Understanding the Causes of Hypothyroidism

Environmental Toxins

One of the most important factors that lead to hypothyroidism is exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, which act as hormone or endocrine disruptors and interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and function. In one study, it found that as people lose weight they release pesticides from their fat tissue. This can then interfere with thyroid function and caused hypothyroidism. The toxins created a slow metabolism and prevented them from losing more weight. The study highlights the importance of overall detoxification.

Another very common problem includes drinking chlorinated and fluoridated water, and eating brominated flour. Chlorine, fluoride, and bromine are all in the same family as iodine, which can displace iodine in your thyroid gland. Heavy metals such as mercury can also affect thyroid function. One of the principal causes of hypothyroidism is related to elevated reverse T3 levels, which can become elevated in response to heavy metal toxicity.
In such cases, detoxifying before beginning thyroid treatment is recommended. The detoxification protocol will vary depending on your level of lead, cadmium, mercury, and other heavy metals. Some people get these efficiently out of their bodies within 10 to 15 chelation treatments. There are other people, particularly those who lived in major metropolitan areas all their lives, where it takes 30 or 40 chelation treatments to pull out all the toxic metals. 95 percent of the time, those with elevated reverse T3 levels will see their levels revert back to normal after undergoing chelation with EDTA and DMPS, which draw out cadmium, lead, mercury, and other toxic metals. In essence, heavy metal toxicity can cause a functional form of hypothyroidism.

7 Steps to Healthy Hormones - Step 2: Fix Your Gut

Creating Healthy Hormonal Balance is a series of steps. After we have looked at LifeStyle Habits (see last week's post), we then want to look at our guts.

The digestive system is really the corner stone of our wellbeing, as it is involved in so many processes. New research is showing that your gut health plays a significant role in hormone regulation so if you have leaky gut or a lack of probiotics lining your intestinal wall it can also cause hormone imbalance.

If your gut health is poor, you can end up with impaired immune and nervous systems, and it can also wreak havoc with hormonal function throughout the body. This is because our gastrointestinal tract is loaded with neurons that release the same neurotransmitters found in the brain. This is why you have "gut feelings" and any upset to this equilibrium can throw your body and mood into chaos.

To adopt a new approach to the eating for hormonal balance, this can be done by starting with the "Four Rs" - Remove, Repair, Restore, and Replace.

          Step 1: Remove

 In this first step, remove the offending foods and toxins from your diet that could be acting as stressors on your system. This means caffeine, alcohol, processed foods, bad fats, and any other foods you think may be causing issues, like gluten and dairy. All of these all irritate the gut in some form and create an inflammatory response.

Step 2: Repair

 The next step is to begin to repair the gut and heal the damaged intestinal lining. You do this by consuming an unprocessed diet and giving your body time to rest by providing it with substances that are known to heal the gut, like L-glutamine, omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, antioxidants (in the form of vitamins A, C, and E), quercitin, aloe vera, and turmeric.

Step 3: Restore

 This involves the restoration of your gut's optimal bacterial flora population. This is done with the introduction of probiotics like Lactobacillus acidophilus andBifidobacterium lactis. A probiotic is a good bacteria and is ingested to help reinforce and maintain a healthy gastrointestinal tract and to help fight illness. In general a healthy lower intestinal tract should contain around 85% good bacteria. This helps to combat any overgrowth of bad bacteria. Unfortunately in most people these percentages are skewed and this allows for the gut health to drastically decline. The human gut is home to bad bacteria like salmonella and clostridium, which is fine as long as they are kept in order and don't get out of control.

Step 4: Replace

 This involves getting your bile salts, digestive enzymes, and hydrochloric acid levels to optimal levels to maintain and promote healthy digestion. This can be done by supplementing with digestive enzymes and organic salt to help make sure you have enough hydrochloric acid.

NAET Overview

What is NAET?

OVERVIEW

NAET® was discovered by Dr. Devi S. Nambudripad in November of 1983. Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques, also known as NAET, are a non-invasive, drug free, natural solution to alleviate allergies of all types and intensities using a blend of selective energy balancing, testing and treatment procedures from acupuncture/acupressure, allopathy, nutritional, and kinesiological disciplines of medicine.

One allergen is treated at a time. If you are not severely immune deficient, you may need just one treatment to desensitize one allergen. A person with mild to moderate amount of allergies may take about 15-20 office visits to desensitize 15-20 food and environmental allergens.
Basic essential nutrients are treated during the first few visits. Chemicals, environmental allergens, vaccinations, immunizations, etc. are treated after completing about ten basic essential nutrients. NAET can successfully alleviate adverse reactions to egg, milk, peanuts, penicillin, aspirin, mushrooms, shellfish, latex, grass, ragweed, flowers, perfume, animal dander, animal epithelial, make-up, chemicals, cigarette smoke, pathogens, heat, cold, other environmental agents. It may take several office visits to desensitize a severe allergen.

Holistic Family Nurse Practitioner, Martha Bray, received her training directly by Dr. Nambudripad and has taken many andvanced training courses offered by Dr. Nambudripad. Please continue reading the following explanation of NAET by Dr. Nambudripad herself:

Allopathy & Western Sciences

Knowledge of the brain, cranial nerves, spinal nerves and autonomic nervous system from Western medicine enlightens us about the body’s efficient multilevel communication network. Through this network of nerves, vital energy circulates through the body carrying negative and positive messages from the brain to each and every cell in the body and back to the brain. Knowledge of the nervous system, its origin, travel pathway, the organs and tissues that will benefit from its nerve energy supplies (target organs and tissues) and its destination, helps us to understand the energy distribution of particular spinal nerves that emerge from the 31 pairs of spinal nerve roots.

Kinesiology

Kinesiology is the art and science of movement of the human body. Kinesiology is used in NAET to compare the strength and weakness of any muscle (also known as neuromuscular sensitivity testing (NST)) of the body in the presence and absence of any substance. A measured weakness in the presence of a substance is due to the effect of an allergy to the item the person is touching. This simple method can be used to detect your allergens.

Acupuncture /Oriental Medicine
Yin-Yang theory from Oriental medical principles teaches the importance of maintaining homeostasis in the body. According to Oriental medical principles, “when the body is in perfect balance, no disease is possible.” Any disturbance in the homeostasis can cause disease. Any allergen capable of producing a weakening muscular effect in the body can cause disturbance in homeostasis. Hence, diseases can be prevented and cured by maintaining homeostasis. According to acupuncture theory, acupuncture and/or Acupressure at certain acupuncture points is capable of bringing the body to a state of homeostasis by removing the energy blockages from the energy pathways known as meridians. When the blockages are removed, energy can flow freely through the energy meridians, thus bringing the body in perfect balance.

Nutrition

You are what you eat! The secret to good health is achieved through right nutrition. What is right nutrition? And how do you get it? When you can eat nutritious foods without discomfort and assimilate their nutrients, that food is said to be the right food. When you get indigestion, bloating, or other digestive troubles upon eating the food, that food is not helping you function normally. This is due to an allergy to the food. Different foods react differently in different people. What is food for some may be poison for others. You've probably heard the expression, “one man’s meat is another man’s poison.” So it is very important to clear the allergy to the nutrients. Allergic people can tolerate food that is low in nutrition better than nutritious food. But upon clearing the allergy, you should try to eat more wholesome, nutritious foods. You should avoid refined, bleached food that is devoid of nutrients. Many people who are feeling poorly due to undiagnosed food allergies, may take vitamins or other supplements to increase their vitality after they get treated for the specific allergy. If they happen to be allergic to the nutritional supplements they are taking, this can actually make them feel worse. Only after clearing those allergies, can their bodies properly assimilate them. So nutritional assessment should be done periodically and if needed, appropriate supplements should be taken to receive faster results.

Disclaimer
NAET does NOT claim to cure allergies or food, chemical and environmental sensitivities. NAET does not support the use of lasers in lieu of acupressure and acupuncture modalities. Do-it-yourself, at-home type kits can be extremely dangerous or harmful. Laser devices to treat allergies are currently being investigated by the FDA for inappropriate activities and claims. NAET is not responsible for any damage that is done by the use of such devices attempting to mimic NAET techniques. Any and all allergy treatment must be supervised by an approved and licensed health professional. Practitioners and programs that use words such as “distance treatments”, “JMT”, “BioSet”, “ByeBye Allergies”, “Berg technique”, “Advanced Allergy Elimination Technique”, “Allergy Pathways”, “Allergy Elimination Technique”, “the allergy kit”, and “A/SERT” do not perform Nambudripad’s Allergy Elimination Techniques (NAET) and are not sanctioned by NAET. NAET cannot be held responsible for any harm that may come from receiving such treatments or techniques that mimic or try to copy NAET.

Martha's Minute: Foods for Life

NUTRITION 101

Targeted Nutrients—Extra Help for Improving Health

The growing field of research in nutritional genomics—or nutrigenomics—has demonstrated the effects that nutrients and plant substances can have on modifying the expression of genes in favor of good health. This has led to the development of research-based nutraceuticals and medical foods that complement dietary approaches to address today's top health concerns.

"Boosting" Your Healthy Message with Nutritional Supplements

Even if you eat a nutritious diet, you might benefit from nutritional supplementation. Nutritional supplementation not only helps you maintain adequate nutrient levels. It can also help improve your health or manage chronic health conditions.

The following are key areas for targeted support along with some recommended nutrients:

• Detoxification & liver/kidney function—silymarin, epigallocatechin gallate, watercress, cordyceps, folate, chlorophyllin, andrographis, hops, methionine, artichoke
• Health maintenance—multivitamin/mineral, essential fatty acids (EPA/DHA), calcium, vitamins B, C, D & E, other antioxidants, phytonutrient complex, fiber, probiotics
• Body composition—protein, conjugated linoleic acid, chromium, L-carnitine
• Bone health—MCHC, calcium, vitamin D, boron, magnesium, ipriflavone, berberine, hops, phosphorus
• Brain function (cognition, memory)—ginkgo biloba, prolie-rich polypeptides, huperzine A, folate, N-acetylcysteine, EPA/DHA
• Digestion—lipase, proteases, amla fruit, betaine, pepsin, zinc carnosine, chamomile, peppermint, certain raw organ concentrates, probiotics
• Immune, sinus & lung health—vitamins A, C, D & E, andrographis, hops, zinc, amla fruit, selenium, Chinese botanicals, Ayurvedic botanicals, homeopathic remedies, perilla, garlic, select mushrooms, probiotics, whey protein, echinacea, ginger, licorice,
• Intestinal health—probiotics, glutamine, plantain fruit, coptis root, oregano, red thyme, sage, ginger, fiber
• Joints, tendons & muscles—hops, magnesium, glucosamine, MSM, chondroitin, antioxidants, EPA/DHA, calcium
• Men's health—arginine, tribulus, zinc, saw palmetto, soy, plant sterols, epigallocatechin gallate, ashwaghanda, DHEA
• Minor pain relief—ginger, turmeric, reduced iso-alpha acids from hops, boswellia
• Mood—St. John's wort, DHEA, folate, inositol, EPA/DHA
• Relaxation & sleep—lemon balm, passionflower, valerian, L-theanine, casein tryptic hydrolysate, epigallocatechin gallate, N-acetylcysteine, Chinese botanicals, L-5-hydroxytryptophan, L-theanine
• Sports nutrition—whey protein, electrolytes, magnesium, long-chain glucose-polymers
• Stress management—licorice, ashwagandha, rehmannia, ginseng, cordyceps, Chinese botanicals, homeopathic remedies
• Women's health—indole-3-carbinole, isoflavones (soy, kudzu, red clover), Chinese botanical blends, chasteberry, choline, calcium, ashwaghanda, black cohosh, folate

Living A Detox Lifestyle

LIVING A DETOX LIFESTYLE

Detoxification is a continuous physiologic process that your body depends on for survival. There are complex cellular detoxification mechanisms that are constantly at work for you all day, every day. Natural and synthetic chemicals are processed by this complex system of cells, organs, and organ systems to keep you healthy in the face of a virtually constant barrage of toxic material. A great detoxification program is an excellent tool to improve your detoxification in the short term. The following suggestions will help you keep your body’s toxic burden low and your detox mechanisms working for the long haul.

GENERAL SUGGESTIONS FOR DECREASING TOXICITY

AND HARMFUL CHEMICAL EXPOSURES

FOOD

• Shift your food purchases and consumption to organic when possible. It is most important to

use organic dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt, ice cream, etc.). Free-range meats and eggs are

desirable to purchase as organic. Minimize the use of large fish (swordfish, tuna, etc.) as they are

higher in mercury.

• Purchase organic strawberries and apples, and refer to the Environmental Working Group or

Consumers Reports websites to stay current about which fruits and veggies are most important to

eat organic.

PRODUCTS

• Purchase the most natural cleaning and other household products you can find.

• Avoid spraying pesticides or herbicides in your home or property.

• For hair products (including shampoo and colors) look for products without alcohol, sodium

lauryl sulfate, paraben, phthalate or other petrochemicals. Check your local yellow pages and

magazines to see if there is an environmentally oriented hair salon in your area.

• Avoid using hair sprays.

• Avoid perfumes or other skin or hair care products that use synthetic fragrances.

SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP

• Use low-toxin make-up and skin creams (avoid products with: phthalates, parabens, propylene

glycol, alcohols and fragrances). In general, skin care products from health food stores without

the above ingredients are a safer bet.

• Consider using antioxidant creams on your skin: low solvent products with CoQ10, Vit. C

possibly DMAE and botanical squalene.

ANTIPERSPIRANTS AND DEODORANT

• Avoid aluminum-containing antiperspirants and antacids. Since virtually all antiperspirants

contain aluminum, it may be advisable to minimize or discontinue use.

WATER

• Water can have many toxins and thus regular consumption of unfiltered water can significantly

contribute to the toxic load of your body

• Water quality will vary from city to city but in general it is better to filter tap water with a

multi-stage carbon filter or reverse osmosis filter.

• Try to avoid bottles water in soft plastic containers as the plastics often leach into the water.

Minimize the use of plastic water bottles that have been in a hot car.

• Minimize the use of camel-back type plastic water containers.

• Mineral waters in glass bottles are generally safe unless there is a question of the quality of the

source.

• Have approximately 6-8 glasses of water or healthy liquids each day. Use glass or ceramic when

possible.

• Filter shower water in order to limit your exposure to chlorinated hydrocarbons.

PLASTICS

• Plastics can disrupt hormones in your body.

• Avoid plastic bottles and containers with the numbers 3, 6 and 7 on the bottom. These are most

likely to leach plastics into the food, juice or water that they contain.

• Buy juices and water in glass containers when possible.

• Avoid PVC’s.

• Do not microwave in plastic containers.

• Minimize washing plastic containers in the dishwasher under high heat.

• Minimize the use of cling wraps; try to use paper wraps.

DENTAL CARE

• Avoid mercury amalgam fillings.

• Get second options on root canals.

• Avoid if possible having 2 different metals in adjacent teeth.

• Pick a dentist who is aware of healthy choices for the mouth-perhaps a more holistic or

biologically oriented dentist who does not place new mercury fillings.

HOME

• Use only green and low VOC products in a remodel or new home.

• Avoid furniture with particle board or buy used furniture that has had a chance to “off gas”.

• Let a new car off gas by keeping the windows open.

• Use an air filter such as a Hepa filter with a charcoal filter to clean the debris in the air.

• Minimize the amount of regular carpet in your home, or use natural carpets.

• Avoid using pesticides in your house.

Certain chemicals applied to your skin or in the air can be absorbed by your body and may cause harm

to your cells and organ systems. They can cause inflammation and increase the body’s production of

free radicals, thus increasing your likelihood of developing chronic health problems.

Martha's Minute: Detoxification for Health

The question is no longer IF we are toxic, the real question now is HOW toxic are we?

The word toxins has become a catch-all term these days for harmful substances in the environment and in our bodies. 

But, what exactly are toxins, where do they come from and what are their health implications?  And, finally, what can we do about them?

Environmental toxins are poisonous substances that come from outside of the and can be lumped into two large categories:

1. Chemicals
2. Metals

Toxic burden is the total accumulation of toxins that the body is dealing with.  These toxins,come from a variety of sources but initial exposure actually begins while a baby is still in the womb!

Attend Martha's Minute Tuesday, February 17th to learn the answers to these questions and learn how to Detoxify for your health! (6:00 - 7:00 p.m.) http://www.advancedhealthclinic.com/