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There’s no doubt that thyroid disease
is on the rise. Now the question is why?
The reason your weight loss attempts might not be working is because your
weight loss canary might be suffering…let me explain.
From the research I’ve reviewed and the patients I’ve seen in the last 20
years, it’s clear to me that the thyroid gland is your body’s own yellow
canary. It’s sensitive to many different influences—your diet, your
lifestyle, and the world around you. And all of these influences can affect
how well your thyroid functions.
Remember how miners used to detect toxic methane gas and carbon monoxide?
They sent bright yellow canaries into the mines. Canaries are highly
sensitive to these gasses—so much so that they die when exposed to them.
Their deaths served as a warning system for miners so they do not enter and
become exposed to poisonous air.
So, it’s not surprising that as we eat more toxic foods and are increasingly
exposed to pollution, petrochemical and industrial wastes, and heavy metals
that thyroid problems have also skyrocketed. In fact, more than 20 percent
of women and 10 percent of men in the United States have thyroid
dysfunctions—and half of them don’t even know it!
But exactly how does your environment affect your thyroid?
We now have substantial research to demonstrate that environmental chemicals
have a direct impact on the thyroid gland. It’s clear that PCBs and other
industrial petrochemical toxins can lower thyroid function, as well as other
pollutants such as chlorine, fluoride, and bromide.
Since the thyroid produces hormones that manage your metabolism, anything
that affects your thyroid will ultimately affect your metabolism. In fact,
there’s evidence that toxins boost the excretion of thyroid hormones,
leaving you with less of this hormone to control your metabolism—and a
decreased ability to burn fat.
The truth is, your thyroid plays a huge role in weight control, and in
determining your metabolic rate.
The question is not if, but how much is today’s obesity epidemic linked to
the harmful effects of environmental toxins on metabolism.
I’ve seen so many patients struggle with their weight, only to have the
pounds melt off when we addressed their thyroid problems.
True, not everyone’s weight problems are caused by thyroid dysfunction—but
if you’re overweight, you should consider the connection. That’s why the
best medical doctors always check their patients’ thyroid functions and will
consider all the possible causes of subtle thyroid imbalance, including
toxins, food allergies, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.
Now let’s talk about some of those other factors.
For example, food allergies, like sensitivities to gluten and other foods,
also negatively affect thyroid function—and are frequently undiagnosed.
Likewise, deficiencies in nutrients important to good thyroid function—like
selenium, zinc, omega-3 fatty acids. and iodine and tyrosine—can also
trigger thyroid problems.
With all of these factors that can affect your thyroid, it’s clear that we
need a new approach to the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid disease. Many
doctors can miss the subtle signs of thyroid problems, and conventional
medicine often treats low thyroid function with inadequate,
one-size-fits-all drugs like Synthroid.
However, thyroid dysfunction requires a more personalized, integrative
approach—one that you can help control by becoming an active partner in your
care. First, keep an eye out for the symptoms of a low thyroid function,
including:
• fatigue
• sluggishness
• trouble getting up in the morning
• depression
• dry skin
• dry hair
• constipation
• fluid retention
• menstrual problems and PMS
• hair loss
• cracked or chipping fingernails
• low sex drive
• weight gain
• muscle aches
• cramps
Yes, a lot of those symptoms are pretty common and vague—which is one reason
why thyroid dysfunction often goes undetected. But if you notice any of
these signs, bring them to your doctor’s attention, and ask him or her to
test your thyroid function.
If you are diagnosed with low thyroid function, the following steps
recommended:
1. Eliminate the causes of thyroid problems, like toxins, food allergies,
and nutritional deficiencies.
2. Exercise and take saunas.
3. Eat foods that provide nutritional support to your thyroid—and avoid
those that don’t.
4. Use supplements that protect your thyroid, such as vitamins A and D,
selenium, zinc and fish oil.
5. Work with your doctor to choose the right thyroid replacement for you. It
should combine both the inactive and T4 hormone found in Synthroid and the
active hormone T3, found in other medications.
Remember, thyroid hormone is the master metabolism hormone. If your thyroid
is out of balance, your metabolism is out of balance, too.
Do you have a dysfunctional thyroid?
Know that the problem can be fixed. By following the program here you can
get your thyroid working properly, keep your weight under control and start
feeling better today.
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