Re: HYPOTHYROID is 2nd in cause of HIGH CHOLESTEROL

[Guest guest]

(this adress some physical issues plus depression)

  by Clifford S. Garner, Ph.D.

         In this paper we want to tell you about the thyroid gland, its

disorders, and better ways of finding if

there is a thyroid dysfunction and what to do about it than is offered by

orthodox medicine. Perhaps 40-50% of the USA population has a somewhat

underactive thyroid.

         The thyroid is an endocrine gland weighing about one ounce and

situated essentially under the Adam's apple (or lower part of the larynx).

It consists of two lateral lobes connected across the rnidline by a narrow

transverse portion, the isthmus. (The parathyroids are round glands about

one-quarter inch in diameter, located in or near the thyroid, and secrete a

hormone concerned mainly with metabolism of calcium and phosphorus.)

         There are apparently seven hormones secreted by the thyroid, of

which we consider here only the four major ones.

         Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3) have many similar

functions, and are controlled

mainly by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted by the anterior

pituitary gland. Only a tiny amount of T3 is secreted. It is the most

active, usable form, and the body controls its need by conversion of the

more plentiful, but less active, T4 into T3. This conversion is interfered

with by stress, and is probably the most common cause of thyroid

malfunction. Some T4 is also converted to an apparently inactive hormone

called " reverse T3, " which is incorrectly included as active T3 in the

interpretation of thyroid blood tests, and a few laboratories are starting

to offer reverse T3 testing.

         There are at least thirteen known functions of T4 and T3. These

include up to a doubling of the basal metabolism rate, increasing the rate

of food use for energy (your caloric needs), increasing appetite,

increasing secretion of digestive enzymes and peristalsis in the GI tract,

increasing insulin secretion by the pancreas, increasing both making and

breaking down of glucose and absorption of glucose by the cells and the GI

tract, increasing respiratory rate, increasing heart rate and systolic

blood pressure (and decreasing diastolic pressure), and dilating blood

vessels to increase blood flow.

         In one sense, a main T4 function is to regulate the rhythm of

the

heart (a person can have a perfect heart, yet have heart failure because T4

control is absent). If the thyroid stops functioning, or has been

surgically removed (MDs are people who believe we have an excess of organs

and a deficiency of drugs), the adrenals have to act as the heart's backup.

T4 deficiency tends to bring about symptoms such as fatigue, depression,

headaches, cold hands and feet, and frequent subluxations of the spinal

cervical vertebrae.

         A main T3 function could be considered to be the regulation of

the

rhythm of the kidneys. A deficiency ofT3 gives symptoms such as fluid

retention, swelling of ankles and legs, bloating, loose bowels, colitis,

Crohn's syndrome, gas, and weight gain, all because the kidneys are failing

to filter the blood properly and to flush out fluids and wastes, which

instead are backing up into the body.

         The thyroid needs about 0.2 mg of iodine per day to produce T3

and

T4. Insufficient iodine, especially in an absorbable organic form (not the

usual potassium iodide), is common in the USA (in the Contact Reflex

Analysis CRA system this iodine lack is called T4 1/2). If the thyroid is

iodine-deficient, symptoms are likely to be a slow or fast heart rate, pain

in the chest, fluid in the lungs, coughing, anxiety, goiters, and double

chins.

         The third major thyroid hormone (T1) controls the electrical

input

and charge of the brain. Symptoms of a T1 deficiency may include fatigue,

depression, low self esteem, suicidal tendencies, and various mental

disorders. Sometimes multiple sclerosis and Lou Gehrig's syndrome are a

result of not enough T1 to recharge the brain.

         The fourth major thyroid hormone is calcitonin, apparently not

under pituitary control. When blood levels of calcium are too high,

calcitonin is secreted, which makes more bone-forming cells (osteoblasts)

and decreases formation of cells that break down bone (osteoclasts); these

processes are tied in with the functions of a hormone secreted by the

parathyroids.

         Other symptoms besides those given or implied above, when the

thyroid is underactive may include a tendency to be overweight, a need for

more sleep, a lack of motivation, constipation, balding or thinning of

hair, brittle nails, hands or feet that tend to crack or peel, muscle

cramps, asthma, or being out of breath with just a little exertion,

irregular or prolonged or painful periods, low libido, low blood pressure,

low blood sugar, hives or acne. For an overactive thyroid, symptoms may

include having trouble putting on weight (often thin, wiry people),

nervousness, difficulty falling asleep even when tired, sweating a lot and

disliking heat, diarrhea, hand tremors, and protrusion of eyeballs. As

always, please be aware that many symptoms in any dysfunction may have more

than one cause.

         There are many reasons why the thyroid may misbehave. Among

them

are prolonged intake of refined carbohydrates and sweets, prolonged excess

intake of cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kohlrabi,

and Brussels sprouts, although these are otherwise excellent foods) and

peanuts and soybean products--all are beneficial for an overactive

thyroid--, long-term overeating (especially of fats and sugars), prolonged

intake of vitamin A and zinc supplements, long-term use of birth control

pills, cortisone, epinephrine and some other drugs, taking synthetic

thyroid hormone (Synthroid, see below), lack of organic iodine (not found

in iodized salt), pituitary malfunction (often affected by emotional

stress), estrogen imbalances (whether from pituitary, ovary, uterus, liver,

or adrenal malfunction, or from estrogen replacement therapy), low adrenal

function (which tends to slow the thyroid in order to decrease metabolism

and give the adrenals a chance to rest and recover), and abnormal nerve

pressure from spinal mid-cervical subluxations (common in whiplash

injuries), use of iodized salt (see below), and certain autoimmune

conditions. In the latter, the thyroid can be infiltrated by white blood

cells which form antibodies to thyroid cells, eventually causing

overproduction of T4 (this autoimmune disorder, known as Graves' disease,

produces an overactive thyroid). Sometimes the antibodies inactivate parts

of the thyroid slowly, converting the overactive thyroid into an

underactive one (Hashimoto's syndrome). Louise Hay states that low thyroid

function is associated with giving up, feeling hopelessly stifled, " I never

get to do what I want to do. " An overactive thyroid she ascribes to rage at

being left out. Bereavement or divorce especially stress the

thyroid.  According to the Chinese Law of the Five Elements, used in

classical acupuncture, the thyroid is the yang aspect (and the gonads and

pericardium the yin aspect) of the Triple Warmer meridian of the Fire

Element, for which such emotions as despair, despondency, humiliation,

hopelessness, are relevant.

         Aside from symptom observation (poor because symptoms often

have

multiple causes, and              another reason why orthodox

medicine is

so inefficient and often harmful with its focus on symptom-removal), how do

we know if our thyroid is malfunctioning?

         Medical doctors rely mainly on a thyroid panel in blood

chemistry

tests, which tests have a high degree of inaccuracy. This panel may include

the following; T4 (usually low in underactive thyroid (hypothyroid),

usually high in overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid), and low, high, or normal

in nonthyroid illness; T3 (usually low, high, or normal in hypothyroid,

usually high in hyperthyroid. and high or low in nonthyroid illness); T3

uptake ( " resin uptake " ) that determines the percent of unbound sites

available on the protein that transports thyroid hormones in the blood

(usually normal or slightly high in hypothyroid, normal or slightly low in

hyperthyroid, and high or low in nonthyroid illness); T7 or FTI (free

thyroxine index) calculated by multiplying the T4 value by the T3 uptake

value (usually low in hypothyroid, high in hyperthyroid, and uncertain in

nonthyroid illness); TSH (very high in hypothyroid, low or undetectable

(less than 0.2 mu/ml) in hyperthyroid (the TSH test is probably the most

sensitive of the medical tests)); TBG (thyroxine binding globulin) is

occasionally included and is usually normal to slightly high in hypothyroid

and normal or slightly low in hyperthyroid. This all seems very scientific,

but in fact is often poorly related to actual thyroid function. One reason

is that numerous drugs can influence thyroid tests; some are oral

anticoagulants (such as coumadin), various hormones (such as

corticosteroids, estrogens, progestins, and oral contraceptives),

antithyroid drugs, sulfonamides. phenytoin, cartemazepine, lithium therapy,

and even aspirin in higher dosage. Different labs use somewhat different

reference values, to compound the confusion. Pregnancy, crash dieting, and

certain types of kidney disease also throw off T4 values.

         The best test for thyroid dysfunction, in my opinion, is the

basal

body temperature test, developed by Broda O. , MD, PhD,  who studied

thyroid problems for 35 years. He claims many people have thyroid problems

not picked up by the conventional medical blood tests (I couldn’t agree

more). He says patients treated on the basis of his test results have a

90% reduction in incidence of heart disease. His test is done as

follows.  1) Shake down an oral thermometer before going to bed, and put it

within easy reach of the bed; 2) Upon awakening in the morning, place and

hold the thermometer bulb under an armpit and lie still for a full 10

minutes by the clock; 3) Read and record the temperature and date; 4)

Repeat for 5 days and calculate the average temperature; 5) If the average

is below 97.8 degrees F, suspect hypothyroid; if above 98.4 degrees F

suspect an overactive thyroid (or an infection)--couple this information

with your symptoms (see above for symptoms). If premenopausal, start on day

2, 3 or 4 (day 2 best) of the menstrual cycle (basal body temperature rises

and falls just before and after ovulation).  Any day is alright for

postmenopausal women. Women taking oral or topical progesterone should not

take it the day before and days during the Broda test. Be aware that the

Broda test is not fool-proof in that adrenal malfunction can also give low

temperatures, but the test is still very useful, as Dr. Broda’s experience

indicates.

         Most medical doctors reflexively prescribe levothyroxine

(Synthroid) for hypothyroidism. Synthroid is a synthetic form of T4, and if

the body doesn't convert T4 to T3, Synthroid is useless. Moreover, taking

Synthroid for a few years tends to inhibit the body's production of thyroid

hormones, aside from side effects, which can include severe depression,

panic attacks, and kidney problems. Giving T3 by itself in an attempt to

compensate for this poor conversion of T4 to T3 can cause irregular heart

rhythm, among other side effects. If one is going to go the orthodox

medical route the best thyroid medication for low thyroid is Armour

Desiccated Thyroid, a natural porcine thyroid product (but most MDs are

wedded to Synthroid and may balk if you ask for the Armour Desiccated

Thyroid). Some patients who have been on Synthroid for a long time without

results improve rapidly when switched to the Armour product.

         In treating hyperthyroid, medical doctors often recommend

partial

and irreversible destruction of the thyroid surgically or by ingestion of

fligh-dosage radioiodine--this despite the fact that a third of all

overactive thyroid cases will resolve themselves without medical

intervention. Alternatively, antithyroid drugs, such as propylthiouracil,

carbimazole. or methimazole, are used. but these can cause serious

problems, such as agranulocytosis (sudden decrease in the number of white

blood cells, resulting in         extreme fatigue, fever, and bleeding

of

the mouth, vagina, or rectum), aplastic anemia (bone marrow      stops

making red blood cells), etc.

         What are some non-drug alternatives?

          For hypothyroid, Standard Process Labs (SPL) Thytrophin PMG

(3-6

daily) for a T4 deficiency, SPL Min-Tran (4-6 daily) for a T1 deficiency,

and SPL Iodomere (4-6 daily), plus SPL A-C Carbamide (3-9 daily) for a T3

deficiency. For a THS pituitary deficiency, 2-6 per day of SPL Pituitrophin

PMG plus 3 SPL Catalyn are suggested.  However, our experience is that most

clients will do fine with just the SPL Thytrophin PMG (perhaps 6 a day)

plus SPL Zypan (1-2 per meal); if that doesn’t work, and in the absence of

a kinesiologist to tell, try SPL Organic Iodine (2-3 daily, but start with

1 for a week).  SPL supplements can sometimes be obtained through local

chiropractors, or by mail from Cliff.

         For an overactive thyroid., 1-2 SPL Organic Minerals daily will

often suffice. For Hashimoto's syndrome, 15 SPL Calsol and 10 SPL Immuplex

daily often help (this often works well for Grave's syndrome also).

         Helpful herbs include poke root, white oak bark, quercus

marine,

and Irish moss. Vitamins B2, B3, B6, and C are required for normal thyroid

function. It would be best to monitor these through Contact Reflex Analysis

(CRA).

         Other ways in which you can help your thyroid include the

following. Rub for 1-2 minutes daily the thyroid neurolymphatic reflexes

just to each side of the breastbone between ribs 2 and 3 (to locate, rib 1

is under the collarbone, so count down from it). Alternate a hot compress

and an icebag held over the thyroid for 30 seconds each for 6 times in the

morning, and again at night for one week--this tends to normalize thyroid

function. For an overactive thyroid, an icebag over the thyroid for 30

minutes daily should help.

         Regarding the use of iodized salt, recommended bv MDs to help

the

thyroid, there is considerable evidence that indicates this commonly makes

thyroid conditions worse, tending to generate an overactive thyroid. Even

in geographical areas ( " goiter belts " ) where iodine is deficient in the

foods produced there, use of iodized salt triples the incidence of thyroid

antibodies aud predisposes to Graves' disease. In place of iodized salt,

use either " Real Saltâ€Â  from deep salt mines in Utah, or much superior,

Celtic Sea Salt from the pure marshes off the coast of Normandy,

France.  Both have macro minerals and trace minerals which render them very

nutritious.  “Real Salt†is often available in ’s supermarkets in

the

nutrition section.  Celtic Sea Salt is available mainly from the Grain &

Salt Society, 1-.

[Guest guest]

Some studies report that total and LDL

> cholesterol levels are higher than normal even in people with

> subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH levels between 5.1 and 10 mU/L).

> Research on whether the association between mild hypothyroidism and

> cholesterol levels is significant are mixed, however. "

This is true in my case. When I went downhill rapidly my labs in

February showed a cholesterol of 207, even though I had lost my

appetite and was eating a chicken salad for lunch and meat and veggie

for dinner (that's it). That was all I could manage to scarf down

because my appetite diminished. My TSH was 6.63 and labs were all

" NORMAL " , so I was classified as subclinical. Interestingly, 2 times

in my twenties, my cholesterol was 255. I probably would have had an

unremarkable thyroid panel (accept the antibodies would have been

present). Now, my mother's sister just called yeaterday (she's going

to come up from CA to spend time with my Grammie), and she told my

Gramdma that she has gained a ton of weight (she was always a

toothpick), and her cholesterol levels are through the roof. I guess I

will need to fit a time in where I can suggest she get thorough

thyroid testing since it appears to be running rampant in our family.

This is crazy!

[Guest guest]

I know beyond the shadow of a doubt, by personal experience. I'd be a good

model for that study because I've always had our family trait (even with a

less-than-perfect diet at times) of nice low total cholesterols, low LDLs, the

perfect HDLs, and low triglycerides (remember, I'm 52 already). This was even

up until the end of summer in 2003, when I was beginning to continue into the

free fall of more antibody destruction and ever escalating hypo, after being

symptom-free for the first 3 yrs of thyroid treatment via synthetics (starting

around '95, then the nightmare began in summer of '98). By the time I had my

first HealthCheck testing and the first time for Free T3 and Free T4 at around

the end of September '03, there was that godawful huge TSH, and an extremely low

T4, and a T3 in the lowest of low range " normal " (what a laugh). And, here

comes these cholesterol readings I had never had in my life. Over 200 total,

too high LDLs, but still with enough HDLs to " carry the LDLs out piggyback " ,

which is what HDLs do best. My triglycerides were also high, not horribly high,

but still high, for the first time ever. I had started my Armour approximately

3 wks before these first tests. During the next 5 months, I started slowly,

very slowly, upping my dose of Armour, not even on an optimal dose as of my next

testing for all these same things on February 26th '04, and still not changing a

WHOLE lot about my diet (I love sweets, this is my downfall). Jumping Junipers!

My cholesterol readings were better than they've ever been in my entire life,

with a total reading of 170, low triglycerides, low LDLs, and the higher HDLs.

I'm hoping that they look even better next time because of the additions to my

diet of things rich in folic acid, which means that I added more green things

and am being very faithful about this and the supplements this time. Didn't

mean to go " on a roll " with this, but I strongly believe this.

HYPOTHYROID is 2nd in cause of HIGH

CHOLESTEROL

(I never had an issue with high cholesterol, but I see it in my

husband and sister-in-law. My sister-in-law is on T4-meds, and I

often wonder if it would improve with a switch to Armour. My husband

is on one grain, and after another few months, we are going to ask

for labs to see if it's done anything for his cholesterol...fingers

crossed. Janie)

" According to one 2000 study, hypothyroidism is only second to poor

dietary habits as a cause of high cholesterol. Studies have reported

a higher risk for high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL)

cholesterol (the " bad " cholesterol) and a cholesterol-carrying

molecule called lipoprotein(a), both of which are major risk factors

in heart disease. Treatment can significantly reduce total

cholesterol, LDL, and lp(a), helping to prevent the development of

coronary artery disease. Some studies report that total and LDL

cholesterol levels are higher than normal even in people with

subclinical hypothyroidism (TSH levels between 5.1 and 10 mU/L).

Research on whether the association between mild hypothyroidism and

cholesterol levels is significant are mixed, however. "

[Guest guest]

Good article. I am seeing more articles like this that mention

Armour!! Folks, the swing back to Armour is slowly happening. It's

just too bad that most Doctors are the turtles.

I was curious, though, why he says there are SEVEN hormones secreted

by the thyroid??? ( " There are apparently seven hormones secreted by

the thyroid, of which we consider here only the four major ones. " )

This statement was interesting: " There are at least thirteen known

functions of T4 and T3. These include

--up to a doubling of the basal metabolism rate,

--increasing the rate of food use for energy (your caloric needs),

--increasing appetite,

--increasing secretion of digestive enzymes and peristalsis in the

GI tract,

--increasing both making and breaking down of glucose and absorption

of glucose by the cells and the GI tract,

--increasing respiratory rate,

--ncreasing heart rate and systolic blood pressure (and decreasing

diastolic pressure),

--and dilating blood vessels to increase blood flow.

I was also curious when he said that " the main T4 function is to

regulate the rhythm of the heart (a person can have a perfect heart,

yet have heart failure because T4 control is absent). A main T3

function could be considered to be the regulation of the

rhythm of the kidneys. "

Janie

[Guest guest]

>Maybe some heart palps come from having too much T4, and no natural

>hormone balance there.

Or like " estrogen dominance " with it's accompanying side effects,

it's T4 dominance with it's accompanying side effects. Not exactly

the same, actually, but an interesting way of looking at it. Sure

wish we had a thyroid scientist here. We already have a few docs and

such who are here " incognito " .

Janie