Hyperthyroid Disorders

Lesson 7: Alternative Medicine and Lifestyle Influences

Lifestyle Influences

Environmental Factors
Good health is dependent on both genetic and environmental factors. For instance, environmental toxins such as polychlorinated biphenyl compounds or PCBs, furan compounds, DDT and dioxin are well known causes of thyroid disease. The unnatural composition of iodized products is also associated with the development of thyroid disease.

While our exposure to these compounds is often insidious, toxins in cigarette smoke and alcohol directly injure thyroid cells during their passage through the body. Immune system cells within the thyroid gland react to these compounds by producing thyroid antibodies or inflammation. And although we don’t generally think about the high concentrations of iodine and additives in pre-packaged foods, we may have diets that provide an excess amount of iodine and a wealth of different chemical additives. By avoiding cigarette smoke and chemical additives, we can help restore immune function and thyroid health. It’s important to watch for hidden sources of iodine such as red food dyes, kelp, iodine in multivitamins and metabolic boosters, dairy products, shellfish, and processed foods.

Studies show that both seasonal and food allergies stimulate our immune system, triggering autoimmune diseases and worsening symptoms. It’s important to avoid known or suspected allergens and avoid vaccines. Vaccines have been proven experimentally to stimulate the immune system and trigger autoimmune disorders.

Dietary Changes
We can dramatically reduce our consumption of these chemicals by following a simple nutrient-rich diet based on whole foods and by avoiding pre-packaged, processed and junk foods. For many people, reducing dietary iodine and adding goitrogens, which are foods that block iodine absorption, causes a dramatic reduction in thyroid hormone levels. This approach is recommended by the College of American Pathologists as a first step in treating hyperthyroidism caused by toxic multinodular goiter. Patients with Graves’ disease are advised to avoid dietary iodine and add 1.5 cups of goitrogens to their daily diet.

Immunomodulators, Carnitine and Vitamin Supplements
Immunomodulators are dietary substances that strengthen the immune system. In autoimmune thyroid disease, the immune system is weak and ineffective. Immunomodulators include plant sterols and sterols, which are found in the waxy coating of fruits and vegetables, reishi mushroom extract and German chamomile.

Studies of carnitine show that this amino acid has properties that inactivate thyroid hormone, reducing symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Compounds with a high zinc content promote thyroid disease. A specific 8:1 ratio of zinc to copper is critical for proper thyroid function. Excess zinc promotes hyperthyroidism and excess copper promotes hypothyroidism. Most multivitamins provide an 8:1 ratio of zinc to copper, and copper supplements may have to be temporarily added to correct imbalances.

Deficiencies of vitamin D are also reported to be common in autoimmune hyperthyroidism. In the hyperthyroid state nutrients are not absorbed well from food. Patients with hyperthyroidism are particularly deficient in essential fatty acids and oil-soluble vitamins. Supplements that are free of iodine, and supplements containing essential oils, such as flaxseed oil, are often recommended to correct nutrient deficiencies, restore normal thyroid function and promote healing.

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