Heal:
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - The Liver - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Lymphatic System - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Heal the Thyroid
One thing that I have come to understand over the years is that the purpose of the thyroid hormone is to go into the nucleus of the cell, form transcriptional complexes, and dictate the speed at which DNA is transcribed. It actually dictates how fast we live. That is really what metabolism is. It is how fast we live, which is controlled by the thyroid. When a person asks me what thyroid can affect, I respond, “Thyroid really only affects those cells that have DNA.” In other words, it affects every cell. Dennis Wilson, MD
Your thyroid catalogues all the markers of homeostasis in your body as the data center. Messages from every organ and every gland get delivered to the thyroid—when necessary, as complaints. Like a human resources department in a company, your thyroid fields these reports, collecting and recording data about what’s functioning well in your body, what’s not functioning, what’s toxic, and what’s not toxic. Then, day in and day out, your thyroid uses its memory of homeostasis to send out radio-like frequencies (not yet detected or measured by medical science or research) that delegate tasks and responsibilities throughout the body to keep everything in balance. Your thyroid, which is self-powered and self-sufficient, uses its intelligence about your personal homeostasis to continuously re-create it for you, so that when one body system is overtaxed or compromised, another kicks in to compensate. As the thyroid delivers different frequencies to different parts of the body as needed, it can even provide energy to them—energy that is not yet weighed or measured by research and science. (Anthony William - Medical Medium)
Derived from the Greek θυρεός, thureós, meaning shield, the thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It is comprised of two lobes, which are attached by a band of thyroid tissue called the isthmus. In embryonic development, the thyroid is located in the back of the tongue and has to migrate to the front of the neck before birth.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus both control the thyroid. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, the hypothalamus secretes TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH), which alerts the pituitary to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid responds to this chain of events by producing more hormones. The two main hormones the thyroid produces and releases are T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps control blood calcium levels.
The thyroid keeps your metabolism under control through the action of thyroid hormone, which it makes by extracting iodine from the blood and incorporating it into thyroid hormones. Thyroid cells are unique in that they are highly specialized to absorb and use iodine. Every other cell depends on the thyroid to manage its metabolism. The thyroid hormones primarily influence the metabolic and protein synthesis, but they also have many other effects, including effects on development. Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis.(1)
Each of the thyroid lobes are embedded with parathyroid glands, primarily on their posterior surfaces. The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands about the size of a grain of rice. The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone that controls the body's use of calcium (PTH). PTH raises the blood calcium level by: Breaking down bone (where most of the body's calcium is stored) and causing calcium release; Increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from food; Increasing the kidney's ability to hold on to calcium that would otherwise be lost in the urine. Proper calcium balance is crucial to the normal functioning of the heart, nervous system, kidneys, and bones.
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus both control the thyroid. When thyroid hormone levels drop too low, the hypothalamus secretes TSH Releasing Hormone (TRH), which alerts the pituitary to produce thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). The thyroid responds to this chain of events by producing more hormones. The two main hormones the thyroid produces and releases are T3 (tri-iodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine). The thyroid also produces calcitonin, which helps control blood calcium levels.
The thyroid keeps your metabolism under control through the action of thyroid hormone, which it makes by extracting iodine from the blood and incorporating it into thyroid hormones. Thyroid cells are unique in that they are highly specialized to absorb and use iodine. Every other cell depends on the thyroid to manage its metabolism. The thyroid hormones primarily influence the metabolic and protein synthesis, but they also have many other effects, including effects on development. Calcitonin plays a role in calcium homeostasis.(1)
Each of the thyroid lobes are embedded with parathyroid glands, primarily on their posterior surfaces. The parathyroid glands are four tiny glands about the size of a grain of rice. The parathyroids produce a hormone called parathyroid hormone that controls the body's use of calcium (PTH). PTH raises the blood calcium level by: Breaking down bone (where most of the body's calcium is stored) and causing calcium release; Increasing the body's ability to absorb calcium from food; Increasing the kidney's ability to hold on to calcium that would otherwise be lost in the urine. Proper calcium balance is crucial to the normal functioning of the heart, nervous system, kidneys, and bones.
Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance
The symptoms of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) include: bone loss, improper bone growth, brittle and ridged fingernails, hair loss, cold hands and feet, a dislike of cold weather, heart arythmia, heart attacks, weight gain, depression, connective tissue weaknesses (hernia, sagging skin, hemorrhoids), spider veins, varicose veins, scoliosis, arthritis, fatigue, slow metabolism, obesity, hot flashes, cramping, spasms, myxedemas and growth issues.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) include goiter, protruding eyes, hyperactivity, thyrotoxicosis, and excessive-growth issues.
According to Denis Wilson, MD, pioneer in thyroid treatment and testing, thyroid imbalances can include:
"Certainly fatigue, chronic fatigue, and headaches—migraine headaches. A huge percentage of patients with migraine headaches have low body temperatures and I have seen so many people when they get their temperatures corrected, their migraines sometimes disappear completely. Irritability, fluid retention, anxiety, panic attacks, PMS, hair loss, depression, decreased memory and concentration, low sex drive, unhealthy nails, low ambition and motivation, constipation, easy weight gain for sure, irritable bowel syndrome, dry skin, dry hair, insomnia, and even some things that people wouldn’t normally expect like asthma."
An underactive thyroid can make you feel depressed, fatigued, and fuzzy-brained. An overactive thyroid can cause anxiety and insomnia. If you fluctuate between the two, you will have symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found a link between thyroid autoimmunity, specifically the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and anxiety and mood disorders.
Another study published in BMC Psychiatry found that subjects with Hashimoto’s disease displayed high frequencies of lifetime depressive episodes, generalized anxiety disorders, social phobia, and primary sleep disorders.
The symptoms of hyperthyroidism (over-active thyroid) include goiter, protruding eyes, hyperactivity, thyrotoxicosis, and excessive-growth issues.
According to Denis Wilson, MD, pioneer in thyroid treatment and testing, thyroid imbalances can include:
"Certainly fatigue, chronic fatigue, and headaches—migraine headaches. A huge percentage of patients with migraine headaches have low body temperatures and I have seen so many people when they get their temperatures corrected, their migraines sometimes disappear completely. Irritability, fluid retention, anxiety, panic attacks, PMS, hair loss, depression, decreased memory and concentration, low sex drive, unhealthy nails, low ambition and motivation, constipation, easy weight gain for sure, irritable bowel syndrome, dry skin, dry hair, insomnia, and even some things that people wouldn’t normally expect like asthma."
An underactive thyroid can make you feel depressed, fatigued, and fuzzy-brained. An overactive thyroid can cause anxiety and insomnia. If you fluctuate between the two, you will have symptoms similar to those of bipolar disorder.
A study published in BMC Psychiatry found a link between thyroid autoimmunity, specifically the presence of thyroid peroxidase antibodies, and anxiety and mood disorders.
Another study published in BMC Psychiatry found that subjects with Hashimoto’s disease displayed high frequencies of lifetime depressive episodes, generalized anxiety disorders, social phobia, and primary sleep disorders.
From the Apothecary
Dennis Wilson, MD
Dr Wilson was the first practitioner to use sustained-release T3 thyroid hormone. For 20 years, he has treated more than 5000 patients with T3 and trained more than 1000 physicians on how to use T3 to improve the health of patients with low thyroid function and low body temperature who have normal blood tests. He is the author of Evidence-Based Approach to Restoring Thyroid Health. The following is an excerpt from an interview with him by Integrative Medicine: A Clinician’s Journal in 2015
"What originally drew your attention to issues of thyroid and metabolism?"
Dr Wilson: "A patient came to my office and she brought with her a book and she said that I should read it. It was called Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, by Broda Barnes, MD. In that book, he explains the importance of using body temperature as a guide to evaluate thyroid function. I was intrigued by that and also his suggested treatment of using desiccated thyroid as an empirical treatment to normalize the body temperature. Though I did not look at the book for a few weeks, I eventually read it and decided to try his approach in a few of my patients. To my surprise, some of those people got 100% better.
That was really illuminating to me because, according to my training in medical school, that was not supposed to happen. These people had normal thyroid blood tests and, supposedly, that meant that they could not benefit from thyroid hormone treatment. These people did not get just a little bit better; they got completely better. It did not work for all the patients I tried it with, but it worked in about 60% of cases.
I was looking at the other 40% and wondering how we could help them, too. It could be that they did not have thyroid problems, or maybe the particular treatment I was using was not really addressing their issue. As I was trying to think of ways to increase the yield, I looked at the thyroid hormone pathways and saw that T4 is converted to T3. It turns out that this step is really important. I thought that, perhaps, these patients have a problem with the conversion of T4 to T3. So I started giving some of these treatment failures—these patients who had failed to respond to the previous treatment—T3 directly. A lot of those treatment failures became treatment successes. That is how it all started."
"What originally drew your attention to issues of thyroid and metabolism?"
Dr Wilson: "A patient came to my office and she brought with her a book and she said that I should read it. It was called Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, by Broda Barnes, MD. In that book, he explains the importance of using body temperature as a guide to evaluate thyroid function. I was intrigued by that and also his suggested treatment of using desiccated thyroid as an empirical treatment to normalize the body temperature. Though I did not look at the book for a few weeks, I eventually read it and decided to try his approach in a few of my patients. To my surprise, some of those people got 100% better.
That was really illuminating to me because, according to my training in medical school, that was not supposed to happen. These people had normal thyroid blood tests and, supposedly, that meant that they could not benefit from thyroid hormone treatment. These people did not get just a little bit better; they got completely better. It did not work for all the patients I tried it with, but it worked in about 60% of cases.
I was looking at the other 40% and wondering how we could help them, too. It could be that they did not have thyroid problems, or maybe the particular treatment I was using was not really addressing their issue. As I was trying to think of ways to increase the yield, I looked at the thyroid hormone pathways and saw that T4 is converted to T3. It turns out that this step is really important. I thought that, perhaps, these patients have a problem with the conversion of T4 to T3. So I started giving some of these treatment failures—these patients who had failed to respond to the previous treatment—T3 directly. A lot of those treatment failures became treatment successes. That is how it all started."
Measuring Thyroid Hormones
Standard thyroid testing measures TSH, which is secreted by the pituitary. Although this is a good method for measuring pituitary function, it fails to communicate how effectively your body converts its T4 ‘carrier’ hormone to the T3 ‘metabolism’ hormone
According to Dr. Wilson, the thyroid hormone system can be separated into 3 different compartments. One is thyroid hormone supply. The second is thyroid hormone conversion and utilization. And the third is thyroid hormone expression. Historically or conventionally, our medical establishment has hoped that they could measure, predict, and manage thyroid hormone expression based exclusively on thyroid hormone supply. We figured that if we just give a person enough thyroid hormone to normalize their TSH, then the thyroid hormone expression will take care of itself and that person will be fine. My opinion is that you cannot measure thyroid hormone expression with a thyroid hormone blood test.
Thyroid hormone supply is measured with a thyroid hormone blood test. The TSH is a great measure of thyroid hormone supply but the body temperature is the best measure, as it is an exact measure of thyroid hormone expression. When I say it is an exact measure, what I mean is that the whole purpose of the thyroid system is to determine how fast our bodies live and how fast they function. That is exactly what a thermometer is. A thermometer is literally a speedometer. The higher the kinetic energy of the molecules in the air, the warmer it is outside.
According to Dr. Wilson, the thyroid hormone system can be separated into 3 different compartments. One is thyroid hormone supply. The second is thyroid hormone conversion and utilization. And the third is thyroid hormone expression. Historically or conventionally, our medical establishment has hoped that they could measure, predict, and manage thyroid hormone expression based exclusively on thyroid hormone supply. We figured that if we just give a person enough thyroid hormone to normalize their TSH, then the thyroid hormone expression will take care of itself and that person will be fine. My opinion is that you cannot measure thyroid hormone expression with a thyroid hormone blood test.
Thyroid hormone supply is measured with a thyroid hormone blood test. The TSH is a great measure of thyroid hormone supply but the body temperature is the best measure, as it is an exact measure of thyroid hormone expression. When I say it is an exact measure, what I mean is that the whole purpose of the thyroid system is to determine how fast our bodies live and how fast they function. That is exactly what a thermometer is. A thermometer is literally a speedometer. The higher the kinetic energy of the molecules in the air, the warmer it is outside.
Basal Thermometer Testing
Basal Temperature Study for Thyroid Function (Robert Morse, ND - The Detox Miracle Sourcebook)
"The basal temperature test is quite accurate when the temperature is tested in the axilla (armpit) each morning for a period of four days. If the temperature is consistently low, then there is a hypo- or under-functioning of the thyroid gland in spite of what any other laboratory analyses indicate.
How to Take Your Own Basal Temperatures - At night, before retiring, shake down a thermometer and lay it beside your bed, on your night table, or chair. BE SURE IT IS SHAKEN DOWN. Next morning, on awakening, don’t get up or move around. Place the thermometer under your armpit pressing your arm against your bare body. Relax and LEAVE THE THERMOMETER THERE FOR TEN MINUTES BY THE CLOCK. Take it out, read it, and write down your results. This record of your early morning basal temperature is a great aid in determining hypothyroidism. The most important issues of hypothyroidism are metabolism and calcium utilization. Normal reading is between 97.8° to 98.2°
When your basal temperature is below 97.8, this shows varying degrees of hypothyroidism. When your temperature is above 98.2, this may indicate hyperthyroidism. Basal temperatures between 97.0 and 97.8 are much easier to cure than temperatures in the 96s or 95s. These temperatures are chronically low, requiring much more aggressive detoxification and herbal therapy. Raw thyroid glandulars and organic iodine may be needed with low basal temperatures. Most underactive thyroid conditions are congestive in nature, coming from mucus, acids, and foreign proteins that literally clog the tissues of the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism, especially, is also a congested condition. Detoxification is the main key to eliminating these thyroid conditions. Today, many people have genetically weak thyroids. The answer is always the same: detoxify and strengthen these tissues and the body. Give it time. It could take you a year or more to change these chronic levels.
"The basal temperature test is quite accurate when the temperature is tested in the axilla (armpit) each morning for a period of four days. If the temperature is consistently low, then there is a hypo- or under-functioning of the thyroid gland in spite of what any other laboratory analyses indicate.
How to Take Your Own Basal Temperatures - At night, before retiring, shake down a thermometer and lay it beside your bed, on your night table, or chair. BE SURE IT IS SHAKEN DOWN. Next morning, on awakening, don’t get up or move around. Place the thermometer under your armpit pressing your arm against your bare body. Relax and LEAVE THE THERMOMETER THERE FOR TEN MINUTES BY THE CLOCK. Take it out, read it, and write down your results. This record of your early morning basal temperature is a great aid in determining hypothyroidism. The most important issues of hypothyroidism are metabolism and calcium utilization. Normal reading is between 97.8° to 98.2°
When your basal temperature is below 97.8, this shows varying degrees of hypothyroidism. When your temperature is above 98.2, this may indicate hyperthyroidism. Basal temperatures between 97.0 and 97.8 are much easier to cure than temperatures in the 96s or 95s. These temperatures are chronically low, requiring much more aggressive detoxification and herbal therapy. Raw thyroid glandulars and organic iodine may be needed with low basal temperatures. Most underactive thyroid conditions are congestive in nature, coming from mucus, acids, and foreign proteins that literally clog the tissues of the thyroid. Hyperthyroidism, especially, is also a congested condition. Detoxification is the main key to eliminating these thyroid conditions. Today, many people have genetically weak thyroids. The answer is always the same: detoxify and strengthen these tissues and the body. Give it time. It could take you a year or more to change these chronic levels.
"Why do so many women have thyroid disease? In my 10 years in medical practice, 1 in 5 of the women I treated had thyroid dysfunction of some kind. Each woman had a slightly different case, different history, and varied blood results. However, what did every single one of them have in common? Their inner self talk was merciless. Every. Single. Woman. Especially the empathic ones. They each exhibited the spiritual cause of thyroid disease. On a biochemical level, this will result in increased cortisol levels. Cortisol is your major stress hormone, which cause weight gain, sugar cravings, anxiety, decreased thyroid function, and low progesterone. In its more extreme manifestation, your body may become so inflamed that you also produce antibodies to your thyroid, which can be measured, resulting in a diagnosis of Hashimotos or Graves’. In fact, on a spiritual level, both Hashimoto’s and Graves’ are merely a tribute to your prowess in self-attack. You are internally attacking yourself on a regular basis." Stephania Sciamano, N.D.
The Energy of Thyroid - Visuddha
Visuddha - It’s what you swallow, it’s what you speak; your expression, your suppression; the faith, the fear, and the will to overcome it. Birth of ideas into words; Telepathy; the higher expression of air, ether – the ethereal, ephemeral synthesis of spirit into thought-form.
What does it look like when your soul speaks its truth through you? What does the opposite appear to be? Where do the words get stuck? Are you living a life in alignment with your heart's desire?
The chakra of communication, commonly called the throat chakra, is located in the region of the neck and shoulders. Its color is bright blue, a cerulean blue, as opposed to the indigo blue of chakra six.
It is a lotus with sixteen petals, which contains all the vowels of the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, vowels are typically thought to represent spirit, while consonants represent the harder stuff of matter. This lotus is called Visuddha, which means "purification." This implies two things about this center: 1) To successfully reach and open the fifth chakra, the body must attain a certain level of purification. The subtler aspects of the upper chakras require greater sensitivity, and purification of the body opens us to these subtleties. 2) Sound, as a vibration and a force inherent in all things, has a purifying nature. Sound can and does affect the cellular structure of matter. It also has the ability to harmonize otherwise dissonant frequencies both within and around us. Judith Anodea - Wheels of Life
What does it look like when your soul speaks its truth through you? What does the opposite appear to be? Where do the words get stuck? Are you living a life in alignment with your heart's desire?
The chakra of communication, commonly called the throat chakra, is located in the region of the neck and shoulders. Its color is bright blue, a cerulean blue, as opposed to the indigo blue of chakra six.
It is a lotus with sixteen petals, which contains all the vowels of the Sanskrit language. In Sanskrit, vowels are typically thought to represent spirit, while consonants represent the harder stuff of matter. This lotus is called Visuddha, which means "purification." This implies two things about this center: 1) To successfully reach and open the fifth chakra, the body must attain a certain level of purification. The subtler aspects of the upper chakras require greater sensitivity, and purification of the body opens us to these subtleties. 2) Sound, as a vibration and a force inherent in all things, has a purifying nature. Sound can and does affect the cellular structure of matter. It also has the ability to harmonize otherwise dissonant frequencies both within and around us. Judith Anodea - Wheels of Life
Healing
Many people choose to consume dairy products and refined sugars (both highly mucus-forming). Their proteins are so abrasive, concentrated and harmful to us that ingesting them creates excessive mucus production. It creates such a chain reaction that you can feel this mucus building up in your sinus cavities, throat and lungs. This causes you to lose your sense of smell, taste and hearing, and impedes your breathing. It also congests your thyroid gland, eventually affecting your whole body in a multitude of ways. It’s ironic that we drink milk for calcium when its effects can lead to the body’s inability to utilize calcium. (Dr. Morse - Detox Miracle Source Book)
Recommended:
Foods: Seaweed (contains iodine), Blueberries! Blueberries are an exact match in frequency for the energy center located here, as well are recommended by Anthony William - Medical Medium for their profound healing effects on the thyroid. Anthony William also recommends cilantro as a means for removing heavy metals from this area (which he sees as a major cause of thyroid imbalance)
Sound Therapy - mantra, singing, toning, chanting
Botanicals:
Mullein - Used primarily as an expectorants to remove mucus and congestion, Mullein also balances the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid; Aids in the movement of the lymphatic system – works to clear physical and energetic imbalances stuck in the throat area
Bugleweed - Tissue specific for the thyroid gland, especially when enlarged or in cases of goiter. Removes heavy metals and offers protection against radiation. (according to Anthony William - Medical Medium heavy metals and radiation have direct affects on the thyroid) Beneficial in irregular heartbeat and palpitations; Improves thyroid and adrenal function, enhancing neurotransmitters; Restores tooth enamel.
Stinging Nettles - A highly nutritive herb with a broad range of actions, an overall body regulator, nettles has an alkalizing effect upon the body. One of the few herbs used specifically for the thyroid gland; An expectorant; helpful in cases of bronchitis especially asthma, emphysema and C.O.P.D.
Foods: Seaweed (contains iodine), Blueberries! Blueberries are an exact match in frequency for the energy center located here, as well are recommended by Anthony William - Medical Medium for their profound healing effects on the thyroid. Anthony William also recommends cilantro as a means for removing heavy metals from this area (which he sees as a major cause of thyroid imbalance)
Sound Therapy - mantra, singing, toning, chanting
Botanicals:
Mullein - Used primarily as an expectorants to remove mucus and congestion, Mullein also balances the endocrine glands, especially the thyroid; Aids in the movement of the lymphatic system – works to clear physical and energetic imbalances stuck in the throat area
Bugleweed - Tissue specific for the thyroid gland, especially when enlarged or in cases of goiter. Removes heavy metals and offers protection against radiation. (according to Anthony William - Medical Medium heavy metals and radiation have direct affects on the thyroid) Beneficial in irregular heartbeat and palpitations; Improves thyroid and adrenal function, enhancing neurotransmitters; Restores tooth enamel.
Stinging Nettles - A highly nutritive herb with a broad range of actions, an overall body regulator, nettles has an alkalizing effect upon the body. One of the few herbs used specifically for the thyroid gland; An expectorant; helpful in cases of bronchitis especially asthma, emphysema and C.O.P.D.