Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have thyroid nodules.  I commonly receive emails from people with thyroid nodules asking if natural treatment methods can shrink them.  I’ve written separate articles about thyroid nodules, and to this day I don’t know of any specific supplement or herb which can shrink thyroid nodules.  I’ve had some people ask me whether castor oil packs can help shrink thyroid nodules, and so I figured I’d dedicate a post to this topic.

If you go online and perform a search for “castor oil packs and thyroid nodules”, you’ll see some natural healthcare professionals recommend for people with thyroid nodules to use castor oil packs.  One simply places the castor oil pack over the thyroid gland for a couple of hours per day, or they can also massage castor oil onto the area for about 10 minutes.  Either way, doing this supposedly can help to dissolve thyroid nodules, as well as nodules and cysts in other parts of the body.

To no surprise, there is no research which proves that castor oil packs can help to shrink thyroid nodules.  This doesn’t really mean much, as just because research studies haven’t been conducted doesn’t confirm that certain natural treatment methods aren’t effective.  One problem is that thyroid nodules may shrink on their own, and so if one uses castor oil packs and the thyroid nodules decrease in size, there really is no way to tell if this would have occurred without the castor oil packs.  Similarly, some people who follow a natural treatment protocol will have their thyroid nodules shrink, but perhaps this would have happened even if they didn’t follow a natural treatment protocol.

Are There Risks With Using Castor Oil Packs?

As far as I know there aren’t any risks or side effects of using castor oil packs for thyroid nodules.  But since everyone is different, there is always a chance that any type of treatment can cause a reaction, and so I still would advise people using this treatment to exercise some caution.  But so far I haven’t heard of anyone experiencing any negative side effects from using castor oil packs.

With that being said, should castor oil packs be incorporated into a natural treatment protocol for those who have thyroid nodules?  Well, before I answer this, let me add that most thyroid nodules are benign and don’t cause any problems.  And so while it would be great to shrink these nodules, one has to consider that 1) they apparently will need to dedicate two hours per day to apply the castor oil packs, and 2) there is no guarantee that castor oil packs will shrink thyroid nodules.  One can save time each day by rubbing in castor oil, although this supposedly isn’t as effective.

In my opinion, using castor oil packs have a low risk, but probably a low reward.  Perhaps I’ll receive a flood of emails after posting this from people who have tried castor oil packs and had great success in shrinking their thyroid nodules.  Then again, as I suggested earlier, even if this is the case there is no guarantee that the nodules wouldn’t have decreased in size without any intervention.  However, one might argue that since the risk of any side effects is low then “why not give castor oil packs a try?”  After all, if it most likely won’t cause any harm, but might potentially help, then why not utilize this treatment approach?  I can’t argue with this, and I’m definitely not opposed to my patients with thyroid nodules using castor oil packs.

In summary, there is no proof that castor oil packs can help to shrink thyroid nodules.  However, since the risk of using them is low, then some people with thyroid nodules might want to consider this treatment approach.  If someone is willing to dedicate the time to administer the packs each day, then other than spending their time and a small sum of money putting together the packs, there really isn’t much else to lose.

Many of the people I consult with who have thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions are deficient in vitamin D.  25-hydroxy vitamin D is one of the standard serum tests I recommend, and I would estimate that about 80% of my patients come back deficient in this vitamin.  Some of these people live in areas where there is a lot of sunshine, and when someone gets a good amount of sun exposure they are frequently puzzled as to why their vitamin D levels are so low.  So the goal of this blog post is to discuss whether getting sun exposure is sufficient, or if supplementation with vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) is necessary regardless of how much sun one gets.

But before I discuss this, I’d like to briefly talk about the reference range of vitamin D.  Most labs have a reference range between 30 and 100 ng/ml, although this will vary slightly with different labs.  Some labs have the upper limit as 80 ng/ml, but I’m going to focus on the lower end of the reference range.  30 ng/ml is usually sufficient for bone health, which is what most medical doctors are concerned about when looking at these levels.  However, for optimal immune system health the levels should be above 50 ng/ml.

Vitamin D and Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions

Numerous studies have demonstrated the importance of vitamin D with regards to  autoimmune thyroid conditions (1) (2).  Vitamin D modulates the immune system and plays an important role in the maintenance of immune system homeostasis (3).  I’m not suggesting that having sufficient vitamin D levels alone can restore the health of the immune system in people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  However, I do believe that it is necessary to correct this deficiency for anyone who is looking to restore their health back to normal when following a natural treatment protocol.  After all, Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis aren’t thyroid conditions, but instead are autoimmune conditions which affect the thyroid gland.

Of course the other vitamins and minerals play an important role in immune system health.  As a result, if someone has a deficiency in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, selenium, zinc, etc., then this will affect the health of the immune system.  So while I can argue that vitamin D is more important than these other vitamins and minerals with regards to immune system health, the truth is that all of these vitamins and minerals are important for optimal immune system health.  But of course the focus of this post is on vitamin D, and many other natural healthcare professionals agree with my perspective, as many will test all of their patients, regardless of whether they have an autoimmune thyroid condition or not.

Getting Vitamin D Through The Sun

Even though vitamin D is present in some of the foods we eat, vitamin D is supposed to be primarily synthesized from exposure to the sun.  I think that everyone should try to get regular sun exposure to help raise and then maintain their vitamin D levels.  With that being said, it can be difficult to get all of the vitamin D you need from the sun.

For example, some areas are better than others with regards to getting sun exposure.  Obviously states such as Florida and Arizona have more sunny days on an annual basis when compared to states such as North Dakota and Idaho.  Just being exposed to the sun isn’t enough, as if most of your body is covered up with clothing and/or you are wearing sunscreen then you are likely to be deficient in vitamin D, regardless of how much sun exposure you get on a regular basis.  Also, having darker skin or living in a higher latitude can also contribute to a vitamin D deficiency.

When Is Supplementation with Vitamin D3 Necessary?

There are numerous factors which can prevent someone from getting adequate sun exposure.  And even if they get a good amount of sun exposure, certain factors may still lead to a vitamin D deficiency.  As a result, when should someone supplement with vitamin D3?  Well, the first thing someone should do is get their vitamin D levels tested.  If their levels are above 50 ng/ml and they have accomplished this by getting regular exposure to the sun, then supplementation probably isn’t necessary.

On the other hand, if they get tested and have a moderate to severe deficiency, then what I recommend is to supplement with vitamin D3 to correct this deficiency, as it will be challenging to correct a deficiency by getting sun exposure.  Once they get their levels above 50 ng/ml (which should be confirmed with a follow-up test), then it might be feasible to maintain these levels through sun exposure alone.   However, in this scenario I usually will recommend for the person to remain on vitamin D3 until they have restored their health back to normal.

Once someone has restored their health back to normal I’m usually fine with them stopping vitamin D supplementation and then trying to maintain healthy levels through sun exposure.  I would then recommend for them to test these levels three to six months later to see if the levels are still fine.  If they still are above 50 ng/ml, then they probably don’t need to supplement with vitamin D3, although I would still have them obtain a 25-hydroxy vitamin D test at least once or twice per year.

On the other hand, if they can’t maintain healthy vitamin D levels through regular sun exposure, then they probably will need to supplement with at least 2,000 IU of vitamin D3 per day, and during the fall and winter months they might benefit from higher doses (up to 5,000 IU per day).  Another thing to keep in mind is that vitamin D needs other nutrients and cofactors in order to get absorbed (4).  A few of these nutrients include vitamin K, magnesium, vitamin A, and zinc.  So it’s important for people to eat well, and probably a very good idea to take a multivitamin with minerals to make sure they have these cofactors.

In summary, having a vitamin D deficiency is very common, and anyone who is deficient will most likely need to supplement with vitamin D3 in order to get the levels above 50 ng/ml.  Once someone has achieved this then they can try to maintain these levels through regular sun exposure, although I usually will have my patients continue supplementing with vitamin D3 until they have restored their health back to normal.  And you want to make sure that you’re not deficient in any of the cofactors which are necessary for the absorption of vitamin D3.

Many people are aware of the benefits of doing a liver detoxification, and I personally like to do one at least a couple of times each year.  On the other hand, many people haven’t gone through a liver detoxification, and this is something that just about everyone can eventually benefit from.  This doesn’t mean that everyone who decides to follow a natural treatment protocol needs to go through a liver detoxification, although some people choose to do this.

I’ve been asked by a few people why I choose to go through a few detoxifications per year, especially since I eat well most of the time.  There are a few reasons for this, and one reason is because I don’t eat a perfect diet.  Every now and then I’ll eat something that I shouldn’t, and when I’m on vacation I definitely don’t eat as well as when I’m at home.  In addition, even though I eat well most of the time and use natural products in my home, I can’t control the outside environment.  So I’m constantly being exposed to toxins outside of my home.

And this of course applies to just about everyone else.  Unless if you eat a 100% organic diet and live in a plastic bubble so that you’re not exposed to any environmental toxins (assuming the plastic bubble is BPA free of course), then you can benefit from following a liver detoxification every now and then.  Just because I choose to do one a couple of times each year doesn’t mean that everyone needs to do one this frequently.  It would be great if most people did one at least annually, but many people have never gone through a single detoxification, and these are the people who really need to consider going through one.

Plus, getting back to eating a 100% organic diet, keep in mind that organic food isn’t completely free of toxins.  While organic food without question has less toxins than non-organic food, it still isn’t toxin-free. For example, if you eat certified organic meat, then it should be free of any hormones or antibiotics. However, nothing can be done to eliminate the toxins that have built up in the tissues of these animals.  Just like you and I, these animals are exposed to numerous toxins which build up in the tissues.  But besides meat, other organic foods also have toxins, but they have lower amounts than non-organic food.

What Does A Liver Detoxification Program Entail?

There are many different liver detoxification programs out there.  Some of them are one week programs, other are ten day programs, while other programs last greater than one month in duration.  I’m not going to promote specific products here, as that’s not the purpose of this post, but the detoxification program I recommend is a 21-day program.  There are actually a few different good quality 21-day detoxification programs, and most of them share a few commonalities.

The most important factor is to eat well during this time.  So one definitely wants to eat only whole foods, and avoid the refined foods and sugars.  You want to eat plenty of vegetables, and a small amount of fruit is allowed.  It is usually recommended not to eat nuts and seeds during this time because they are difficult to digest.  Most dairy products should also be avoided, although some programs will allow people to eat a healthy source of whey protein.  Whey protein is a great source of glutathione, although some people are sensitive to whey.  All other dairy should be avoided during this time, including cow’s milk, yogurt, cheese, and even eggs.  Most of the 21-day programs I’m familiar with involve avoiding all meat either the first week to ten days of the program, or somewhere in the middle of the detoxification.

But wait a minute?  I’ve just discussed foods you need to avoid eating, but the only foods I have stated you CAN eat are plenty of vegetables and a small amount of fruit.  What else can you eat when going through one of the detox programs I recommend?  Well, in addition to the fruits and vegetables, these programs usually have a whole-food or rice-based protein powder that helps with the detoxification process, but also is a source of nutrients and calories.  So one usually will need to have at least two or three of these smoothies each day.  Some detox programs allow a minimal amount of brown rice and lentils.  Others are more flexible in allowing gluten free grains such as quinoa, millet, and buckwheat.  But you really do want to minimize your consumption of grains during this time, even if they are gluten free.

A few supplements are also usually taken during the liver detoxification program.  These supplements usually aid in the liver detoxification process, and some also can help to provide some gallbladder support.  Some other supplements that might be taken during this time include fatty acids and probiotics.  Once again, each program will differ in their dietary requirements and recommended supplements.  Usually during the 21 days you want to minimize your consumption of other supplements and herbs that you might currently be taking.  Of course if someone is taking Levothyroxine or antithyroid medication then they should continue taking these medications.  It all comes down to risks vs. benefits, and although some natural healthcare professionals would advise their patients to stop taking the Methimazole or PTU due to the impact it can have on the liver, it of course is still important to manage the hyperthyroid symptoms while detoxifying.  And even though it would be great to not take any medication when detoxifying, you still will benefit if you are taking medication during this time.

Some people have asked me about the effects of detoxification on the medications they are taking.  In other words, will following a liver detoxification program reduce the effectiveness of these medications?  This isn’t something I commonly see with my patients, although from time to time detoxifying will have this effect.

How Can A Liver Detoxification Help With Your Thyroid Health?

As I stated earlier, going through a liver detoxification isn’t always a necessary component of a natural thyroid treatment protocol.  However, the liver plays many important roles in the body, and if it isn’t detoxifying properly then this will cause issues.  And keep in mind that one can’t rely on the liver enzyme tests on a blood panel to reveal if one has a healthy liver.  These are valuable to detect certain pathologies of the liver, or they can be helpful to determine if someone is taking too much antithyroid medication, which in turn can give us an idea about the detoxifying ability of the liver.  But just looking at the liver enzymes alone usually won’t tell us whether your liver is doing a good job of eliminating toxins.

As for the relationship between the liver and the thyroid gland, the liver is one of the main areas where the conversion of T4 to T3 takes place.  And so if there are problems with the liver then this can affect this conversion.  But while conversion problems do happen, in most cases I’m not putting the person on a liver detoxification for this purpose.  The main reason is because most people have been exposed to many different toxins, and while eating better and minimizing one’s exposure to environmental toxins can help, some of these toxins remain within the tissues of the body.

Does this mean that following a single liver detoxification program will remove all of these toxins from the body?  This definitely isn’t the case, as no program is going remove ALL of the toxins from the body.  Plus, even though this article is focusing on the health of the liver, some people need to do other things to detoxify their body, such as utilize sauna therapy and/or colon hydrotherapy.

In summary, following a liver detoxification program might help to improve your thyroid health if you have problems converting T4 to T3.  But even if this isn’t a problem you have, most people are exposed to many different toxins, and there’s only so much that the liver can handle.  Remember that many decades ago ago we didn’t have all of these chemicals in our food and in the environment, but these days this is a big factor, and while we expect our liver to keep on doing its job, sometimes we do need to give it some extra support.  As a result, if you have never gone on a liver detoxification program, then this is definitely something you will want to consider doing in the future.

When I was younger, constipation was a big problem for me.  It was typical for me to have one or two bowel movements per week, and often times I had to take laxatives and consume a lot of fiber in order to move my bowels.  Due to the constipation I developed other problems, such as hemorrhoids.  Millions of people have the same problem, and while sometimes this condition can be resolved quickly, such as when it’s caused by hypothyroidism, other times it can take months or years to correct this problem.

While having a hypothyroid condition can lead to constipation, many of the people I consult with who have hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis already had constipation before developing their condition.  So in some cases the decrease in thyroid hormone isn’t the main cause of the constipation, but it can exacerbate the problem.  If an imbalance in thyroid hormone is the primary factor which is responsible for constipation, then this imbalance of course needs to be addressed.  Although people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease typically have the opposite problem (an increase in daily bowel movements), some people with hyperthyroid conditions experience constipation as well.

In addition to hypothyroidism, there are numerous other factors which can cause constipation.  Here are some of the more common ones, and what you can do to help correct this:

1) Not enough fluid intake. When a patient of mine is experiencing constipation, one of the first things I’ll ask is if he or she is drinking enough water.  But how much water is enough?  Typically you want to drink about 40 to 50% of your body weight in ounces, which admittedly can be a challenge for some people.  I’ll have some people tell me they drink 6 to 8 glasses of water per day.  This might be sufficient for some people, but of course it depends on how many ounces each glass consists of, and then how much the person weighs.

I’m not one to drink full glasses of water at a time, as I have a 20 ounce water bottle, and I take frequent sips from this, and my goal is to try to get through at least two of these per day.  In addition, I usually have a couple of smoothies per day, and each time I’m adding 16 ounces of water.  So I’m drinking about 70 to 80 ounces of water per day, and my body weight is around 165.  On days I exercise I will drink even more water.  And just to let you know, I wasn’t always a water drinker, as growing up I primarily drank cow’s milk, soda, and fruit punch.  Fortunately I was never a coffee drinker, but it still wasn’t easy to stop drinking these other beverages and drink as much water as I currently do.

2) Not enough fiber in the diet. You ideally want your fiber intake each day to be 25 to 30 grams.  Eating at least five servings of vegetables per day will help you to accomplish this, although doing this alone probably won’t be sufficient.  7 to 9 servings per day would be even better, and this has always been one of my main weaknesses, as growing up I never ate vegetables, and so even to this day it’s challenging for me to have five serving of vegetables per day, let alone nine.  However, since I began adding vegetables to my smoothies it has become much easier for me to reach this goal.

In addition to eating plenty of fresh, and preferably organic vegetables, you can also get some of your fiber from fruit.  Apples are an excellent source of fiber.  Eating raw nuts and seeds can provide you with some fiber, although you don’t want to eat too many servings of nuts and seeds each day.  There are actually two types of fiber, as there is insoluble and soluble fiber.  Vegetables and most grains consist of mostly insoluble fiber, while fruits, oats, and legumes have mostly soluble fiber (1).  Both types of fiber can help with constipation, although insoluble fiber will help to a greater extent.

Some people will add a fiber supplement to their diet to help with constipation.  While it would be best to get all of the fiber you need from the food you eat, if this is a problem then I’d prefer for people to take a fiber supplement than to remain constipated.  Many people take Psyllium Husks, which can help a great deal with constipation and can be purchased at most health food stores.  However, some people are sensitive to this and therefore need to take a different type of fiber supplement, such as apple pectin or rice bran.  Also, those people taking levothyroxine will want to make sure not to take any fiber supplements at the same time, as this can affect the absorption of thyroid hormone.  This usually isn’t a problem since most people who take thyroid hormone take it on an empty stomach upon waking up in the morning.

3) Food allergies. Sometimes having certain food sensitivities can cause or contribute to constipation.  One of the most common food allergies which can cause constipation is cow’s milk.  Sometimes other foods can cause constipation, as some sources have shown wheat, eggs, beef, and soy as causing constipation in some people.  And there have been other foods as well.  Once again, I’m not suggesting for people with constipation to avoid all of these foods.  For example, eggs are a very healthy food, and most people do fine eating them regularly.  However, if you have constipation and have followed the rest of the advice given in this post yet are still having problems, then you might want to try eliminating one or more of these foods for three or four days and see how you respond.  I know some healthcare professionals will recommend testing for food allergies or sensitivities.  While this is an option, such testing isn’t completely accurate, and so rather than spend hundreds of dollars on this testing I would just follow an elimination diet.

4) Magnesium deficiency. Being deficient in magnesium can cause constipation.  Of course if you eat a good amount of the foods I listed above then this will help with this.  However, if someone has a moderate to severe constipation problem then supplementation is probably necessary, and a person might need to take 300 to 600mg of magnesium daily (spread throughout the day) in order to correct a magnesium deficiency.  In addition, too much calcium can also cause constipation, and so if you’re taking high doses of calcium supplements each day then this might also be causing or contributing to your problem.

5) Gut problems. If someone has problems with their digestive system then this potentially can lead to problems with constipation.  Imbalances in the gut flora and/or an increase in intestinal permeability can be factors.

So if you are experiencing constipation, then hopefully this information will help you to overcome this problem.  Sometimes all it takes to correct constipation is to drink more water and/or to get more fiber in the diet.  But other times it can be more complex.  Either way, for optimal health you really do need to move your bowels at least once per day, and when constipation is related to a food allergy, problems with the gut, or another complex situation, then your best bet is to work with a natural healthcare professional.

Every week I get numerous emails from people with both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions who want to know what diet they should follow, and which supplements they should take for their condition.   With regards to diet, while I do recommend for those with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions to eat whole foods, minimize their consumption of refined foods and sugars, and to consider going on a gluten free trial, there may be variations in one’s diet.  As for nutritional supplements, although there are general supplements and herbs which can help people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, as well as those people who have hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease, the truth is that different people will require different supplements.

With that being said, I realize that there are some natural healthcare professionals who will recommend the same exact diet, along with the same supplements and herbs for specific conditions.  For example, if someone has fibromyalgia, then some doctors will put every single person on their “fibromyalgia protocol”.  Similarly, if someone has migraines, then this person will receive their “migraine protocol”.  And of course if someone has Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis then they will be put on the “Hashimoto’s protocol”.

When you think about it, in a way this is similar to the approach of a medical doctor.  If someone has high cholesterol, then they typically will be given a statin.  If they have high blood pressure then they will be given a beta blocker.  If they have a hypothyroid condition they will be given synthetic thyroid hormone.  Obviously the two situations are somewhat different, as a natural healthcare professional will attempt to address the actual cause of the condition, which usually isn’t the case with most medical doctors.  And of course there is a big difference between nutritional supplements, herbs, and prescription drugs.

Why Bother Doing A Case History?

Most healthcare professionals will have their patients complete a thorough case history, and this includes myself.  But if you plan on putting every person on the same protocol then why bother to have the patient do this?  In fact, why have a consultation if you’re going to recommend the same protocol for each condition?

Different People Have Different Triggers

Two people can have the same condition, and even have the same genetic predisposition, yet may require substantially different protocols.  And one reason for this is because there are different triggers.  For example, for some people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, gluten can be the main trigger.  On the other hand, mineral deficiencies and heavy metal toxicities can also act as triggers.  A leaky gut is a common trigger.  Stress can also be a trigger, as can an infection.  There can be numerous factors which can trigger an autoimmune response, and so just putting someone on the same diet and giving everyone the same supplements won’t work for everyone.

For example, if a certain healthcare practitioner puts every single patient with an autoimmune thyroid condition on a gluten-free diet, and has everyone follow a leaky gut protocol, then this no doubt will benefit many people.  However, this might not be the optimal protocol for someone who isn’t sensitive to gluten and/or doesn’t have intestinal permeability problems.  This doesn’t mean that such a person can’t still benefit from following this protocol, but their specific condition might require a different diet, along with different supplements and herbs.

Plus, even if you find out what the trigger is and remove it, remember that one still needs to correct the compromised areas of the body.  And this will vary too, as one might have gut problems, while someone else might have adrenal weakness, while another person might have a hormone imbalance.  Many people have more than one problem, and sometimes it can get very complex.

In summary, although following a natural treatment protocol involves eating well, taking certain supplements and/or herbs, and addressing other lifestyle factors, one needs to keep in mind that different people will require different protocols.  Another thing to keep in mind is that when it comes to taking supplements and herbs, different people will also require different dosages.  And so it really is important to evaluate everyone on an individual basis, and to then make specific recommendations based on the findings.

As many people reading this already know, most so-called “thyroid conditions” are not directly caused by malfunctioning of the thyroid gland.  Most of the time other compromised areas of the body are responsible for the hypothyroid or hyperthyroid condition.  This of course is the case with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, as it is the immune system which is responsible for the thyroid malfunction.  But other areas of the body can directly or indirectly cause the thyroid gland to malfunction, and in many cases it can be a challenge to detect these “thyroid triggers”.

This is one of the reasons why it is unwise for people to self-treat their condition.  At times it can be difficult enough for a competent natural healthcare professional to detect the cause of the problem.  It is usually even more challenging for someone without much experience to detect and correct the cause or causes of their condition.

What I’d like to do now is to discuss some of the common “thyroid triggers”.

Thyroid Trigger #1: The Immune System. 90% of all thyroid conditions are autoimmune in nature.  So for most people, the immune system is going to be the primary factor which caused the person’s thyroid condition.  With Graves’ Disease, there are TSH receptor antibodies which attack the TSH receptors, thus causing the thyroid gland to produce an excess of thyroid hormone.  Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is associated with TPO antibodies, and frequently also involves thyroglobulin antibodies.  These both cause destruction of the thyroid gland, which leads to the reduced secretion of thyroid hormone by the thyroid gland.

But while we know the immune system is responsible for the production of thyroid antibodies which characterizes Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, what in turn triggers the autoimmune response?  There are numerous factors which can trigger an autoimmune response.  Some examples include stress, leaky gut, a virus or infection, heavy metals, a mineral imbalance, adrenal problems, candida, mold, etc.  These are just a few of the common factors which can trigger an autoimmune response and thus lead to Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Thyroid Trigger #2: Adrenal Glands. Many people have compromised adrenal glands, and this can have a direct or indirect affect on the thyroid gland.  High cortisol levels can affect the conversion of T4 to T3, and thus can be a cause of hypothyroidism.  But compromised adrenal glands will affect immunity, and so problems with the adrenals can potentially trigger an autoimmune condition. When someone has depressed cortisol levels, lymphocytes circulate in excess and inflammation will be more prominent.   High cortisol levels will also modulate the immune system, which is fine with an acute stress situation, but over a prolonged period of time can cause problems.  So it is possible for stress to trigger an autoimmune response, as if someone has high or low cortisol levels then this can help set the stage for an autoimmune condition.

Thyroid Trigger #3: Digestive System. Due primarily to poor eating habits over a prolonged period of time, many people have problems with their digestive system.  Typically poor digestion isn’t going to directly cause a hypothyroid or hyperthyroid condition, although keep in mind that if someone has problems with digestion and absorption, then this can cause mineral deficiencies, which in turn can affect thyroid function.  Problems with intestinal permeability not only can affect absorption, but this can also trigger an autoimmune response, thus leading to a condition such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

Thyroid Trigger #4: The Sex Hormones. Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have imbalances in the sex hormones.  These include estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone, although it can also involve some of the other male and female sex hormones.  Estrogen is known to directly inhibit thyroid function, and so a condition such as estrogen dominance can potentially lead to a hypothyroid condition.  However, some of my patients with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease also have estrogen dominance.  There is also some evidence that high levels of estrogen itself can trigger an autoimmune response, and exposure to xenoestrogens can potentially have this effect as well.  Some healthcare professionals will look at the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone and 16-hydroxyestrone, as there is some evidence that higher levels of 16-hydroxyestrone may be related to an overactive immune system, although this is controversial.

Thyroid Trigger #5: Mineral Imbalances. I briefly mentioned mineral imbalances earlier when talking about the digestive system.  After all, while it’s important to correct any mineral imbalances, if someone is having problems digesting and absorbing these minerals then this without question needs to be addressed.  So if someone has multiple mineral deficiencies, one needs to be certain that the digestive system is working properly.  This doesn’t mean that taking certain minerals might not be necessary, as if someone has a moderate to severe mineral deficiency then they most likely will need to supplement with specific minerals.  But they will never correct these deficiencies if they aren’t properly digesting and absorbing the food they eat and/or supplements they’re taking.

Some of the minerals which can have a direct effect on thyroid function include selenium, zinc, and iodine.  Selenium is important for the conversion of T4 to T3, while zinc and iodine are important in the formation of thyroid hormone.  Iodine of course is always a controversial mineral to talk about with regards to thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, as a deficiency can lead to a hypothyroid condition, yet there is controversy over whether people with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis should take iodine…even if they are deficient in this mineral.  The same can be said about hyperthyroid conditions, as most endocrinologists advise their patients to avoid iodine, even though Lugols solution was commonly used to treat hyperthyroidism before radioactive iodine treatment was developed.

Thyroid Trigger #6: Liver Problems. When I say “liver problems”, I’m not suggesting a disease state such as hepatitis.  But problems with the detoxifying ability of the liver can affect thyroid health.  For example, the liver is one of the main areas where T4 is converted into T3.  So problems with the liver can potentially contribute to a hypothyroid condition.  There are also some theories that if the liver has problems detoxifying, then the thyroid gland will increase the secretion of thyroid hormone as an adaptive mechanism, which can help with the detoxification process.  Thus according to this theory a liver problem can also potentially lead to a hyperthyroid condition, although I think it’s safe to say that most cases of hyperthyroidism aren’t caused by problems with the liver.  With that being said, the liver is one of the most overworked organs in the body, and since we’re constantly being bombarded by toxins on a daily basis you do want to make sure your liver is functioning properly.  It’s the actual toxins which can trigger an autoimmune response, and if there are problems with the detoxifying ability of the liver then these toxins will have a greater impact on the immune system.  This is one of the reasons why I commonly recommend for my patients to go through a liver detoxification program.

There are of course other factors which can directly or indirectly cause malfunctioning of the thyroid gland, but these are some of the most common ones.  But how can you tell which one of these is causing the thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition?  Once again, it can be challenging to determine the exact cause, and there are times when numerous factors can be causing or contributing to one’s condition.  So it usually does take some detective work, as the natural healthcare professional needs to order the correct tests and then evaluate them properly, and of course has to consider the person’s symptoms and case history.  All of these factors are important when trying to determine the underlying cause of the problem.

Millions of people take fatty acid supplements, and I frequently get asked questions about fish oil supplements, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil, and other questions pertaining to fatty acids.  So I figured it would be a good idea to discuss some of the functions of fatty acids, as well as how they relate to thyroid health.

I’m going to focus on the two families of fatty acids most people are familiar with.  These are the omega 3 fatty acids, and the omega 6 fatty acids.  These are called “essential” fatty acids because they are important to our health, but the body cannot make these on its own, and so we are required to obtain these fatty acids through our diet.  Many people have deficiencies in these fatty acids, which can lead to numerous health issues.  To make matters worse, many people consume processed fats, as I’m sure most people reading this are familiar with hydrogenated oils.  Although many people know that these types of fats are bad for the body, most don’t know why, and I’ll also discuss this.

There are also saturated fats and unsaturated fats.  And while I’m not going to discuss the molecular composition of these and other fats, the main difference between saturated and unsaturated fats is the number of bonds.  Fatty acids are carbon chains, and at one end of the carbon chain there is a carboxylic acid group, while on the other end there is a methyl group.  Saturated fats have carbons that are joined by single bonds, while unsaturated fats have carbons that are joined by double bonds.  This gives each type of fatty acid different chemical properties, as unsaturated fats are less stable than saturated fatty acids.  Just in case you were wondering about the chemical structure of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, the difference between these fatty acids have to do with the location of double bonds.  Omega 3 fatty acids will have a double bond 3 carbons from the methyl end, whereas omega 6 fatty acids will have a double bond 6 carbons from the methyl end.  For those who want to learn more information about the chemical structure of fatty acids, there are excellent books out there which explain this.  One such book is called “Fats that Heal, Fats That Kill”, which also gives a lot of great information on the importance of fatty acids.

Why Are Fatty Acids Important To Our Health?

There are numerous reasons why fatty acids are important to our health.  First of all, they are the main components of the cell membranes.  So if you want to have healthy cells, then you want to eat healthy fats.  In addition, fatty acids are important for the production of prostaglandins.  Prostaglandins are similar to hormones, and have many important functions.  They are involved in cell growth, vasodilation and vasoconstiction, as well as contraction of the uterus when a woman is pregnant.  They also play a very important role in regulating inflammation, which is very important with autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  So if someone with an autoimmune thyroid disorder has a deficiency in these fatty acids, it is essential to address this in order to restore the person’s health back to normal.

So fatty acids directly and indirectly relate to thyroid health.  They directly relate to thyroid health by being a necessary component of cellular health…and this includes the cells of the thyroid gland.  They indirectly relate to thyroid health in that a deficiency will usually result in inflammation, and the inflammation can continue triggering the autoimmune response, which in turn will cause the release of thyroid antibodies.

Dr. Walter H. Schmitt is a chiropractor with a great deal of knowledge about fatty acids, and he has noticed a relationship between omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids and the endocrine system.  He notices that people with hypothyroidism are more likely to have a deficiency in the omega 3 fatty acids, while people with hypoadrenia are more likely to have a deficiency in the omega 6 fatty acids.  As far as I know he hasn’t mentioned people with hyperthyroidism, but many of these people have these deficiencies as well.

I personally think that most people can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty acids on a daily basis, and many can also benefit from taking a good form of GLA.  With regards to omega 3 fatty acids I prefer to take fish oil, and this is what I recommend to my patients.  Obviously one can also eat fish, but due to the heavy metals and other toxins you want to minimize your consumption of fish, and if you eat fish you ideally want to eat something like Alaskan wild salmon, which has less toxins when compared to farm-raised salmon and other types of fish.  If someone is vegan and can’t take fish oils or eat fish they can take something like flaxseed oil, or even chia seeds, but if they have problems converting these into the prostaglandins then they of course won’t get the full benefits of these other sources of omega 3 fatty acids.  While I take fish oil supplements everyday, I also add flaxseed oil to my smoothies, and sometimes add chia seeds as well.

Different Fatty Acids Produce Different Prostaglandins

While both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are important to our health, more people are deficient in the omega 3 fatty acids, which is why many healthcare professionals encourage their patients to eat foods rich in omega 3’s such as cold water fish and walnuts, and why it also can be beneficial to take fish oil supplements and/or consume flaxseed oil.  However, it also is common to be deficient in GLA.  Good sources of GLA include Black Currant Seed oil, Borage oil, and Evening Primrose oil.

There are three main types of prostaglandins.  They commonly are referred to as prostaglandin 1 (PG1), prostaglandin 2 (PG2), and prostaglandin 3 (PG3).  The omega 3 fatty acids lead to the production of PG3, while the omega 6 fatty acids lead to the production of PG1.  Both of these are referred to by some sources as the “good” prostaglandins, as they have the benefits that I listed before.  On the other hand, PG2 are known as the “bad” prostaglandins, and the reason for this is because they actually increase the inflammatory process, as well as increase blood pressure, allow for increased tumor growth, etc.  Foods such as red meat and dairy cause an increase in these “bad” prostaglandins.  Now to be fair, PG2 is necessary to balance out PG1 and PG3.  So if you have a deficiency in PG2 then this can lead to problems with blood clotting, or blood pressure that is too low.

So hopefully you now have a better understanding as to why both omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are important to your health.  A deficiency in one or both fatty acids can lead to many problems.  Since many people I consult with experience hair loss, one thing I wanted to point out here is that sometimes hair loss is due to a GLA deficiency.  This is common in people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, and is why Evening Primrose Oil can sometimes help greatly with hair loss.  This of course doesn’t mean that the cause of hair loss in most people is a GLA deficiency, but for some people with hair loss it is something to consider.

EPA, DHA, Alpha-linolenic Acid, etc.

When someone purchases a fish oil supplement, when reading the label they will usually notice that it contains EPA and DHA.  What exactly are these?  EPA is Eicosapentaenoic Acid, while DHA is Docosahexaenoic Acid, and these are the constituents of fish oils, and thus are the precursors of PG3.  Let’s take a brief look at some of the other components of fatty acids:

Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA): these help with the formation of PG3, and are therefore found in foods high in omega 3 fatty acids, such as cold water fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.

Linoleic acid (LA): these help with the formation of PG1, and are therefore found in foods high in omega 6 fatty acids, such as safflower and sunflower oils.

Gamma-linolenic acid (GLA): these also help with the formation of PG1, and are found in Borage oil, along with Black Currant Seed oil and Evening Primrose Oil.

Arachidonic acid (AA): these are involved in the formation of PG2, and are found in foods such as animal products and dairy.

Why Are Partially Hydrogenated Fats and Oils Bad For You?

Fats that are partial hydrogenated are metabolized differently by our bodies.  What they do is inhibit the conversion process that leads to the development of the “good” prostaglandins (PG1 and PG3).  This in turn leads to an excess of the “bad” prostaglandins (PG2).  So when you eat foods such as margarine, or French fries from a fast food restaurant, this will interfere with cholesterol metabolism, and will lead to an increased production of PG2, which over time will lead to numerous health issues.

In summary, fatty acids are necessary for healthy cells, which of course are important for a healthy thyroid gland.  They also are important for the formation of prostaglandins which help to regulate inflammation, which is important for anyone with an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  Many people need to eat more foods consisting of omega 3 fatty acids, and most can benefit from taking omega 3 fatty acids each day.  But some people also need to supplement with omega 6 fatty acids, such as GLA, as they produce different types of prostaglandins than omega 3 fatty acids.  And while it’s fine to eat some animal products in moderation (ideally organic), consuming too many of these products will result in excess PG2 formation, which can cause an increase in inflammation and lead to other health issues.

I’ve decided to take a different approach with this blog post, as usually I simply write about a topic related to thyroid health.  But since many people who live a natural lifestyle drink smoothies, I figured I’d try to get the feedback of others regarding their favorite smoothie recipe.  In addition, I encourage many of my patients to make their own smoothies, as I think it’s a healthy way to get some important nutrients, protein, etc. So what I’m going to do is provide a little bit of content, and then hope that I get at least a few comments from people who will share their smoothie recipe.

Before I list my favorite smoothie recipe, I want to talk about why you might want to drink smoothies (for those who don’t drink them).  First of all, smoothies can be a very healthy meal or snack.  I almost always have a smoothie each morning for breakfast, and then I will usually have another one a few hours after lunch.  A second reason to have a smoothie is because they are a good way of “sneaking” in some protein.  I like to add some whole food powder to my smoothies, although you can add some whey protein, or a rice-based protein powder.  There are other types of protein powders as well.  However, you need to be careful, as there are a lot of “protein powders” sold on the market which have artificial ingredients and other chemicals you don’t want to consume.  A third reason why you might want to begin drinking smoothies is because they are pretty easy to make.  Simply throw some fruit and/or vegetables into a blender, along with some purified water and/or organic almond milk, and then add some protein powder, and you’re good to go!

Some people are already familiar with my smoothie recipe, as I have listed it in my thyroid diet articles on my website.  Sometimes I will add a raw organic egg to my smoothies, which disgusts some people, and then others will talk about how this will interfere with the absorption of biotin.  For those who find this disgusting, most people don’t taste the egg when adding it to the smoothie.  As for the effects this will have on biotin absorption, this seems to be the case when consuming a large amount of egg whites, but either way I don’t add a raw egg to my smoothie every time I have one, as I usually will do this three or four times a week around breakfast time.  So it’s not as if I’m eating raw eggs throughout the day, but of course if you don’t care to add a raw egg then simply don’t do this.

With that being said, here is my favorite smoothie recipe:

1/4 cup of organic berries( blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, etc.)

Two cups of purified water

One scoop of a good quality protein powder.  Some examples include Fit Food Vegan Complete from Xymogen or SP Complete from Standard Process

One plateful of organic green vegetables (I usually use spinach, arugula, and/or kale)

1/2 cup of organic carrots

One tablespoon of flax oil

Optional: one scoop of Amazing Grass Green Superfood

Optional: one raw organic egg yolk (three or four times each week)

I’m very satisfied with the taste of this smoothie, although if someone wants to make it a little bit sweeter they can either add half a banana to this, or they can substitute the two cups of purified water with 4 ounces of organic almond milk, along with 12 ounces of purified water.  Obviously you can include an entire banana and/or more almond milk, but of course this will increase the sugar content, which will spike up your blood sugar levels, etc.

I’m sure some might wonder what type of blender is ideal for making smoothies.  Although I’ve never tried a Vitamix, I have tried some of the other well known blenders, and to be honest I’m perfectly happy with a basic blender.  Even though I make a couple of smoothies per day I can’t justify spending $500 on a blender, but I know others who have a Vitamix or something similar and are very happy with it.  Some of the other well known blenders for smoothies include the Nutri Bullet, and the Ninja.

Okay then, now that I’ve shared my favorite smoothie recipe with you, I hope you will share your favorite recipe with me and everyone else.  Who knows, after reading some of the different recipes I very well might make some modifications to mine!  And if you have some feedback on blenders feel free to discuss this as well.

As you know, there’s a lot of controversy when it comes to one’s diet, as there are hundreds, if not thousands of different opinions regarding what people should eat to achieve optimal health.  I think it’s safe to say that there is no “perfect” diet that fits everyone.  While in general everybody should eat mostly whole foods, while minimizing the processed foods, not everyone should eat the same exact diet.  Of course part of this is due to different food sensitivities, as someone might have an intolerance to a specific food, while another person might be fine eating that same food.  Plus different conditions might require some variations in diet as well.

There seems to be a lot of debate when it comes to acidity vs. alkalinity, and so I wanted to dedicate a post to this.  When it comes to the body pH, this is supposed to be on the alkaline side.  An ideal pH would be 7.5, although a range of 7.0 to 7.5 is fine.  In numerous disease states the pH of the blood may be acidic.  On the other hand, the pH of the digestive system obviously needs to be acidic in order to break down the food we eat.  And many people have a pH of the gut that is too high.  This doesn’t necessarily mean that their stomach is alkaline, but even if it’s on the acidic side but too high, then this can cause problems.  For example, a stomach pH of 6 would be considered to be acidic, but it ideally should be between 2 and 4.

What Happens When There Is An Acid/Alkaline Imbalance?

When areas that normally should be alkaline are acidic, and those that should be acidic are alkaline, this can lead to many different health issues.  For example, if the stomach isn’t producing a sufficient amount of hydrochloric acid, then this can lead to numerous problems.  One example is a condition such as a candida infection.  This can happen when someone takes antibiotics, which will not only kill the harmful bacteria, but will also affect some of the good bacteria which help with the acidity of the stomach.  When this happens one needs to take probiotics and do other things to help restore the health of the gut.  In the meantime they might need to take betaine hydrochloride since their body isn’t producing enough acid on their own.  However, if an H. Pylori infection is causing the low stomach acidity, then this of course needs to be addressed.  H. Pylori is an infection in the stomach which will interfere with the production of hydrochloric acid.

If the stomach acid is too low then this will affect the absorption of the vitamins and minerals.  For example, I recently wrote an article which focused on the mineral iron, and in this article I discussed how an iron deficiency might not be due to one’s dietary intake of iron, but instead can be due to low stomach acidity.  And this of course applies to other vitamins and minerals as well, as sufficient stomach acid is needed to break these nutrients down.  I know we don’t think much about this, but hypochlorhydria is a common problem.

On the other hand, while we want the stomach and part of the intestines to be acidic, other areas of the body should be alkaline.  If we eat too many “acidic” foods, then this potentially can lower the pH of the body, and make us susceptible to certain diseases.  Some conditions which can develop due to a low pH include cancer, liver and kidney problems, cardiovascular issues, and osteoporosis.  So for example, due to the phosphoric acid, drinking soda on a frequently basis can cause a lot of different health conditions.  Of course besides the phosphoric acid, the high sugar content will affect the blood sugar levels, and those who drink diet soda need to be concerned about the toxic effects of the artificial sweeteners.

What I’d like to do is briefly list some of the acidic and alkaline foods.  Keep in mind that these are just a few examples:

Foods That Are Acidic:

• Apple
• Beef and pork
• Blueberry
• Chicken and turkey
• Coffee and black tea
• Dairy
• Dried Fruit
• Mushrooms
• Orange
• Pineapple
• Soda
• Wheat

Foods That Are Alkaline:

• Avocados
• Barley Grass
• Black Radish
• Broccoli
• Brussels Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Celery
• Cucumbers
• Cucumbers
• Ginger
• Kale
• Lettuce
• Onion
• Spinach
• Wheat grass

This is an incomplete list, and if you do some searching on the internet for acid/alkaline foods you’ll notice that there may be a difference in opinion as to which foods are alkaline or acidic.  In other words, one website might list a certain food as being mildly alkaline, while another will list the same food as being mildly acidic.  One thing you’ll consistently find is that most vegetables are alkaline, and of course your diet should consist of plenty of fresh vegetables, and preferably organic.  While you want your diet to consist mainly of alkaline foods, you can still eat some acidic foods.  For example, meats such as chicken, turkey, and beef are considered to be acidic.  But this doesn’t mean you need to give up meat, as eating a small amount of meat on a daily basis is fine for most people.  Many fruits are acidic as well.  You’ll notice that wheat and dairy are also acidic, which is yet another good reason to minimize your consumption of these foods.

Plus it’s important to keep in mind that there are different “degrees” of acidity and alkalinity.  For example, beef is highly acidic, while certain fruits such as cantaloupe and apples are considered by most sources to be mildly acidic.  Some sources list blueberries and blackberries as being mildly acidic, while others list these fruits as moderately acidic.  Once again, eating these acidic foods in moderation is fine, as apples, blueberries, blackberries, and many other fruits are very healthy.  I personally add berries to my smoothies, and usually have an apple each day.  But you once again want to make sure you’re eating a higher percentage of alkaline foods.

I’ve had some people tell me about natural healthcare professionals who have had success in having their patients maintain a lower pH (i.e. between 6.0 and 6.5).  I bring this up because I’m sure there will be a few people reading this who were told to maintain a pH below 7.0, and perhaps between 6.0 and 6.5.  All I can say is that I’ve had success with a higher pH, and it really does make sense when you look at the different types of foods.  It also shouldn’t be surprising that many people have a pH between 6.0 and 6.5, as many people eat too many of the acidic foods I listed.

So if your pH is currently below 7.0 and you want to increase this, then the best way to accomplish this is by increasing your vegetable intake, while minimizing your consumption of acidic foods.  Once again, it’s fine to eat some acidic foods, as I certainly do.  You just want to eat a greater amount of alkaline foods, and of course many people do the opposite.  Consuming natural sea salt can also help with the pH, which is one of the main reasons why I recommend natural sea salt to most of my patients. As for testing the pH, I recommend getting some pH test strips at your local health food store and to measure your pH on a regular basis.  Just keep in mind that this will take time to happen, but as you continue to eat well you should notice the pH increasing over time.

Every now and then I consult with someone who has numerous food sensitivities.  Sometimes such a person will also be sensitive to many different supplements and herbs.  It admittedly can be a big challenge to help a person who is dealing with this problem, as a big part of a natural treatment protocol involves eating well and taking certain supplements.  But some people are very limited with regards to what they can eat, and some aren’t able to take most supplements without having a reaction.  How can someone who seems to be allergic to just about everything receive good results when following a natural treatment protocol?

This definitely isn’t an easy situation, and it could be frustrating to both the doctor and patient.  Some doctors will just tell these people to eat the best they can, and to try taking at least a few of the recommended supplements.  Other natural healthcare professionals will encourage the person to follow a certain diet and to take all of the recommended supplements, regardless of whether doing so worsens their symptoms.  This in my opinion isn’t the best approach, but on the other hand, just telling the person to eat what they can and to take whatever supplements they can tolerate probably won’t do much to optimize their health either.

Two Main Reasons For Widespread Sensitivities

There can be numerous reasons why people are sensitive to many foods and/or supplements.  But in most cases this is related to either 1) problems with the liver detoxifying, or 2) increased intestinal permeability, also known as “leaky gut syndrome”.   Sometimes it can be a combination of both of these conditions.  But either way, these problems obviously need to be addressed.  And once they are addressed this frequently will correct the widespread sensitivity problem.

Let’s go ahead and take a look at each of these health issues:

1) Problems with the liver detoxifying. Our liver is constantly being bombarded with toxins.  There are toxins in the foods we eat, the products we use, and the air we breathe.  I’ll consult with people who have been eating well for a few years and use natural products, and yet still have a lot of sensitivities.  Well, perhaps their liver is detoxifying just fine, but on the other hand, just changing one’s diet and switching to natural products might not be sufficient.

For example, if someone has been eating poorly for years and is being exposed to many other environmental toxins, then this very likely will affect the detoxifying capacity of the liver.  And if such a person just begins eating well and minimizes their exposure to environmental toxins, this without question will help, but won’t necessarily restore the health of the liver.

Plus, one needs to keep in mind that everyone is different.  As a result, some people are able to handle these toxins better than others.  Some people eat a horrible diet for many years and don’t use any natural products at all, yet don’t have any noticeable food sensitivities.  I say “noticeable” because they probably do have some problems with their liver and/or digestive system, but just aren’t experiencing any overt symptoms.  But this can be frustrating for the person who is eating well and using natural products yet is still symptomatic when eating many different foods and/or taking numerous supplements.

2) Increased intestinal permeability. This also is a big issue, as many people have problems with the gut, which definitely can lead to multiple food intolerances.  I’ve spoken about this condition in previous articles and blog posts, but what essentially happens is that due to numerous factors, one develops problems with the intestinal lining, which allows proteins and other larger molecules to pass through into the bloodstream, where they aren’t supposed to be, and as a result the immune system mounts a response.  I have discussed in the past how “leaky gut syndrome” can trigger an autoimmune response, and this condition can also lead to the development of sensitivities to foods and supplements.  And by healing the intestinal lining and rebalancing the gut flora you are very likely to correct the food sensitivity issues.

How Do You Correct These Problems?

Okay then, if someone has one or both of these health issues, then how does one correct the problem?  Usually a combination of eating well and taking certain supplements are necessary.  However, since the person with a liver detoxification problem or increased intestinal permeability won’t be able to tolerate certain foods and supplements, this can be challenging.  Often times one needs to begin focusing on their diet and minimize the supplementation.  Many will need to follow a protocol similar to the GAPS diet, which is a very strict diet that requires the person to eat a lot of fermented foods and pretty much cut out all of the processed foods and sugars.  If you’re not familiar with this diet then you can find out more about it online by visiting www.gapsdiet.com.  There is also a book on this diet.  I’m not suggesting that everyone with widespread food sensitivities will need to follow this diet, but many people with this problem can benefit greatly from it.

As for how long will it take to correct these problems, this obviously varies from case to case.  I typically will have someone follow a liver detoxification program for three weeks, but in some cases they might need to follow this for a longer period of time.  Increased intestinal permeability will usually take longer, as it usually will take anywhere from two to six months to correct, although in some cases it can take longer than this.

In summary, those who have sensitivities to different foods and supplements usually have a problem with 1) the detoxifying ability of their liver, 2) increased intestinal permeability, or 3) a combination of both conditions.  Although this can be a challenge to address, it definitely is possible to do so, and usually the focus needs to be on one’s diet, with a minimal amount of supplementation required.  One also needs to realize that it will take time to correct this problem, but the good news is that in many cases correcting the cause of the problem will allow the person to eat most foods again, and to not have a problem taking most supplements and herbs.