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THE THYROID
Hyper and Hypothyroidism
are two of the common thyroid disorders and may
mimic depression or mental illness.
An underactive (hypo)
thyroid can lead to a progressive loss of interest
and initiative, a slowing of mental processes, poor
short term memory, a fading of the person’s vitality
and liveliness, general intellectual deterioration
and depression. Other signs are: dry, rough skin;
pale and puffy complexion; loss of hair; change in
voice; weakness; an intolerance to cold; weight
gain; constipation; muscle cramps; increased
menstrual flow; a slowed heart rate; indecisiveness;
confusion and/or forgetfulness (often mistaken for
dementia in seniors). Because there is a hormone
imbalance, the body’s metabolic rate and organ
functions slow down. Symptoms are not always
obvious and may be mistaken for other diseases.
Hypothyroidism is the most common of the thyroid
disorders.
An overactive (hyper)
thyroid may show itself in a person as: marked
anxiety and tension; emotionally unstable; impatient
and irritable; overactive/skittish; overly sensitive
to noise; a fluctuating depression; sleep and
appetite disorders; and in extreme cases, signs of
schizophrenia.
Many studies have shown a clear
relationship between the onset of thyroid disorders
and stress. It could be that the person is
predisposed to the ailment or that the illness
itself is contributing to the situation of stress.
Long term use of psychiatric medications used to
stabilize moods can cause hypothyroidism,
particularly in middle aged women and can cause
depression, which is the very problem that the
treatment was to alleviate.
Thyroid disease can run in
families and is more common in females. There also
seems to be a higher than normal occurrence in
people with type 2 diabetes and almost one-third of
people with type 1 diabetes have thyroid disease.
Type 1 diabetes is a type of autoimmune disorder in
which the immune system attacks a gland or organ in
the body. Thyroid disorders can have a significant
effect on blood glucose levels. Thyroid imbalance
symptoms can be easily misdiagnosed in the case of
diabetes as they quite often are symptoms that a
diabetic might experience anyhow.
The diagnosis is very often
overlooked and could be due to the fact that the
usual test that is ordered by the doctor is “less
expensive” than the more extensive “expensive”
testing. Years can go by, where a patient goes
undiagnosed and the disease develops slowly and
insidiously.
Once diagnosed, what treatments
are available?
Treatments for Hyperthyroidism
are;
-
anti-thyroid drugs to slow down the hormone
production
-
radioactive iodine therapy to destroy thyroid cells
-
surgical removal of the thyroid
The last 2 options would then
require a life long commitment to hormone
replacement therapy.
Treatment for Hypothyroidism
is usually done by taking a synthetic thyroid
hormone daily.
There has been much discussion
in the past few years on the correlation between
taking thyroid pharmaceuticals and that they could
eventually lead to osteoporosis and there is quite a
bit of evidence that would support that.
We could have many people
taking antidepressants that actually just need to
balance their thyroid. We also have many diabetics
that could ‘control’ their condition much easier;
seniors on dementia drugs that could just have a
thyroid problem; many people (mostly women)
struggling with weight issues….
There is hope! I’ll tell you
my experience. Over the past 30 years, I have moved
a lot (ex army brat/itchy feet), so have never had
the same doctor for long but have been sent many
times, by many doctors for thyroid tests as my
symptoms pointed in that direction. The tests
always came back fine - no thyroid issues UNTIL my
doctor visibly noticed that my thyroid was enlarged
about 8 years ago. He sent me for a biopsy and
more thorough testing and then to an
endocrinologist. The tests showed that the growth
was benign but my thyroid was very low functioning.
Immediately, the specialist wanted to book me in to
surgically remove my thyroid! I asked if he would
do an ultrasound and then in 6 months, do another.
If the growth was growing, then I would possibly
agree to removal. I never heard from him again. My
GP even tried to reach him but I obviously ticked
him off. I started taking kelp and I found my
dosage through trial. If I took too little, I was
tired & indecisive and if I took too much, I had
heart palpitations. I soon found that if I didn’t
take it for a week or so, that I had to nap (3-4
hrs) in the afternoons and was useless for the rest
of the day. At times, I could not even make a
decision as what to cook or what to wear (so I just
didn’t get dressed that day) so I learned never to
run out of my kelp. Then Victor formulated a new
blend #40-Quantum Balance. This new blend really
piqued my interest as it had so many healing
properties. I ordered a bottle of it but only took
it occasionally - never on a regular basis. In
December of 2007, I started taking 2 twice daily -
faithfully. I was still taking kelp at this time
but found in a month, that I had to lower the mg of
kelp and by the end of January 08, I couldn’t take
any as I’d have palpitations. Then a really great
thing happened. My brain seemed to kick in and the
weight started coming off. By the beginning of June
and I’d gone from a size 14 to a 10. #40 also seems
to have also taken my craving for junk food away.
YAY! I also still take Victor’s blend for my
kidneys. #36 Velvet- G OR #5A Glandex OR #6B Cir-q-lation
LKT can be added for an extra boost to the thyroid.
And something to remember – You can take #40 if you
have a hyper OR a hypo thyroid, or no problem with
your thyroid. Our blends are made to BALANCE the
organ energies.
#40 – Quantum Balance
is formulated to help; boost the immune system,
improve digestion and assimilation, help prevent
cancerous growths, eliminate toxins, increase energy
levels, increase strength and vitality, balance
thyroid energy, reduce breast lumps,
regulate bowel movements,
reduce prostate swelling, reduce cyst formations and
activate circulation.
The vitamin/mineral content is all from herbal
sources; A, B-complex, C, D, E, K,
Polysaccharides, calcium,
iodine, magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper,
manganese, folic acid, iron, phosphorus, potassium,
omega 3-6-9. 2 capsules, twice daily for adults.
About the Author
Maureen Zelmer is the Director of Education for
Ancient Alternatives and has worked with Grand
Master Herbalist, Victor Shim for 16 years. Her
passion is helping people with health issues and
training/advising the consultants with Ancient
Alternatives.
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