Re: To smoke..or not to smoke..

[Guest guest]

>

> Hiya

> I am preparing to be very unpopular now

>

> There are studies where benefits of smoking for alzeimers and

> Parkinsons patients are shown so I don't know what to make of that.

>

Hey Dawn, looked at this in psych and health science degree - we're

more likely to die of heart disease and cancer at a younger age so

less likely to get Parkinson and Alzheimer disease - the cigarette

companies still pump money into research that supports their products

sso it's always good to find out who's paying for studies!

lisaxx

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Gillian, Oh well I guess that dashes my theory then!! I was

basing this on the fact that loking back my symptoms did start within

a couple of years of starting smoking, and many of the people on here

have hashi's, and many seem to have smoked, just wondered if they

were the same people!

Leah x

> I'd be interested to know how many of those of us

> > with Hashi's have been smokers...

>

>

> I have never smoked in my life and I am now hypo and 2 stone

overweight.

> Gillian

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Y'All!!!

To add to Miriams research about Cigaretes & Thyroid (below) I have

done research on Nicotene & Cortisol........

Want to know why smoking is so addictive? And so difficult to give

up? Because Nicotene STIMULATES Cortisol, ACTH & Dopamine!!!!

I found a few articles regarding how nicotine increases Cortisol.

This would of course have a major effect people with Aderenal

Insufficiency - smoking would stimulate Cortisol and can be likened

to a form of 'self mediciation'.

Also explains why trying to stop smoking may be very difficult for

those with AI (due to lowered Cortisol). Gradual reduction combined

with moderate stress dosing would help reduce side effects/withdrawal

symptoms and increase the likelihood of being able to wean off

cigarettes completely.

It also explains why Nicotine suppresses appetite.......higher

Cortisol levels decrease appetite (contributing to weight loss). AND

explains why stopping smoking increases appetite - lower Cortisol

levels increase appetite (contributing to weight gain).

It would also mean that with lowered Cortisol you may indeed become

noticably MORE Hypothroid as FT3 may pool & no longer get to cells!!!!

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Salivary cortisol concentrations are associated with acute nicotine

withdrawal

http://www.depts.ttu.edu/cohenlab/pubs/2004%20Cohen,%20al'Absi%20 & %

20.pdf

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Reduction in Cortisol After Smoking Cessation Among Users of Nicotine

Patches

http://www.psychosomaticmedicine.org/cgi/content/abstract/68/2/299

Ussher, PhD, West, PhD, Phil , PhD,

Steptoe, PhD, Andy McEwen, PhD, Clow, PhD and

Hucklebridge, PhD

From the Division of Community Health Sciences (Psychology) (M.U.),

St. 's, University of London, London, United Kingdom; the

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (R.W., A.S., A.M.),

University College London, United Kingdom; and the Departments of

Psychology (P.E., A.C.) and Human and Health Sciences (F.H.),

University of Westminster, London, United Kingdom.

Address correspondence and reprint requests to Ussher, PhD,

Division of Community Health Sciences (Psychology), St. 's,

University of London, Cranmer Terrace, London SW17 ORE, U.K. E-mail:

mussher@...

Objective: Cortisol has been shown to decline after stopping smoking

and this decline has been associated with smoking relapse and with

reports of increased withdrawal severity and distress. We examined

whether a decrease in cortisol is evident in smokers trying to quit

using nicotine patches and whether cortisol is related to withdrawal

symptoms, smoking urges, subjective stress, nicotine dependence, and

smoking relapse.

Methods: Among 112 smokers trying to quit using 15-mg patches,

salivary cortisol and reports of stress, withdrawal, and urges were

measured before quitting smoking and up to 6 weeks of abstinence

among abstinent smokers using 15-mg nicotine patches. Thirty

participants both remained abstinent and provided cortisol samples at

all measurement times.

Results: Relative to preabstinence, there was a significant decline

in cortisol after abstinence of 1 day, and after 1, 2, and 6 weeks (p

< .05). The decline in cortisol on the first day of abstinence was

positively associated with reported cigarette consumption (p < .01)

and tended (non-significant) to be associated with smoking relapse at

6 weeks (p = .07). A lower absolute level of cortisol, but not the

change in cortisol, on the first day of abstinence was significantly

associated with increased reports of urges, withdrawal symptoms, and

stress (p < .05), independently of reported cigarette consumption.

Conclusions: Smokers using 15-mg nicotine patches are likely to

experience a decline in cortisol on stopping smoking. This decline is

likely to be greater among heavier smokers and may predict relapse to

smoking. Those with lower cortisol after cessation may experience

increased withdrawal symptoms, urges to smoke, and subjective stress.

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Nicotine Addiction

http://www.emedicine.com/med/topic1642.htm

Nicotine stimulates the hypothalamic-pituitary axis; this, in turn,

stimulates the endocrine system. Continually increasing dose levels

of nicotine are necessary to maintain the stimulating effects. With

regards to dependence, some experts rank nicotine ahead of alcohol,

cocaine, and heroin. A teenager who smokes as few as 4 cigarettes

might develop a lifelong addiction to nicotine.

Small rapid doses of nicotine produce alertness and arousal, as

opposed to long drawn-out doses, which induce relaxation and

sedation. Nicotine has a pronounced effect on the major stress

hormones.

Nicotine stimulates hypothalamic corticotropin-releasing factor

(CRF), and it increases levels of endorphins, adrenocorticotropic

hormone (ACTH), and arginine vasopressin in a dose-related manner.

Corticosteroids also are released in proportion to plasma nicotine

concentration.

Nicotine alters the bioavailability of dopamine and serotonin and

causes a sharp increase in heart rate and blood pressure. Nicotine

acts on brain reward mechanisms, indirectly through endogenous opioid

activity and directly through dopamine pathways

----------------------------------------------------------------------

The Relationship between Smoking Status and Cortisol Secretion

http://jcem.endojournals.org/cgi/content/full/92/3/819#SEC2

Ellena Badrick, Clemens Kirschbaum and Meena Kumari

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health (E.B., M.K.), and

International Institute for Society and Health (M.K.), University

College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; and Department of

Biological Psychology (C.K.), Technical University of Dresden, D-

01062 Dresden, Germany

Address all correspondence and requests for reprints to: Ellena

Badrick, B.Sc., M.Sc., Department of Epidemiology and Public Health,

University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom. E-mail:

e.badrick@....

Context: Evidence for an association of smoking status with cortisol

secretion is mixed.

Objective: The objective of the study was to assess the relationship

between smoking status and salivary cortisol.

Design: This was a cross-sectional study of smoking status and

cortisol secretion from phase 7 (2002–2004) of the Whitehall II

study.

Setting: An occupational cohort was originally recruited in 1985–

1987.

Participants: The study population consisted of 3103 men (1514 never-

smokers, 1278 ex-smokers, and 311 smokers) and 1128 women (674 never-

smokers, 347 ex-smokers, and 107 smokers). Information was collected

on smoking status, average number of cigarettes smoked, and

additional covariates.

Outcome Measures: Saliva samples were taken on waking; waking + 0.5,

2.5, 8, and 12 h; and bedtime for the assessment of cortisol.

Results: Smoking status was significantly associated with increased

salivary cortisol release throughout the day (P < 0.001) adjusted for

covariates; this was apparent for the cortisol awakening response (P

< 0.001) when examined separately. Compared with never-smokers,

smokers had higher release of total cortisol (P = 0.002), whereas no

difference was observed between never-smokers and ex-smokers (P =

0.594): mean release per hour (nanomoles per liter), never-smokers,

4.13 [confidence interval (CI) 4.02–4.24]; ex-smokers, 4.21 (CI 4.08–

4.35); smokers, 4.63 (CI 4.35–4.93). There was no significant

relationship between number of cigarettes smoked and total cortisol

release. However, a difference was observed for the cortisol

awakening response: mean release by tertiles of cigarettes smoked

(nanomoles per liter): high, 13.49 (CI 10.74–16.23); medium, 9.58 (CI

7.40–11.76); low, 8.49 (CI 5.99–10.99), P = 0.029.

Conclusion: Salivary cortisol is increased in current smokers,

compared with non-smokers; no differences were observed between ex-

smokers and never-smokers, suggesting that smoking has a short-term

effect on the neuroendocrine system

----------------------------------------------------------------------

Lethal Lee

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

miriam wrote:

I just did a quick search on cigarettes and thyroid and found there

was evidence for smoking causing hypothyroidism, particularly

autoimmune thyroid disease.

http://www.ithyroid.com/cadmium.htm

Here's another one:

http://www.ithyroid.com/smoking.htm

>

Also overactive thyroid:

http://thyroid.about.com/od/hyperthyroidismgraves/a/smoking.htm

>

>Here's a NHS site on the subject:

http://www.library.nhs.uk/ent/ViewResource.aspx?resID=57479

[Guest guest]

So would that mean that a previous smoker may have acclimatised to

higher levels of cortisol then??

Would certainly explain why I felt like I had the Flu for the first

few days I gave up!

Leah x

>

> Also explains why trying to stop smoking may be very difficult for

> those with AI (due to lowered Cortisol). Gradual reduction combined

> with moderate stress dosing would help reduce side

> effects/withdrawal symptoms and increase the likelihood of being able > to

wean off cigarettes completely.

[Guest guest]

Hi Lee - so

this explains why, when smokers are in shock or particularly stressed the first

thing they do is to reach out for a cigarette! I haven't smoked for over 15

years, but I remember that feeling well - but at that time, I never realised

the reason why.

Luv -

Sheila

I found a few articles regarding how nicotine increases Cortisol.

This would of course have a major effect people with Aderenal

Insufficiency - smoking would stimulate Cortisol and can be likened

to a form of 'self mediciation'.

Conclusion: Salivary cortisol is increased in current smokers,

compared with non-smokers; no differences were observed between ex-

smokers and never-smokers, suggesting that smoking has a short-term

effect on the neuroendocrine system

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila Marg here.Just a quick update .I am on 18th day of Armour and upped to 3qrts am and 3qrts pm

yesterday.Dont know if I have rushed it a bit but still not feeling great.Upped Adrenal supps to 1and half first thing as when on 2 they kept me awake.Just not feeling good very very up and down but I had been on eltroxin for 16 years.As for smoking thing I gave up being a chain smoker almost 3 years ago.I can honestly say I have been ill ever since .My GP and endo Poo poo this idea as utter rubbish.Can I also ask whilst I am on.Do you people who are struggling look really really tired.I cant look in the mirror I look so shattered and have done since I gave up smoking.I think when I gave up it triggered something makeing my poor Thyroid functoin even worse.

All input appreciated.

Margaret

From: Sheila <sheila@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 7:46:06 AMSubject: RE: Re: To smoke..or not to smoke..

Hi Lee - so this explains why, when smokers are in shock or particularly stressed the first thing they do is to reach out for a cigarette! I haven't smoked for over 15 years, but I remember that feeling well - but at that time, I never realised the reason why.

Luv - SheilaI found a few articles regarding how nicotine increases Cortisol. This would of course have a major effect people with Aderenal Insufficiency - smoking would stimulate Cortisol and can be likened to a form of 'self mediciation'.Conclusion: Salivary cortisol is increased in current smokers, compared with non-smokers; no differences were observed between ex-smokers and never-smokers, suggesting that smoking has a short-term effect on the neuroendocrine system

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila Marg here.Just a quick update .I am on 18th day of Armour and

upped to 3qrts am and 3qrts pm

yesterday.Dont know if I have rushed it a bit but still not

feeling great.Upped Adrenal supps to 1and half first thing as when on

2 they kept me awake.Just not feeling good very very up and down but I had been

on eltroxin for 16 years.As for smoking thing I gave up being a chain smoker

almost 3 years ago.I can honestly say I have been ill ever since .My GP and

endo Poo poo this idea as utter rubbish.Can I also ask whilst I am on.Do

you people who are struggling look really really tired.I cant look

in the mirror I look so shattered and have done since I gave up smoking.I think

when I gave up it triggered something makeing my poor Thyroid functoin even

worse.

All input appreciated.

Margaret

[Guest guest]

Hi

Margaret

No,

you haven't rushed it - with you being on such a high dose of Eltroxin for so

long you are bound to be feeling a little low until you get your level of

thyroid hormone back up to where it should be. If you don't have any adverse

reactions now you are on 1 1/2 grains after a couple of weeks, you might try

adding another half grain again. It does appear you are way of the dose you are

going to need. I would also be tempted to add another tablet with your morning

dose of NAE and are you taking 200 mcgs Selenium daily, with high dose vitamin

C and Siberian Ginseng.

I

looked dreadful when I was hypothyroid - before I started Armour - and it is

only when you look back at photographs taken at the time that you realise just

how dreadful. Be assured that when you do get on the right dose of thyroid

hormone, you will start to look well again. Keep your chin up Margaret -

even though it must feel really difficult right now, you will get there, but

perhaps a little later rather than sooner.

Luv -

Sheila

I am on 18th day of Armour and upped to 3qrts am and 3qrts pm

yesterday.Dont know if I have rushed it a bit but still not

feeling great.Upped Adrenal supps to 1and half first thing as when on

2 they kept me awake.Just not feeling good very very up and down but I had been

on eltroxin for 16 years.

[Guest guest]

Hi Sheila

Thank you so much for your response you always make me feel a little better.I do take vit C and am going to buy Selenium what are Siberian Ginseng and what are they for ? I will try and get them at Holland and Barett tomorrow.

Thanks Sheila I cant stress how much it helps knowing you and all the gang are there for support.

ta very much xxxxxxxxxxx

Margaret

From: Sheila <sheila@...>thyroid treatment Sent: Monday, February 16, 2009 12:16:15 PM

Hi Margaret

I would also be tempted to add another tablet with your morning dose of NAE and are you taking 200 mcgs Selenium daily, with high dose vitamin C and Siberian Ginseng.

[Guest guest]

You're very welcome Margaret. Siberian

Ginseng helps support your adrenal function. The tablets are quite cheap

compared with some supplements but you must buy the Siberian Ginseng as that is

apparently supposed to be the best - or so I have been told.

Luv - Sheila

Thank you so much for your response you always make me feel a little

better.I do take vit C and am going to buy Selenium what are Siberian Ginseng

and what are they for ? I will try and get them at Holland and Barett tomorrow.

.._,___

[Guest guest]

Here you go Homer, er !

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1147311/Health-News-Eat-

chocolate-doctors-orders-swim-longer-life.html

Tracey

>

> Hi Tracey,

> Tell me tell me mmmmmm chocholate ( dribbles like Homer

> Simpson)

> Yes, I was recommended to drink Guinness by midwife- helped baby

sleep

> at night too

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Tracey,

Well, I'll be trying that! Also my lifeguard daughter is

always trying to persuade me to swim more, but I just hate all the

echoing and squealing children in an indoor pool- it hurts my ears.

Subject: Re: To smoke..or not to smoke..

Here you go Homer, er !

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-1147311/Health-News-Eat-

chocolate-doctors-orders-swim-longer-life.html

Tracey

------------------------------------

TPA is not medically qualified. Consult with a qualified medical

practitioner before changing medication.

[Guest guest]

I'm all for swimming , its a great way to exercise. I just hate it

when all the kids jump in right in front of me and splash about as I

don't like being splashed too much!...

At our pool they have special one hour sessions everyday where kids are

NOT permitted! It's brilliant and I can do my breast stroke in peace.

Gillian

> Also my lifeguard daughter is

> always trying to persuade me to swim more, but I just hate all the

> echoing and squealing children in an indoor pool- it hurts my ears.