Cervical 7: Thyroid
The thyroid is an extermely important gland that lies right across the front of the neck. Hormones made by the thyroid control how the body uses energy (metabolism), makes proteins, and influences the responsiveness of the body to other hormones. The thyroid makes three major hormones: thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin (to control blood calcium). Up to 80% of T4 is converted to T3 by peripheral organs including the liver, kidney and spleen. This is an important fact because T3 is about ten times more active than T4. This means that thyroid hormone function in the body is not merely a function of a healthy thyroid gland, but also of these other organs.
Thyroid problems are very common, affecting about 1 in 13 people in the U.S. There are over 100 diseases and disorders that affect the thyroid. The most common disorders of the thyroid are go under the general categories of hyperthyroid and hypothyroid. I will also discuss two other conditions. The first is “Type II” Hypothyroidism, which is difficult to detect, but possibly more common than either of standard “Type I” thyroid conditions. The second is Post-Traumatic Hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid)
The most common cause of hyperthyroidism is Graves' disease. This occurs when the body's immune system overstimulates the thyroid. Common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:
- Jitteriness, shaking, increased nervousness, irritability
- Rapid heart beat or palpitations
- Feeling hot
- Weight loss
- Fatigue, feeling exhausted
- More frequent bowel movements
- Shorter or lighter menstrual periods
- Bulging eyes
Hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid)
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is Hashimoto's thyroiditis. In this condition, the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:
- Fatigue or lack of energy
- Weight gain
- Feeling cold
- Dry skin and hair
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Constipation
- Slowed thinking
- Sunken eyes
Type II Hypothyroidism (thyroid hormone resistance)
This condition has yet to be widely recognized by medicine today. In a way this condition is similar to Type II Diabetes where the body makes plenty of insulin, however the tissue have become resistant or desensitized to it. In Type II Hypothyroidism the blood thyroid levels may be normal, however, the cells of the body to not respond to it, allowing the body to exhibit all the traits and symptoms of hypothyroidism.
In these cases the use of desiccated thyroid glandular can prove extremely helpful. Prior to the use of synthetic pharmaceutical thyroid hypothyroid conditions were treated with great success with these kinds of products. They are natural, relatively inexpensive, free of adverse side effects. However, they are also not patentable, which makes them of little interest to pharmacological companies.
The following photos show examples of individuals with varying degrees of thyroid disorder treated with natural desiccated thyroid before the development of pharmaceutical synthetic thyroid.
This 14-year-old girl shown above has the puffy eyes, thick lips, flattened root of the nose, and straight, coarse hair consistent with a hypothyroid problem. She also suffered from constipation and poor appetite. The second photo was taken after 6 months of treatment with desiccated thyroid. Note the elevated bridge of the nose, bright eyes, thinner lips and healthier hair. Her constipation resolved and her appetite improved.
The individuals below were also treated with desiccated thyroid (prior to the advent of synthetic thyroid hormone) with visible improvement in their condition.
Post-Traumatic Hypothyroidism
In a study by Sehnert and Croft, it was found that some patients develop hypothyroidism after whiplash injuries. They studied 101 consecutive whiplash patients. The basal temperatures of 86% of the patients were below normal. Of these patients, 30% had thyroid function test results indicating hypothyroidism. Of the 14% of patients whose temperatures were normal, 33% had abnormal laboratory thyroid test results. Sehnert and Croft found that 30% of the 101 patients had Post-Traumatic Hypothyroidism. They concluded that whiplash can result in a form of hypothyroidism due to direct injury to the thyroid gland.
Checking Your Thyroid Function
It's well known that thyroid hormones have a direct effect on the basal, or resting, metabolic rate. Hypothermia, or lowered body temperature, is a common and medically accepted symptom of hypothyroidism. As a screening tool it is sometimes helpful to take your own Basal Body Temperature (BBT) for about 5 consecutive mornings immediately upon waking. If you get out of bed first for any reason do not bother taking the reading that day as it will not be accurate. If you are have your menstrual period then don't test for the first five days of your period. You can start testing on day 5. Individuals not menstruating can start on any day of the month.
To measure your BBT, use an older style oral glass (mercury) thermometer or you can get a special BBT thermometer at some pharmacies. For glass thermometers, shake it down before going to bed, and leave it on your nightstand within easy reach. As soon as you awake, with minimal movement, insert the thermometer under your armpit, right against your skin, and leave it for ten minutes. Record the readings for five consecutive days.
A BBT between 97.8 and 98.2 is most likely normal. Temperatures from 97.6 to 98.0 degrees Fahrenheit are evidence of possible hypothyroidism and temperatures less than 97.6 degrees are a stronger indicator of hypothyroidism.
If you find your BBT is on the low side you may consider having a blood test for TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). Normal TSH is .3, to 3.0 according to the current guidelines from the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists. (Some labs may report based on the old values of .5 to 5.0 if they are not up to date).
You can do a little self-check and feel the front of your neck for enlargement, nodules or sensitivity. Any of these findings along with any of the above symptoms can be a reason to have your thyroid checked further by a appropriate health care professional.
Nutrition and Supplementation
Minerals in the diet, especially selenium, iodine and zinc, are extremely important for a healthy thyroid. Soy products interfere with thyroid function because they contain phytic acid which blocks mineral absorption in the intestine. Important minerals for the thyroid are found in nuts like cashews and brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, yogurt, beef, lamb, pork and salmon.
Thyroid glandular can be a very helpful natural treatment for many cases of hypothyroid. Many people mistakenly believe that taking iodine is always good for the thyroid. For some people iodine or iodine-containing products can make autoimmune thyroid problems worse (e.g. Hashimoto's Thyroiditis and Graves' disease), and can also lead to enlargement of the thyroid (goiter). Currently about 12 percent of the U.S. population is iodine deficient, up from less than 3 percent in the early 1970s. So, for some people, iodine deficiency may be a factor in their thyroid problem. It would be a good idea to test for actual deficiency first with a urinary iodine test before supplementing extra iodine in these cases.
Thytrophin PMG (Standard Process Nutrition)
This is a Special Combination Formula that I use in my practice with primary ingredients of 45 Mg of bovine thyroid PMG® extract (processed to remove thyroxine), calcium lactate, and magnesium citrate.
The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland consisting of a large number of follicles (small secretory sacs or cavities) that contain thyroglobulin. Thyroglobulin is an iodine-containing protein from which thyroxine, triiodothyronine (T3), and tetraiodothyronine (T4) are derived (T3 and T4 stimulate every tissue in the body to produce proteins and increase the amount of oxygen used by cells). Thyroxine, a principle hormone secreted by the thyroid gland, enhances the capability of all food types for energy production and increases the rate of protein synthesis in most tissues. Parafollicular cells secrete the hormone calcitonin (works together with parathyroid hormone). Calcitonin is involved in calcium metabolism and works to decrease blood calcium levels. Calcitonin also inhibits bone resorption (act of removal by absorption).
Thytrophin PMG Maintains Cellular Health
Protomorphogen™ extract is the brand name of Standard Process' extracts derived from nucleoprotein-mineral molecules. The foundation for the function of these uniquely formulated nucleoprotein-mineral extracts comes from the antigen-antibody reaction that takes place during normal cell maintenance. The antigenic properties promote healthy cell division, function, and growth. When a tissue needs support, at least a dozen different compounds are formed that can cause white blood cells to travel together toward the compromised area. They include degenerative products of the tissues themselves. These substances strongly activate the macrophage system, and within a few hours, the macrophages begin to devour the destroyed tissue byproducts. At times, the macrophages can also affect the structure of the remaining healthy cells. The bovine thyroid PMG™ extract in Thytrophin PMG® appears to neutralize the circulating antibody, thereby contributing to the maintenance of cellular health.*
Improves calcium absorption
Calcium lactate is a very soluble calcium salt and highly bioavailable, changing to calcium bicarbonate (the type used by the body) in one chemical step. Unlike other forms of calcium, which are largely insoluble in water and need acid conditions to be absorbed, Standard Process' calcium lactate is highly soluble in water (a neutral pH) and does not depend on acidic conditions to perform its function.*
Enhances metabolic efficiency
Magnesium functions as a cofactor, assisting enzymes in catalyzing many chemical reactions. It functions in such reactions as nerve conduction and nerve excitability; energy transfer, muscular activity; and many other specific processes. This important mineral is a critical dietary substance and is an essential element in over 300 enzymes in the body. While magnesium is present in most cells in only minute quantities, it plays an important role in human metabolism, as does it partner, calcium. The magnesium in this product aids in the uptake of calcium lactate by the body. Magnesium and calcium are synergistic, meaning that what they do for the body together, they cannot perform on their own. Magnesium deficiencies are often accompanied by calcium and potassium deficiencies.*
Dr. Philip Greenwood, D.C.
Murrieta, California
Nutritional
| Supplement | Purpose... |
| Thytrophin | Thyroid glandular support |
| Cataplex F | Essential fatty acids. Cataplex-F tablets contain iodine, the perles do not. |
| Symplex F or Symplex M | Broad spectrum glandular support form women (Symplex F) and men (Symplex M) |
| Pro-EPA or Pro-DHA (Nordic Naturals™) | To support general glandular function |
Pfeiffer, C.C., Magnesium; Zinc and Other Micro-nutrients; p 66. 1978
Guyton, A.C., and Hall, J.E., Genetic Control of Protein Synthesis, Cell Function, and Cell Reproduction, Textbook of Medical Physiology, p 37
Guyton, A.C., and Hall, J.E., "white blood cells and chemotactic attraction." Textbook of Medical Physiology, 9th ed. P. 434
Guyton, A.C., and Hall, J.E., "Inflammation and function of macrophages." Textbook of Medical Physiology, 9th ed. P. 439
Leibovita, B., Nutrition Update; Vol 5;No 2; 1991
Van Mosseveide, B., Culinary Cures: Calcium Fortification; p 69-70; Food Product Design; September 1997 Celotti, F., and Bignamini, A. Dietary calcium and mineral/vitamin supplementation: a controversial problem. Journal of Internal Medicine Research, 1999. Jan-Feb;27(1):1-14
Zabel, M. et al. Effect of follicular cells on calcitonin gene expression in thyroid parafollicular cells in cell culture. Journal of Histochemistry. 1999. Mar;31(3):175-80
Shechter, M. et al. XXX. American Journal of Cardiology. 1999. Jul 15;84(2):152-6
* These statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
