The thyroid is the "master gland" that sets off a number of assembly line functions that promote cellular metabolism and hormone responsiveness. Thyroid hormones need to be synthesized in the correct amounts so bodily functions are at their optimum.
Thyroid dysfunction, mainly hypothyroidism (under active thyroid) affects 13 million Americans. This number could be a lot higher as thyroid dysfunction happens gradually and may mimic other conditions or be ignored as insignificant symptoms. Fatigue, depression, poor concentration, constipation, and weight gain are common symptoms. If they are treated individually, the true problem will not be addressed as other parts of the body continue to suffer from cells deprived of appropriate communication.
Someone with an under active thyroid is usually prescribed a synthetic version of thyroid hormones. The outcome isn't always positive and there have been criticisms pointed toward its ineffectiveness. Dr.John C. Lowe developed "metabolic rehab" as a result of his working with numerous patients who remained unhealthy despite having normal drug levels of synthetic thyroid hormone.
Another similar condition that disrupts thyroid function is overexposure to bromides. Our environment is saturated with bromides in our food, plastics, medications, and fabrics. Bromides block receptor sites on the thyroid that are reserved for iodine which is an important catalyst for thyroid hormone synthesis. Although iodine is supplemented in foods such as salt, if they are blocked by bromide exposure the thyroid suffers.
Dr. Mercola, who is dedicated to reporting toxin dangers on his website, notes most people with under active thyroids have iodine deficiencies. A prescription of synthetic thyroid hormone does not help the situation because bromide over exposure is still harming not only the thyroid, but is also contributing to skin disorders, mental problems such as depression and schizophrenia, kidney damage, hearing loss, and cancer.
Learning how to reduce bromide exposure is very important. Utilizing nutritional cleanses to detox the body also provides benefits since we can't avoid all toxins. Look for a future article on implementing nutritional cleanses into your health routine.
Dr. Lowe & thyroid hormone replacement
Comments