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endocrine system
Hypothyroidism
Integrative Therapies
Home Care
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. Because this hormone affects all the cells of the body, a deficiency will result in a large number of symptoms. Among the signs of hypothyroidism are low body temperature, depression, excessive weight gain, and difficulty in losing weight. Also seen are dry skin, brittle hair and nails, headaches, tiredness, menstrual problems, recurrent infections, and constipation. In addition to these, hypothyroidism is associated with slow physical and mental development in children.
Hypothyroidism is usually due to hormonal malfunction or nutritional deficiencies. It can also be brought on by surgery or radiation therapy.
A good test for hypothyroidism, that can be done at home, is the basal body temperature test. Place a thermometer by your bed and before rising out of bed each morning, measure the temperature under your arm for 3 consecutive days. You should move as little as possible and keep your eyes closed while taking your temperature for 10 minutes. A temperature that is always low, under 97.5 degrees Fahrenheit, indicates hypothyroidism. Menstruating women are to perform this test 3 to 5 days after their monthly period starts. Men and post-menopausal women can do the test any morning.
Consult your physician for suspected hypothyroidism, especially if you are pregnant. Mild cases may not be detectable through blood tests.
THE PROPER DIET FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
An overall healthy diet Use fresh foods as close to the natural state as possible, avoiding prepackaged and processed foods. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains (such as brown rice and rolled oats), fresh fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Avoid sugars (such as pastries and candy) and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice). Drink at least 8 cups of fluids daily. For more information, refer to the article on healthy diet.
Some foods, when raw, contain substances which prevent iodine absorption in your body. These includes turnips, foods of the cabbage family, mustard, and soybeans. They need to be eaten cooked.
Shellfish, saltwater fish such as mackerel and sardines, and seaweeds are good sources of iodine in the diet and should be eaten several times per week.
THE FOLLOWING SUPPLEMENTS ARE USED FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM AND CAN BE TAKEN UNTIL SYMPTOMS IMPROVE:
The thyroid hormone is made from iodine and the amino acid tyrosine.
Iodine 300 micrograms per day.
Tyrosine 250 milligrams per day.
Kelp, which contains iodine 1 tablet with each meal.
Zinc, vitamin A, and vitamin E, as well as B and C vitamins, help in the manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Vitamin A 25,000 Units per day. Pregnant women (or women who may become pregnant) should not take more than 10,000 Units of vitamin A per day.
Zinc picolinate 30 milligrams per day.
Vitamin E 400 Units per day.
Vitamin B2 15 milligrams per day.
B-vitamin complex 25 to 50 milligrams per day.
Vitamin C 1,000 milligrams per day.
A good multivitamin This very often contains most of the previously mentioned vitamins.
Natural thyroid extract Use according to the manufacturer's directions.
AS A PHYSICAL THERAPY MEASURE FOR HYPOTHYROIDISM:
Exercise stimulates the thyroid gland and improves its functioning. Engage at least 10 to 15 minutes daily in physical exercise that will get the heart working vigorously. Brisk walking, aerobics, swimming, tennis, and racquetball are all excellent forms of exercise.
Clinic
Footnotes
BarShalom R, Soileau J. (eds.) Natural Health Hotline. Beaverton, OR: Integrative Medical Arts, 1991-1999.