/10__causes.htm
CAUSES OF GRAVES' DISEASE
Since Graves' disease is accepted as a disease syndrome induced by autoimmunity to the thyroid, the question of cause resolves into why autoimmunity to the thyroid is present. It is not clear that any other "cause" of Graves' disease is present, other than disordered immunity. There is, for example, no evidence that the thyroid or its protein antigens are initially abnormal 50. Contemporary understanding is that the process involves a variety of factors allowing self-reactivity to occur. (Table 10-2) While our immune system is designed to prevent self-reactivity, to some extent, very low levels of self-reactity are normally present 2. Presumably genetic and environmental factors interact to augment this immunity, from a low and physiologically unimportant level, to a degree that causes a disease state. Several factors can be identified with some certainty, and others have been suggested and will be noted. It always remains possible, when a specific individual cause is not known, that ultimately one single cause of Graves' disease will be discovered. Current ideas suggest this is not the case.
>>Excessive iodine intake can put the thyroid in to overdrive.
Tell me about it.
>>This is why I had a fit earlier when a poster was recommending 50mg daily since the body uses iodine in micrograms:
http://curezone.com/forums/fm.asp?i=1518340#i
Uh-oh. Challenging the V. Gotta' agree with my man here. It's your forum, and I'm not interested in becoming adversarial - but I do not feel, from my own experience that (FOR SOME) 50mg is over the top. Remember, so much more is involved in supplementing at that level (the so-called "companion nutrients", etc.) - and I won't go into detail because, while unfortunate, I know you are not interested.
My health improved dramatically at around 50 mg (Lugols solution),
50mg of a solution is different from 50mg of iodine. Way different. If I dissolve 1 milligram of sugar in 50mg, which would technically be 50ml, of water the solution does not constitute 50mg of sugar. It is still 1mg of sugar.
And it has been shown that over 175 micrograms (MCG) daily of iodine can quickly lead to problems in the body. If people what to take the shotgun approach and put their body at a higher risk of side effects why not just go the pharmaceutical route?
along with Selenium, C, the CN's. It was when I increased to 400-500 mg (for no reason aside from the thrill of improved health, mental and physical function) and dropped the SeMc, stopped eating my Brazil nuts, etc. that I became hyper-T. And still no real proof it was the iodine/dide.
Even Battie once wrote about the "diminishing return" in iodine supplementing. These guys "get it". If you followed their forum every day (which I would never expect, nor should) you would discover that there is no "pushing" of any certain quantity. The interest of the forum owners is that of providing, compiling, and attracting from others information related to the benefits of iodine, the hazards and history of bromide, fluoride, etc. One of this (and other) countries greatest crimes against humanity.
I agree with the fluorine and bromine being hazardous and have addressed that numerous times. But I still do not beleive in megadosing of any supplement whether it be vitamin C or iodine.
Okay - now a question. Very important to me. *Your opinion* (and let's leave the adrenal support preference on the side for a minute) - do you believe adding iodine to the diet, however one should choose to do so (BWH, Lugols, SSKI, Magnascent, brazil nuts...), is of greater therapeutic value in cases of hyper-T or hypo-T? I understand the risks of over-supplementation, so no need to reiterate.
Building the adrenals can help with both. They have a feedback mechanism with the thyroid that helps the thyroid from becoming underactive and it helps to regulate the immune response in the case of autoimmune hyperthyroidism. So either way building the adrenals can help.
>>50mg of a solution is different from 50mg of iodine. Way different.
He was referring to 50 mg of Lugols solution - 5% iodine, 10% potassium iodide,85% distilled water - yielding 6.25 mg per horizontal drop -- and/or Iodoral, which contains 20mg iodine, 30mg potassium iodide (the 50 mg per tablet) in a colloidal silica base.
Then he needs to specify that. Saying 50mg of iodine is not saying a diluted solution and is a toxic level. If you read the whole thread the debate started with the content of iodine in black walnut hull, which is significant. But he said that 15mg of actual iodine was not significant and that is when he said 50mg. Saying 15mg is not significant then recommending 50mg iodine implies 50mg of actual iodine, not 50mg of a diluted solution. Especially considering the fact that liquids are not measured by millgrams (mg), but rather in milliliters (ml). Therefore his claim again implies an amount of elemental iodine, not the diluted liquid solution.
Re: What do you think? cora
14 y
4,732
I was part of that thread/debacle, mostly a spectator attempting an effort to mediate/mitigate/minimize the debate and CONFUSION. I suppose the "aqueous solution" clarification is something intrinsically presumed within the context of the VWT vernacular. When referring to iodine supplementation it is a given. After all, the forms of iodine which are primarily supported, researched, and reported on by the team and forum members are Lugols, SSKI, Magnascent (all SOLUTIONS) and Iodoral (buffered).
When talking about drugs confusion can be deadly. It is like when someone was casually mentioning using oleander soup on the cancer board with no statement that it has to be prepared to remove the poisonous cardiac glycosides. Someone completely unfamiliar with oleander that went out picked some leaves and cooked them in to a soup will likely be dead before they could get the second spoonful to their mouth.
To add to that, in his argument he again stated that 15mg of elemental iodine is insignificant, but the 50"mg" of Lugol's, which you state provides 20mg elemental iodine, is all of a sudden plenty? A difference of 5mg iodine is not a big difference. So I still believe that he is clueless to what he was talking about and he really meant 50mg elemental iodine, which would be dangerous.
>>When talking about drugs confusion can be deadly. It is like when someone was casually mentioning using oleander soup on the cancer board with no statement that it has to be prepared to remove the poisonous cardiac glycosides. Someone completely unfamiliar with oleander that went out picked some leaves and cooked them in to a soup will likely be dead before they could get the second spoonful to their mouth.
You're probably referring to Tony here.
No, it was one of his followers.
>>To add to that, in his argument he again stated that 15mg of elemental iodine is insignificant, but the 50"mg" of Lugol's, which you state provides 20mg elemental iodine, is all of a sudden plenty? A difference of 5mg iodine is not a big difference. So I still believe that he is clueless to what he was talking about and he really meant 50mg elemental iodine, which would be dangerous.
Again - a vernacular thing. EVERYONE involved in debating and assuming another's position on these topics needs to SLOW DOWN. And the is one thing I guarantee Chris (V/User X) is NOT, as it relates to chemistry, iodine/dide - NOT "clueless".
We are going to have to agree to disagree on this point for the reasons I already stated.
