We live in a toxic world, and unfortunately it’s only getting worse. Thousands of new chemicals have been manufactured over the last decade, and thousands of more will be produced during the next decade. As a result, the air we breathe has toxins, the food we eat has toxins, the water supply has toxins, the furniture we buy is toxic. And as I’ve discussed in other articles and posts, there is evidence that certain toxins can cause the development of a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition. There is nothing we can do to completely avoid these toxins, but there are a couple of things we CAN do.

First of all, you can do what is necessary to minimize your exposure to toxins. You can do this by eating organic food, drinking purified water, using an air purification system, etc. You can also use natural household products and cosmetics, try not to use pesticides and herbicides, don’t jog or ride your bike where there is heavy traffic due to exposure to the fumes. I realize that many people reading this information have already made some of these changes, and that’s fantastic.

You can also do things to help eliminate toxins from your body. In this post I’m going to discuss three specific things people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can do help eliminate toxins from their body:

1. Detoxify Your Liver. The liver is one of the most important organs of the body, and it plays a huge role in detoxification. It is also the most overworked organ in the body due to all of the different toxins we’re exposed to on a daily basis. As a result, I’ve been recommending methods of detoxifying the liver to my patients for many years. And I personally go through a liver detox program at least twice per year. There are numerous programs out there, but the one I recommend is 21 days in length. Such a program basically consists of eating well, and taking some supplements to help with the detoxification process.

There are also specific foods and herbs which can help detoxify the liver:

Cruciferous Vegetables. Yes, I know they’re goitrogenic, but they are very healthy foods, and they help to support healthy liver function and phase 2 detoxification (1) (2). And as I’ve mentioned in other more recent articles and posts, as long as someone is iodine sufficient, then eating normal amounts of the cruciferous vegetables (i.e. one or two servings per day) shouldn’t inhibit thyroid function.

Garlic. Garlic consists of a compound called allicin, which helps to detoxify the liver. Besides helping with detoxification of the liver, garlic is hepatoprotective (3), and there is some evidence that it can be used as a chemoprotective agent for the prevention of liver cancer (4). Recently a patient of mine emailed me some information on how garlic might also be effective in removing lead from the body (5). Try to have a clove of fresh garlic each day, or consider taking a garlic supplement.

Green Tea. Green tea has catechins, which can help to improve liver function. There is evidence that green tea can prevent early alcohol-induced liver injury (6), and might be hepatoprotective against conditions such as nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (7).

Cilantro: Cilantro can potentially help to remove heavy metals, and thus is commonly included in certain detoxification products. If you’re like me and have a daily smoothie you can also add some cilantro to it. I must admit that I don’t like the taste of cilantro, and so I don’t include it in my smoothies, but I do frequently include broccoli and kale.

Chlorella. Chlorella has numerous benefits, as it can potentially help with heavy metals, such as cadmium (8) and mercury (9). Chlorella might also be useful in preventing the accumulation of dioxins within the body (10), and might even provide a benefit to liver cancer patients (11).

Milk Thistle. This is one of the most well known herbs to help to protect and improve the health of the liver. It can help with liver damage, hepatitis, exposure to chemical toxins, and can possibly prevent the formation of gallstones. Silymarin is the active component of milk thistle that protects the liver and kidney cells from the toxic effects of drugs, including chemotherapy (12). Although milk thistle alone doesn’t seem to help much with chronic liver disease, it has reduced liver enzyme levels and demonstrated anti-inflammatory and T cell-modulating effects (12). Silymarin acts as an antioxidant by reducing free radical production and lipid peroxidation, and may act as a toxin blockade agent by inhibiting binding of toxins to the hepatocyte cell membrane receptors (13).

Globe Artichoke. This herb is also useful for liver toxicity or damage, and can also help to improve bile production.

Dandelion. This is yet another herb which can help to improve the function of the liver, and can also help with gallstones.

Schisandra. This is a great herb, as it can help to improve the detoxifying capacity of the liver, and also help with acute and chronic liver diseases.

Fringe Tree. This herb can help to improve bile production by the liver, and can also help with gallstones.

Greater Celandine. Helps to clear toxins from the liver and bowel. Can also help with bile production and with gallstones.

2. Clean Your Colon. There are numerous ways to clean the colon. If you walk into your local health food store, or perform a search online, there will be no shortage of kits to clean your colon, although I’d be cautious about purchasing such products and doing this on your own. Some natural healthcare professionals recommend coffee enemas. I honestly don’t have much experience with coffee enemas, but they can clean the colon, help with liver detoxification by increasing glutathione production, might help to eliminate parasites, and there are other potential benefits. I’ve had a few patients use coffee enemas prior to consulting with me, and most have reported positive results. If anyone else reading this has received positive benefits from coffee enemas then please feel free to share your experience by posting a comment.

There is evidence that coffee enemas can lead to proctocolitis, which is inflammation of the colon and rectum (14). So coffee enemas might not be completely risk free, although to be fair this showed that only three people experienced this side effect. The truth is that just about every treatment procedure has the potential to cause side effects, and for the most part it seems that coffee enemas are safe, and perhaps it’s something I’ll eventually incorporate into my practice.

Colon hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation are also methods to clean out the colon. When receiving colon hydrotherapy/colonic irrigation it is best to see a certified colon hydrotherapist. The advantage that coffee enemas have is that you can do this from the convenience of your home, and of course it costs less than seeing a colon hydrotherapist. The advantage of colon hydrotherapy is that they do a better job of cleansing when compared to coffee enemas. However, for some people, colon hydrotherapy can be too aggressive. For example, if someone has an increase in intestinal permeability (a leaky gut), then it’s probably best to refrain from receiving colon hydrotherapy until the gut is healed.

Some question the effectiveness of colon hydrotherapy, stating that there is no physiological basis for it, and that it might cause the dissemination and absorption of toxins and bacteria into the body (15). However, numerous healthcare professionals have had a lot of success using colon hydrotherapy in the practice. This includes Dr. Walter Crinnion, who is a naturopathic doctor with 30 years of experience, and he focuses on biotransformation and detoxification. While going through my masters in nutrition degree I took a 10-week biotransformation and detoxification course through Dr. Crinnion, and he said that if he could only choose one method of detoxification it would be colon hydrotherapy.

3. Sauna Therapy. Infrared sauna therapy can also help with the removal of toxins, as well as improve circulation and reduce blood pressure. Numerous healthcare experts recommend using sauna therapy, including Dr. Mark Hyman (16), Dr. Walter Crinnion (17), and Dr. Joseph Mercola (18). Heck, even Dr. Oz understands the benefits of infrared sauna (19). I’m also an advocate of sauna therapy.

I mentioned how Dr. Walter Crinnion is an advocate of colon hydrotherapy, and here is what he has to say about sauna therapy (20):

“Saunas can be used very effectively for certain cardiovascular problems and as a means to enhance the mobilization of fat-soluble xenobiotics. When saunas are used to reduce blood pressure and enhance blood flow and cardiac functioning, only short sauna sessions (15 minutes) are necessary. When one wants to enhance the mobilization of heavy metals and chemical xenobiotics, longer sessions are needed and those should be medically monitored. But, for either use, saunas are safe and effective and should be used more frequently to benefit the health of our patients and ourselves.”

Although many different healthcare professionals realize the benefits of infrared sauna therapy, there is a difference in opinion when it comes to near vs. far sauna therapy. Some healthcare professionals are proponents of near infrared sauna therapy, others seem to favor far infrared sauna therapy. I think both near and infrared sauna therapy can be beneficial, although most of the units being sold are far infrared saunas.

So hopefully you have a better understanding of what you can do to detoxify your body. In my opinion, everyone should be doing things to help detoxify their liver and increase glutathione levels, including eating some of the foods I listed, perhaps taking some of the herbs, and it’s also wise to consider following a liver detoxification program once or twice per year. Infrared sauna therapy and colon cleansing should also be considered by those who are overloaded with toxins, but can also be used as a preventative measure, and to help minimize the negative impact that toxins can have on one’s health.

People with autoimmune thyroid conditions such as Graves’ Disease are more likely to develop other autoimmune conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.  But are they likely to develop other conditions, such as cancer?  Well, a recent study revealed that people with Graves’ Disease do have a higher risk of cancer, with thyroid cancer and breast cancer being more common (1).

Although I’ll be discussing some things women can do to prevent breast cancer from developing, there are certain things people can do in general to prevent the onset of cancer.  Of course one wants to begin by eating well, as eating a diet high in refined sugars will make someone more susceptible to developing many different types of chronic health conditions, including cancer.  So eating a healthy diet can help greatly in preventing different types of cancers from developing.  Certain toxins can also cause cancer to develop, which is why you want to try to minimize your exposure to such toxins by avoiding foods with artificial ingredients, drinking purified water, and using natural products.

4 Things Women Can Do To Prevent Breast Cancer From Developing:

In addition to eating well and minimizing one’s exposure to toxins, there are four specific things women can do in order to prevent breast cancer from developing:

1. Get the vitamin D levels above 50 ng/mL

There is evidence that having adequate vitamin D levels can prevent breast cancer from developing (2) (3).  In fact, vitamin D might also prevent the development of other types of cancers as well (4).  I’ve spoken about the importance of vitamin D in previous articles and posts, as vitamin D is important for optimal immune system health, and thus it is essential for anyone with an autoimmune thyroid condition to have sufficient vitamin D levels.  Although most lab reference ranges have a lower level of 30 ng/mL, for optimal immune system health you want the levels to be at least 50 ng/mL, and 60 to 70 ng/mL would be even better.

2. Balance the sex hormones.

An imbalance in the hormones estrogen and progesterone can also make someone more susceptible to breast cancer.  And since estrogen dominance is so common this can’t be overlooked in women, and even men.  Even though most of my patients are women, I’ve consulted with some men who had estrogen dominance, which can set the stage for not only breast cancer, but other types of cancers as well (5) (6).

3. Correct any iodine deficiency

Iodine supplementation in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions is very controversial.  I’ve tackled this topic a few different times, and the goal here isn’t to get into detail about the risks and benefits of iodine supplementation in people with Graves’ Disease, as I’ve discussed this in other articles.  But when it comes to preventing breast cancer, there is evidence that iodine is important when it comes to prevention (7) (8).  Does this mean that everyone with Graves’ Disease should start taking iodine?  Not necessarily, as in other articles and posts I’ve discussed the importance of testing the iodine levels first, and then if someone is deficient I recommend for them to begin by taking small doses of iodine in order to correct this deficiency.

4. Be cautious about getting regular mammograms.

This is yet another controversial subject, and I spoke about this in a post entitled “Is Getting Regular Mammograms Really Safe?“.  I’m not suggesting that mammograms haven’t saved lives on some occasions.  Whenever I or someone else talks about the risks of getting annual mammograms, there will be comments from women who had breast cancer and/or know someone else who had breast cancer which was detected by getting regular mammograms.  Evidence suggests that such a screening has only a small effect on the rate of death from breast cancer (9).  Of course even a small effect is a good thing, right?  Well, the problem is that getting mammograms exposes women to radiation, and so there is also a risk that getting regular mammograms can actually cause the development of breast cancer.  As a result, one might want to consider an alternative type of screening such as thermography.

One has to keep in mind that even with these screening techniques, breast cancer is the most frequently diagnosed cancer of women in North America, and remains the second leading cause of cancer induced death (10).  As a result, while there can be benefits to screening methods such as thermography and mammograms, one wants to do everything they can to prevent the development of breast cancer by eating well, making sure they’re iodine sufficient, and to have a good balance between the hormones estrogen and progesterone.  Although genetics play a role in the development of breast cancer, lifestyle and environmental factors are even greater factors.

In summary, those people with Graves’ Disease have an increased risk of breast cancer, and as a result they need to take the proper precautions to help prevent the development of this condition.  While some women rely on regular mammograms to help detect early stages of breast cancer, doing this alone isn’t enough, and might actually cause more harm than good due to the radiation associated with this type of screening.  Besides eating well and minimizing one’s exposure to toxins, other things women need to do in order to help prevent the development of breast cancer include having sufficient levels of vitamin D and iodine, and making sure the hormones estrogen and progesterone are in balance.

Coenzyme Q10, also known as ubiquinone, is ubiquitous in human tissues, although its level is variable (1).  As I’ll discuss in this article, CoQ10 not only is important when it comes to thyroid health, but it also plays an important role in adrenal health, and some studies show that it can help with other conditions.  After reading this you should have a better understanding as to why some people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions can benefit from supplementing with CoQ10.

So what is the function of CoQ10?  The primary biochemical action of CoQ10 is as a cofactor in the electron-transport chain, in the series of redox reactions that are involved in the synthesis of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) (2). As most cellular functions are dependent on an adequate supply of Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), CoQ10 is essential for the health of virtually all human tissues and organs (2). In addition to its well-established function as a component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, CoQ10 also functions in the reduced form (ubiquinol) as an antioxidant (3).  Ubiquinol protects membrane phospholipids and serum low-density lipoproteins from lipid peroxidation, as well as mitochondrial proteins and DNA from free-radical induced oxidative damage (3).  Some studies suggest that as people age, decreases in CoQ10 content may occur in mitochondria and that decreases of CoQ10 below the physiological levels can potentially affect mitochondrial respiratory function (4).

CoQ10 In Hyperthyroid and Hypothyroid Conditions

Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are associated with enhanced oxidative stress involving enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (5).  Hyperthyroidism is especially linked with reduced circulating levels of CoQ10 (6).  A study looked at the circulating levels of CoQ10 in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid conditions, and found that these levels are higher in people with hypothyroidism (7).  This same study shows that the values of CoQ10 in hyperthyroid patients are among the LOWEST in different human diseases.  In addition, another study shows that thyroid hormones have a  profound effect on mitochondrial oxidative activity, and that hyperthyroid muscular tissues undergo several biochemical changes that predispose them to free radical-mediated injury (8).  Yet another study confirmed that serum CoQ10 levels in hyperthyroidism were significantly lower than that of euthyroid subjects, while in hypothyroidism, serum CoQ10 levels did not show any significant difference from that of euthyroid subjects (9).

These studies would suggest that there is a greater need for CoQ10 supplementation in people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.  Truth to be told, when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease I wasn’t told to take CoQ10.  And so I can’t say that taking CoQ10 is essential for someone looking to restore their health back to normal.  However, based on these studies it’s probably a good idea for people with hyperthyroid conditions to consider taking CoQ10.

This especially is true for those people with hyperthyroid conditions who are on beta blockers.  Numerous studies have shown that beta blockers such as Propranolol can inhibit mitochondrial CoQ10 enzymes (10) (11).  As a result, anyone who is taking beta blockers might want to consider taking CoQ10.  In addition to beta blockers, it is well known that statins (cholesterol lowering medication) also interferes with the synthesis of CoQ10 (12).  And so people taking statins might also want to consider taking CoQ10.  In fact, one study showed that CoQ10 supplementation prevents both plasma and platelet CoQ10 decrease, without affecting the cholesterol lowering effect of the drug (13).

CoQ10 and Adrenal Health

While thyroid hormone levels have an important role in modulating CoQ10 levels, some studies also show evidence that the adrenals can play a role in CoQ10 production.  One study showed that CoQ10 levels were significantly lower in isolated hypoadrenalism than in patients with adrenal hyperplasia and multiple pituitary deficiencies (14).  The same study concluded that secretion of adrenal hormones in some way relate to CoQ10 levels.

CoQ10 and Other Conditions

In addition to playing a role in thyroid and adrenal health, CoQ10 is also important for the optimal health of other areas of the body.  There are many studies which talk about the role of CoQ10 in cardiac disease and hypertension.  One study mentioned that significant improvement has been observed in clinical and hemodynamic parameters and in exercise tolerance in patients given adjunctive CoQ10 in doses from 60 to 200 mg daily in the various trials conducted in patients of heart failure, hypertension, ischemic heart disease and other cardiac illnesses (15). The same study stated that CoQ10 has been found to be an independent predictor of mortality in congestive heart failure. Another study demonstrated that the addition of coenzyme Q10 to conventional therapy significantly reduces hospitalization for worsening of heart failure and the incidence of serious complications in patients with chronic congestive heart failure (16).  Yet another study showed that Coenzyme Q10 administered orally has favorable actions in the described cardiovascular conditions and appears to be safe and well tolerated in the adult population (17).  However, the same study warned us that CoQ10 should not be recommended as monotherapy or first-line therapy in any disease state.  With regards to high blood pressure, one study concluded that CoQ10 has the potential in hypertensive patients to lower systolic blood pressure by up to 17 mm Hg and diastolic blood pressure by up to 10 mm Hg without significant side effects (18).

Clinical studies also show that CoQ10 supplementation might help with certain neurodegenerative diseases (19).  This includes Parkinson’s Disease, Huntington’s disease, Friedereich’s ataxia, and possibly even Alzheimer’s disease.

In summary, CoQ10 plays a very important role in the body, as it is involved in the synthesis of ATP, and is essential for the health of every tissue and cell in the body.  It also plays a role as an antioxidant.  With regards to thyroid health, CoQ10 is frequently deficient in those people with hyperthyroid conditions, and its synthesis can also be interfered with by certain medications, such as beta blockers and statins.  However, since hypothyroid conditions are also associated with enhanced oxidative stress then it also makes sense for some people with hypothyroidism to take this as well. In addition, the adrenal hormones also relate to CoQ10 levels, and CoQ10 plays an important role in cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and neurodegenerative conditions.

Although I wish I can say that everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition who follows a natural treatment protocol will receive great results, the truth is that some people don’t respond as expected.  Most of the time this is due to the person not completely following the recommended natural treatment protocol.  But sometimes the person will follow the recommendations and still not receive optimal results.  When you’re not receiving optimal results then you need to consider the following options:

1. Make sure you’re following the recommended protocol. If you’re not responding as expected, then you want to make sure you’re following the complete recommendations.  For example, if you are told to eat mostly whole foods, and avoid common allergens such as gluten and dairy, then you need to ask yourself if you are following these recommendations.  Sometimes a person will think they are following the recommendations, but aren’t aware that they are inadvertently cheating.  For example, many people are allergic to corn.  But most people aren’t aware that ascorbic acid, which is sold in most health food stores as Vitamin C, is made from corn syrup.  As a result, a person may think they’re avoiding corn because they’re not eating any foods which contain corn, but they might not be aware that some of their supplements contain corn syrup, even if this isn’t mentioned on the label.

Another example relates with managing your stress levels.  I’ve had patients who did a wonderful job of eating well and avoiding common allergens, and also took the nutritional supplements I recommended, but didn’t do a good job of managing their stress.  Remember that the adrenals respond to stress by secreting cortisol, and if cortisol is constantly being secreted then this is going to lead to all sorts of problems.  And so besides eating well and taking nutritional supplements you need to manage your stress levels.  Similarly, you also need to make sure you get sufficient sleep each night.

2. Look at the gut, adrenals, and toxins. There are many different factors which can lead to the development of thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.  But I have found that three of the most important factors to look at are 1) the health of your adrenals, 2) the health of your gut, 3) your toxic load.  In my opinion it is best to evaluate the health of the adrenals through saliva testing.  You want to look at the cortisol levels throughout the day, and also look at the DHEA and 17-OH Progesterone.  Some people assume that their adrenals are fine because they aren’t fatigued and don’t have problems sleeping.  While many people with adrenal problems experience fatigue and/or sleeping difficulties, keep in mind that when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease I felt fine from an energy standpoint and also had no problem falling or staying asleep.  However, my cortisol levels and DHEA were extremely depressed.  So you can’t go by symptoms alone when evaluating the health of your adrenals.

The same concept applies to the gut, as while many people with gut problems experience symptoms such as bloating, gas, and/or constipation, some people with gut problems don’t have any digestive symptoms.  In fact, I’ve had numerous patients test positive for a leaky gut, even though they felt fine from a symptomatic standpoint.  And when we addressed the leaky gut problem, in most cases their health improved dramatically.  There’s a reason why most natural healthcare professionals focus a great deal on the health of the gut, and the reason for this is because if someone has an unhealthy gut, then it is not possible to achieve optimal health.

As for toxins, I’ve always been an advocate of 21-day detoxification programs.  I have been recommending these to my patients for many years, and I personally go through two detoxification programs per year.  However, for many people even this isn’t sufficient.  Obviously nothing is going to completely eliminate the toxins from one’s body.  However, in addition to eating well and taking certain detox supplements, some people need to go through procedures such as colon hydrotherapy and colonic irrigation, as well as infrared sauna therapy.  So if you’re not responding to a natural treatment protocol, toxins could very well be the reason, as sometimes just eating well and taking nutritional supplements isn’t sufficient.

3. Consult with a different natural healthcare professional. If you have followed a natural treatment protocol and haven’t received optimal results, consider working with a different natural healthcare professional.  If the person you saw isn’t someone who focuses on thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, then you might want to consider consulting with such a doctor.  It really doesn’t matter which type of natural healthcare professional you work with, as long as they have experience dealing with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.  This might mean driving a few hours to see this person, or speaking with someone remotely over the phone.  While some people are fortunate to have someone practicing in their town who has experiencing helping people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, some people aren’t as fortunate.  Either way, if you’ve seen a natural healthcare professional and didn’t received ideal results, consider getting a second, and perhaps even third opinion.

4. Consider low dose naltrexone. Naltrexone is a prescription medication, and low doses are used to help people with different types of endocrine conditions.  This includes autoimmune conditions such as lupus, multiple sclerosis, as well as Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  Some people receive great results when receiving LDN, while others don’t find the treatment to be beneficial.  With regards to research studies, there are a few studies which show the benefits of LDN (1) (2).  Although there aren’t any specific studies I know of which show whether LDN can help people with autoimmune thyroid conditions, there are a few studies which have shown the benefits of LDN and multiple sclerosis (3) (4), which is a different type of autoimmune condition.  For more information on LDN you can read my blog post entitled Can Low Dose Naltrexone Cure Graves Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis?

5. Consider long-term treatment with Methimazole or Bugleweed. This of course only applies to those people with hyperthyroid conditions.  In countries outside of the United States, many endocrinologists will do everything they can to help their patients avoid RAI.  It’s not uncommon for them to recommend long-term treatment with low doses of antithyroid medication, such as methimazole.  In fact, there have been a couple of studies which compared long-term continuous use of methimazole with RAI.  One study concluded that long-term continuous treatment of hyperthyroidism with methimazole is safe. It also concluded that the complications and the expense of giving methimazole long-term do not exceed those of radioactive iodine therapy (5).   A second study was conducted and came to the conclusion that long-term methimazole treatment was superior to RAI therapy in patients when mood, cognition, cardiac function and occurrence of thyroid dysfunction were compared (6).

Although I’m not thrilled about people taking prescription drugs on a long term basis, remember that we’re comparing risks vs. benefits.  Plus, most people who receive RAI or thyroid surgery will be taking thyroid hormone for the rest of their life.  In my opinion everything should be done to preserve the health of the thyroid gland.  And while some people will be sensitive to even low doses of methimazole, for most people it won’t be a problem taking a low dose (i.e. 5 mg/day).

What should you do if you bring this up to your endocrinologist and he or she isn’t supportive of long-term treatment with methimazole?  Well, this is where you need to take a stand.  And so I would be firm, but at the same time polite, and if you’re unable to convince your endocrinologist to let you take low doses of methimazole on a long term basis, then I would speak with a different endocrinologist.

Another option is to take low doses of Bugleweed on a long-term basis to manage your symptoms.  Once again, this isn’t the ideal situation, as I was able to wean off of Bugleweed for good after about six months, and just about all of my patients who are on Bugleweed are also eventually able to stop taking this herb.  Of course I would recommend for people to consult with a natural healthcare professional if they’re considering taking Bugleweed for a prolonged period of time.

For some people, taking low doses of methimazole or Bugleweed won’t be sufficient to manage the symptoms.

6. Choosing between radioactive iodine treatment and thyroid surgery. When I consult with a patient, I will do everything I can to prevent them from receiving RAI or a thyroidectomy.  However, I don’t have a 100% success rate and so every now and then someone will need to choose between these two treatment methods.  For more information on this check out my article entitled “Radioactive Iodine vs. Thyroid Surgery: Comparing The Benefits and Risks“.

In summary, while my goal is to try to restore people’s health naturally, there of course are times when natural treatment methods aren’t too effective, and as a result, conventional medical treatment methods are necessary.  So while I hope most people reading this are able to restore their health naturally, for those who don’t receive optimal results when following a natural treatment protocol, hopefully the information presented in this post will be valuable.

Whenever I consult with a pregnant woman who has either Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, there is understandably a concern about how this condition can affect the health of her baby.  There without question are risks for someone who is pregnant and who has an autoimmune thyroid condition.  And of course there are limitations when it comes to having a pregnant woman take certain supplements and herbs to help suppress the autoimmune response.  And so this can present a challenge for someone who has an autoimmune thyroid condition and is looking to get pregnant.

It’s not uncommon to consult with a woman who has either Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis who is thinking about becoming pregnant in the near future.  There are two different sets of risks a pregnant woman with an autoimmune thyroid condition has to face.  One has to do with the autoimmune component of the condition, while the other relates to the imbalance in thyroid hormone levels.  I’m going to discuss each one of these separately.

Why Having Normal Thyroid Hormone Levels During Pregnancy Is Important

Having normal levels of thyroid hormone is very important to having a healthy pregnancy, as maternal thyroid hormones play a vital role in the development and function of both the fetus and placenta (1).  This is especially true in the first trimester, as the fetus doesn’t have the ability to produce its own thyroid hormone. This is why it’s important for most women with a hypothyroid condition to take thyroid hormone during the pregnancy.  While I’m all for trying to address the cause of the problem, one needs to look at the risks vs. the benefits, and if someone has low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy it is important to take thyroid hormone for the health of the baby.

On the other hand, if someone has a hyperthyroid condition then this does need to be managed.  Too much thyroid hormone can cause problems for the developing fetus.  So while I’m not thrilled about women taking medication during pregnancy, this is yet another situation where the risks and benefits need to be looked at.  And the risks of untreated hyperthyroidism is usually greater than the risk of the medication causing problems, such as congenital malformations.  This is especially true in severe cases of hyperthyroidism during pregnancy, as maternal risks include congestive heart failure, thyroid storm, preterm labor, preeclampsia, and increased mortality, whereas the fetus may be stillborn or small for gestational age or may develop congenital malformations (1).

What Are The Potential Consequences Of High Thyroid Antibody Levels During Pregnancy?

When I consult with a woman who has Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis who is looking to become pregnant in the near future, the autoimmune component of her condition is of greater concern than the imbalance in thyroid hormone levels.  The reason for this is because in most cases it is much easier to manage high or low thyroid hormone levels during pregnancy than to suppress the autoimmune response.  On the other hand, if someone has high thyroid antibodies, this can cause harm to the fetus, and it can be a challenge to lower these antibodies.  Numerous studies have shown a significant positive association between the presence of thyroid antibodies and miscarriage rate (2) (3).

But isn’t it possible that the pregnancy itself can result in a suppression of the autoimmune response, and therefore a lowering of the thyroid antibodies?  This without question is possible, and of course is the ideal situation for a woman with an autoimmune condition of any kind who becomes pregnant.  However, there is no guarantee that the pregnancy will result in a decrease in thyroid antibodies, as sometimes the antibodies actually increase during pregnancy.

There is some concern as to whether the antibodies will affect the thyroid function of the fetus.  Studies show that of the different types of thyroid antibodies, only those directed against the TSH receptor have been shown to cause fetal thyroid dysfunction (4).  As a result, if someone has high TSI antibodies during pregnancy then this is a cause of concern when it comes to the thyroid health of the fetus, whereas thyroperoxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies don’t seem to have a detrimental effect on the thyroid gland of the developing fetus.

Can A Pregnant Woman With An Autoimmune Thyroid Condition Benefit From Natural Treatment Methods?

If a woman happens to become pregnant while her autoimmune thyroid condition is still active, there of course will be limitations as to which supplements and herbs she can take.  While I’m conservative with the herbs, when I’m dealing with a patient who becomes pregnant I will try to do things to help with the inflammatory component of the autoimmune condition, usually through fish oils and a good source of GLA (i.e. borage oil, black currant seed oil).  Selenium can sometimes help to lower the thyroid antibodies, and while most pregnant women can take a separate selenium supplement, you want to be careful not to take too high of a dosage.

As for balancing the thyroid hormone levels, a woman with an autoimmune hypothyroid condition very well might need to take thyroid hormone.  Even if she doesn’t want to take any medication, taking thyroid hormone might be important for the health of the baby.  I’m not saying that every pregnant woman who has Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis needs to take thyroid hormone, but many do.  While my goal is to attempt to restore someone’s thyroid health back to normal, one doesn’t want to jeopardize the health of the developing fetus.

And the same concept applies to hyperthyroid conditions.  Without question there are potential risks to the baby when taking antithyroid medication during pregnancy.  But as I mentioned earlier in this post, it all comes down to risks vs. benefits.  And if someone has high thyroid hormone levels, it is important to get these down.

In summary, there definitely are risks for someone who is pregnant and who has an autoimmune thyroid condition.  The autoimmune component itself of both Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis poses a risk to the baby.  In addition to dealing with the autoimmune component of the condition, it is important to have healthy thyroid hormone levels.  This very well might mean that a woman with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis who is pregnant might need to take thyroid hormone, while a pregnant woman with Graves’ Disease might need to take antithyroid medication.  It all comes down to risks vs. benefits, and during pregnancy, when following a natural treatment protocol it’s important to carefully consider the risks and benefits of everything.

One of the most common questions people ask me is “what type of diet is the best for me”.  Of course the question might be worded differently, but many people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions want to know what foods they should eat, and which foods they should avoid.  While everyone should eat a diet consisting of whole foods, and at the same time minimize the refined foods and sugars, the “thyroid diet” will vary from person to person.

For example, let’s look at two people who have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  Both have a high TSH and positive thyroid antibodies, with the thyroid hormone levels on the low side.  What is the ideal “thyroid diet” for each of these people?  This really isn’t enough information to come up with a specific diet plan, but here is some general information I would recommend for everyone with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis:

• Eat mostly whole, organic foods. No surprise here, as everyone should eat mostly whole foods, and when possible eat organic to minimize the toxins.
• Avoid the refined foods and sugars. Also not a surprise, as if you eat mostly whole foods then you obviously will be avoiding processed foods.
• Avoid genetically modified foods. This may seem obvious to many people reading this, and it’s something I’ve spoken about before in past articles.  But some people continue to eat non-organic corn and soy, which in most cases are genetically modified.
• Consider a gluten free trial. Some will argue that everyone should avoid gluten, and I agree that everyone should at least minimize their consumption of gluten.  But those with an autoimmune thyroid condition such as Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis should consider going on a gluten free trial, and in some cases will need to avoid gluten on a permanent basis.
• Consider a dairy free trial. Many people have a dairy allergy, and so it also is a good idea to go on a dairy-free trial.  While some forms of dairy should be completely eliminated from one’s diet (i.e pasteurized cow’s milk), other forms of dairy can eventually be reintroduced (eggs, raw dairy products, etc.).
• Make sure to eat enough protein. Many people aren’t getting enough protein.  You want to make sure you’re consuming enough protein throughout the day.  While you ideally want to get your protein through the food you eat, for some people, adding a healthy type of protein powder to a smoothie once or twice a day is a way of sneaking in some protein.

This is some basic information, but many people would feel significantly better if they did nothing else but follow the above recommendations.  This not only includes people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, but those with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease as well.  However, the following are a few circumstances when someone might need to eat a different diet:

Food Sensitivities. If someone has certain food sensitivities then they of course should avoid those foods.  There are numerous tests available for food sensitivities and intolerances, but you usually can’t rely on these, as false results are common.  And the ones which seem to be more accurate are quite expensive.  Then again, there are very expensive tests for food sensitivities which have been proven to be unreliable, yet many people still do this type of testing.  If someone is going to get food allergy testing done then I usually recommend a combination of IgG and IgA testing.  However, in most cases I just recommend an elimination diet initially.

Gut Problems. Having problems with the gut can mean being on a different diet.  For example, grains, nuts and seeds, as well as beans are difficult to digest.  As a result, someone who has a problem such as “leaky gut syndrome” will need to either avoid these foods, or at the very least minimize their consumption of such foods.  In addition, having a leaky gut may cause someone to develop certain food sensitivities.  As I’ve mentioned in past articles, if someone is allergic to many different foods and/or has problems taking certain supplements then this can mean they have problems with intestinal permeability.

Toxic Overload. If someone has a lot of sensitivities to foods and/or supplements, this might be due to gut problems, or it can also be due to problems with toxins.  If this is the case then it will be necessary to detoxify the body.  While I recommend a 21-day liver detoxification program to some of my patients, if someone is overloaded with toxins then this might not be enough.  In fact, in some cases it can take many months, and sometimes a year or two in order to obtain maximum benefit from detoxifying the body.

Eating According To Your Blood Type?

As you know, there are many different types of diets out there, and you can go crazy trying to choose the best diet for you.  However, some people are familiar with the different diets that are based on your blood type.  The “eat right for your blood type” diet is controversial, and so I wouldn’t rely on this diet alone to determine what you should and shouldn’t eat.

In summary, when it comes to determining which diet is appropriate for you, many of the same rules apply to everyone with a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition.  After all, while there are many different variations of diets, those that are the healthiest have three things in common.  The first is that they involve eating mostly whole foods, the second factor is that they involve avoiding refined foods and sugars, and the third commonality is that they involve minimizing one’s carbohydrate intake.  However, sometimes other factors need to be considered such as food sensitivities, gut problems, and toxins.

Hypochlorhydria involves a decrease in the production of gastric acid (HCL) in the stomach.  This condition is common in people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions, and while hypothyroidism can cause hypochlorhydria, people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease can have this condition too.  Either way, the decreased acid will cause problems with digestion, which of course can lead to numerous symptoms and further problems which I will discuss in this article.

So what leads to hypochlorhydria?  There are numerous factors, but here are four of the more common reasons why a person might have problems producing enough gastric acid:

1. Hypothyroidism. The slowing down of the metabolism associated with hypothyroid conditions can in turn lead to a decrease in the production of gastric acid (1).  As a result, some people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have hypochlorhydria.  Taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone might help, although my goal of course is to try restoring the person’s thyroid health back to normal if at all possible.

2. Autoimmunity. The parietal cells are located in the stomach, and they are responsible for the secretion of gastric acid.  They also produce intrinsic factor, which is required for the absorption of vitamin B12.  Many people are familiar with pernicious anemia, which involves autoantibodies being produced against the intrinsic factor, which result in a reduction of vitamin B12 absorption.  But antibodies can be formed which attack the parietal cells, which will lead to the decreased production of gastric acid.

Remember that people with one autoimmune condition are more likely to develop another autoimmune condition.  As a result, someone with Graves’ Disease or Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is more likely to develop antibodies against the parietal cells, thus resulting in hypochlorhydria.  The reverse can be true as well, as someone can have this condition and then go on to develop an autoimmune thyroid condition.  Either way the goal is to try to suppress the autoimmune component, control the inflammation, and restore the health of compromised areas of the body.

3. H. Pylori. I’ve written about H. Pylori in a separate article, as this is an infection in the stomach, which in turn can interfere with the production of hydrochloric acid (2).  This infection is common in people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.  And it can be difficult to eradicate, as the conventional medical treatment consists of using very potent antibiotics.  And sometimes these antibiotics aren’t strong enough to get rid of this organism.

There are natural treatment methods available to eradicate H. Pylori, which I usually recommend to my patients who test positive for this.  The downside is that the natural treatment protocol for H. Pylori takes time to work, and there is no guarantee they will eradicate the H. Pylori, although in most cases they do work well.  Either way, anyone with digestive issues should consider getting tested for H. Pylori, although the lack of digestive symptoms doesn’t rule out the possibility of being infected by this organism.

4. Acid stopping medication. This one is obvious, although I figured I’d bring it up since many people take acid stopping medication.  This medication is taken to intentionally decrease the production of gastric acid.  While some people might need to take this medication, most people don’t need to take this, and most don’t realize the harm it’s causing.  There are reasons why a person experiences symptoms such as heartburn and reflux, and these problems can usually be corrected over time by improving one’s diet.  And so it makes me sick to see these commercials encouraging people to take this medication.  Once again, I’m not suggesting that some people can’t benefit from these medications, but for most people these drugs are causing further problems with their digestive system while just masking the symptoms.

What Are The Consequences of Hypochlorhydria?

Although the overall pH of the body is supposed to be alkaline, the pH of the stomach should be between 2 and 4.  However, a condition such as hypochlorhydria will reduce the gastric pH.  This in turn will cause problems digesting food, can lead to gastro microbial overgrowth, and can therefore lead to a condition such as gastroenteritis, which is inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract.  Over a period of time this can lead to a condition such as leaky gut, which I’ve also discussed in other articles, and in turn will cause an immune system response.

How Does Atrophic Gastritis Factor Into This?

Atrophic gastritis is associated with the chronic inflammation of the stomach.  There are a number of factors which can cause this condition, but the two main factors are 1) infection with H. Pylori, and 2) it can be autoimmune in nature.  We already know how H. Pylori can affect the production of gastric acid.  And autoimmune atrophic gastritis can also damage the parietal cells, which as you know produce HCL.  Studies also show that autoimmune thyroid conditions are more prominent in people with atrophic gastritis (3).

How Does One Correct This Problem?

As for how to treat hypochlorhydria, the goal of course should be to get to the root cause of the problem.  So if this condition is caused by hypothyroidism, then the goal should be to address this condition.  Taking synthetic or natural thyroid hormone may help, but if possible I of course recommend restoring the person’s thyroid health.  This isn’t always possible, and so some people with hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis will need to take thyroid hormone.  If H. Pylori is causing the decreased production of gastric acid then this infection needs to be eradicated.

There are cases when someone will need to supplement with betaine hydrochloride on a temporary basis, which can help compensate for the decreased production of HCL by the body.  So for example, if someone has H. Pylori, while trying to eradicate this infection it might be a good idea to take betaine HCL to help digest the food you eat.  If someone has antibodies against the parietal cells they also will probably need to take something to help with digestion, and hopefully at the same time will be working to suppress the autoimmune component of the condition.

In summary, hypochlorhydria is common in thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.  In hypothyroid conditions the decrease in metabolism will make one more susceptible to having a decreased production of gastric acid.  Those people with Graves’ Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis have an increased chance of developing antibodies against the parietal cells, and are also more likely to contract an infection such as H. Pylori.  And since proper digestion is so important to an optimally functioning immune system, it is important to address the cause of the hypochlorhydria for anyone who is looking to achieve optimal health.

Although the focus of this article will be on preventing thyroid health issues in children, the truth is that the information I’m about to provide will help to prevent these conditions in many people who don’t have a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition.  But I wanted to place the emphasis on children, because many of the health issues experienced during adulthood can be prevented if we teach our children and grandchildren how to take better care of their health.  And most children are going to follow the guidance given by their parents and grandparents.

For example, when I was a child I ate plenty of junk food, including fast food, candy, cupcakes, ice cream, etc.  I also drank plenty of fruit punch, soda, and cow’s milk.  Whenever I was sick I was given medication, such as antibiotics or Tylenol.  And I’m not suggesting that there isn’t a time and place for medication, but most children obviously don’t realize the negative impact that antibiotics and other drugs can have on their body.  I can’t say stress was a huge issue growing up, although I also can’t say I was brought up in a relaxed atmosphere, as my mother and father didn’t get along, my mother yelled a lot at at everyone in our house, and in addition to this money was very tight.

As for toxins, my mother smoked two packs of cigarettes each day for all of my childhood and teenage years.  While there are numerous studies which show the relationship between smoking and Graves’ Disease (1) (2), there aren’t too many studies regarding the direct effects of secondhand smoke on thyroid health, although I did come across a study which suggests that being exposed to second hand smoke can disrupt thyroid function (3).

Can Thyroid And Autoimmune Thyroid Conditions Be Prevented?

Here’s a question for you.  If I was brought up eating a healthier diet, in a more relaxed atmosphere, and if I didn’t grow up living in a house with a smoker, would I have not developed Graves’ Disease?  Possibly, although of course there is no way of knowing for sure.  The truth is, nobody can make the guarantee that living a healthy lifestyle will prevent the development of any chronic health condition, but I think it’s safe to assume that eating well, managing one’s stress, and reducing your child’s exposure to toxins will minimize their chance of developing such conditions in the future.

So let’s take a further look at these three factors which can play a huge role in the prevention of thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions in children:

Diet.  It’s really sad the way many children eat.  Once again, I grew up eating plenty of junk food, never had vegetables (and I mean never!), and I ate like this for the first 20+ years of my life.  Many other parents also give their children too much junk food, as they don’t realize the negative impact of frequently giving children refined foods and sugars, artificial ingredients, pasteurized cow’s milk and soda, too much pizza and pasta, and other unhealthy foods.  In many cases both the mother and father are guilty of feeding junk to their children, but I realize there are some situations where one parent wants their children to eat healthy, but the other parent doesn’t care about healthy foods, or perhaps they don’t want to spend the extra money on healthy food.

But it’s not just the parents who are to blame.  The public schools are also guilty of serving junk food to our children.  Earlier this year I attended a nutritional seminar, and they compared the lunches from different countries.  When looking at the lunches of children in the United States, it’s common for them to be served foods such as chicken nuggets and French fries, corn dogs, pizza, cow’s milk, and other junk food.  On the other hand, when looking at the school lunches from other countries, such as Japan, Sweden, and Korea, the children are served foods such as fish (not fried), vegetables, and rice.

Stress. Many children live in a stressful environment, and once again, the parents are greatly responsible for controlling this environment.  I understand that there are other stressors, such as the pressure of doing well in school.  But it’s up to the parents to create a relaxing environment for their children, and it’s also a good idea to teach your children how to better manage their stress.  The problem is that most adults don’t make an effort to better manage their own stress, and when their children see the way they handle stress, this will frequently get passed onto the children.

Of course feeding your children healthier foods will help to stabilize their blood sugar levels, which will keep their adrenals strong, and thus help them to better handle stressful situations.  Similarly, making sure they get adequate sleep at night (9 to 10 hours) is also important and will help them to better manage their stress.  They also need to keep active, as when I was young I remember frequently going outside to play.  But these days, many children spend most of their spare time watching television and playing video games.

But even if you feed your children healthy food, make sure they get sufficient sleep, and encourage them to be active, you still should help them to better manage their stress.  Besides giving them plenty of love, you also might want to show them how to meditate, engage in deep breathing, or perhaps participate in activities such as tai chi, karate, etc.

Toxins.  We tend to overlook the impact that toxins have on our own health, and the same can be said when it comes to the health of our children.  But let’s remember that these toxins have a much harsher impact on developing immune systems, as well as on other areas of the body.   Most of the people I see with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions are adults, but I have dealt with some children, and I wonder how much these toxins are responsible for the development of such conditions in children.

I mentioned cigarette smoke earlier, but of course there are many other toxins children are commonly exposed to.  If you use household products with chemicals, such as cleaning agents and/or air fresheners, then these alone can have a harsh effect on a child’s respiratory system and immune system.  If you use pesticides in your house then these can lead to health issues.  Besides making the switch to natural products, consider investing in a quality air purification system to place in your child’s room.

I’m not going to get into detail about childhood vaccinations, but many children are over-vaccinated.  And while I realize that some manufacturers have made changes to the ingredients in certain vaccines, some of the chemicals added are still potentially toxic.  If you feel that you must get your child vaccinated, then at the very least try not to get a bunch at the same time, as this can overwhelm their immune system.

Finally, there is still a lot of controversy when it comes to electronic pollution.  But as many people reading this already know, there does seem to be evidence from studies that frequent cell phone use can increase brain tumors (4).  So while it might seem paranoid to suggest that children shouldn’t talk on cell phones, if you must have your child talk on a cell phone then at least show them how to put it on speakerphone, or buy them an earpiece so they don’t need to hold the phone against their head.  And I would also recommend minimizing the electronic devices in their bedrooms.  I know it might seem like I’m going overboard, and maybe I am, but I’d rather be safe than sorry, and I personally don’t see the need for most young children to have a cell phone and/or a television in their room.

In summary, although there is no way to guarantee that your children or grandchildren won’t develop a thyroid or autoimmune thyroid condition, there are things you can do to help decrease their chances of developing such a condition.  Making sure they eat a healthy diet is probably the most important thing you can do, although you also want to help them improve their stress handling skills, and to minimize their exposure to toxins.  You also want to make sure they get sufficient sleep and some exercise. There are other factors I haven’t covered here, but if you focus on the ones I did cover you will greatly improve both the current and future health of your children, and can greatly minimize the chances of them developing Graves’ Disease, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and other chronic health conditions in the future.

Just about every natural healthcare professional will recommend for their patients to drink plenty of purified water when following a natural thyroid treatment protocol.  Although I grew up drinking plenty of soda, pasteurized cow’s milk, and fruit punch, I have no problem drinking water most of the time.  But some people have a difficult time just drinking water, and so one of the common questions I get asked by my patients is whether or not they can drink anything else besides water.  So I’ve decided to list some of the different beverages which are okay for many people (although not everyone) to drink.  And I of course still would recommend to primarily drink water.

Just out of curiosity I went to Google and performed a search for the “healthiest drinks”, and came across an article entitled “The 8 Healthiest Drinks”.  This is what it listed:

1. Green Tea

2. Mint Tea

3. Skim Milk

4. Soy Milk

5. Hot Chocolate

6. V8 Tomato Juice

7. Cranberry Juice

8. Orange Juice

While some of these are indeed healthy to drink (i.e. Green Tea), others you want to be cautious about drinking (i.e. soy milk).  In any case, let’s take a look at some beverages that in most cases are fine to drink.  Keep in mind that I’m not suggesting that every single person can drink all of the beverages I’ve listed below, and also remember that water still should be the main liquid you consume each day.

Green Tea. Green tea has antioxidants called catechins, and so drinking this can potentially help with free radicals.  Many people are aware that these free radicals can cause damage and potentially lead to conditions such as cancer and heart disease, as well as other health issues.  And studies have shown that drinking green tea can help to prevent cancer (1), and can also be beneficial against type II diabetes and could reduce the risk of coronary disease (2). One thing to be aware of is that green tea (as well as black tea) does contain a small amount of fluoride (3), and so while green tea has a lot of health benefits, I would still minimize your consumption of this beverage, or drink green tea that is fluoride-free.

Herbal Teas. Drinking herbal teas can be beneficial.  Some examples of herbal teas include chamomile tea, which is a calming tea that can help people relax, and can also help with insomnia.  Ginger tea can help with digestion, milk thistle tea can help with liver detoxification.  And some of my patients with hyperthyroidism take lemon balm tea, which can potentially help to decrease the production of thyroid hormone.  These are some of the more common herbal teas, but there are many more to choose from.

Coconut Milk. This can be beneficial to drink, although it probably is a good idea to make your own coconut milk.  While you can find this beverage pre-made at your local health food store, there most likely will be some additives.  An example is carrageenan, which is used as a thickener and emulsifier.  Although one study demonstrated that carrageenan is a safe additive (4), another study showed that it has carcinogenic properties in mice (5), while another study suggested that carrageenan may contribute to the development of diabetes (6).  This is controversial, but at the very least I would minimize your consumption of products which include this ingredient.

Almond Milk. This also can be okay to drink in moderation.   Just as is the case with coconut milk, if you purchase almond milk then there’s a good chance it will have carrageenan, and so you can also make your own almond milk.  Some brands of organic almond milk are free of carrageenan.  Someone who has gut issues will want minimize their consumption of almond milk, as almonds are healthy but just like most other nuts are difficult to digest.

Kombucha tea. This is a fermented drink, and so drinking this can be beneficial for the gut.  As a result, someone who is following a gut repair protocol usually can drink this beverage without a problem, and many times they can benefit from the good bacteria in this beverage.  This is something else you can make on your own too, although you’ll need to get live kombucha culture.  One study I came across shows that Kombucha tea has potent antioxidant and immunomodulating properties (7).  Another study demonstrated that Kombucha tea can be considered as a potential strong candidate for future application as a functional supplement for the treatment and prevention of diabetes (8).  However, I did come across one study where someone developed lactic acidosis and acute renal failure within 15 hours of Kombucha tea ingestion (9).

Raw Milk. Although you should try to avoid drinking pasteurized cow’s milk (yes, even if it’s organic), many people do fine drinking raw milk, which also has some health benefits.  The problem is that not every state sells raw milk.  For example, I live in North Carolina, where raw milk can’t be legally sold.  However, I’m close to the border of South Carolina, which does allow the sale of raw dairy products.  Even though raw milk is much healthier than pasteurized milk, if I recommend for someone to go dairy free I will still advise them to avoid raw dairy products as well.

Juicing.  Rather than list fruit juice or vegetable juice, I figured I’d just put this under the category of juicing.  One of the main problems with purchasing commercial juices is the high sugar content.  Of course in order to create your own fruit and vegetable juice you’ll need a good quality juicer.  But juicing has many health benefits.

Smoothies. I’ve always preferred smoothies over juicing, but both have health benefits.  I always start my day with a smoothie consisting of a couple of cups of purified water, 3/4 cup of organic berries, about a plateful of organic vegetables, and I also add some whole food powder.  If you want some more smoothie ideas check out the blog post I created called “What’s Your Favorite Smoothie Recipe?”

In summary, while water should be the primary beverage you drink, I realize some people want some variety.  So if you’re not satisfied with just drinking water then perhaps you can choose one or two of the beverages I listed and include them as part of your daily routine.  As I mentioned in this post, with some of these beverages it is a good idea to make them on your own, rather than purchase them.  The downside of doing this is that it takes more time, and you will usually need to consume them quicker due to the lack of preservatives.  But the benefit is that you will know exactly what you’re adding to them, and so you don’t need to be concerned about carrageenan and other additives which might have a negative impact on your health.

Last week I discussed 5 Myths about Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, and this week I’ll be discussing five myths about hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.  There are many people with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease who simply follow the conventional medical treatment protocol, without questioning the advice given to them.  I’m not suggesting that everyone with these conditions shouldn’t receive conventional medical treatment.  What I am encouraging people with thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions to do is to keep an open mind, and not to believe everything they’ve been told about this condition.

So let’s go ahead and discuss the five common myths:

Myth #1: Radioactive Iodine is completely safe and is the best treatment option.

In the United States, radioactive iodine remains the number one treatment method recommended by endocrinologists.  Although I receive emails from people every week who received radioactive iodine treatment and have regretted their decision, I also receive emails from those who received RAI and was happy they received this treatment.  But regardless of whether it helps you or causes more problems, the main issue I have with radioactive iodine treatment is that it’s addressing the thyroid gland, and in most cases the cause of hyperthyroidism is an overactive immune system.  Of course something triggers the autoimmune response, but my point is that RAI doesn’t address the cause of the condition.

And this is the case with many other conventional medical treatment methods.  If someone has gallstones and is told to have their gallbladder surgically removed, the surgery doesn’t do anything to address the cause of the gallstones.  If a woman has uterine fibroids then it may or may not be necessary to perform a hysterectomy, but usually nothing is done to address the cause of the fibroids.  And it’s the same story with many other conditions.  We are born with these organs and glands for a reason, and I’m not suggesting that there aren’t times when these procedures need to be performed.  But there is no question that many doctors are too quick to recommend these invasive procedures.

So when an endocrinologist tells someone that radioactive iodine is “very safe”, keep in mind that while some people do fine after receiving RAI, some people don’t do well.  It sounds simple enough, as after receiving radioactive iodine you probably will become hypothyroid and  will just need to take a single pill (thyroid hormone) every morning for the rest of your life.  Even if it was always this simple I’d be reluctant to receive RAI unless if it were absolutely necessary.  But when you consider that radiation is used in this procedure I’d be extra cautious about receiving RAI.  Besides the radiation, I don’t understand how any procedure which results in destruction of one of the most important glands in your body can be considered to be “very safe”.

As for it being the best treatment option, the truth is that in many other countries RAI isn’t typically recommended as the primary treatment method for hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.  There are also endocrinologists in the United States who will try to do everything they can to help the patient avoid RAI.  So if radioactive iodine treatment was the best treatment option, and was very safe, then why wouldn’t all endocrinologists recommend it as the main treatment option?  The reason is because some endocrinologists realize that RAI isn’t the best treatment option for everyone with a hyperthyroid condition.

Myth #2: Nothing can be done for the autoimmune response of Graves’ Disease.

One of the main reasons why most endocrinologists in the United States recommend RAI for people with Graves’ Disease is because they don’t think that anything can be done for the autoimmune component of the condition.  So for example, if someone has developed Graves’ Disease due to leaky gut syndrome, and the cause of the leaky gut syndrome was a gluten sensitivity problem or an infection such as H. Pylori, removing the trigger and then repairing the leaky gut most likely will suppress the autoimmune component of the condition.  But what usually happens is that the endocrinologist will simply recommend RAI, and nothing will be done to address the trigger or the compromised areas of the body.

I realize that many people reading this are skeptical about whether or not anything can be done to help suppress the autoimmune component of Graves’ Disease, or other autoimmune conditions for that matter.  However, some of you might be familiar with the Institute of Functional Medicine.  This is an organization which consists of chiropractors, naturopaths, and medical doctors, and most of what they do is research-driven.  And they also realize that the autoimmune response can be addressed, and so medical doctors involved with this organization will usually do more than just recommend prescription drugs and invasive procedures for people who have autoimmune conditions.

The truth is that there is a lot that can be done for the autoimmune component of Graves’ Disease.  I will admit that it can be a challenge to find out what has triggered the autoimmune response.  And sometimes there can be numerous factors involved, which will make it even more challenging.  It isn’t easy to suppress the autoimmune component and control the inflammation with these conditions, but in many cases it is possible.

Myth #3: One’s diet has nothing to do with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.

Not only do most endocrinologists fail to address one’s diet in people with these conditions, but the fact remains that regardless of the condition, most medical doctors don’t focus on their patient’s diet when they’re dealing with an autoimmune condition of any kind.  But there is a reason behind the higher prevalence of these autoimmune conditions, and the main factors which have changed over the last few decades are 1) the food we eat, and 2) the toxins we’re exposed to.

People these days eat way more refined foods and sugars than ever before.  And we’re also consuming more foods with artificial ingredients, trans fats, GMOs, preservatives, and other harmful ingredients.  While it’s true that many people are becoming more aware of their health and are thus minimizing their consumption of junk food, many people are still eating these harmful foods, and this includes millions of children.  So we’re not only seeing a higher incidence of obesity, insulin resistance, and type II diabetes in adults, but are seeing these conditions in younger children as well.  And the same is true for thyroid and autoimmune thyroid conditions.

We’re also being exposed to thousands of chemicals which weren’t in existence many years ago.  And the long term health consequences are unknown for the majority of these chemicals.  And while we assume that our body will be able to excrete these toxins, the truth is that the liver can easily become overwhelmed by all of these toxins.  And if we’re not eating a healthy diet then this too will affect the liver’s ability to detoxify.

The fact is that a healthy diet is important for a healthy immune system, a healthy gut, and healthy adrenals.  And the toxins we’re exposed to will also affect these areas, as well as other areas of the body.  So to tell someone that their diet and the toxins they’re exposed to isn’t a factor in the development of these conditions is ludicrous.

Myth #4: People with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease should never take iodine

This myth is definitely controversial, and I’m not suggesting that everyone with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease needs to supplement with iodine.  On the other hand, most endocrinologists will tell their patients to avoid iodine, and there is a lot of conflicting information in books and on the internet, and so it really is difficult to know what is right and what is wrong.  My goal isn’t to try to convince you that iodine is completely safe and should be taken by everyone with a hyperthyroid condition.  But hopefully this information will at least open your mind to the possibility that some people with hyperthyroid conditions can benefit from iodine supplementation.

Iodine is necessary for the formation of thyroid hormone.  And since hyperthyroid conditions involve the excess production of thyroid hormone, then it makes sense that consuming too much iodine will result in too much thyroid hormone.  However, what is considered to be too much iodine?  150 mcg is the recommended daily allowance, so is anything higher than this considered to be too much iodine?  How about 600 mcg?  How about 15mg?  How about 50 mg?

Before I discuss this further, let me first reveal that although I’m without question pro-iodine, I’m also conservative when it comes to iodine supplementation when compared to many other healthcare professionals.  I do believe that people should first be tested before taking iodine, and then if an iodine deficiency is confirmed then I recommend small doses in the beginning.  And while some natural healthcare professionals put all of their patients on 50mg of iodine, very rarely do I put someone on this high of a dose.  But those who do take this approach and know what they’re doing rarely encounter problems.

But how about iodine triggering an autoimmune response?  This is possible, but if the proper precautions are taken then this is unlikely to happen.  Dr. David Brownstein, author of the book “Iodine, Why You Need It, Why You Can’t Live Without It”, makes sure that all of his patients who are on iodine also take sufficient amounts of selenium, vitamin C, and magnesium.  Selenium and vitamin C help with the oxidation reaction that takes place, and helps to prevent oxidative damage which can result in an autoimmune response.  Magnesium helps with the absorption of iodine, and other cofactors are also necessary, which you can learn about from reading his book.

So while not everyone with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease need to take iodine, some people with these conditions can benefit from supplementing with iodine.  I’m one of them, as when I was diagnosed with Graves’ Disease, part of my natural treatment protocol included supplementing with iodine.  And I’m pretty sure that this was an important part of restoring my health back to normal.  But this doesn’t mean that it’s a necessary component of everyone’s treatment plan.  Just remember that the excess production of thyroid hormone in Graves’ Disease isn’t due to too much iodine, but instead is due to the thyroid receptor antibodies attacking the TSH receptors.

Myth #5: It’s Dangerous To Treat Hyperthyroid Conditions Naturally.

Obviously I’m an advocate of treating hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease naturally.  On the other hand, many endocrinologists will be concerned about a person developing a condition such as thyroid storm if attempting to treat their condition naturally.  The truth is, there are risks with both natural and conventional medical treatment methods.  For example, if someone has a very high pulse rate and severe palpitations, then they might need to take antithyroid medication and/or a beta blocker to help manage the cardiac symptoms.

However, even when this is the case, most of the time the person who is taking these prescription drugs still can follow a natural treatment protocol.  I do think it’s a good idea for people with these conditions to be under the guidance of a competent natural healthcare professional, rather than attempt to self-treat their condition.  And when this is the case, usually the risks of following a natural treatment protocol are minimal.  Keep in mind that I also think it’s fine to continue working with a medical doctor as well, although I realize that most medical doctors won’t be supportive of natural treatment methods with regards to Graves’ Disease.

So hopefully you understand that with everything it comes down to risks vs. benefits.  There are potential risks when following a natural treatment protocol, and this is especially true for those who attempt to self-treat their condition.  But there are also obvious risks with getting your thyroid gland obliterated through radioactive iodine treatment, or receiving thyroid surgery.  This doesn’t mean that these treatment methods aren’t necessary at times, but some endocrinologists will try to scare their patients into receiving these treatment methods.  They may tell the person that they will be at risk for developing thyroid storm or will be more likely to have a heart attack.

The truth is that while it is always possible for a condition such as thyroid storm to develop, if someone is taking the proper precautions then this will minimize the risk of this happening.  So if they are taking medication to manage the symptoms, or herbs such as Bugleweed and Motherwort, and if these are effectively managing the hyperthyroid symptoms, then the risk of developing thyroid storm is low.

So while there can be risks involved with natural treatment methods, this doesn’t mean that following a natural treatment protocol is “dangerous”.  When working with an expert who has experience dealing with these conditions, the risks associated with natural treatment methods are minimal.  And while even in this situation there are still risks involved, there of course risks with conventional medical treatment methods as well.

In summary, there are numerous myths associated with hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.  And while I’m sure some people will argue about some of the myths I listed in this post, others will realize that in most cases, receiving radioactive iodine treatment isn’t the best option for people with hyperthyroid conditions.  Either way, I hope you kept an open mind while reading this information, and hopefully will realize that there is a place for natural treatment methods in addressing hyperthyroidism and Graves’ Disease.