The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the base of your throat and works with your hypothalamus (in your brain) and pituitary (at the base of your neck) glands to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which prompts the thyroid gland to produce thyroxine (T-4) and triiodothyronine (T-3). The thyroid gland performs checks and balances on many functions, such as how well you metabolize and digest your foods, energy, speech, and sleep. It regulates cellular energy (adenosine triphosphate or ATP). I like to think of ATP as God (and Goddess) particles. I talk about how to preserve and energize these particles here.

TSH levels can be abnormal due to Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), adrenal deficiency, autoimmune disease, radiation therapy, removal of the thyroid gland, a non-functioning thyroid at birth, iodine deficiency, Pernicious Anemia (not enough red blood cells, due to vitamin B-12 deficiency), Sugar Disease (Type 1), Turner Syndrome (a female condition where a woman has only on X chromosome), and aging.

An improperly functioning thyroid gland causes Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism tends to slow body functions down, while Hyperthyroidism speeds things up. For example, someone with Hypothyroidism may gain weight and not be able to lose it and feel depressed, while someone with Hyperthyroidism may be pretty thin, unable to gain weight and feel anxious or unable to sleep. However, both conditions result in symptoms that often overlap. Furthermore, if you have a deficiency in iodine or selenium (typical in both conditions) you'll be more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. 

Many women, during and after menopause, are prescribed hormones for menopausal symptoms complaints, such as fatigue, low concentration, forgetfulness, hair loss, unaccountable weight gain or loss, dizziness, vaginal problems, hot flashes, insomnia, ringing in the ears, and even depression, when it is the thyroid hormones that are imbalanced. But it's not just women suffering from a thyroid disorder. Men can suffer from thyroid imbalances as well. Restless Leg Syndrome, acid reflux, migraines, premature baldness (especially in the front of the scalp), and large abdominal fat deposits are signs of thyroid issues in males. 

Interpreting TSH Test Results

A low TSH score relates to low thyroid hormones, Hypothyroidism, and Hashimoto's. A high TSH score relates to high thyroid hormones, Hyperthyroidism, and Grave's Disease. While numbers run from 0.1 to over 10 mU/L, 0.4 -2.0 mU/L is considered an ideal range. However, this can vary greatly, which makes understanding test results challenging. It can be helpful to have T-4 and T-3 levels tested as well.  When you have enough T-4 and T-3, the pituitary gland slows production. More accurately, T-4 produces t-3. T3 plays a significant role in suppressing herpes breakouts. If the thyroid hormone T-4 can't make enough T-3, you'll experience more frequent and severe stress-related symptoms and infections, including herpes breakouts. To learn more, visit Healthline.com.

NOTE: If thyroglobulin antibodies are present, you have an autoimmune disorder, not a thyroid problem.

Thyroid Disease

• Grave's Disease is an autoimmune condition associated with Hyperthyroidism, where the thyroid gland swells and the eyes protrude.

• A deficiency in iodine or selenium doesn't cause Hashimoto's. If you supplement either one, thinking you are dealing with just a nutritional deficiency, you can worsen your symptoms. Hashimoto's is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. So that you know, the Herpes Simplex Virus and H. Pylori enhance your risk of developing Hashimoto's. Epstein Barr Virus (the herpes virus that causes Mono) is the cause of 80% of all Hashimoto's cases. 95% of all adults are exposed to EBV.

Symptoms of a Thyroid Disorder

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• Hair loss (baldness on the sides and back of the head, patches of baldness on the head, the outer part of the eyebrows missing, thin eyelashes, baldness in the pubic area)
• Low body temperature and feeling cold when it's not related to weather or illness
• Dry skin (and other skin-related conditions)
• Constipation
• The thyroid gland relates to how well you speak up about your thoughts, feelings, and values. One of the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction is having a hoarse or muted voice or constantly having to clear your throat to speak.
• Aches and pains, especially head and shoulders
• Damage to peripheral nerves, such as the arms and legs
• Weakness and fatigue
• Muscle cramps
• Mood swings, anxiety, depression, and apathy (loss of hope)
• A sleep disorder (apnea, trouble falling or staying asleep)
• Puffy eyes or face (unrelated to salt retention)
• Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
• Mast cell disorders and Histamine Intolerance
• Sensitivity to light
• Severe menstrual cramps
• Tongue issues (dry, fat, light-colored, indented teeth marks on the side of the tongue)
• Eye tics
• Gaining or losing weight without trying
• Sagging skin under chin, arms, and stomach
• Carbohydrate cravings (bread, sweets, chocolate)
• Brittle nails with vertical ridges
• Sagging eyelids
• Frequent cold sores
• Hashimoto's Thyroiditis (an autoimmune disorder associated with Hypothyroidism)
• Grave's Disease (an autoimmune disorder associated with Hyperthyroidism)
• Insomnia
• Goiters and nodules
• Accelerated aging
• Memory issues
• Bone density loss, arthritis, joint pain
• Fibromyalgia Syndrome
• Brain fog
• Gastrointestinal issues resembling IBS, including indigestion, gas, bloating, discomfort, constipation, and diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia
• Bladder problems (urine retention, Nocturia, bladder discomfort and pain, incontinence, urinary frequency, enuresis)
• People with Hypothyroidism are prone to Shingles.
• Mitochondrial Dysfunction (the thyroid is directly responsible for metabolism, converting oxygen and calories into energy)

Causes of Thyroid Disorders

• Ongoing overstressed adrenal glands, exposure to environmental toxins, and prescription medications negatively affect the thyroid.

• Stress decreases the production of the critical thyroid-stimulating hormone and reduces the conversion of T-4 to T-3.

• According to The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, using just three artificial sweetener packets daily is enough to impair thyroid function. 

• Poor nutrition and food sensitivities also negatively affect the thyroid gland. For example, white flour contains Bromine and Alloxan, chemicals used as bleaching agents. These chemicals destroy iodine levels, affecting your thyroid's ability to work correctly. They also cause Diabetes by elevating insulin levels every time you eat products made from white flour. Studies now reveal a 20% higher concentration of these chemicals in human urine tests than in the 1970s. 

• An unbalanced gut microbiome and Leaky Gut Syndrome. 

The Iodine Patch Test

A home remedy for determining whether you are iodine deficient is to place a dark iodine patch on your skin (a 1x1 inch patch on your stomach or some other place it won't be disturbed or washed off) for 24 hours. Go to the store and buy a bottle of iodine in the first aid aisle (about $3). Get the orange kind, not the clear one. Paint a half-dollar size of iodine on your belly, inner thigh, or inner forearm (wherever clothes won't cause a lot of friction). Over the next 24 hours, watch for color changes. You should note how long it takes to disappear. Less than 24 hours is a sign of iodine deficiency. At least, that's what some say.

You can do this just once, or you can do it two more times after the iodine disappears. For example, the iodine disappears the first time after 12 hours. Apply it again to see how long it takes the second time. If it still takes under 24 hours to disappear, you can do it one more time (a third time) to see how long it takes. Each time, it should take longer for the iodine to disappear. You can repeat this test once per month to check for deficiencies. Although some people use the iodine patch to supplement their iodine, it can be dangerous for several reasons. You may not need iodine, and the patch test isn't measurable. 

If you think the iodine patch test reveals a deficiency, please see your doctor and check your thyroid. Iodine supplements will work only for Primary Hypothyroidism. Those with low thyroid symptoms (weight gain, fatigue, brain fog, high cholesterol, hair loss, muscle aches, and pain) may not have Primary Hypothyroidism. They may have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland. You do not want to supplement with iodine when you have Hashimoto's Thyroiditis. It will make your symptoms worse. 

Holistic Alternatives for Hypothyroidism

After consulting your doctor to make sure you don't have an autoimmune disorder causing your thyroid problems, there are natural things you can do to restore thyroid balance, such as taking particular vitamins and minerals to help it function correctly.

• Vitamin A: Leafy greens, eggs, shrimp, and spinach
• Vitamin B: Wild rice, beans, eggs (B12), scallops (B12)
• Vitamin C: Parsley, leafy greens, strawberries, and citrus fruit
• Copper: Sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds, cashews, spinach, and shrimp
• Iodine: See directly below under Foods Containing Iodine.
• Manganese: Hazelnuts, pecans, oysters/clams, chocolate, pumpkin, and flax seeds
• Selenium: Brazil nuts, garlic, mushrooms, turnips, oranges, grapes, and grass-fed beef
• Zinc: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, cashews, almonds, spinach, scallops, and grass-fed beef. Zinc supports the conversion of T-4 to T-3. You cannot be without it. 
• Essential fatty acids: Olive oil, walnuts, eggs, grass-fed beef, and fish (wild salmon)
• Prebiotics and probiotics feed your gut microbiota, which is essential for stimulating thyroid gland activity. Probiotic-rich foods, such as Greek yogurt, kefir, and other fermented foods (kombucha, sauerkraut), can help balance good and bad bacteria in your digestive tract. So you know, fermented foods can bring on IBS in sensitive individuals, are HSV triggers, and aren't suitable for those with Histamine Intolerance. Take supplements instead.

Over-the-Counter Thyroid Supplements

There are thyroid supplements to choose from, but again, please know what you're dealing with before running out and buying one. If you have an autoimmune disorder causing your thyroid symptoms, supplements can be harmful. You can purchase nascent iodine, selenium, and even multiple-ingredient supplements, such as Forefront Health's Raw Desiccated Thyroid, at stores and online. 

Regarding Iodine

The recommended daily allowance of iodine is 150 micrograms. Up to 1,100 mcg is the limit for adults and children over four years old.

Dairy sources of iodine from food should only come from grass-fed animal products and plants produced in iodine-rich soil.

You can find iodine in the following foods, but you must understand too much iodine can work against the thyroid and create more problems than good. Be sure to talk with your doctor before supplementing with iodine supplements.

• Saltwater fish and sea vegetables, such as wakame (seaweed)
• Kelp seaweed contains 415 mcg per 1/4 cup, so do not eat it daily. Arame and Hijiki seaweeds also contain iodine.
• Potato (60 mcg, one medium with skin)
• Shrimp (35 mcg per 3 oz)
• Turkey breast (34 mcg per 3 oz)
• Navy beans (32 mcg per 1/2 cup)
• Eggs (24 mcg, one boiled)
• Tuna (17 mcg per 3 oz)
• Strawberries (13 mcg per cup)
• Low-fat yogurt (87 mcg per cup)
• Milk (56-58 mcg per cup)

Iodized salt (like Morton's) is available, but I don't suggest using it due to its processing. It contains little to no minerals natural sea salt has and is known to cause hypertension. Natural sea salt has very little iodine. However, I suggest using natural sea salt for cooking, as it's an excellent source of other minerals your body needs for health and wellness.

A Word or Two About Goitrogen

Spinach, kale, soybeans, turnips, spinach, rutabagas, radishes, mustard greens, cauliflower, cassava root, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, peanuts, pine nuts, millet, canola, strawberries, peaches, and pears contain goitrogen. Goitrogen inhibits dietary iodine. You won't want to eat these foods raw if you have an iodine deficiency. Instead, eat them cooked. Cooking destroys nearly all goitrogens.

Dietary Tips

• Eat a portion of EFAs (essential fatty acids) at every meal. Essential fatty acids are healthy fats your thyroid depends on to operate optimally. Olive and flaxseed oils, avocado, unsalted nuts and seeds, and oily fish are excellent choices. 

• Your liver is one of the main organs that detoxify your body. Eating foods that help your liver work more efficiently will help your thyroid. Your liver will benefit from lean proteins, beans, berries, antioxidant-rich vegetables (especially leafy greens), fruits, and healthy fats.

• Chamomile tea is known to help thyroid health. A tincture containing stinging nettle, guggul resin, and ashwagandha are also good for hypothyroidism. A dual-extracted reishi and cordycep tincture is also beneficial

• Limit or eliminate your consumption of soy. Soy contains isoflavones, which trigger thyroid antibodies and cause inflammation. Soy also contains components that can block your thyroid hormone production and thyroid medication from working, especially when soy is eaten raw. The only exception would be soy lecithin, made from the fat in soy.

Prescription Medications

• Levothyroxinetherapy (and medications like it) is supposed to increase T-4, so it converts more T-3, but studies show T-3 is often still deficient. 

• Synthroidis a thyroid medication known to cause Interstitial Cystitis. However, it also relieves symptoms of Fibromyalgia. I thought you'd find that interesting. 

• Armour Thyroidis a time-honored, "natural" prescription medicine your doctor may not know or tell you about. It's worth checking into. 

Other Helpful Therapies

• Quad-Wave Red Light Therapy: Red light therapy requires 3 to 10 minutes of light exposure a few times weekly. 

• Ending a Bath With a Cold Splash: Ending a hot bath or shower with cold water stimulates the thyroid gland.