Published May 29, 2004 in the North Island Weekender
The most common complaint that any doctor sees is fatigue.
The causes are numerous, but generally blood tests are done to rule out anemia,
under-functioning thyroid, liver function and more. The frustrating thing is
the concept of “normals” on any blood test. Normal ranges are gathered by
testing random people who are not experiencing any health problems. These
ranges are certainly average but may not be optimal. Medical doctors are
looking for pathological changes in blood tests and if the results fall within
“normal” ranges then the diagnosis may end up being depression and
prescriptions for anti-depressants are filled. Naturopathic physicians are
looking for levels which indicate optimal functioning of the organ system.
Clinical experience shows, for example, that optimal thyroid tests values are:
free T4 levels 15-19pmol/L, and TSH
levels .9-2.0mU/L.
The first step is determining your results of these blood
tests. Even if these values may be “optimal”, a person may have all the
symptoms of being low thyroid: chilly all the time, constipation, hair falling
out, changes in their voice and dry skin. For years people can experience these
symptoms before the doctor sees the blood test values they are looking for and
treat the thyroid.
Measuring your body temperature can give you a clue of your
basal metabolic rate. Taking your body temperature mid day for 10 days the
average should be 98-98.6 F (36.5-37 degrees Celsius) indicating that the
thyroid has kicked in raising your basic metabolic rate. If the temperatures
are consistently low and you have the above symptoms thyroid support may help
you. Low temperatures may also be due to toxicity and low adrenal function
which your naturopathic physician can help differentiate.
To treat the thyroid there are herbal remedies to try before resorting to thyroid hormones. Often by supporting the liver and the adrenal glands the stress on the thyroid is alleviated. Certain foods may aggravate the thyroid: soy and the cruciferous vegetables which include: brussel sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. These latter foods when eaten raw may lower thyroid function but when lightly steamed are fine. Soy should always be organic and non-genetically modified (GMO) however it too can slow the function of the thyroid in some people with under-active thyroid conditions.
Jane, aged 55, came to me with increasing fatigue, depression and irritability.
Her TSH was in the high twenties much elevated and her salivary hormone test
indicated that she was low on progesterone. She had been consuming a lot of soy
to help with her menopausal hot flushes. I gave her a naturopathic thyroid
remedy “BMR”, a herbal remedy “Vitality
Formula” to help with her menopausal symptoms and bio-identical progesterone
cream. I also gave her my traditional Basic Treatment Guidelines. Within three
months her TSH was down to 4.0 and she was feeling better in every way. I
reminded her to avoid the cruciferous family of foods as well as to exercise. I
monitored her TSH until it was within .9-2.0mU/L range then I decreased the BMR
and she continues to do fine with her other therapies.
Exercise is key in raising the basal metabolic rate of the body naturally. This will stimulate the thyroid and help raise the body temperature. Following hot showers with cold also improves circulation. Eating foods with iodine in them will help the thyroid. These include seaweeds such as found in sushi and kelp powders which can be sprinkled on soups etc. Kelp is not only high in iodine but also other trace minerals. Essential fatty acids such as found in flax and fish oil are crucial for the thyroid as well as are calcium and magnesium.
If you are fatigued and want to feel fantastic consider a naturopathic approach to thyroid evaluation and care.
Dr.
Pincott has been practicing naturopathic medicine since 1985 and is currently
practicing in Campbell River. She can be reached at (250) 286-3655 or www.DrPincott.com