There are numerous cells which play a role in modulating the immune system in autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  In this blog post I’m going to focus on dendritic cells and toll-like receptors.  This admittedly will be a little more complex than many of the other articles and blog posts I’ve written, but every now and then I like to present some advanced information so that those people with autoimmune thyroid conditions can get a better understanding of what’s happening to their immune system.

Let’s start off by talking about what dendritic cells are.  Dendritic cells are one of the cells of your immune system, and they play a role in something called antigen presentation.  An antigen is a foreign molecule, and an example is pathogenic bacteria.  So for example, if someone has a bacterial infection, the dendritic cell will bind to the bacteria (antigen) and will then present it to the immune system.  And then of course the immune system will do everything it can to destroy the bacteria.

In addition to dendritic cells there are a few other antigen presenting cells.  These include macrophages and B lymphocytes.  Different antigen-presenting cells cause responses in different T cell populations (1).  In other words, while the goal of any antigen-presenting cell is to present an antigen to the immune system, dendritic cells will cause responses in different T cells than macrophages, which in turn will cause responses in different T cells than B lymphocytes.

What is A Major Histocompatibility Complex?

A major histocompatability complex (MCH) aids in allowing the immune system to recognize these antigens.  So for example, if there is pathogenic bacteria that invades the body, the MHC molecules are what actually bind to the proteins of these pathogens.  After doing this it displays them on the surface of the antigen presenting cell so that the appropriate T cells can recognize them, and of course these T cells then attempt to eradicate the bacteria.

You might wonder what specifically happens after the T cells recognize the antigens.  Of course we know that eventually the T cells will attempt to destroy the pathogen, but before this happens the T cell that binds to the MHC class II molecule is called a “naive” helper T cell.  If you have been reading my blog posts for awhile you might be familiar with Th1 and Th2 cells, and this naive helper T cell will become either a Th1 cell, a Th2 cell, a Th17 cell, or a regulatory T cell (2).  In a healthy immune system you want a balance of Th1 and Th2 cells, a large amount of regulatory T cells, and a low number of Th17 cells.  But with autoimmunity you commonly get an imbalance of the Th1 and Th2 pathways, along with an increase in Th17 cells and a decrease in regulatory T cells.

The Roll of Toll-Like Receptors                            

There are numerous studies which show that toll-like receptors play an essential role in the development of autoimmune conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis (3) (4).  Toll-like receptors are a type of pattern recognition receptor, and these in turn recognize a wide range of something called pathogen-associated molecular patterns, also known as PAMPS (5).  PAMPs are found in pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.  An example of a PAMP is a lipopolysaccharide, which  are large molecules found in gram-negative bacteria, and I discussed this in greater detail in a past blog post I wrote entitled “What Are Lipopolysaccharides and How Can They Affect Thyroid Health?“.  These PAMPs are not normally found in the body of humans, and so they are immediately identified as being a foreign substance by the immune system.  There is also something called DAMPs, which stands for “damage-associated molecular patterns”.  Unlike PAMPs, which are associated with infections, DAMPs are usually associated with trauma.  Both PAMPs and DAMPs are involved in the inflammatory response.

Are Dendritic Cells Beneficial or Harmful?

Although we know that proinflammatory cytokines increase inflammation, and regulatory T cells help to decrease the autoimmune response, it’s not certain whether dendritic cells are beneficial or harmful in those with autoimmune conditions.  Although dendritic cells might play a role in triggering autoimmunity (6), more recent observations have shown that dendritic cells are important to ensure “immunological peace” by modulating regulatory T cells (7), which help to suppress autoimmunity.  The truth is that while we refer to some immune system cells as “bad”, or proinflammatory, while others as being “good”, or anti-inflammatory, all of these immune cells serve a purpose.  And so when you think about it this way, hopefully you’ll realize that no immune cell is inherently good or bad.

How Can We Modulate These Dendritic Cells?

In past articles and blog posts I’ve discussed things you can do to decrease proinflammatory cytokines and increase regulatory T cells, and I still recommend to focus on incorporating these factors while removing the autoimmune trigger.  However, there are a few studies which show that certain nutrients can modulate dendritic cells in a positive manner.  This includes vitamin D, which also can help to decrease proinflammatory cytokines and increase regulatory T cells.  And there is also evidence that the 1,25(OH)₂D₃-Vitamin D₃ complex can affect the maturation and migration of many dendritic cell subsets and help to regulate the immune system (8).  There is also evidence that vitamin A can modulate dendritic cells (9).

There is also evidence that polyphenols, which are found in fruits and vegetables, can have a positive effect on dendritic cells and shift the immune response towards tolerance or immune activation (10).  Another article specifically mentioned the polyphenols quercetin and piperine as influencing the maturation of dendritic cells and modulating the inflammatory response (11).  In other words, the authors claim that polyphenols can drive the dendritic cells towards an anti-inflammatory profile (11).

In summary, dendritic cells and toll-like receptors both play a role in modulating the immune system.  Dendritic cells present antigens such as bacteria to the immune system, which in turn will attempt to destroy the pathogen.  Something called a major histocompatability complex (MCH) aids in allowing the immune system to recognize these antigens.  Toll-like receptors are a type of pattern recognition receptor, and they play an important role in recognizing pathogen-associated molecular patterns, which are found in pathogens such as viruses and bacteria.  Some nutrients which can modulate the dendritic cells include vitamin D, vitamin A, and polyphenols such as quercetin and piperine.

There are many spices that can benefit your health.  Eating these spices on a regular basis can help to decrease inflammation, eradicate pathogens, balance blood sugar levels, etc.  However, some spices have greater health benefits than others, and there are certain spices which should be avoided in those with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  And so I’ve decided to discuss the health benefits of seven spices that most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can safely consume (although there are a few exceptions).

Spice #1: Garlic.  I recommend for most of my patients to consume garlic.  Garlic has many different benefits, but one of the main reasons I recommend it to my patients is because it is a wonderful antimicrobial.  And many people with thyroid and autoimmune conditions have infections.  In fact, the research shows that garlic has antibacterial (1) (2), antiviral (3) (4), antifungal (5) (6), and even antiparasitic activities (7) (8).

In addition to being a great antimicrobial, garlic has other benefits, as it can help people with cardiovascular disease, including high blood pressure (9) (10).  Garlic can also reduce inflammation (11) (12).  And garlic also supports detoxification by increasing glutathione levels.  Some people who have small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO) are unable to consume garlic because they experience gas and bloating.

Spice #2: Turmeric.  Turmeric is yet another spice that most people can benefit from taking.  Inflammation is a big factor in autoimmune conditions such as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease.  And while there are numerous benefits of turmeric, perhaps the greatest one is that it is a wonderful anti-inflammatory agent.  With regards to autoimmune conditions it can help to reduce proinflammatory cytokines (13) (14) (15) and increase regulatory T cells (16).  Turmeric also can benefit cardiovascular health (17) (18), and it also has anticancer properties (19), as well as a neuroprotective effect (20).

Spice #3: Cinnamon.  This spice has many different benefits, but one of the primary benefits is helping to regulate blood glucose levels.  One meta-analysis showed that the consumption of cinnamon is associated with a statistically significant decrease in levels of fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, LDL-C, and triglyceride levels, and an increase in HDL-C levels (21).  However, there was no significant effect on the hemoglobin A1C (21).  Another meta-analysis showed that cinnamon improves fasting blood glucose in people with type 2 diabetes or prediabetes (22).  Another study showed that cinnamon proanthocyanidins had inhibitory effects on advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs), which are substances that contribute to increased oxidative stress and inflammation (23).

Cinnamon also seems to modulate the immune system, which can benefit people with autoimmune conditions.  Regulatory T cells help to suppress autoimmunity, and there is evidence that cinnamon can increase regulatory T cells (24).  Th17 cells are increased in autoimmunity, and cinnamon can potentially suppress these cells (24).  Another study looking at the effects of cinnamon in multiple sclerosis also discussed how cinnamon increases regulatory T cells while decreasing Th17 cells (25).  However, I must add that a recent study showed that cinnamon reduces serum T3 levels (26).  However, keep in mind that this was conducted on male rats, and it’s just a single study.

H. Pylori is a bacteria that can be a potential trigger of autoimmune thyroid conditions. And there is evidence that cinnamon has an inhibitory effect on H. Pylori (27). A recent study also showed that cinnamaldehyde, which is a major active constituent of cinnamon, has an anti-inflammatory effect on gastric inflammation caused by H. Pylori (28).

Spice #4: Thyme.  Thyme has numerous health benefits.  First of all, it has antimicrobial activity against yeast and bacteria (29).  I did come across an older in vitro study which showed that thyme had a significant inhibitory effect on H. Pylori (30).  There is also evidence that thyme can increase the activity of the phase 1 and phase 2 enzymes that are involved in detoxification (31) (32).  Thyme might also have anticancer effects as well (33).

Spice #5: Ginger.  Ginger belongs to the family Zingiberaceae, and it is very well known for its anti-inflammatory properties.  It helps to reduce inflammation by suppressing prostaglandin synthesis, specifically inhibiting cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and also suppresses the formation of leukotrienes through the inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (34) (35).  COX-1, COX-2, and 5-lipoxygenase are enzymes which play a role in the inflammatory process.  In addition, 6-gingerol, which is a major compound in ginger, has shown to inhibit both Th1 and Th2 cytokines (36), and an imbalance of the Th1 and Th2 pathways are a factor in autoimmune conditions.

Ginger also can be beneficial for certain types of cancers, including prostate cancer (37), pancreatic cancer (38), gastrointestinal cancer (39), and breast cancer (40).  Also, for those suffering from primary dysmenorrhea, a recent study also showed that ginger can be beneficial during the first 3 or 4 days of the menstrual cycle (41).  Those with insulin resistance or type 2 diabetes can also benefit from ginger, as a study showed that it improves fasting blood sugar, hemoglobin A1c, apolipoprotein B, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein B/apolipoprotein A-I in patients with type 2 diabetes (42).

Spice #6: Sage.  Sage has been used for the relief of pain, protection against oxidative stress, free radical damage, angiogenesis, inflammation, along with bacterial and viral infections (43).  Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions have memory and concentration problems, and sage can potentially help to improve memory and cognition (44) (45).

Spice #7: Rosemary.  Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) also has numerous health benefits.  First of all, it has antioxidant and anti-proliferative properties, and so it can help to reduce inflammation and inhibit the growth of cancer cells (46) (47) (48) (49).  It also has been shown to have antitumor activity against breast cancer cells, possibly by modulating estrogen (50).  There is also evidence that it can protect the liver (51).

Other Spices Can Be Beneficial As Well           

Of course there are numerous other spices that can also be beneficial to consume.  Examples include parsley, peppermint oil, cloves, cilantro, and oregano.  According to Sarah Ballantyne, author of the Paleo Approach, these spices are all autoimmune-friendly.  As a result, most people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis should be able to consume these spices without a problem.

In summary, most people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can benefit from consuming spices.  Numerous spices have anti-inflammatory effects (turmeric, ginger, rosemary), while other spices have powerful antimicrobial effects (garlic, thyme, sage).  Other spices help to balance the blood sugar levels (cinnamon, ginger), while some can help to support detoxification (thyme).  All of the spices I listed in this post should be fine for most people with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

X-rays represent a type of ionizing radiation, which in turn can cause damage to one’s cells and increase the risk of developing cancer.  While the focus of this blog post will be on dental x-rays, it’s important to understand that all x-rays emit ionizing radiation.  However, there are a few reasons why I’m specifically focusing on dental x-rays.  First of all, because of the proximity of the teeth to the neck, the thyroid gland has a greater chance of exposure when compared to other types of x-rays.  In addition, many people get annual dental x-rays, and so one of the main goals is to discuss the risks vs. benefits, and to try to determine if the benefits of getting annual dental x-rays outweigh the potential risks.

Let’s begin by trying to answer the following question…”why do many dentists recommend annual dental x-rays?”  There is no question that one’s oral health is important, and the main reason why many dentists recommend frequent x-rays is to detect the early formation of dental cavities.  This of course doesn’t happen overnight, as what usually will happen is that plaque will accumulate on the tooth, and bacteria will produce acid that will slowly demineralize the tooth.  This of course is why it’s important to brush your teeth on a regular basis, as this helps with the prevention of plaque buildup.  However, if someone doesn’t brush on a regular basis and/or they eat a lot of sugar, then this buildup of plaque can lead to a dental cavity, which can be spotted on a dental x-ray.

Obviously the goal should be to do what you can to prevent dental cavities from forming, but when they do form, what happens if you don’t get this addressed?  Well, if this isn’t treated then the cavity will usually become larger, and probably will affect the inner layers of the tooth, called the dentin and pulp.  Eventually the damage can be severe enough where the only solution is to get a root canal or a tooth extraction, and there are risks of both of these.

So in no way am I suggesting not to get dental cavities filled, although you of course want to make sure you don’t get any mercury amalgams.  However, is it necessary to get annual dental x-rays to detect the early formation of these cavities?  In my opinion most people don’t need to get dental x-rays every single year.  This is especially true for those people who practice good dental hygiene, as in most cases a cavity will take at least a few years to advance to the point where it causes severe damage to the dentin and the pulp of the tooth.  I’m sure there are exceptions to this, and of course if you are experiencing pain or a sensitivity in your teeth then it probably is a good idea to get a dental x-ray, even if the last one you had was recent.

How Often Should You Get Dental X-Rays?

Once again, keep in mind that it is only my opinion that most people don’t need to get annual dental x-rays.  And while many other natural healthcare professionals share the same opinion, of course most conventional dentists don’t feel this way.  You might be wondering how frequently I would recommend for people to get dental x-rays?  Should they wait until they experience pain or a sensitivity?  I probably wouldn’t take this approach, and I’d say getting dental x-rays every two or three years probably is fine for most people. ..assuming you are brushing your teeth at least twice per day and flossing at least once per day.  I’m sure there are some reading this who feel that every two or three years is too frequent.  Over the last few decades the longest I have gone between getting dental x-rays has been four years, and in this situation the x-rays revealed no cavities or other issues.  And I’m sure some reading this have gone even longer between having regular dental x-rays without having cavities or other oral problems.  If this is the case then please feel free to share your experience in the comments section below.

How Does Ionizing Radiation Cause Cancer?

Of course it’s not just dental x-rays that increases one’s risk of developing cancer, as all x-rays, as well as other types of procedures involving ionizing radiation, can increase your risk of developing cancer.  Just as a reminder, I’m focusing on dental x-rays because of the proximity of the teeth to the thyroid gland, and also because many people get annual dental x-rays without thinking twice.  As for how ionizing radiation causes cancer, what happens is that ionizing radiation causes oxidative stress and leads to the formation of free radicals (1) (2) (3).  Free radicals are molecules that are highly unstable, and they play a key role in the initiation and progression of tumor cells (4) (5).

But why do some people who are exposed to radiation develop cancer, while others don’t?  Well, there are a few factors that can play a role.  Genetics does seem to be one factor.  But epigenetics is usually a greater factor, and what this means is that one’s external environmental is what affects the genetics.  In other words, someone might have a genetic susceptibility to a certain type of cancer, but eating a poor diet and/or other factors will be primarily responsible for the development of cancer.  Sometimes it’s hard to make this connection, as a few years ago I worked with a patient who developed breast cancer, even though she lived a healthy vegetarian lifestyle, exercised regularly, etc.  On the other hand, many people eat plenty of junk food and don’t develop cancer.  Similarly, some people receive a lot of x-rays and don’t develop cancer, while others who develop cancer don’t have a history of frequent exposure to ionizing radiation.

Some Facts About Thyroid Cancer                                       

Thyroid cancer is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system, representing 3.8% of all new cancer cases in the United States and is the ninth most common cancer overall (6).  The American Cancer Society estimates that 62,450 people in the United States will be diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2015, and 1,950 deaths will result from the disease (6).  95% of the cancers being of follicular cell origin-papillary, follicular, or anaplastic thyroid carcinomas (7).  Both papillary and follicular thyroid cancers have good survival rates, with the 5-year survival rate approaching 97%, although the median survival for a patient with anaplastic thyroid carcinoma is measured in months (7).  There is evidence of an increased risk of developing thyroid cancer in those with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease (8) (9) (10) (11).

But why do some people develop thyroid cancer?  Well, like most other cancers it seems to be due to a combination of genetic and environmental factors.  Of course the focus of this blog post is on the risks of dental x-rays, and below I’ll mention some of the research studies which show a correlation between the ionizing radiation in dental x-rays and the development of thyroid cancer.  But there can be other factors as well.  Thyroid cancer is more common in women, especially between puberty and menopause, and therefore estrogen seems to play a role in its development (12) (13) (14).  So doing things to improve one’s estrogen metabolism can also help to prevent thyroid cancer from developing.

What Does The Research Show Regarding Dental X-Rays and Thyroid Cancer?

So what does the research show?  First of all, an increased risk of thyroid cancer has been reported in dentists, dental assistants, and x-ray workers (15).  One case-control study provided some evidence that multiple exposure to dental x-rays may be associated with an increased risk of thyroid cancer (15).  Another study looked at different types of diagnostic x-rays, and found that overall there was no clear evidence of thyroid cancer risk associated with diagnostic x-rays except for dental x-rays (16).  And there are some other studies which show an increased risk of thyroid cancer with regular dental x-rays (17).

I’m sure many dentists will be angry upon reading this information, and keep in mind that I’m not suggesting that most people who receive dental x-rays on an annual basis will develop thyroid cancer.  And to be fair, there are other factors which also can increase someone’s susceptibility.  For example, since nutrients such as selenium might help to prevent thyroid cancer (18) (19), eating a poor diet can potentially increase one’s risk of developing this condition.  And there are many other minerals and phytonutrients which can help to prevent cancer.  Earlier I also mentioned how problems with estrogen metabolism can be a factor in the development of thyroid cancer.   In addition, wearing a thyroid shield while getting dental x-rays will decrease the risk of getting thyroid cancer (19), and so if you do get dental x-rays I would make sure to ask for a thyroid shield.

5 Takeaways From This Blog Post                                                                                   

Takeaway #1: Think twice about getting annual dental x-rays.  Once again, this is just my opinion, and I know some people reading this will disagree with me.  But while there are benefits of receiving dental x-rays, I don’t think most people need to receive them every single year.

Takeaway #2: When you get dental x-rays, make sure you wear a thyroid shield.  As ridiculous as this may sound, not all dental offices will provide their patients with a thyroid shield prior to having x-rays taken.  In fact, in the past I have had to ask the technician for a thyroid shield.

Takeaway #3: Maintain good oral health.  If you minimize your consumption of sugar, and brush and floss regularly, then this will greatly decrease your risk of having problems with your teeth and gums.  And of course this in turn will reduce your chances of getting dental cavities, which in turn will allow most people to get away with having less dental x-rays.  Keep in mind that I’m not suggesting that you don’t go to the dentist for regular cleanings, as I do think this is a good idea.

Takeaway #4: Eat a healthy diet.  While it’s important to minimize your consumption of sugar, you also want to eat plenty of whole healthy foods in order to make sure you get the necessary nutrients to help prevent cancer.  Eating plenty of vegetables, along with some fruits, can provide you with a lot of the nutrients and phytonutrients you need in order to help reduce one’s risk of developing cancer.

Takeaway #5: Do things to improve estrogen metabolism.  Since  increased estrogen levels can increase the risk of developing thyroid cancer (as well as some other types of cancers), it makes sense to do things to improve estrogen metabolism.  In the near future I will be releasing an article which focuses on improving estrogen metabolism.

In summary, x-rays are a type of ionizing radiation, which is one factor in the development of certain types of cancers.  As a result, it is a good idea to minimize one’s exposure to ionizing radiation.  Many dental offices recommend for their patients to get annual dental x-rays, and the research shows an increased risk of thyroid cancer with dental x-rays.  This doesn’t mean that people should never get dental x-rays, and I do think it’s a good idea to get regular cleanings.  But perhaps it’s time to question whether it’s a good idea to get annual dental x-rays.  Just like anything else, one needs to weigh the risks vs. benefits, and I’m not convinced that the benefits of annual dental x-rays outweigh the potential risks.

Please feel free to share your thoughts about getting annual dental x-rays in the comments section below.

When I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease I chose not to take antithyroid medication to manage my hyperthyroid symptoms.  Many of my patients and email subscribers attempt to manage their symptoms without taking medication as well.  On the other hand, many others will choose to take antithyroid medication and/or beta blockers while trying to restore their health.  If you have hyperthyroidism and are deciding whether you should take the medication or manage your symptoms naturally I would make sure to read this entire post.

Keep in mind that my goal isn’t to scare anyone with this information, but just to make you realize that unmanaged hyperthyroidism comes with a great risk.  While getting a heart arrhythmia or suffering from a thyroid storm is rare, this can and does happen at times.  But if you do a good job of managing your symptoms the risk of developing these or other health conditions is less likely to happen.  So let’s go ahead and look at some of the things you need to do in order to safely manage your hyperthyroid symptoms.

1. Take action quickly.  When I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism I knew that I was going to do something natural about it.  However, it took a few months before I took anything to manage my symptoms, which is a long time when you have an elevated heart rate.  This was foolish of me, and I’m lucky that nothing serious happened to me.  But some people aren’t as lucky when going a prolonged period of time without managing their hyperthyroid symptoms.  And so whether you choose to take prescription medication to manage the symptoms, or try taking herbs such as bugleweed and motherwort, it’s a good idea to take action quickly.

But what should you do if you can’t see a doctor quickly?  Sometimes it can be a few months before you can get in to see an endocrinologist, and if you plan on working with a natural healthcare professional it also can take some time.  Some people do choose to take herbs and supplements on their own to manage their symptoms, although it can be challenging to know what dosage to take.  If you prefer to take the medication, while it might take some time before you see an endocrinologist, you probably were referred to this endocrinologist by a primary care physician, and chances are he or she will give you something to manage the cardiac symptoms.  While they might not write a prescription for antithyroid medication, most will at least recommend a beta blocker to lower the heart rate.

2. Keep in mind that the herbs don’t work for everyone.  I was fortunate not to have to take any medication, as I used the herbs bugleweed and motherwort to manage my symptoms.  And over the years I have had many patients who also effectively managed their symptoms when taking the herbs.  However, the herbs don’t always do a good job of managing the symptoms in everyone, and there are some people who need to take the medication.  If the herbs do work then in most cases they should kick in within two to four weeks, and sometimes sooner than this.

3. You need to weigh the risks vs. benefits.  Everything comes down to risks vs. benefits.  I’ve worked with numerous patients who refused to take the medication, even if the herbs weren’t doing a good job of managing their symptoms.  And while there are certain circumstances when this is understandable, such as if the antithyroid medication causes elevated liver enzymes, or if someone has a negative reaction to the medication, if someone tolerates the medication well then it can be a good option.

Don’t get me wrong, as I’m not trying to convince anyone to take antithyroid medication or beta blockers.  However, I am suggesting that doing so is better than landing in the emergency room due to a thyroid storm.  For example, if someone has a resting heart rate of 150 beats per minute or higher, this isn’t something to play games with.  In fact, in this situation it might be best to take the medication immediately and not try the herbs, as you would want to lower the heart rate quickly.  Fortunately most of my patients don’t have a heart rate this high, but even a heart rate of 120 BPM isn’t something to take lightly.  My point is that sometimes it is necessary to take the medication, and don’t feel like you are giving in by doing so.  While overall drugs are overused and abused, and although there are potential side effects of taking antithyroid medication and beta blockers, sometimes taking prescription drugs is necessary, and there is no shame in taking medication for a very high heart rate.

4. Be aware of the signs and symptoms of a thyroid storm.  Although a thyroid storm is rare, it can happen, and when it does it’s an emergency situation.  It may be triggered by an acute event such as thyroid or nonthyroidal surgery, trauma, infection, or an acute iodine load (1). Some of the symptoms include change in alertness, confusion, increased temperature, very high pulse rate, diarrhea, shaking, and sweating (2).  If you suspect thyroid storm you should immediately go to the nearest emergency room.

5. You can restore your health regardless of how you manage your symptoms.  Bugleweed, motherwort, lemon balm, and L-carnitine are some of the herbs and supplements used to manage the hyperthyroid symptoms.  Just keep in mind that they aren’t doing anything to address the cause of the problem.  And so whether you take medication to manage the symptoms, or take a natural approach, you still need to do things to address the underlying cause of your condition.  And so for those people who take antithyroid medication such as Methimazole, PTU, or Carbimazole, or a beta blocker such as Propranolol, you can still can take a natural treatment approach.

Why Did I Decide To Write This Post?

If you’re wondering why I decided to write this post, there are a few reasons.  Of course the main reason is because I work with a lot of patients with hyperthyroidism, and from time to time I consult with someone who prefers not to take any medication, even if they are putting their health at risk.  In fact, as of writing this post I’m working with a teenager with Graves’ Disease whose symptoms aren’t being effectively managed by the herbs, and her mother doesn’t want for her to take Methimazole.  She was concerned about the Methimazole causing liver failure, which is unlikely, although I can certainly understand the concern of the mother.  But once again, everything comes down to risks vs. benefits, and the risk of this teenager having problems from not taking the medication is in my opinion much greater than her experiencing liver failure.

I had another situation recently when a patient of mine with Graves’ Disease sent an email to inform me that his heart rate was over 190 BPM while working.  Of course I advised him not to overexert himself and to take it easy, and it’s important to point out that while he was trying to manage his symptoms with the bugleweed, he also had a prescription for a beta blocker that he wasn’t taking.  He was concerned about the side effects of the beta blocker, but when someone has a pulse rate of 190+ BPM the main concern should be to get the heart rate down as quick as possible, and to not worry about having a negative reaction to the medication.

Should You Just Receive Radioactive Iodine?

I’m sure there will be a few people reading this and wonder if the “benefits” of receiving radioactive iodine are greater than the potential “risks” of treating your condition naturally.  Of course only you can make this decision, but I do want to say that if people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease do what is necessary to manage their symptoms and receive the proper guidance when taking a natural treatment approach, then the risks of something bad happening is low.  On the other hand, with regards to receiving radioactive iodine, there are risks of being exposed to  radiation, and there are also risks of not having a functioning thyroid gland, which is usually a consequence of receiving this treatment.

Truth to be told, there are people who receive radioactive iodine and are pleased with their decision.  On the other hand, there are many people who receive this treatment and never feel the same again, and they end up regretting their decision.  The problem is that you don’t know which category you will fall under.  And if someone receives radioactive iodine and doesn’t respond well, there is less of a chance that they will benefit from a natural treatment approach.

In summary, when following a natural treatment protocol it is important for anyone with hyperthyroidism or Graves’ Disease to manage their symptoms.  Some will choose to do this with medication, while others will attempt to manage their symptoms with herbs such as bugleweed and motherwort.  Either way, you want to make sure to take action quickly, and keep in mind that herbs such as bugleweed and motherwort don’t work for everyone, as some people do need to be on the medication.  Plus, if you choose to take the medication to manage your symptoms you still can restore your health, as you just want to make sure you’re safe while addressing the cause of your condition.

Many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions work with an endocrinologist.  And it’s not uncommon for me to consult with someone who is intimidated by their endocrinologist.  In other words, they are afraid to say what’s on their mind and don’t want to upset their doctor.  This is especially true with those people who have Graves’ Disease, although I also see it at times with some people who have hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  You’ll probably be disappointed to learn that I’m not really going to teach you how to hypnotize your endocrinologist (although that would be cool), but I am going to give you a few tips that hopefully will help you feel more at ease when speaking with your doctor.

Most of what I discuss below is common sense, but the reason why I put this blog post together is because every week there are at least one or two patients who tell me they are intimated by speaking with their endocrinologist.  They are concerned because most endocrinologists aren’t open to a natural treatment approach, and so their doctor doesn’t want to hear anything about how diet and lifestyle can improve one’s health.  Don’t get me wrong, as every now and then I’ll work with a patient who has an open-minded endocrinologist, but this definitely isn’t the norm.  With that being said, let’s discuss some of the reasons why you shouldn’t be intimidated by your endocrinologist, or any other medical doctor for that matter.

1. Remember that your endocrinologist is a person just like you.  Even though some doctors have a superiority complex, I’m pretty sure they are made of flesh and blood just like you.  When you think about it, it’s silly to be afraid of your endocrinologist, or any other doctor.  Although I realize it might not be easy to find another endocrinologist to work with, there is no good reason to put up with an endocrinologist who isn’t willing to listen to you, and who just wants to tell you what to do without having you question them.

2. Keep in mind that we all have our biases.  Although I’m not opposed to conventional treatment methods, there is no question that I’m biased towards taking a natural treatment approach.  And the reason for this is not only due to my personal experience with natural treatment methods, but my training in chiropractic school as well.  It definitely didn’t have anything to do with how I was raised by my parents, as I wasn’t brought up with a natural mindset, and if in the past I chose to go to medical school instead of chiropractic school I can almost guarantee that I wouldn’t be writing this post, as I probably would be prescribing drugs or getting ready for a surgical procedure.

And it’s a similar situation with most endocrinologists, as they have gone through years of training to help people through conventional treatment methods.  While it would be great if there were more open-minded endocrinologists, and perhaps there will be in the future with the help of organizations such as the Institute for Functional Medicine, unfortunately most medical doctors have a closed mind and don’t want to hear about natural treatment methods.  Sure, there are a few exceptions, but it’s still rare to find an endocrinologist who has any type of experience or interest in taking a natural treatment approach for thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.

3. You are in charge of your own health.  The reason why you probably work with any healthcare professional is to seek their advice and receive recommendations.  However, this doesn’t mean that you are required to follow their recommendations.  So for example, if someone with hypothyroidism needs to take thyroid hormone medication and prefers to take Armour or Nature-Throid, there is a good chance the endocrinologist they are working with will refuse to write a prescription for this.  If this is the case with you then of course you can choose to take synthetic thyroid hormone medication, or you can call around and try to find a different doctor who is willing to prescribe natural thyroid hormone medication.  Similarly, if someone with Graves’ Disease sees an endocrinologist for an initial consultation, and if the endocrinologist gives radioactive iodine treatment as the only option, then this person can choose to receive the treatment, but of course they also have the option of seeking a second opinion.  It’s the same concept when someone consults with me, as I will give them my recommendations, and then it’s up to the person to decide whether or not they want to follow my advice.

4. Do some research before you choose your doctor.  In most cases, before someone schedules a consultation with a natural healthcare professional they will do some research on the Internet to learn more about the doctor.  I know this is frequently the case with my patients, and I require people to first attend a free webinar so they can get a better idea of my approach, and make it easier for them to decide if they would like to work with me.  But this usually isn’t the case when someone schedules an appointment to see an endocrinologist.  Many people will choose an endocrinologist based on 1) whether they are a provider on their health insurance plan, and/or 2) the location of the practice.

While it’s fairly easy to learn about my approach by visiting my website and/or attending one of my webinars, I realize that this isn’t always the case with other doctors.  For example, if an endocrinologist is part of a group practice then they might only have a single page on the website dedicated to them, and it might not tell you much about the doctor.  If you have specific questions feel free to email the practice, or better yet, call the office and see what you can find out.  And if you can’t find the answers you’re looking for then try to contact a few other offices.

5. Be careful about how you approach your endocrinologist.  Although it’s true that you are in charge of your health, and while you want to be able to have a two-way conversation with your endocrinologist and not just listen to his or her recommendations, you do want to be a little cautious when trying to communicate with your doctor.  For example,  if you are also working with a natural healthcare professional, it probably wouldn’t be a good idea to tell the endocrinologist “Hey doc, I’m also working with a natural doctor and he recommends for me to do some blood and saliva tests, and so I’m hoping you will be able to order these.  Oh yeah, he also says that diet is a big factor with these conditions.  Plus, any drugs you prescribe need to be gluten and dairy free.”  Okay, perhaps you wouldn’t word it exactly like this, but my point is that most endocrinologists want to be the authority figure, and most don’t want to take orders from a natural healthcare professional.

Does this mean you shouldn’t tell them that you are working with a natural healthcare professional, assuming this is the case?  Is it wise not to say anything else about taking a natural treatment approach?  Before you tell your endocrinologist you are taking a natural treatment approach, I would simply ask him or her the following question: “What are your feelings about taking a natural treatment approach for my condition?”  Or you can ask “”What are your thoughts about me working with a natural healthcare professional to help improve my health while I work with you simultaneously?”  By doing this you aren’t openly admitting that you are currently following a natural treatment approach, but the question should elicit a response from the endocrinologist.  If the endocrinologist gives a negative response then it might be best not to further talk about natural treatment methods, unless if you’re looking for a good argument.  On the other hand, if the endocrinologist seems to be open to natural treatment methods, or even if they aren’t open but they don’t have a negative reaction, then you might want to tell the endocrinologist that you are thinking about taking a natural treatment approach, and you can also ask if he or she would be willing to work with you while you do this.

Keep in mind that you don’t have to tell the endocrinologist that you are considering working with another healthcare professional to try to address the cause of your condition.  After all, most of them don’t think that there is an underlying cause for thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.  As a result, it might be best to tell them that you are working with a natural healthcare professional who is trying to improve your overall health by offering nutritional support and lifestyle advice, and not tell them that you are specifically looking to restore your health naturally.

While every now and then I’ll work with a patient who is seeing an open-minded endocrinologist, most endocrinologists are opposed to natural treatment methods.  In some cases they will refuse to work with you if you tell them you’re taking a natural treatment approach, and usually the best case scenario is that they won’t be thrilled about what you’re doing, but they will be still willing to write an order for labs and prescribe medication.  I do see this changing in the future, as more and more medical doctors are being exposed to functional medicine.  But unfortunately it still is challenging to find an endocrinologist who is open minded.

In summary, many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions are easily intimidated by their endocrinologist.  And the reason for this is because most endocrinologists are close-minded when it comes to natural treatment methods.  Just remember that your endocrinologist is a human being just like you, and also remember that you are the one who hires your endocrinologist, as it’s not the other way around.  You are in charge of your own health, and while I realize it isn’t always easy to find another endocrinologist to work with, this doesn’t mean that any doctor has the right to talk down to you and insist that you need to follow their recommendations, even if you are uncomfortable with them.

Of course it is ultimately your decision how you want to approach your endocrinologist, and if you have something you want to add to this, or if you just want to share the experience you had with your endocrinologist please feel free to post a comment below.