Archive for the ‘Hypothyroid’ Category
Are You Suffering From Hypothyroidism
Many people with hypothyroidism are never diagnosed as having a problem. What’s even more unfortunate is that those that have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem receive insufficient treatment. This epidemic is sometimes referred to as a hidden issue that can go undetected for many years.
When your thyroid is not functioning properly, if affects many areas of your body and can show up in many ways such as:
- weight gain
- hair loss
- memory trouble
- infertility
- high cholesterol
- low libido
- gum disease
- dry skin/acne/eczema
- cold hands and feet
- characteristically poor hair and nails
- lethargy
- constipation
- irregular menstruation
So where is your thyroid and what purpose does it serve for your body?
Your thyroid gland is located in the front of your neck. It is part of your hormonal system that manufactures the master metabolism hormones that control your bodily functions. When your thyroid is not functioning properly, it can literally wreak havoc with your body causing widespread diseases and inferior symptoms.
Part of the problem with diagnosing hypothyroidism is that many symptoms overlap with other symptoms and may go unrecognized as a result. According to Dr. Mercola, world-renowned doctor on natural health living, tells patients that checking your lab tests using his suggested standards are one area to check to determine if you are suffering from hypothyroidism:
• TSH — the high-sensitivity version. This is the BEST test. But beware most all of the “normal” ranges are simply dead wrong. The ideal level for TSH is between 1 and 1.5 mIU/L (milli-international units per liter)
• Free T4 and Free T3. The normal level of free T4 is between 0.9 and 1.8 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter). T3 should be between 240 and 450 pg/dl (picograms per deciliter).
• Thyroid antibodies, including thyroid peroxidase antibodies and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies. This measure helps determine if your body is attacking your thyroid, overreacting to its own tissues (ie, autoimmune reactions). Physicians nearly always leave this test out.
• For more difficult cases TRH can be measured (thyroid releasing hormone) using the TRH stimulation test. TRH helps identify hypothyroidism that’s caused by inadequacy of the pituitary gland.
Diet and exercise play a key role in resolving thyroid issues. But other factors play a role too such as reducing your stress and possibly taking supplements. If you have one or more of the symptoms we have described and suspect you suffer from thyroid problems, contact Dr. Jade Malay. Dr. Malay will help determine what treatments can work best for your body.
You Tested Negative For Thyroid Antibodies, But Still May Have Hashimotos
The Waxing And Waning Immune System
The immune system is not a static system. In other words, it flares-sup and quiets down. A patient may have a positive test one day and a negative one the next; this is not uncommon.
Overall Immune Weakness
Some people will test negative for the Hashimoto’s antibody test because their system is so weak, they do not produce antibodies. Over time, their immune systems have been so over taxed that it can’t even produce the white blood cells and B cells are too low to produce the antibodies. In this case, as the person’s immune system strengthens, they may test positive for the antibody at a later date.
TH-1 Dominance
The immune system is made up of two parts, TH1 and TH2. These two parts should be in balance, however, some people will develop a TH1 dominance and suppress TH2. The TH2 part of the immune system is linked to antibody production. The fact that at the time of testing someone is TH1 dominant may lead to a false negative Hashimoto’s test.
Some People Will Always Test Negative
Antibody testing is just one tool to confirm Hashimoto’s is present. Other immune markers can also indicate Hashimoto’s disease.
The important thing to understand is that you can’t rely on one test for the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s Autoimmune Thyroid. Sometimes, it takes putting proven techniques into practice, changing diet, eliminating gluten and iodine, and balancing the blood sugar before someone’s health improves. Hashimoto’s is a complicated disease and a qualified practitioner should not rely on one test in order to suggest treatment.
Food Allergies – Look For The Protein Source
Plano Treatment For Hypothyroidism
Reading labels and becoming a food expert can be very confusing sometimes. As you learn how to eat better for your disease you need to become an expert at reading labels. For instance when a patient’s test comes back positive for a food allergy, let’s use soy as an example, it is typically the protein in soy that is the allergic component. So, if a label reads that it contains soy lecithin-lecithin is the FAT from soy, not PROTEIN, than there should not be an allergic reaction to this food.
Dr. Jade Malay, DC
If you are suffering from Thyroid Issues and need help getting it and keeping it under control, please fill out our form and we can help get you the information you need. Feel free to leave any questions or comments below
Article by Dr. Jade Malay, DC, Thyroid Professional, Dallas/Ft. Worth, TX
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