Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat. It regulates temperature by secreting hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. Hypothyroidism occurs when there is an excess of thyroid hormones. As a result, body processes, including metabolism, occur quicker than they should. Dramatic weight loss, fast heart rate, nervousness, fatigue, weakness, depression, and a host of other symptoms can result.

There are many different forms of treatment for hyperthyroidism, including hormone-suppressing medication, antithyroid medications, radioactive iodine, and surgery. Based on the cause of the problem and the patient’s age and oveall health, the healthcare provider will determine which treatment route is most appropriate. The following nutrient list can help ease the problem but always see your physician for ongoing care if you have hyperthyroidism.

Supplements to treat hyperthyroidism – Carnitine

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat. It regulates temperature by secreting hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. Hypothyroidism develops due to an underactive thyroid gland that does not produce enough hormones. Common symptoms include fatigue, intolerance to cold, slowed heart rate, unexplained weight gain, muscle weakness, hair loss (including the eyebrows), dry skin, and heavy menstrual periods. Severity of symptoms depends on the degree of the hormone deficiency. In a large number of cases, this disorder comes on so gradually, the person is unaware that he or she has a problem. If you suspect you may have this condition, check your thyroid function by following the directions below.

Hypothyroidism affects about 5 million people in the United States, and five to eight times more women than men. Many cases are the result of an autoimmune disorder known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis in which the body develops antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. Other common causes of this disorder include surgical removal of the thyroid and radioactive iodine therapy. Less common causes or contributors include infections of the thyroid, too much or too little dietary iodine, and excess of calcium and copper, and deficiencies of iron, selenium, zinc, and vitamins A, B2, B3, B6, and C. Medications, including beta blockers, lithium, certain oral contraceptives, and chemotherapy drugs, are also possible contributors.

Certain foods – especially seafood, sea vegetables, and other rich sources of iodine – are recommended for those with an underactive thyroid gland. And be aware that, when eaten raw, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, turnips, cauliflower, mustard greens, and spinach can contribute to a low-functioning thyroid. These foods should be eaten in moderation and only when cooked. Other foods that should be eaten only in moderate amounts include almonds, walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, millet, tapioca, and soy products.

Self-Test for an Underactive Thyroid

The following self-test can give you a good indication of whether or not you have an underactive thyroid.

Keep a thermometer next to your bed. As soon as you awake in the morning, before getting out of bed, tuck the basal body thermometer under your armpit and keep it there for fifteen minutes while lying very still. (Any motion can affect the reading). Write down the temperature, which is called a basal body temperature. Do this for three days in a row. (Because hormonal shifts affect body temperature, women should not take this test during the middle of a menstrual cycle, when ovulation usually occurs). Determine your average temperate by adding up the three readings and dividing by three. If it is below 97.2F, there is a good chance you may have a low-functioning thyroid. Contact your doctor to discuss your findings.

Supplements to treat hypothyroidism

• Ashwagandha root
• B-complex vitamins
• Canitine
• Chromium
• Coenzyme Q10
• Copper
• EPA/DHA (fish oil)
• Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA)
• Iodine
• Magnesium
• Milk thistle
• Myrrh
• Sage
• Selenium
• Tyrosine
• Vitamin A and mixed carotenoids
• Vitamin B3 (niacin)
• Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine)
• Vitamin B12 (cobalamin)
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin D
• Vitamin E
• Zinc

CoQuinone is important because it contains CoQ10, which is a powerful antioxidant and is vital for cardiovascular health, sound muscle function, and healthy nerve function at the cellular level. As we age, the ability to naturally absorb and synthesize CoQ10 diminishes and the amount of CoQ10 retained in tissues decreases.