Definition

A condition due to deficiency of the thyroid secretion, resulting in lowered basal metabolism. A lesser degree of cretinism.

A condition called Hashimoto's disease is sometimes the cause of an underactive thyroid. In this disease, the body becomes allergic to the thyroid hormone. By measuring the hormone levels in the blood, it can usually be determined if the thyroid gland is working properly.
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Symptoms

May have obesity, dry skin and hair, both of which become lusterless, low blood pressure, slow pulse, sluggishness of all functions, depressed muscular activity, goiter.

Decreased temperature, diarrhea or constipation, and sensitivity to cold. Loss of appetite, fatigue, overweight, painful premenstrual periods, muscle weakness, dry and scaly skin, a yellow-orange coloration in the skin (particularly the palms of the hand), yellow bumps on the eyelids, hair loss (including eyebrows), recurrent infections, slow speech and myxedema (drooping, swollen eyes).

Problems with the thyroid can be the cause of many recurring illnesses and fatigue.
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Treatment

Replacement therapy with natural or synthetic thyroid hormone preparations. Increase iodine in diet if iodine is deficient. Patient should be protected from chilling, infection, stress, and trauma from exposure to cold. Caution against overexertion during treatment with a thyroid replacement hormone.
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Nutrients

L-Tyrosine (amino acid), 500 mg. twice per day on an empty stomach, will help restore low plasma levels which have been associated with hypothyroidism. Sea kelp, 10 tablets per day, contains iodine, the basic substance of the thyroid hormone. Raw thyroid glandular, as directed by a doctor, is available only by prescription. Vitamin B complex, 100 mg. with meals, improves cellular oxygenation and energy. B12 is absorbed better in lozenge form. Riboflavin (B2), 50 mg. twice per day. Vitamin B12 lozenges, 15 mg. dissolved under the tongue 3 times per day on an empty stomach. Brewer's yeast, taken as directed on the label, is rich in basic nutrients. Iron chelate, taken as directed on the label, is essential for enzyme and hemoglobin production. Unsaturated fatty acids, taken as directed on the label, is for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Vitamin A plus beta-carotene, 15,000 IU per day, may be included in a multimineral complex. Vitamin C, 500 mg. 4 times per day (do not take extremely high doses of vitamin C, this may effect the production of the thyroid hormone). Vitamin E, 400 IU per day (avoid larger amounts). Zinc, 50 mg. per day, is an immune system stimulant.
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Herbs

• Bayberry bark
• Cohosh, black
• Echinacea
• Goldenseal
• Irish moss
• Kelp
• Lungwort
• Motherwort
• Nettle
• Oak, white, bark
• Poke root
• Seaweed, several kinds
• Seawrack
• Skullcap
• Watercress

Recommendations

Include in the diet: molasses, parsley, egg yolk, apricots, dates, prunes, fish or chicken, and raw milk and cheeses.

Eat these foods in moderation: Cruciferous vegetables such as turnips, cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, spinach, kale, Brussels sprouts, peaches and pears. If severe symptoms exist, omit these foods entirely because they may further suppress thyroid function.

Drink distilled water only!

Avoid fluoride (including fluoride found in toothpaste) and chlorine (drinking water, etc.). Chlorine, fluoride, and iodine are chemically related. Chlorine and fluoride block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, resulting in reduced iodine-containing hormone production and finally in hypothyroidism. Avoid processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar. Avoid sulfa drugs and antihistamines except under a doctor's orders!
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Suggestions

To test yourself for an underactive thyroid, keep a thermometer by your bed. When you wake each morning, place the thermometer under your arm and hold it there for 15 minutes. Be still and quiet. Any motion can upset the temp reading. A temp of 97.6 F or lower may indicate an underactive thyroid. Keep a log. If the readings continue to be low, see the doctor.

If you have a garden, feed the soil with iodine-rich bone meal and other iodine-containing fertilizers. The plants grown in such soil will be richer in iodine and thereby satisfy the body's requirements, for they are able to process the mineral iodine in such a way that the body can absorb it without any trouble or damaging effects.

It is thought that if two people who are both have hypothyroidism were to marry, it is possible (so some think) that some of their children might be myxoedemic and mentally retarded. Myxoedema or Myxedema is a condition resulting from hypofunction of the thyroid gland.
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Bibliography

• Back to Eden, by Jethro Kloss; pg., 51, 241, 258, 347-348.
• Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants, by Steven Foster and James A. Duke, pg., 70.
• Indian Herbalogy of North America, by Alma R. Hutchens, pgs., 57, 223.
• Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C, pgs., 213-214.
• Planetary Herbology, by Michael Tierra, pgs., 41, 105, 107, 274, 333-334, 349, 359, 376, 380-381, 391.
• The Yoga of Herbs, by Dr. David Frawley & Dr. Vasant Lad, pgs., 29, 126.
• The Nature Doctor, by Dr. H.C.A. Vogel; pgs. 158, 161-162, 194.

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