A 7-Step Plan To Boost Your Low Thyroid And Metabolism

Last week, I told you about low thyroid function and how it affects more than 30 million women and 15 million men.

So why are we seeing such an epidemic of thyroid problems?

Well, chronic thyroid problems can be caused by many factors ...

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

One of the most important factors that leads to hypothyroidism is exposure to environmental toxins such as pesticides, which act as hormone or endocrine disruptors and interfere with thyroid hormone metabolism and function.

In fact, one study found that as people lost weight they released pesticides from their fat tissue.

This then interfered with their thyroid function and caused hypothyroidism. The toxins created a slow metabolism and prevented them from losing more weight.

This study highlights the importance of overall detoxification. It is quite a significant finding that shows exactly how toxins interfere with thyroid function.

Heavy metals such as mercury can also affect thyroid function. I see many people with chronic hypothyroidism and other thyroid problems because mercury interferes with normal thyroid function.

The other big factor that interferes with thyroid function is chronic stress.

There is an intimate interaction between stress hormones and thyroid function. The more stress you are under, the worse your thyroid functions.

Any approach to correcting poor thyroid function must address the effects of chronic stress and provide support to the adrenal glands.

The next major factor that affects thyroid function is chronic inflammation. The biggest source of this chronic inflammation is gluten, the protein found in wheat, barely, rye, spelt, and oats.

Gluten is a very common allergen that affects about 10 to 20 percent of the population. This reaction occurs mostly because of our damaged guts, poor diet, and stress.

I also think eating so-called Frankenfoods, such as hybridized and genetically modified grains with very strange proteins, makes us sick.

Our bodies say, "What's this? Must be something foreign. I'd better create antibodies to this, fight it, and get rid of it."

This chronic inflammatory response interferes with thyroid function -- and contributes to the epidemic of inflammatory diseases in the developed world.

Lastly, nutritional deficiencies play a big role in thyroid dysfunction. These include deficiencies of iodine, vitamin D, omega-3 fats, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and the B vitamins.

There are so many reasons for low thyroid function, yet I have seen lots of patients with this problem who were just ignored by their doctors.

For example, one young female patient of mine had more than 30 percent body fat and was unable to change her body, no matter how hard she worked. She ate perfectly, exercised with a trainer every day -- and her body still wouldn't budge.

She also had a slightly depressed mood and other vague symptoms.

So I treated her with a low dose of Armour Thyroid, which is a natural thyroid replacement.

What happened?

Well, she not only lost 20 pounds and improved her body composition, but her mood improved and all her other symptoms went away.

How did I know she had low thyroid function?

Once I have asked about symptoms, done a physical exam, and considered all the potential causes of thyroid problems, I do the right tests.

Most doctors just check something called the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which doesn't give a full picture of the thyroid. In fact, even the interpretation of this test is incorrect most of the time.

The newer guidelines of the American College of Endocrinology consider anybody with a TSH level over 3.0 as hypothyroid. Most doctors think that only anything over 5 or 10 is worth treating.

Unfortunately, this leaves millions suffering unnecessarily.

There are also other tests, including free T3 and free T4 and thyroid antibodies, which are essential.

I also look for associated problems such as gluten intolerance, food allergies, and heavy metals, as well as deficiencies of vitamin D, selenium, vitamin A, zinc, and omega-3 fats.

There are many things to consider in a careful approach to hypothyroidism.

It is one of the most common problems I see, and treating it properly makes one of the biggest differences in my patients' quality of life.

Unfortunately, by using the old guidelines and thinking, conventional medicine misses millions who suffer with hypothyroidism.

In fact, in one study, researchers tested everybody who walked through the gates of a county fair with conventional thyroid testing. They found that according to even conservative conventional standards, half of all the people who had hypothyroidism were undiagnosed, untreated, and suffering.

So what's the solution?

How You Can Overcome Hypothyroidism

I encourage you to take the following steps to rebalance your thyroid:

1. Make a thorough inventory of any of the symptoms that I mentioned in last week's blog to see if you might suffer from hypothyroidism.

2. Get the right thyroid tests including TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO, and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies.

3. Check for celiac disease with a celiac panel.

4. Consider heavy metal toxicity.

5. Check your vitamin D level.

Once you have confirmed that a sluggish thyroid is contributing to your symptoms, the good news is that there are many, many, many things you can do to help correct thyroid problems.

I have developed a seven-step plan to address hypothyroidism:

1. Treat the Underlying Causes -- Identify and treat the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, like food allergies, gluten, heavy metals, nutritional deficiencies, and stress.

2. Optimize Your Nutrition -- Support your thyroid with optimal nutrition, including foods that contain iodine, zinc, omega-3 fats, selenium, and more.

3. Minimize Stress -- Eliminate adrenal exhaustion and minimize stress by engaging in a comprehensive stress management program.

4. Exercise -- Engage in thyroid stimulating exercise, which boosts thyroid function.

5. Supplement -- Use supplements to help enhance thyroid function, including all the nutrients needed for proper thyroid metabolism and function.

6.Heat Therapy -- Use saunas and heat to eliminate stored toxins, which interfere with thyroid function.

7. Thyroid Hormones -- Use thyroid hormone replacement therapy to help support your thyroid gland.

I believe a comprehensive approach is needed to address chronic thyroid issues and to diagnose them. Unfortunately, most of the options for healing by conventional care are quite limited and only provide a partial solution. But by following my seven-step plan you can achieve lifelong vibrant health.

Now I'd like to hear from you ...

If you have low thyroid function, how was it diagnosed?

Did you face any resistance from your doctor?

Which of these steps have you tried to treat it and have they helped?

Please let me know your thoughts by leaving a comment.

To your good health,

Mark Hyman, M.D.

Mark Hyman, M.D. practicing physician and founder of The UltraWellness Center is a pioneer in functional medicine. Dr. Hyman is now sharing the 7 ways to tap into your body's natural ability to heal itself. You can follow him on Twitter, connect with him on LinkedIn, watch his videos on Youtube and become a fan on Facebook.

Follow Mark Hyman, MD on Twitter: www.twitter.com/markhymanmd

Comments

[huffity]

for anyone looking for the support of other thyroid patients who have been-there­-done-that and recommendations of enlightened doctors who subscribe to the princilples laid out here by dr. hyman, check out http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ for links to support groups.

btw, here's a little secret: for many thyroid patients, endocrinologists are the worst doctors to consult. they under-diagnose, under-medicate, deny your symptoms are thyroid-related, and are over-eager to just rip the whole thing out. if all that sounds familiar, check out the website.

[nantucketsunset]

The thyroid information and discussion forum on About.com has a lot of good material.

Mary Shomon is the About.com "guide" for that topic.

[jennifer s]

Thank you, Dr. Hyman, for this post. I believe the work Mark Hyman is doing is going to transform health care in the U.S. I saw him speak at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition, and the things he said were mind-blowing and rang so true. I regularly use his concepts when working with my clients, and because of this, I recently was able to help a woman who had been suffering for years finally discover that she had gluten intolerance. She now feels like a new person.
-Jennifer Schonborn, HC, AADP
Holistic Nutrition Counselor
http://www.jenniferschonborn.com

[E4B32787]

In my case, routine physical - blood test showed T4 level down, so I take a Synthroid prescription to get the level within range. The matter was wholly diagnosed by the Doctor - I had been feeling a bit run down, but did not mention that to the Doctor.

[seedsofchange]

NEVAFORLEA­DERSHIP...­Hypothyroi­dism has to be fixed? - You are the most self-centered person! It's in the blood work, baby! You must hear selectively.
MANY things are improperly diagnosed! How many people have ADHD AND BIPOLAR in this COUNTRY? HELLO??? Most of our children in our country are on Ritlin! Some are stricken with true mental disorders and some are related to other illnesses, such as Hypothyroid!
Just because this is your case, being misdiagnosed, doesn't mean it is true for any, or all of these people!!!
Good for you that you were misdiagnosed and got the correct diagnosis, which is not Hypothyroidism. In this case, you shouldn't be posting your information here at all!!! Go away.
How DARE you say, "What you focus on is what you get?" I have never thought, "I think I'll get Hypothyroidism."

[NevaforLeadership]

Anger is bad for blood pressure; worse for producing cortisol, which causes some of the very same symptoms described on this thread.

When I went to school not one kid had ADHD or Bipolar Disorder. Not one took Ritlin. When I was young and not so young, not one person in my large network had hypothyroidism. Not one was on thyroid medication. Not so long ago no one had fybromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome -- invented diseases for which to prescribe invented drugs.

In my view, after doing the research, hypothyroidism has become over diagnosed -- the latest catchall for a series of symptoms caused by overweight, poor diets and lack of exercise. It turns out that the medical community, itself, is concerned about a trend of over diagnosing hypothyroidism. Now that's my opinion. It doesn't affect your opinion or make any difference to your health situation, so anger serves no purpose whatsoever.

What we focus on is what we get. I highly recommend you research that idea, because it is very, very true.

If I were diagnosed with hypothyroidism, I would double check the diagnosis. Then, whether the diagnosis was correct or not, I would focus on a healthy diet and daily exercise. When I focus on eating healthy food (no gluten, high density carbs or added sugar) -- lean protein, fruits and vegetables -- and exercise every day, my life turns around. When I lose focus, the cascade of negative effects is swift and sure.

Self-centered? Maybe. I'm

[NevaforLeadership]

I'll complete my post.

Self-centered? Maybe. I'm not going to go away.

[traveling1]

It's not just about overweight people trying to find an excuse like you and a few others are saying. While I have put on a few pounds from snacking when I quit smoking, my thyroid symptoms are quite different - hair loss, exhaustion, not being able to sleep, depression.

As far as all the people being diagnosed with this and ADHD, I don't believe it's over diagnosis at all, I think we are doing it to ourselves with all the pollution/toxins in our air, water, and yes, processed food as you mention also.

I buy grass-feed organic beef and organic vegetables. And I work out 4-5 days a week at the gym I belong to. So what else do you suggest since you seem to think you know more than this medical doctor?

[seedsofchange]

Well, are you suggesting the blood work is wrong then? Seeing multiple doctors for the problem, getting second and third opinions, all showing the same results, could be wrong? Double check the diagnosis? Did you not understand I do excercise, eat right, etc? More self-centeredness on your part only related to your experience, lacking insight to others' REAL health problems "over diagnosed or not" in your opinion. Invented diagnoses? I have true heridiary ADHD shown on a brain scan when receiving biofeedback. Please stop to consider the state of our environment - which will not sustain human life, in the direction we have been heading for my entire life. Again, I have never focused on getting Hypothyroid, or ADHD! Back when I was in college around 1996, 97. I was a runner, ate a vegan diet loaded with vegetables, fruits, legumes, no drinking, no smoking, no drugs, etc. So, I still say, again, you are self-centered and are only considering your situation. It's ugly for people to put their opinion out there that flies in the face of others who are stating their reality, even their child's reality, no matter how healthy they are. My only focus my entire life has been a healthy diet of lean protiens, fruits and vegetables, exercise, etc! Your incorrect opinion does affect my opinion and the opinion of this doctor and others, who ARE offended by your comments.

[kittyglitter]

While I greatly appreciate your article, I'm afraid you've missed something here.

4 out of the 5 initial steps you've indicated are tests. Expensive tests. Tests not often covered by insurance without significant prodding and paperwork, like a celiac panel. So what's to be done for people like myself: laid off in an oversaturated market with no insurance? I have yet to meet a doctor who accepts grateful thanks as payment.

Also, considering the majority of Americans are living on pretty tight budgets these days, how do you propose someone with a mortgage and no job begin to live a gluten-free life? The average loaf of bread costs $2.50. The average gluten-free bread begins at $5.00.

Your logic is right. Your execution is utopian.

[emintom]

I understand where you are coming from but it was suggested to my sister that she was celiac - she did not undergo expensive tests she just chose to cut out all Gluten (very strictly) she checks everything she eats. She felt great within one week and there was her answer - she didn't need the tests to know how much better she felt. I also stopped eating wheat, oats etc which in turn cut out gluten (not as strict as my sister) and I also have had good results (in conjunction with a program) I have Grave's disease. I have not had bread or cereals in over 10 weeks and do not miss it. You don't need to buy expensive gluten free bread just eat something else you really do get used to it.......Give it a go - here is a link to my blog if you wanted to have a look at the diet program I have been following- Good Luck
http://gravesdiseaseanswers.blogspot.com/

[seedsofchange]

Dear promise, I don't know the answer to your question, except that my doc does not recommend Mag and Cal together. In the world of Integrative Medicine, it is known the Calcium interferes and makes Mag less effective. It is unfortunate they package them together and a myth they should be together. I've also done research that shows the same. This is what was recommended to me, and I have far better results: Calcium Citrate and Carbonate 1000mgs. First, I would get some Mag through IV to get levels up. Since then, I can take"Krebs Magnesium-Potassium Chelates 250mgs/100­mgs(Potass­ium) once/day (no where near other supplements, or Thyroid Meds) without just getting diarrhea. I was told your body can't tolerate Mag (i.e. diarrhea) unless your level is where it should be in your body, and, physically, I can tell you that is true. I can also tell you that with low thyroid functioning people are prone to low Mag levels (and low iron). Take care!

[seedsofchange]

I have a very healthy lifestyle NEVAFORLEADERSHIP. Find something better to do than post your negativity. This is a real problem for A LOT of people, and, sure, a few might have lead unhealthy lifestyles, but DON'T make generalized assumptions. That just shows your ignorance.

[MsCanuck]

Just a few facts:
Symptoms and Complications of Hypothyroidism:
Because the hormones T4 and T3 are lacking, the body's metabolic rate and organ functions slow down. Symptoms aren't always obvious, and hypothyroidism may sometimes be mistaken for other diseases. People with hypothyroidism often experience:
-fatigue/feeling sluggish
-weakness
-cold intolerance
-weight gain
-constipation
-depression
-irritability
-dry, scaly skin
-coarse and dry hair
-hair loss
-muscle cramps
-increased menstrual flow
-slower heart rate
-confusion or forgetfulness
If hypothyroidism isn't treated, the symptoms will progress and, rarely, a severe form of hypothyroidism called myxedema will develop. With myxedema, the body temperature drops, anemia occurs, and there is a risk of congestive heart failure. Myxedema coma occurs in some people with severe hypothyroidism who are exposed to some kind of stress, such as infection, severe cold, trauma, or the use of sedatives. Symptoms include loss of consciousness, seizures, slowed breathing, and lack of blood flowing to the brain.
I have never wished Hypothyroidism on anybody, as this is THE WORST condition one can get, but maybe Neva could learn something by suffering for just one month - - ok, ok I really didn't mean that, but we dont really need the arrogance, holier than thou attitude either. ALL of us, and I'm sure the others would agree, did not chose to develop hypothyroidism, and would gladly return to the days of a normal thyroid gland.

[NevaforLeadership]

Just responding to the most negative, depressing posts I have seen on Huffington Post.

Hypothyroidism has to be fixed. That does not negate responsibility for leading healthy lifestyles.

The extraordinary number of people on this thread with thyroid problems motivated me to learn that the misdiagnoses of general ailments as hypothyroidism is becoming a very real concern in the medical community.

No assumptions about the lifestyles. They shout out from most -- not all -- the posts.

I have suffered many of the symptoms: lethargy, swollen joints, exhaustion, malaise, weight gain, trouble sleeping, stress, etc. -- and I could barely walk; I had a Morton's Neuroma. I received all kinds of MISdiagnoses.

That did not change until I admitted the need for a lifestyle change. Fixed a hormone imbalance, started exercising again and stopped eating sugar and high-density carbs. That changed my life. ALL the symptoms disappeared.

Entered a marathon. Started dance classes again. Try to run five miles on the treadmill at least four times a week. I fall off the goal constantly, but start again the next day.

What we focus on is what we get.

That's all. Like it. Shout and scream at me. Or change your focus and change your life.

[MsCanuck]

Not to minimize your illness, but I just looked up Morton's Neuroma:
Morton's neuroma is an enlarged nerve that usually occurs in the third interspace, which is between the third and fourth toes.

Thyroid hormone - Cruise Control for the Body
The thyroid gland's role in the body is very similar to cruise control in the car. Cruise control keeps a car running at a constant steady speed. When we do not want to worry about having to keep a steady foot on the accelerator we turn on cruise control and the car maintains a normal speed without any effort. Thyroid hormone keeps the rest of the body working at the right speed. If thyroid hormone levels decrease, cells throughout the rest of the body decrease in activity. As a result the cells need less energy and thus more energy is available to be stored and the weight increases even though the appetite decreases. Less heat is produced, the person becomes cold, and the sweat glands do not keep the skin moist anymore. The brain just wants to sleep all the time. The heart beats slower. The bowels become sluggish. Everything slows up.

As you can see from the text above, it is not the thyroid's patient's own doing that they are putting weight on, feeling tired, are having brain fog, etc.

While you had to recuperate from one ailment to one part of your body, we have to deal with a PERMANENT impairment to the gas pedal to our

[seedsofchange]

Definitely stay away from Floride.

[vippy]

I agree, so many countries now outlawed FLUORIDE! But my dentist still recommends it and
I just let her babble, apparently she is not up to par.

[NevaforLeadership]

Dental cavities are increasing alarmingly since people started drinking bottled water with no fluoride.

[bruinlover09]

I became developed hypothyroidism after I had my goiter removed in 2006. My first endo refused to removed the goiter for 6 years but had me constantly tested for thyroid cancer. He ignored all of my complaints and insisted that I need to be put on medication for depression, and bipolar disorder. My mother, who is a nurse, refuse to put me on any of those medications until my thyroid was dealt with properly. I had to nearly die before my goiter was removed. My second endo treated me like I was stupid when I complained about joint pain, rapid weight loss and gain, brain fog, breathing problems. According to him, it was all related to my lifestyle as a student and I need to exercise more. At the time, I walked 5 miles with my dog every day, did kick boxing, pilates, and weightlifting. I started to have panic attacks towards the end of last year. My TSH level just shot up to 5.22 in June after being at 3.15 in March. My third endo is not concerned but suggested that I get retested in September. I am on Levothyroixn. I changed the time when I took the medication and saw some changes. My joint pain has dramatically decrease. I am taking a multivitamin, supplements for calcium, magnesium, and fish oil. What else can I do? I am still overweight and have itchy skin, and bouts of anxiety and depression. I can't switch doctors at the moment

[NorthCalGal]

One thing I did not read in the article as a cause of hypothyroidism is FLUORIDE. Fluoride is a known thyroid inhibitor, used in labs to artificially depress thyroid function, and more than 60% of US water supplies are artificially fluoridated.

[Iluvflamingos]

I have found a very effective way of dealing with a low functioning thyroid. I use LivSxinney which is a blend of chlorophyll and fulvic minerals. This product detoxifies and balances energy levels and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Along with LivSxinney, I use Sxinney Mist. The adaptogenic herbs in Sxinney Mist were carefully selected because of their properties which have been shown to support the immune system, balance blood sugar, increase memory and help adapt to physical, emotional, and environmental stress. www.zxoomers.com/youcanb.

[seedsofchange]

Thanks "iluvflamingos." i will check it out. I already take Chlorophyll, seaweeds and other greens, but I will have to look into fulvic minerals.

[seedsofchange]

I finally feel tired when it is bed time and have reduced and will be stopping two sleep medications. Now that I found the right mixture, and a doctor finally agreed that some people need a mixture, or combination of medications, I have to be monitored for one year, which i am not happy about after spending 1000sands of dollars already, especially when my lab work is normal, and I don't have the type of Hypothyroid that worsens over time. But, I will deal with this like I have many other set-backs for years until it is smooth sailing. I can't wait. I'm sure I left something out. This is just an account of my personal experience with this illness. It has been hell.
SOOO...BE PROACTIVE!!! TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, because most doctors WON'T, don't have the knowledge or time, don't stay up-to-date on such issues, and DON'T care!!! Most doctors especially do no understand how it affects your mental well being. You are just another person they see in each of their 15 minute slots. DON'T TAKE NO FOR AN ANSWER. BE ANOTHER VOICE!!! AND, MOST OF ALL BE WELL!!! QUALITY OF LIFE IS SO WORTH IT. The end, or the beginning?

[seedsofchange]

This is only a theory of mine...but I do believe, because the Thyroid is the body's regulator, that abnormal hormone secretions will lead to other diseases. They are all interwoven. My aunt (undiagnosed low thyroid) died of an estrogen-based, aggressive, breast cancer. Hmmm...maybe there is a link?! Here is the regime that is working for that took years to figure out: Sustained release T4 100mcgs/at bed (it helps me sleep); Half of 1 grain of Armour Thyroid, half of 75mcgs of Synthroid , and 12mcgs of T3 (sustained release) in the AM. I found T3 to be stimulating and could not take it at night. Of course, this will vary for every individual as we all have different degrees of low thyroid and different chemistries. My point is I had to combine many things to get it right, not just one, and I DISCOVERED this is what worked for me, not a doctor. I have been monitoring my blood pressure and pulse, and it is normal every day now. More to follow...

[seedsofchange]

I have had to be my own advocate in SO many ways and stay on top of the problem MYSELF, because "it was all in my head," according to conventional medicine and even without saying it outright on the "alternative" side of treatment. I had to prove that wrong! And, I DID! I've been through insurance hell and have paid thousands of dollars out of pocket to get this problem under control (and still am). All I can say to anyone suffering out there is this: GET YOUR T3 FREE checked (it's good if it is in the 300 range). Make damn sure your TSH is 2 or BELOW. Check you iron - low thyroid, Iron and Magnesium deficiencies are buddies. TAKE Calcium and Vitamin D3 (most women are deficient maybe men too), Magnesium (not with your Calcium), vitamin A, Iron (if needed), seaweed(s), greens, omega-3 fats, selenium, zinc, and the B vitamins. Warning: DO NOT TAKE IRON, CALCIUM, OR MAGNESIUM anywhere near the time you take your thyroid supplement, nor should you take them with each other. I also found some research that suggested if you are iron deficient, you are probably Manganese deficient (but take it alone too). More to follow...

[Promise]

Dear seeds: Why shouldn't one take calcium with magnesium? Many supplements package them together and i'd always heard that one needs mag in order to make the calcium "work" somehow? How much time does one have to allow between all these supplements? It sounds very difficult.