Low Thyroid Tiredness - From Dr Tony
29 April 2010 at 05:32
Low Thyroid Tiredness
Excess tiredness or fatigue is the most frequent complaint that doctors hear from their patients. An under active thyroid (Hypothyroidism) is a very common though often unrecognized cause of a lack of energy. In the United States alone there are over thirteen million people who are not aware that their thyroid is underactive.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ located at the front of the neck, on both sides of the voice box or larynx. It produces thyroid hormones that serve many important functions including the control of our body temperature, metabolism and energy production.
The common symptoms of low thyroid function include: low energy, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, hair loss, brittle nails, depression, irritability, poor memory and intolerance to cold. Uncorrected hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood cholesterol, osteoporosis, infertility, anaemia and recurrent infections.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Females are seven times more likely to have this problem than men and although it can occur at any age, women are especially at risk just after having a baby, at the time of the menopause and over the age of 65. Conventional medicine tends to depend heavily on the results of blood tests to diagnose low thyroid function although experts agree that blood tests alone are often misleading. A careful evaluation including a detailed questioning and examination of the patient is necessary as many cases may go undiagnosed. The blood tests will then assist in confirming the doctor’s suspicion.
CHECK YOUR THYROID
A simple at home test of your resting body temperature called a Barnes Test can be most useful. Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which in turn is influenced by thyroid hormones. Since activity raises your body temperature, this test is done while you're lying in bed, before getting up in the morning. Low basal body temperatures (a positive Barnes Test) strongly suggest but do not prove hypothyroidism. If your temperature is low and you have symptoms of an under active thyroid, discuss the matter with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
A HOLISTIC ANSWER
A BALANCED DIET is most essential. Ensure optimal intake of iodine, zinc, vitamins C, E and B complex vitamins.. Ensure good levels of protein while minimizing simple carbohydrates in the diet. Supplementing with a program called ‘the Cellular Nutritional Program’ is very useful. It contains additional nutrients like kelp, cayenne and Kreb cycle factors which improve the metabolism. Herbs like green tea, Guarana and ginseng are useful in combating the tiredness of a low thyroid
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT. Individuals with immune dysfunction would benefit from supplementing with high dosages of anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C, E, selenium, the herbs schizandra, rosemary, pycnogenol, garlic and ginger, Large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids will help heal any inflammation of the thyroid gland.
STRESS MANAGEMENT. Thyroid disorders are often triggered off by stress and learning to handle stress in a healthy way is most beneficial. Relaxation techniques may be usefully applied.
EXERCISE increases the metabolism and has many other beneficial effects. Some yoga postures like the shoulder stand are particularly helpful as they stimulate, massage and increase the blood flow to the thyroid.
MEDICATION is the standard medical answer to hypothyroidism and a variety of synthetic drugs are used to give the body more of the lacking thyroid hormone. These are often necessary and very helpful. However many holistic physicians, prefer natural thyroid hormone replacement instead. These are also prescription medicines but are made from desiccated animal thyroid glands. You may wish to discuss this option with your doctor.
These issues and many more are addressed in my new book "An Ounce of Prevention - Especially for Women". Available this summer.
Contact www.debtrahern.com for help.
Excess tiredness or fatigue is the most frequent complaint that doctors hear from their patients. An under active thyroid (Hypothyroidism) is a very common though often unrecognized cause of a lack of energy. In the United States alone there are over thirteen million people who are not aware that their thyroid is underactive.
The thyroid gland is a small butterfly shaped organ located at the front of the neck, on both sides of the voice box or larynx. It produces thyroid hormones that serve many important functions including the control of our body temperature, metabolism and energy production.
The common symptoms of low thyroid function include: low energy, weight gain, dry skin, constipation, hair loss, brittle nails, depression, irritability, poor memory and intolerance to cold. Uncorrected hypothyroidism can lead to serious health problems like heart disease, high blood cholesterol, osteoporosis, infertility, anaemia and recurrent infections.
ARE YOU AT RISK?
Females are seven times more likely to have this problem than men and although it can occur at any age, women are especially at risk just after having a baby, at the time of the menopause and over the age of 65. Conventional medicine tends to depend heavily on the results of blood tests to diagnose low thyroid function although experts agree that blood tests alone are often misleading. A careful evaluation including a detailed questioning and examination of the patient is necessary as many cases may go undiagnosed. The blood tests will then assist in confirming the doctor’s suspicion.
CHECK YOUR THYROID
A simple at home test of your resting body temperature called a Barnes Test can be most useful. Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which in turn is influenced by thyroid hormones. Since activity raises your body temperature, this test is done while you're lying in bed, before getting up in the morning. Low basal body temperatures (a positive Barnes Test) strongly suggest but do not prove hypothyroidism. If your temperature is low and you have symptoms of an under active thyroid, discuss the matter with your doctor to confirm the diagnosis and begin appropriate treatment.
A HOLISTIC ANSWER
A BALANCED DIET is most essential. Ensure optimal intake of iodine, zinc, vitamins C, E and B complex vitamins.. Ensure good levels of protein while minimizing simple carbohydrates in the diet. Supplementing with a program called ‘the Cellular Nutritional Program’ is very useful. It contains additional nutrients like kelp, cayenne and Kreb cycle factors which improve the metabolism. Herbs like green tea, Guarana and ginseng are useful in combating the tiredness of a low thyroid
IMMUNE SYSTEM SUPPORT. Individuals with immune dysfunction would benefit from supplementing with high dosages of anti-oxidants like vitamins A, C, E, selenium, the herbs schizandra, rosemary, pycnogenol, garlic and ginger, Large amounts of omega 3 fatty acids will help heal any inflammation of the thyroid gland.
STRESS MANAGEMENT. Thyroid disorders are often triggered off by stress and learning to handle stress in a healthy way is most beneficial. Relaxation techniques may be usefully applied.
EXERCISE increases the metabolism and has many other beneficial effects. Some yoga postures like the shoulder stand are particularly helpful as they stimulate, massage and increase the blood flow to the thyroid.
MEDICATION is the standard medical answer to hypothyroidism and a variety of synthetic drugs are used to give the body more of the lacking thyroid hormone. These are often necessary and very helpful. However many holistic physicians, prefer natural thyroid hormone replacement instead. These are also prescription medicines but are made from desiccated animal thyroid glands. You may wish to discuss this option with your doctor.
These issues and many more are addressed in my new book "An Ounce of Prevention - Especially for Women". Available this summer.
Contact www.debtrahern.com for help.
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