The physical body is a complex
interconnected system. Often I find the recommendations and suggestions I
receive from physicians and recognized experts to be contradictory. The
scientific research seems contradictory as well. Objective review of my needs
seems contradictory—what is a person to do?
For cancer prevention, a diet
filled with brightly colored vegetables, dark green vegetables, alliums,
vegetables like onions and garlic, and cruciferous vegetables are recommended. Cruciferous
describes vegetables that display a cross-like pattern made by the four-petal
formation of the vegetables. This can be seen on a Brussels sprout, a head of
cabbage and a broccoli bud. Mustard greens, kale, radishes, turnips, cauliflower
and kohlrabi are also members of the cruciferous family.
However, cruciferous
vegetables can have a depressing effect on thyroid function.
Hypothyroidism (underactive
thyroid) exists when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough of certain
important hormones. This upsets the normal balance of chemical reactions in
your body. In the early stages it seldom causes symptoms, however over time
untreated hypothyroidism can cause health issues such as obesity, joint pain,
infertility and heart disease.
Symptoms tend to develop
slowly over a number of years. One might attribute the fatigue and weight gain
simply to getting older. As your
metabolism continues to slow, you may develop more obvious signs and symptoms,
which include: Fatigue, Increased sensitivity to cold, Constipation, Dry skin,
Unexplained weight gain, Puffy face, Hoarseness, Muscle weakness, Elevated
blood cholesterol level, Muscle aches/tenderness/stiffness, Pain/stiffness or
swelling in your joints, Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods,
Thinning hair, Slowed heart rate, Depression, and Impaired memory.
Untreated hypothyroidism
signs and symptoms can gradually become more severe. Constant stimulation of
the thyroid gland causes a release more hormones leading to enlarged thyroid (goiter).
Over time one becomes more forgetful, thought processes slow, and depression
may occur. Myxedema, advanced hypothyroidism, is rare but life threatening.
Symptoms of advanced hypothyroidism include low blood pressure, decreased
breathing, decreased body temperature, unresponsiveness, and even coma.
Anyone can develop
hypothyroidism, however increased risk include if you:
Are
a woman older than age 60
Have
an autoimmune disease
Have
a close relative with an autoimmune disease
Have
been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
Received
radiation to your neck or upper chest
Have
had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
Have
been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six month
Complications for untreated
hypothyroidism can lead to these health concerns:
Goiter. Although generally not uncomfortable, it can affect your
appearance and may interfere with swallowing or breathing.
Heart
problems. Hypothyroidism may be
associated with an increased risk of heart disease, high levels of low-density
lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, even sub clinical hypothyroidism, a more benign
condition than true hypothyroidism, can cause an increase in total cholesterol
levels and impair the pumping ability of your heart. Hypothyroidism can also
lead to an enlarged heart and heart failure.
Mental
health issues. Depression may occur
early and may become more severe over time. Hypothyroidism can also cause
slowed mental functioning.
Peripheral
neuropathy. Long-term uncontrolled
hypothyroidism can cause damage to your peripheral nerves for example your arms
and legs. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include pain, numbness, tingling
and muscle weakness or loss of muscle control.
Myxedema. A rare, life-threatening condition is the result of
long-term, undiagnosed hypothyroidism. Symptoms include intense cold
intolerance, drowsiness followed by profound lethargy and then unconsciousness.
A myxedema coma may be triggered by sedatives, infection or other stress on
your body. Signs or symptoms of myxedema require immediate emergency medical
treatment.
Infertility. Low levels of thyroid hormone can interfere with
ovulation, which impairs fertility.
Birth
defects. Babies born to women with
untreated thyroid disease may have a higher risk of birth defects
Life style and dietary
choices that will help support thyroid function include eating several small,
well-balanced meals throughout the day to keep your blood sugar consistent and
help with energy. You should eat plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, whole
grains, beans, legumes and proteins. Snack on raw seeds, apricots, prunes, and
dates and avoid refined sugars. When cooking use good quality extra-virgin
olive, or coconut oil.
Snack on Brazil nuts--natural
source of selenium, which reduces damaging thyroid inflammation, and build the
powerful thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3),
Cook your cruciferous
vegetables—to break down the goitrogens that block thyroid's iodine. Iodine is
essential to make energizing thyroid hormones. Broccoli, cauliflower and other
cruciferous vegetables are loaded with this iodine-blocking compound, however,
cooking cruciferous for little as two minutes destroys goitrogens as they are
quite heat sensitive.
Some experts suggest rotating
your dark green and cruciferous vegetable family choices in order to get their
benefits while avoiding a build up of the goitrogens that can block the
thyroid's iodine absorption. Four vegetable family groups: 1. Kale, collards, arugula, turnip,
cabbage, bok choy, radish greens, mustard greens, broccoli; 2. Spinach, chard, beet, lambs quarters;
3. Dandelion, leaf lettuce,
romaine lettuce; 4. Parsley,
cilantro.
Eat lean protein with
every meal to slow the absorption of carbs and prevents insulin spikes which
are a proven thyroid suppressor. Protein is rich in the amino acid tyrosine,
which is an essential building block of thyroid hormones. Iodine is directly
related to thyroid function and is found in sea salt and foods made with
seaweed.
There is a debate about whether or not soy products
should be consumed by those with hypothyroidism since the isoflavones
(phytoestrogens) in soy have adversely affect the thyroid. Soy can negatively
affect the body's ability to absorb synthetic thyroid medications. Wait 3 or 4
hours before consuming soy products after taking medication. Also wait before
calcium supplements, iron and antacids that contain magnesium or aluminum as
they interfere with medication absorption. However, too much iodine can be bad
for your health. Excess fiber intake can have an adverse affect on thyroid
medication as it interferes with medication absorption.
Scratched or damaged nonstick pans increase the risk of
thyroid problems because the coatings interfere with the ability of thyroid
hormones to bind to the tissues that desperately need them. Exposure to
second-hand smoke cigarette smoke increases your risk of thyroid problems.
Tobacco's cyanide clogs the receptor sites on your thyroid, interfering with the
gland’s ability to absorb the nutrients.
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