Showing posts with label hashimoto. Show all posts
Showing posts with label hashimoto. Show all posts
The 2-Minute Thyroid: The Second Most Important Thing
The Hypothyroid Stomach
It's hard enough to have symptoms like fatigue or lack of motivation when
you are suffering from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, but it is common
to have stomach problem too. Normally, the stomach pH is very acidic but
hypothyroidism tends to slow metabolism in general which, among other
things, causes the parietal cells in the stomach to produce less stomach
(hydrochloric) acid. Proteins cannot be properly digested in this environment
and food putrefies. Secondary organic acids are produced and these acids
can be too acidic even for the tough lining of the stomach.
Over time, lack of proper stomach acid production can lead to
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers.
In my clinical experience, the majority of hypothyroid patients also have
abnormal cortisol levels at different times of the day. Cortisol is one of
the many hormones involved in the web of chemical events that affect thyroid
metabolism. Cortisol, too, lowers hydrochloric acid production. It thins the
mucous that protects the stomach lining and it inhibits the normal cellular
repair of the stomach. These three factors all can contribute to the poor
digestion experienced by so many hypothryoid patients.
In this way, hypothyroidism indirectly causes gas, bloating, stomach pain,
burning, heartburn, bad breath and other unpleasant symptoms. Poor acidic
content can also interfere with the absorption of B12, iron and folic acid,
which can cause anemia.
When a patient presents with these symptoms we analyze their blood work for
markers that suggest poor protein digestion. We use functional ranges
instead of conventional laboratory ranges because they are generally
narrower. This is useful for detecting abnormal metabolic shifts in
individuals (Lab ranges cannot tell whether a marker is normal and healthy,
only that the marker is within a range established by 95% of the population
of the lab.).
The good news is that once properly diagnosed low stomach acid is usually
fairly easy to correct.
you are suffering from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's, but it is common
to have stomach problem too. Normally, the stomach pH is very acidic but
hypothyroidism tends to slow metabolism in general which, among other
things, causes the parietal cells in the stomach to produce less stomach
(hydrochloric) acid. Proteins cannot be properly digested in this environment
and food putrefies. Secondary organic acids are produced and these acids
can be too acidic even for the tough lining of the stomach.
Over time, lack of proper stomach acid production can lead to
gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and ulcers.
In my clinical experience, the majority of hypothyroid patients also have
abnormal cortisol levels at different times of the day. Cortisol is one of
the many hormones involved in the web of chemical events that affect thyroid
metabolism. Cortisol, too, lowers hydrochloric acid production. It thins the
mucous that protects the stomach lining and it inhibits the normal cellular
repair of the stomach. These three factors all can contribute to the poor
digestion experienced by so many hypothryoid patients.
In this way, hypothyroidism indirectly causes gas, bloating, stomach pain,
burning, heartburn, bad breath and other unpleasant symptoms. Poor acidic
content can also interfere with the absorption of B12, iron and folic acid,
which can cause anemia.
When a patient presents with these symptoms we analyze their blood work for
markers that suggest poor protein digestion. We use functional ranges
instead of conventional laboratory ranges because they are generally
narrower. This is useful for detecting abnormal metabolic shifts in
individuals (Lab ranges cannot tell whether a marker is normal and healthy,
only that the marker is within a range established by 95% of the population
of the lab.).
The good news is that once properly diagnosed low stomach acid is usually
fairly easy to correct.
5 Ways A Clean Liver Can Help You Burn Fat
As part of our new "Turbo-Charged Zerona Cleanse" we take great care to cleanse the liver. Why? If the liver is overwhelmed by the presence of abnormal microbes in the intestine, food sensitivities or abnormal immune function for example, it can’t do one of its most important jobs: keep weight and body fat under control.
Here are five ways this super-organ of detoxification helps keep you slim.
Thyroid
The liver influences hormone activity, which can significantly affect your ability to maintain your desired weight and shape. For example, the liver produces about 80 percent of the active thyroid hormone T3. T3 increases your body's metabolism meaning that you burn more calories when your T3 levels are normal. Some people who suffer from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's can
have trouble with this conversion.
Inflammation
Every day we are exposed to a variety of external and internal toxins that the liver must neutralize in order to keep us healthy. Buildup of toxins can result in a sluggish liver with decreased fat-burning capacity. This can happen because the inflammation caused by some toxic substances inhibits fat-burning chemicals, or enzymes.
Estrogen
The liver breaks down excess estrogen. Too much of this hormone can cause weight gain. Also, excess estrogen increases the amount of fat the body stores. It does this in a number of ways such as by interfering with normal thyroid hormone activity - causing hypothyroidism.
Cortisol
The liver decreases the amount of circulating cortisol. Cortisol, also know as the stress hormone, is a culprit behind the build-up of abdominal fat. High levels of the hormone interfere with the normal breakdown of fats and increase the activity of enzymes responsible for producing fat. This is why stress can actually make you fat.
Insulin
Similar to cortisol, the liver also keeps insulin levels in check. Too much insulin slows down fat metabolism and causes weight gain.
Here are five ways this super-organ of detoxification helps keep you slim.
Thyroid
The liver influences hormone activity, which can significantly affect your ability to maintain your desired weight and shape. For example, the liver produces about 80 percent of the active thyroid hormone T3. T3 increases your body's metabolism meaning that you burn more calories when your T3 levels are normal. Some people who suffer from hypothyroidism or Hashimoto's can
have trouble with this conversion.
Inflammation
Every day we are exposed to a variety of external and internal toxins that the liver must neutralize in order to keep us healthy. Buildup of toxins can result in a sluggish liver with decreased fat-burning capacity. This can happen because the inflammation caused by some toxic substances inhibits fat-burning chemicals, or enzymes.
Estrogen
The liver breaks down excess estrogen. Too much of this hormone can cause weight gain. Also, excess estrogen increases the amount of fat the body stores. It does this in a number of ways such as by interfering with normal thyroid hormone activity - causing hypothyroidism.
Cortisol
The liver decreases the amount of circulating cortisol. Cortisol, also know as the stress hormone, is a culprit behind the build-up of abdominal fat. High levels of the hormone interfere with the normal breakdown of fats and increase the activity of enzymes responsible for producing fat. This is why stress can actually make you fat.
Insulin
Similar to cortisol, the liver also keeps insulin levels in check. Too much insulin slows down fat metabolism and causes weight gain.
Chances Are Your Thyroid Gland Isn’t The REAL Issue!
For 75 to 90 percent of hypothyroid sufferers in the United States the thyroid gland is not at all defective. For this vast majority of patients their thyroid gland is (or was) capable of functioning normally. Yet, they still experience hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, depression, weight gain, lack of motivation, depression, feeling cold all over, etc. Why is this?
The trouble lies with the immune system.
Normally the immune system attacks foreign antigens (invaders) like viruses and bacteria, but in Hashimoto’s Thyroid the immune system mistakenly recognizes the thyroid gland as an antigen and actively destroys it.
Hashimoto’s is the most common autoimmune disease. It affects approximately 7% of all Americans. If you have Hashimoto’s chances are your immune system is attacking another body structure as well. Common targets of autoimmune disease in the Hashimoto’s patient include the stomach, brain and pancreas. These autoimmune attacks can cause conditions like anemia, vertigo and diabetes respectively.
What You Can Do:
1. Rule out Hashimoto’s with blood tests that look at TPO and TBG antibodies. If these tests are normal don’t be surprised – autoimmune diseases wax and wane. Go ahead and eat plenty of gluten (found in pasta and bread) for 3 weeks. Repeat the tests. Chances are that if you have Hashimoto’s it will show up with these tests.
2. There are other specialty tests that can be run to rule out Hashimoto’s. I cover these on my DVD “Dr. Ungaro’s Healthy Thyroid Program.”
3. Learn what is provoking your immune system. Usually it is a combination of environmental and food sensitivities (think gluten), and abnormal microbes in the intestine.
4. Undergo a comprehensive blood test and ask a doctor who understands the multiple factors underlying Hashimoto’s thyroid to review it.
5. Check out Dr. Kharrazian’s Book, “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Blood Tests Are Normal?”
The trouble lies with the immune system.
Normally the immune system attacks foreign antigens (invaders) like viruses and bacteria, but in Hashimoto’s Thyroid the immune system mistakenly recognizes the thyroid gland as an antigen and actively destroys it.
Hashimoto’s is the most common autoimmune disease. It affects approximately 7% of all Americans. If you have Hashimoto’s chances are your immune system is attacking another body structure as well. Common targets of autoimmune disease in the Hashimoto’s patient include the stomach, brain and pancreas. These autoimmune attacks can cause conditions like anemia, vertigo and diabetes respectively.
What You Can Do:
1. Rule out Hashimoto’s with blood tests that look at TPO and TBG antibodies. If these tests are normal don’t be surprised – autoimmune diseases wax and wane. Go ahead and eat plenty of gluten (found in pasta and bread) for 3 weeks. Repeat the tests. Chances are that if you have Hashimoto’s it will show up with these tests.
2. There are other specialty tests that can be run to rule out Hashimoto’s. I cover these on my DVD “Dr. Ungaro’s Healthy Thyroid Program.”
3. Learn what is provoking your immune system. Usually it is a combination of environmental and food sensitivities (think gluten), and abnormal microbes in the intestine.
4. Undergo a comprehensive blood test and ask a doctor who understands the multiple factors underlying Hashimoto’s thyroid to review it.
5. Check out Dr. Kharrazian’s Book, “Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms When My Blood Tests Are Normal?”
Secrets Of A World Class Endocrinologist
Author and functional medicine doctor, Datis Kharrazian D.C., tells a story about taking a leading expert on endocrinology and thyroid function to lunch. The esteemed doctor is not only the head of the faculty at a prestigious medical school, but he writes endocrinology textbooks that are used nationwide. During the course of their lunch, the following conversation occurs:
M.D.: “What you say about the immune system and the thyroid is very interesting.”
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
M.D.: (slowly nodding) "Very interesting indeed."
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
Dr.K: "Do you know how understanding how the immune system causes thyroid problems will impact endocrinology?" (He's excited to hear the answer because so many Americans are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and the medical treatment hasn’t changed much from the 1950s.)
M.D.: "Not at all."
Dr. K: "How can that be?"
M.D.: "We're endocrinologists, not immunologists."
This is the age of (over) specialization and many specialists can't see the forest for the trees. In other words, they're trained in one specific area—not how one system interacts with other systems in the body.
A functional medicine practitioner offers the best chance of a successful outcome for thyroid patients because he can puzzle together information from specialties that relate to thyroid function, including endocrinology, immunology and gastroenterology, for example.
After all, thyroid problems are very complex. Every cell has a thyroid receptor so the impact of thyroid hormone is felt throughout the body. This is why thyroid patients complain of such diverse symptoms such as lack of motivation, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, feeling cold all over, hair falling out, dry skin, etc.
Some of these problems are capable of further worsening thyroid symptoms creating a viscous cycle. For example, brain function and thyroid metabolism influence each other: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain affect thyroid metabolism, which can then exacerbate dysfunction in the brain.
It’s important to understand the different approaches of conventional doctors and functional medicine practitioners when seeking treatment for diseases that are complex.
M.D.: “What you say about the immune system and the thyroid is very interesting.”
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
M.D.: (slowly nodding) "Very interesting indeed."
Dr. K: "Yes, it is."
Dr.K: "Do you know how understanding how the immune system causes thyroid problems will impact endocrinology?" (He's excited to hear the answer because so many Americans are suffering from hypothyroid symptoms and the medical treatment hasn’t changed much from the 1950s.)
M.D.: "Not at all."
Dr. K: "How can that be?"
M.D.: "We're endocrinologists, not immunologists."
This is the age of (over) specialization and many specialists can't see the forest for the trees. In other words, they're trained in one specific area—not how one system interacts with other systems in the body.
A functional medicine practitioner offers the best chance of a successful outcome for thyroid patients because he can puzzle together information from specialties that relate to thyroid function, including endocrinology, immunology and gastroenterology, for example.
After all, thyroid problems are very complex. Every cell has a thyroid receptor so the impact of thyroid hormone is felt throughout the body. This is why thyroid patients complain of such diverse symptoms such as lack of motivation, osteoporosis, gall bladder disease, elevated cholesterol or triglycerides, fatigue, headaches, weight gain, feeling cold all over, hair falling out, dry skin, etc.
Some of these problems are capable of further worsening thyroid symptoms creating a viscous cycle. For example, brain function and thyroid metabolism influence each other: Abnormalities in certain areas of the brain affect thyroid metabolism, which can then exacerbate dysfunction in the brain.
It’s important to understand the different approaches of conventional doctors and functional medicine practitioners when seeking treatment for diseases that are complex.
Immune System Imbalances In Hashimoto's Thyroid
Hashimoto's Thyroid can be thought of as an immune system problem. Often Hashimoto’s—an autoimmune disease—is caused by an imbalance in two types of immune cells called helper T cells. Helper T cells are important for normal immune responses and they come in two forms: Th1 cells initiate immune responses to kill foreign pathogens like bacteria and viruses—they aim to keep us disease-free. Conversely, Th2 is not involved in the destruction of foreign invaders, but help to identify them.
Normally, Th1 and Th2 cell levels are kept in an appropriate balance but in the case of Hashimoto’s Th1 is often dominant over Th2. This results in an overactive immune system that cannot distinguish harmful organisms from normal cells and tissues.
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s
It is often the case in conventional medicine that blood testing of Th1 and Th2 is not performed. An imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is not considered as a factor in Hashimoto’s and therefore the underlying aspects of the etiology are ignored.
Clinically, we can use a so-called Th1/Th2 challenge to determine ways to alleviate Hashimoto’s symptoms. This is accomplished by alternately supporting the Th1 and then the Th2 immune system with nutrition for a few days each. This way, we can establish foods and supplements that may be exacerbating or alleviating symptoms.
Nutrition and Hashimoto’s
In the case of an imbalance between Th1 and Th2, the goal is to reduce your intake of substances that make that imbalance worse. For example, if you have Hashimoto’s and we determine that your Th1 levels are above normal then you may want to avoid nutrients that support Th1 function such as echinacea, astragalus, maitake, beta-glucan, glycyrrhiza and Melissa officinalis.
You may want to ingest supplements that instead support Th2 function. These include caffeine, green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol, white willow bark, Pycnogenol and lycopene. Before taking any supplements, always speak with a medical professional.
Normally, Th1 and Th2 cell levels are kept in an appropriate balance but in the case of Hashimoto’s Th1 is often dominant over Th2. This results in an overactive immune system that cannot distinguish harmful organisms from normal cells and tissues.
Diagnosing Hashimoto’s
It is often the case in conventional medicine that blood testing of Th1 and Th2 is not performed. An imbalance between Th1 and Th2 is not considered as a factor in Hashimoto’s and therefore the underlying aspects of the etiology are ignored.
Clinically, we can use a so-called Th1/Th2 challenge to determine ways to alleviate Hashimoto’s symptoms. This is accomplished by alternately supporting the Th1 and then the Th2 immune system with nutrition for a few days each. This way, we can establish foods and supplements that may be exacerbating or alleviating symptoms.
Nutrition and Hashimoto’s
In the case of an imbalance between Th1 and Th2, the goal is to reduce your intake of substances that make that imbalance worse. For example, if you have Hashimoto’s and we determine that your Th1 levels are above normal then you may want to avoid nutrients that support Th1 function such as echinacea, astragalus, maitake, beta-glucan, glycyrrhiza and Melissa officinalis.
You may want to ingest supplements that instead support Th2 function. These include caffeine, green tea, grape seed extract, resveratrol, white willow bark, Pycnogenol and lycopene. Before taking any supplements, always speak with a medical professional.
Why Your Doctor's Not REALLY Treating Your Hashimoto's Thyroid
Fifth in our thyroid series.
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
Most cases of hypothyroidism in the U.S. are due to an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you are suffering from this disease you may be surprised to find out that your doctor isn’t treating it at all. In fact your M.D. may be ignoring it completely.
In Hashimoto’s, your body (specifically, your immune system) attacks your thyroid gland. No medical treatment exists for Hashimoto’s. There are, however, treatments for other types of autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, lupus erythematosus and Crohn’s disease. Treatments for autoimmunity include strong anti-inflammatory drugs like cortisone shots, and immunosuppressants. These can have serious side effects and aren’t effective in Hashimoto’s so they’re not used.
What is done about Hashimoto’s? Not much. Hashimoto’s gradually destroys the thyroid gland so a blood test may look normal even though many patients have all the symptoms of hypothyroidism: fatigue, weight gain, constipation, depression, etc. The well-intentioned (but uninformed) doctor says, “Well, it’s not your thyroid. I’ll put you on an anti-depressant and you should start to exercise.”
When hypothyroidism becomes present, patients with Hashimoto’s are treated the same as other hypothyroid patients: They are given thyroid hormone in one form or another and that’s it. The immune system is totally overlooked. Thyroid hormone alone is a one-size-fits-all type of therapy that is really only indicated for cases of uncomplicated primary hypothyroidism (PH). PH is one of over 20 patterns of thyroid dysfunction and it’s not the most common, by far. In previous posts about the thyroid, I’ve described some of these patterns and written about the many chemical reactions that need to take place for your body to properly manufacturer, activate, transport and utilize thyroid hormone. See the links below.
The bottom line here is that if you have Hashimoto’s you need to work with a doctor who practices Functional Medicine and appreciates the underlying biochemistry of the immune system and thyroid metabolism. A functional medicine doctor will perform comprehensive diagnostic testing, help you make lifestyle changes to promote better health, and provide you with nutrutional supplements that support normal thyroid function.
With a complete diagnosis, healthy lifestyle guidance, and nutritional supplements you’ll have more manageable symptoms including more energy, easier weight loss and better skin.
Thyroid Links:
Hashimoto: The Missed Thyroid Diagnosis
Is Your Thyroid Hormone Activated?
What Your Doctor May Not Know About Your Thyroid
How Estrogen Hijacked The Thyroid Cab
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