How can I balance my thyroid gland?

Thyroid function is so critical to the body, each and every single cell – whether it’s the heart or the liver or the brain, all rely on this very important hormone.  When things go wrong with our thyroid glands, it is felt throughout the entire system.

 

Thyroid medications are not enough.  Even if you are responding to replacement medication, thyroid tissue gets irreversibly damaged unless the underlying cause is treated – meaning that over the years the thyroid’s natural ability to produce hormone reduces – creating dependence as dosages slowly creep up.  However, there are things that you can do to benefit your thyroid and keep it functioning well. 

 

1. Avoid Soy products completely as these contain components that impair the  production of thyroid hormone.  Millet is another food that should be avoided.
2. Cruciferous vegetables (cauliflower, cabbage, bok choy, broccoli) should be eaten in moderation and only well cooked, as cooking will destroy some of the enzymes that inhibit thyroid function.
3. Remove anything from diet that could aggravate immune system –  it is recommended to follow a basic paleo approach for at least 30 day period – strictly avoiding dairy, eggs, nightshades and all grains.  After 30 days re-introduce and watch lab changes and symptoms.
4. Repair and balance immune function: most cases of thyroid dysfunction are as a result of auto-immune antibodies. T regulatory cells are like little orchestra directors – they make sure that all aspects of immune system remain in balance - so if we can keep our T-regulatory cells happy – immune function remains happy.
5. Optimise Vitamin D levels to keep your T-regulatory cells in good condition.  Optimal levels of vitamin D3 are between 40-60 (Ask for the 25D test). From this you can calculate the optimal levels for supplementation. As inflammation suppresses conversion of sunlight to vitamin D, and if you live in higher altitudes where the solar angle is small, sunlight may not be enough.
6. Iodine is very important for thyroid function but must be taken together with selenium (this is very important to help Iodine convert in the thyroid gland without becoming toxic).  200ug selenium must be taken daily.
7. Glutathione – the master anti-oxidant in the body helps balance and regulate immune system – very important for any auto-immune disease.
8. The gut plays a critical role in thyroid immune function – your gut bacteria help regulate the immune system preventing an immune response to the thyroid – gut bacteria help promote T-regulatory cells to function by producing a critical component called butyrate. You can help your gut bacteria by eating more fermentable fibers that they can convert to butyrate by eating a wide range of fruit and vegetables. You can also eat butyrate directly by eating butter, which contains high level of this compound.
9. All auto-immune diseases stem from the gut – not eating fermentable fiber or fermentable food results in low levels of butyrate, leading to low levels of beneficial intestinal bacteria. As butyrate controls inflammation and supports T-cell regulation it can lead to leaky gut and if the gut is leaky – large proteins that get through the gaps in gut into the blood stream causing an immune reaction as the blood cells are not meant to encounter these large particles. Having a leaky gut is a precondition for developing an auto-immune condition.
10. Mistaken identity can cause thyroid problems – foods containing gluten and casein can cross-react with thyroid proteins causing a cross-reaction. Therefore, healing the gut is crucial.
11. Fillers in your medication – lactose in particular can make thyroid problems worse.  A study showed that most people with Hashimoto’s have lactose intolerance and in one study TSH levels were normalized by taking lactose (including lactose fillers) out of the diet.
12. Gluten can make thyroid problems worse – a recent study showed that a 6 month strict gluten avoidance diet can in some cases completely reverse antibodies.
13. A small number of people who have Hashimoto’s never develop antibodies and the only way to diagnose it can be through ultrasound – if you have the symptoms but your antibody test comes up negative it may be necessary to use ultrasound to look for thyroid nodules.

Thyroid function testing is available at the Centre for Holistic Health. Call 0131 556 8440 for more information.

 

By Charmaine Shepherd  B.Sc. Biomed., N.dip. Ac, MBAcC
Charmaine Shepherd is an Acupuncturist, Director of the Centre for Holistic Health and Author of Is it all in your mind? 10 Steps to Resolving the Underlying Causes of Anxiety and Depression. Available on Kindle!

Charmaine has a sensitive and holistic approach to health-care. She is dedicated to helping individuals take control of their own health. "I believe in supporting the innate healing ability of the body through the use of natural remedies, nutrition and lifestyle,” Charmaine Shepherd.