Thyroid Health Quotes

So people feel tired, wired, and stressed at the same time. In one group of patients with rapid cycling bipolar disorder, more than 50 percent had hypothyroidism. Experts conservatively estimate that one-third of all depressions are directly related to thyroid imbalance. More than 80 percent of people with low-grade hypothyroidism have impaired memory function. Low thyroid is associated with a host of symptoms and problems, such as: Feeling cold when others are hot Weight gain Constipation Fatigue High cholesterol High blood pressure Dry, thinning, or losing hair, especially the eyebrows, where the outer third are often missing

How to handle the stress of it all when you don’t even know that your life is stressful? Women saying “my nerves are shot” was the closest anyone came to examining the situation. What they didn’t discuss, though, they felt. That’s what substances were for. Every adult I knew was addicted to something—mostly cigarettes or booze. Also pills, both prescribed and gotten by other means. The women of my mom’s family, who had grown up in Wichita with doctors nearby during decades when health care was cheaper, were sold on the idea of prescriptions for symptoms rooted in psychological strife. Most of them were on “thyroid medicine” for exhaustion, “nerve pills” for anxiety.

Reproductive hormones aren’t the only hormones that affect how you look and feel and think. Among the most influential are the hormones produced by your thyroid gland. Too little thyroid, and you feel like a slug. Hypothyroidism makes you feel like you just want to lie on the couch all day with a bag of chips. Everything works slower, including your heart, your bowels, and your brain. When we perform SPECT scans of people with hypothyroidism, we see decreased brain activity. Many other studies confirm that overall low brain function in hypothyroidism leads to depression, cognitive impairment, anxiety, and feelings of being in a mental fog. The thyroid gland drives the production of many neurotransmitters that run the brain, such as serotonin, dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. A

We have witnessed hundreds of clients and patients damage their metabolic and hormonal health through low-carb diets. It is becoming increasingly apparent that there is an epidemic of metabolic and hormonal dysfunction emerging in the hordes of people who have been following low-carb diets. This is particularly impactful for women—and especially physically active women—who commonly suffer side effects from their low-carb diets, including: A stopped or irregular menstrual cycle (amenorrhea)418 419 420 421 422 Decreased fertility423 424 425 Hypoglycemic episodes and blood sugar swings426 Depression, anxiety, and irritability427 428 429 Poor libido430 431 432 Disrupted sleep/insomnia433 434 Dysfunctional relationship with food and fear about eating either fat or carbohydrate435 436 Cycles of restriction and binges437 438 Chronic fatigue 439 440 441 442 Poor thyroid function (and a slow metabolism)443 444 445 446 447 448

Soy Even though a wide range of products made from soybeans have been marketed as a health food in recent years, research proves that (unfermented) soy is extremely unhealthy. Most soy products in the United States are not fermented. Unfermented soy is a problem for the following reasons: 1. It contains dangerous quantities of antinutrients, which are substances that block the body from absorbing important nutrients. The most notable are hemagglutinin, goitrogens, and phytic acid. Hemagglutinin promotes unhealthy blood clotting and blocks oxygen. Goitrogens prevent iodine from reaching the thyroid. Without iodine, the thyroid can enlarge and malfunction. Phytic acid blocks the body's absorption of essential minerals like calcium and magnesium. 2. It has lots of phytoestrogens, which do damage by mimicking estrogen inside the body. 3. It contains lysinoalanine, a known toxin, and nitrosamines, which are known carcinogens. 4. It has harmful levels of the mineral manganese and dangerous amounts of aluminum from being processed in aluminum containers. 5. It has a high risk of contamination with mycotoxins. 6. It is almost always genetically modified. As you can see, soy has pretty much everything going against it. Fortunately, it's easy to avoid processed soy in the United States because it must be listed as an ingredient on product labels. Most soy in Asian cuisine is different because it's been fermented. Fermentation greatly decreases the antinutrient and phytic acid levels. Fermented soy products include tempeh, miso, and natto. Most of these products are still highly processed and artificial, though, and soy sauce naturally contains MSG. To avoid GMO soy, make sure that any fermented soy product you eat is organic, or better yet just don't eat it at all. Even in areas of the world like Asia where fermented soy is common, people actually don't eat much of it. A 1998 study found that Japanese men eat only about eight grams of soy per day (a teaspoon or two). The average misguided American consumes far more than this when he drinks a glass of soy milk or eats a soy burger (and these soy products aren't even fermented).

Low thyroid doesn’t kill you. It just makes you wish you were dead. —RICHARD AND KARILEE SHAMES, THYROID MIND POWER THYROID

There are hundreds of hormones in the body that affect the brain. To keep it practical, I am going to show you how to optimize seven of your most important hormones: • Estrogen • Progesterone • Testosterone • Thyroid • Cortisol • DHEA • Insulin

sleeplessness, anxiety, irritability, racing thoughts, a fast pulse, breathlessness, weight loss despite an increased appetite, feeling too hot for no clear reason, and always feeling as though somebody set the thermostat too high, you could have an overactive thyroid. In extreme cases, you might see the classic systems of a goiter (a growth on the thyroid), weight loss, bulging eyes, and an intense staring gaze. Your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck. When your doctor runs her hands along the base of your throat, she’s checking to see if there are any noticeable problems with the size of your thyroid. But you can’t really tell what’s going on without a blood test. And it can take some adjusting to get your thyroid optimized. The main thyroid hormones—TSH, T3, and T4—all have to be in the right balance. It is estimated that tens of millions of people worldwide (5–25 percent of the world’s population) have thyroid problems. Thyroid problems are more common as we age and they seem to be increasing in the population.

Laboratory tests are the next set of important numbers to know. Here are the key lab test numbers you need to know:   1. Complete blood count   2. General metabolic panel with fasting blood sugar and lipid panel   3. HgA1C   4. Vitamin D   5. Thyroid panel   6. C-reactive protein

Thyroid Panel (blood test)—Abnormal thyroid hormone levels are a common cause of anxiety, depression, forgetfulness, confusion, and lethargy. Having low thyroid levels decreases overall brain activity, which can impair your thinking, judgment, and self-control and make it very hard for you to feel good. Low thyroid functioning can make it nearly impossible to manage weight effectively. To know your thyroid levels, you need to know these figures: thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) Free T3 Free T4 Thyroid antibodies (thyroid peroxidase and thyroglobulin antibodies)

gliadin-initiated conditions such as celiac disease, thyroid disease, joint diseases, and asthma. Gliadin wheat proteins are akin to being able to pick the lock on any door, allowing unwanted intruders to gain entry into places they don’t belong.

Leptin is a hormone that is secreted by fat cells in white adipose tissue (figure 1). Leptin was found to be a signal to the brain, having a primary influence on body weight. It was also discovered to be involved with insulin, cardiovascular health, reproductive function, sex hormones, immune function, adrenal function, stress, thyroid function, bone health, cancer, and inflammation. Indeed, it has a major determining role in many aspects of healthy function. When leptin falls out of natural balance and loses its ability to communicate efficiently, health problems follow. Thus, the concept of fat as a storage place has been transformed to fat as a major endocrine organ, like the thyroid gland, adrenal glands, and sex glands.19

fully fifty-five diseases are known to be caused by gluten (Farrell and Kelly 2002). Among these are heart disease, cancer, nearly all autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, irritable bowel syndrome and other gastrointestinal disorders, gallbladder disease, Hashimoto’s disease (an autoimmune thyroid disorder responsible for up to 90 percent of all low-functioning thyroid issues), migraines, epilepsy, Parkinson’s disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig’s disease), neuropathies (having normal EMG readings), and most other degenerative neurological disorders as well as autism, which is technically an autoimmune brain disorder.

Excess oestrogen can be another likely culprit when it comes to fluid retention. It can also drive headaches, including migraines, increase blood clotting, decrease libido, interfere with thyroid hormone production, and, due to its relationship with progesterone, lead us to feel like we have to do everything with haste. So, big health and therefore beauty consequences all because there is too much of one little hormone.

Another class of fats that warrant concern are polyunsaturated fatty acids, also known as PUFAs. Excessive intake of PUFAs, (found in industrial oils such as canola, corn, safflower, and soybean; margarine and buttery sprays and spreads; and assorted baked, frozen, packaged and processed foods) can also compromise health. These fats also oxidize easily and may contribute to systemic inflammation, as the immune system tries to deal with the oxidation. They may be a major factor in arterial oxidation and inflammation. Your endocrine system is especially sensitive to PUFA consumption, which can lead to symptoms such as a slowed metabolism, low energy levels, and sluggish thyroid function.

I first met this young client when he was eight years old. He was very shy with a calm disposition. He had been diagnosed with a sensory processing disorder and his parents had hired a special tutor. His mother and father were already clients of mine, and his mother was very conscientious with his diet. She was most concerned about his extreme fatigue, how difficult it was to get him up in the morning, and how difficult it was for him to fall asleep. He was also falling asleep at school. In addition, she was concerned he was having difficulty remembering his schoolwork. With sensory processing disorder, children may have difficulty concentrating, planning and organizing, and responding appropriately to external stimuli. It is considered to be a learning disorder that fits into the autism spectrum of disorders. To target his diet and nutritional supplementation, I recommended a comprehensive blood panel, an adrenal profile, a food sensitivity panel, and an organic acids profile to determine vitamin, mineral, and energy deficiency status. His blood panel indicated low thyroid function, iron deficiency, and autoimmune thyroid. His adrenal profile indicated adrenal fatigue. His organic acids test indicated low B vitamins and zinc, low detoxification capacity, and low levels of energy nutrients, particularly magnesium. He was also low in omega-3 fatty acids and sensitive to gluten, dairy, eggs, and corn. Armed with all of that information, he and I worked together to develop a diet based on his test results. I like to involve children in the designing of their diet. That way they get to include the foods they like, learn how to make healthy substitutions for foods they love but can no longer eat, and learn how to improve their overall food choices. He also learned he needed to include protein at all meals, have snacks throughout the day, and what constitutes a healthy snack. I recommended he start with a gut restoration protocol along with iron support; food sensitivities often go hand in hand with leaky gut issues. This would also impact brain function. In the second phase of his program, I added inositol and serotonin support for sleep, thyroid support, DHA, glutathione support (to help regulate autoimmunity), a vitamin and mineral complex, fish oils, B-12, licorice extract for his adrenals, and dopamine and acetylcholine support to improve his concentration, energy, and memory. Within a month, his parents reported that he was falling asleep easily and would wake up with energy in the morning. His concentration improved, as did his ability to remember what he had learned at school. He started to play sports in the afternoon and took the initiative to let his mom know what foods not to include in his diet. He is still on his program three years later, and the improvements

what triggers

The type of food you consume directly affects your metabolism and insulin response. Food is composed of three macronutrients: protein, carbohydrate, and fat, and each of these macronutrients affects your metabolism in a different way. One gram of protein or carbohydrate provides four calories, while one gram of fat contains nine calories. A calorie is the base unit of heat measurement related to metabolic rate. It measures how much energy a particular food provides to the body. Of course, if you do eat more calories than your body requires, it doesn’t matter whether those calories come from protein, carbohydrates, or fat—the extra fuel will be stored in the body as fat. Eating too few calories can be equally problematic. When you do not eat enough food, your body’s endocrine, immunological, and nervous systems begin to malfunction. The result is often hormonal imbalances, thyroid problems, and insulin resistance. When you are in a state of extreme caloric restriction, your body does everything possible to return to a state of homeostasis, or equilibrium—including slowing down your metabolic rate. A slow metabolism affects your energy levels, your digestive and hormonal health, and your ability to lose weight. In my case, severely restricting my calories increased my adrenal

Based on my research, the most significant dietary factor causing both pain and inflammation in the body are the consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA).  In my book Cancer: The Metabolic Disease Unravelled, I present a mountain of evidence revealing the following negative health consequences of PUFA: - It directly inhibits the cytochrome c oxidase enzyme - It inhibits the immune system by shrinking the thymus gland and by directly killing white blood cells - It lowers oxygen use by cells - It inhibits thyroid function in at least five ways

In addition, you’re eating tons of soy—again, on the advice of your doctor. You’ve probably been led to believe that soy is a health food—but in reality, it’s a hormone disruptor that may cause your thyroid, the “conductor” of your body’s hormones, to become underactive.

USING TESTS TO ASSESS ADRENAL HEALTH When a patient presents with symptoms or blood test results of hypothyroidism, I always order an Adrenal Salivary Index (ASI) test through DiagnosTechs Lab. To support the thyroid, it’s important for me to get a clear picture of my patient’s adrenal status using this test. Symptoms alone do not provide an accurate diagnosis, as symptoms can be the same for both over active and under active adrenal function. I also do not use urinary adrenal tests, for with hypothyroidism, the excretion of several adrenal hormones is decreased so that results can be inaccurate. The salivary panel provides the most useful, accurate, and comprehensive information. The most important thing to know about the ASI test is that one ASI test is worthless. I repeat, one ASI test is worthless. It is the second and third test that tells me whether we’re on the right track with a protocol. Adrenal health should improve on the protocol I give my patient.

Several weeks of the elimination/provocation diet in conjunction with a high-quality detoxification powder clears up common digestive complaints such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation for many people. If a digestive problem still persists, I run a GI stool and salivary panel to see if parasites or other pathogens are causing problems. It’s not uncommon to find infections by an amoeba, Giardia, roundworms, candida yeast, excess bacteria, or other pathogens affecting the person’s gut health. How to eradicate these parasites and pathogens is beyond the scope of this book, and methods vary. There are situations in which I will recommend drugs instead of herbal remedies, because medications are ultimately more effective and easier on my patient. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, work well for many other conditions, including candida overgrowth271 and h.pylori bacteria.272

I recommend enzymes. When gut health is poor, the pancreas loses the ability to secrete sufficient digestive enzymes. Ideally you will take your enzymes 15 to 20 minutes before your meal, or at least in the beginning. Take your hydrochloric acid toward the middle and end of the meal, as the acid can neutralize the effects of some digestive enzymes.

Sex hormones/Reproductive health history. Sex hormone imbalances can be a factor in Hashimoto’s, and here is some of the information I ask for on my health history forms: Do you currently take, or have you taken oral contraceptives or bioidentical hormones? Do you currently take, or have you had an intrauterine device (IUD)? If you answered “yes,” was it a copper or hormonal IUD? How many live births have you had? Were they natural births or Cesarean sections? Is there a history of ovarian cysts? Is there a history of uterine fibroids? Is there a history of endometriosis? Is there a history of fibrocystic breasts?

This will gauge your thyroid health (optimal values included): TSH: optimal value: less than 2 μU/ML FREE T4: optimal value: more than 1.1 NG/DL FREE T3: optimal value: more than 3.0 PG/ML REVERSE T3: optimal value: less than a 10:1 ratio RT3:FT3 THYROID PEROXIDASE ANTIBODIES (TPOAB): optimal value: less than 4 IU/ML or negative THYROGLOBULIN ANTIBODIES (TGAB): optimal value: less than 4 IU/ML or negative Already

Vaccinated animals are not only getting cancer at the injection site, they are getting cancer at every level of the immune system including lymphoma and leukemia. Canine retrovirus associated with lymphomas is identified. Thanks to the work of Dr. Larry Glickman at Perdue and the Haywood Study we see that only vaccinated animals are developing auto antibodies, from Dr. Jean Dodd's work we see the connection to thyroid disease from vaccines, from aggression and seizures and lowered fertility and immunosuppression, we now see the T cell suppression that results after vaccination generating a rise in the cases of fungal, Demodex, coccidia, parasites and other diseases that rely on the cell mediated immunity to fend off the problems like Lyme's disease and other diseases with intracellular pathogens.

11. Complete thyroid panel with antibody screening (TPO Ab and Tg Ab) This is critical for the Hashimoto’s hypothyroid patients, who make up the bulk of this disease hack. A. TSH level, Free T4 and Free T3 (“free” means unbound fraction of hormone and is bio-available) B. Reverse T3: To be done at the same time you do the Free T3. Then calculate your ratio with the results and measurements. Realize that most labs do not make these two the same units, so you will to find a calculator online to make that conversion. C. Thyroid antibodies (TPO Ab and TgAb) D. Four iron labs, which include Ferritin, % Saturation, TIBC and serum iron mentioned above.

10 Things You Should Always Discuss with Your Gynecologist – Motherhood Chaitanya Hospital Your gynecologist is your partner in women’s health, and open communication is key to receiving the best care. From reproductive health to general well-being, here are 10 crucial topics you should always discuss with your gynecologist. If you’re in Chandigarh, consider reaching out to the Best Female Gynecologist in Chandigarh through Motherhood Chaitanya for expert care. 1. Menstrual Irregularities Don’t dismiss irregular periods as a minor issue. They could be indicative of underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disorders, or hormonal imbalances. 2. Contraception Discuss your contraception options to find the one that best suits your needs and lifestyle. Your gynecologist can provide guidance on various birth control methods, from pills to intrauterine devices (IUDs). 3. Pregnancy Planning If you’re planning to start a family, consult your gynecologist for preconception advice. This can help you prepare your body and address any potential risks or concerns. 4. Sexual Health Openly discuss any concerns related to sexual health, including pain during intercourse, sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or changes in sexual desire. Your gynecologist can provide guidance and offer solutions. 5. Menopause and Perimenopause If you’re in your 40s or approaching menopause, discuss perimenopausal symptoms like hot flashes, mood swings, and changes in menstrual patterns. Your gynecologist can recommend treatments to manage these changes. 6. Family History Share your family’s medical history, especially if there are instances of gynecological conditions, such as ovarian or breast cancer. This information is vital for early detection and prevention. 7. Breast Health Talk to your gynecologist about breast health, including breast self-exams and recommended mammograms. Regular breast checks are essential for early detection of breast cancer. 8. Pelvic Pain Don’t ignore persistent pelvic pain. It can signal a range of issues, including endometriosis, fibroids, or ovarian cysts. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial. 9. Urinary Issues Frequent urination, urinary incontinence, or pain during urination should be discussed. These symptoms can be linked to urinary tract infections or pelvic floor disorders. 10. Mental Health Your gynecologist is there to address your overall well-being. If you’re experiencing mood swings, anxiety, or depression, it’s important to discuss these mental health concerns. Your gynecologist can offer guidance or refer you to specialists if needed. In conclusion, your gynecologist is your go-to resource for women’s health, addressing a wide spectrum of issues. Open and honest communication is essential to ensure you receive the best care and support. If you’re in Chandigarh, consider consulting the Best Gynecologist Obstetricians in Chandigarh through Motherhood Chaitanya for expert guidance. Your health is a priority, and discussing these important topics with your gynecologist is a proactive step toward a healthier, happier you

How to tell if your heart chakra is blocked If your heart chakra has been blocked it will open doors to emotions like envy, rage, fear of rejection, sorrow and resentment towards others and yourself. The rising expression is by grudging against somebody or something. It nurtures their negative feelings, cutting them off from opportunities to attain inner peace and love, when one holds onto hurt. When your Heart Chakra is open you: • Are comfortable in your relationships • Give and receive love easily • Feel a sense of heartfelt gratitude for how wonderful your life is •       Appreciate others and feel compassion for yourself and others without feeling sorry for anyone. How to tell if your throat chakra is blocked  This chakra's blockage manifests in a peculiar way. Affected people will have trouble telling their facts, will find it hard to stay focused and pay attention and will often risk being judged by others. These manifestations may further impede their ability to see things clearly around them, and how they really are. Physical manifestations of the misalignment of this chakra are sore throat, thyroid gland issues, stiffness of the shoulder and neck and headaches. When your Throat Chakra is open you: • Voice the truth honestly • Imagine people listening to you • Know that you are genuinely understood and respected. How to tell if your third-eye chakra is blocked  Third-eye chakra blockage manifests through troubles to trust your inner voice and access your intuition, recall important facts or learn new skills. What is typical of this chakra-if the lower ones are misaligned-is center, sacral chakra, solar plexus, and core chakra, it is most probable that this one will also be unbalanced. Such equilibrium will lead you to behave dismissively, be more judgmental and become yourself. There is also a wide range of physical manifestations associated with blockage of the third-eye chakra, including dizziness, fatigue and brain health problems. Psychological symptoms include fear, depression and moral judgment. When your Third Eye Chakra is open you: • Trust and act with confidence •       Have a strong sense of your own inner truth and listen to it and follow it as it guides you along the path of your life.

It is not uncommon to see major resolution of hypothyroid symptoms just by following a gluten-free diet. However, avoiding gluten does not cure the disease.50 It simply helps tame the immune system so it stops attacking the thyroid tissue. Note: Many clinicians find removing casein, the protein molecule in all forms of dairy, is also integral to thyroid health. There is not as much research on casein intolerance as there is on gluten intolerance, however anecdotal evidence strongly suggests a diet that is not only gluten-free, but also dairy-free promises the best results in managing Hashimoto’s.

Monitoring and Supporting Hashimoto’s ​• ​After Hashimoto’s is assessed with a positive TPO and/or TGB serum antibody test, establish TH-1 or TH-2 dominance with an immunological serum test. Look at the percentage values, not the total. ​• ​A TH-1 serum profile includes interferon, IL-2, IL-12, interferon-gamma, and TNF alpha. ​• ​A TH-2 serum profile includes IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10. ​• ​If the TH-1 cytokines are high, then modulate the autoimmune condition by supporting the TH-2 pathway with TH-2 stimulators. ​• ​If the TH-2 cytokines are high, then support the TH-1 pathway with TH-1 stimulators. ​• ​A CD4/CD8 (T-suppressor cell/T-helper cell) ratio of 2 or higher is an indication that an active antigen is driving the autoimmune response. This test is also a baseline from which to monitor overall progress. ​• ​If an active antigen or hapten is at work, then stimulate the dominant TH pathway to eradicate the antigen or drive it into remission. ​• ​If both TH-1 and TH-2 stimulators make you feel worse, a hapten may be driving the autoimmune condition. In that case, restore the immune barriers. ​• ​In all instances, modulate immune T-helper cell response with therapeutic doses of emulsified vitamin D plus cofactors, fish oil, and liposomal glutathione and superoxide dismutase cream. Have a licensed healthcare practitioner qualified to work with vitamin D therapy prescribe the appropriate dose. ​• ​Add in nutritional compounds individually every three days to monitor response. ​• ​Remove gluten and possibly dairy from the diet and support other systems, organs, and functions in the body.  (Managing blood sugar, digestive function, and adrenal health using functional medicine principles is explained in later chapters.) ​• ​Monitor whether support is effective with follow-up TSH, CD4/CD8, and TH-1 and TH-2 cytokine tests.

Do you ever recommend low-dose naltrexone to your patients? For those reading this who aren’t familiar with low-dose naltrexone (LDN), I’ll give a brief explanation. Naltrexone is an FDA-approved medication, approved to help heroin and opium addicts by blocking opioid receptors. In 1985, Dr. Bernard Bihari experimented with lower doses of naltrexone and realized that it can modulate the immune system. Soon thereafter, it was found that LDN can benefit many people with autoimmune conditions, certain types of cancers, and some other chronic health conditions. While at times I recommend LDN to my patients, it’s not something I jump into for the following reasons: 1. LDN doesn’t do anything to address the cause of the problem. Although LDN can modulate the immune system, it doesn’t do anything to address the underlying cause of Hashimoto’s. However, some people choose to take LDN while simultaneously trying to detect and remove their triggers. 2. LDN isn’t always effective. Although I can’t say that I’ve had a lot of patients who have taken LDN, I’ve worked with enough people to see that LDN sometimes is effective, but, at other times, it doesn’t seem to help at all. 3. LDN can have a negative effect on sleep. Initially, it is common for LDN to interfere with sleep. However, this seems to be more common in those people who start with a higher dosage (i.e., 4.5 mg); thus, if this occurs, you would want to lower the dosage. Better yet, start with a lower dosage of LDN and then gradually increase it if necessary. When Do I Recommend Low-Dose Naltrexone? In most cases, I will recommend a natural treatment approach first, and if the person isn’t responding after a few months, then I’d consider LDN as an option. In addition, before someone takes LDN, it’s important to address certain imbalances in order to increase its effectiveness. For example, low or depressed vitamin D levels should be corrected before someone starts taking LDN. In addition, according to some healthcare professionals, having a Candida overgrowth also can make LDN less effective.

Eliminating gluten, dairy, corn, and soy will greatly benefit the health of most people with Hashimoto’s. These are four of the most problematic foods, and sometimes just eliminating these alone will greatly improve one’s symptoms and test results, although I would also add refined sugars to this list.

Fluorine and chlorine are two other halogens that can also interfere with iodine metabolism, and they can have a negative effect on our health in other ways as well. This is why you want to do everything you can to avoid exposure to fluoride by drinking purified water that filters out fluoride, as well as using fluoride-free toothpaste. You also want to minimize your exposure to chlorine, which you can also do by drinking purified water, as well as having a good quality water filter on your showerhead. Some reading this will wonder if they should avoiding swimming in chlorinated pools, and I definitely would try to minimize doing this, although I will add that you also need to enjoy life and shouldn’t be paranoid about completely avoiding exposure to all chemicals.

Once you have improved your immune system health, if you have an iodine deficiency and you choose to start taking iodine, I would recommend that you start with small doses while continuing to supplement with antioxidants such as selenium and vitamin C. As I mentioned earlier, you also want to eat a healthy diet consisting of plenty of vegetables.

Regarding your thyroid health, I would prioritize the following markers: TSH Free T3 Free T4 Thyroid peroxidase antibodies Thyroglobulin antibodies As for the other blood tests, at minimum I would order the following: Complete blood count with differential Comprehensive metabolic panel Lipid panel Iron panel (serum iron, ferritin, iron saturation, TIBC) 25-OH vitamin D High sensitivity CRP

GASTROINTESTINAL HEALTH TESTING Comprehensive stool panel. A comprehensive stool panel is one of the best, and perhaps THE best test, for determining the health of the digestive system.

Saccharomyces boulardii. Saccharomyces boulardii is another well-researched strain with many different health benefits. It is well known for helping people who have a Candida overgrowth.[44],[45] It also can be useful in the maintenance treatment of Crohn’s disease.[46] It can help to improve intestinal permeability,[47] and help reduce inflammation and dysfunction of the gastrointestinal tract in intestinal mucositis.[48]

Rabbit & Chicken Combo Ingredients: 3¾ pounds ground rabbit (ground rabbit typically includes the meat/bones/head which includes the heart, liver, and thyroid gland – check with your supplier) ¾ pound chicken thigh meat and skin (no bone) 14 oz chicken hearts (if not using – add 14 oz chicken meat/bones to recipe and add 4000 mg taurine) 0 or 7 oz chicken livers (if the ground rabbit contains liver – do not add) 2 cups water 4 egg yolks (raw egg whites contain avidin which depletes biotin in the body) 4000 mg wild salmon oil (never cod liver oil) 200 mg vitamin B complex 800 IU vitamin E 0 or 1.5 teaspoons lite iodized salt (if the ground rabbit contains the thyroid gland – do not add) 4000 mg taurine additionally, if freezing for more than a week Directions: 1. Rinse the meat, under cold running water, to remove surface bacteria. 2. Chunk up most of the chicken muscle meat with poultry shears. 3. Grind the rest of the chicken muscle meat, skin, liver (if using), and heart (if using) and add to ground rabbit. Stir well. 4. Measure two cups of water into a bowl and whisk in the egg yolks, salmon oil, vitamin B complex, vitamin E, lite iodized salt (if using), and added taurine (if using in place of hearts and/or adding because of freezing). 5. Mix the chunked meat, ground mixture and supplement mixture together. 6. Fill containers. Leave room in the containers for expansion from freezing. Mark the containers with the contents and date and freeze. Makes approximately 6¼ pounds (100 oz). Cats eat about 4-5 ounces per day. This recipe is not recommended for cats with chronic renal disease.

You can achieve anything in life if you focus on one task at a time.

Given the number of small cancers they did find and the number that they reasoned they had missed...the researchers concluded that virtually everybody would have some evidence of thyroid cancer if examined carefully enough.

In fact, there was so little carbohydrate/glucose in our ancestor’s diet that we evolved four ways of making extra glucose ourselves and only one way of getting rid of the excess we consume.

Part One—The Lipid Panel. Used to evaluate heart health, this panel comprises of four biological markers representing the four types of fat found in the blood—triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). Two additional measures of cardiovascular health, homocysteine and c-reactive protein (CRP), may also be measured as part of a more comprehensive profile. These two labs are discussed in Part Six, “Optional Tests” (see page 8). •  Part Two—The Basic Metabolic Panel. The labs used to evaluate metabolism measure blood sugar regulation, electrolyte and fluid balance, and kidney function. Biomarkers included in this panel are glucose, calcium, sodium, potassium, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine. •  Part Three—The Hepatic Function Panel. This panel determines how well your liver is functioning by measuring levels of different proteins produced and processed by the liver, like albumin and globulin, as well as liver enzymes. •  Part Four—The Complete Blood Count (CBC) Panel. The lab values measured in the complete blood count (CBC) panel include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and hemoglobin. Maintaining healthy levels of these biomarkers affect your vitality and energy, immune system, and cardiovascular health. •  Part Five—Hormones. Although they are not always included in a routine blood test, hormones should be periodically tested, especially in aging adults. Hormones such as estrogen, testosterone, progesterone, DHEA, and prostate specific antigen (PSA) play an integral role in reproductive wellness and affect other aspects of health. Maintaining balanced levels can slow down the aging process, for instance. Hormones involved in metabolism, like the thyroid hormones and the stress hormone cortisol, are also discussed in this section. •  Part Six—Optional Tests. This final part of the book highlights four tests—homocysteine, c-reactive protein (CRP), vitamin D, and magnesium—that are not typically measured unless requested, or if a standard blood test shows an abnormality that requires a more in-depth analysis. These tests can provide a more complete picture of heart health, immunity, calcium absorption, blood sugar regulation, and a number of other vital processes.

Gluten is associated with cancers of the mouth and throat, esophagus, small intestines, and lymph nodes. It is also associated with type 1 diabetes as well as thyroid disorders, such as Hashimoto’s, the most commonly diagnosed thyroid dysfunction in America. Many patients achieve normalization of their thyroid function only after adopting a gluten-free diet. Gluten sensitivity is also associated with other autoimmune diseases, such as Sjörgens syndrome and dermatitis herpetiformis. Hair loss, or autoimmune alopecia, is another presentation. It is also associated with depression, migraines, arthritis, fatigue, osteoporosis, and anemia, to name a few.

The major organs that produce hormones are the thyroid, ovaries, and adrenals.

Fatigue treatment/energy enhancement—For this purpose, we want to boost overall mitochondrial health, decrease inflammation in the blood, enhance immune function, optimize hormones, and decrease brain inflammation. First, take of all your clothes and shine it diffusely on your entire body for 30-60 seconds (from 24”-36” away), back and front from head to toe, to wake up every cell in your body. 1-2 minutes shining it on the neck and thyroid gland area and thymus area in the center of the chest, from roughly 6-12” away. There are studies already showing this can impact thyroid function (the studies were done in people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism), which is critical to metabolic health in the entire body. The light on the thymus can potentially enhance immune function. 1-2 minutes on your sex organs (from 6-12” away) if possible, as this will increase the health of those tissues and promote optimal hormonal function. 1-2 minutes on your belly (from 6-12” away) to get systemic effects through getting the red/NIR light in the entire blood of your body. (Remember, some research has shown systemic effects, likely from irradiating the blood and affecting blood cells, inflammatory cytokines, and immune cells.) 1-3 minutes on your forehead/brain (from 6-12” away) and another 1-3 minutes on the base of the neck and spine area to decrease brain inflammation and support mitochondrial health in the brain. Total treatment time should be no more than 10-12 minutes. Also, be aware that if you have severe fatigue (e.g. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome) or are very ill with a particular condition, you may need to cut these doses in half or even do only 1/4th or 1/5th of these recommendations to start. Remember that the more unwell you are, the smaller doses you should use, especially starting out.

As discussed in the section on thyroid health, in people with Hashimoto’s—a common autoimmune condition responsible for most hypothyroidism—red/NIR light has proven to have remarkably beneficial effects on immune function.

1-2 minutes shining it on the neck and thyroid gland area and thymus area in the center of the chest, from roughly 6-12” away. There are studies already showing this can impact thyroid function (the studies were done in people with Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism), which is critical to metabolic health in the entire body. The light on the thymus can potentially enhance immune function. 1-2 minutes on your sex organs (from 6-12” away) if possible, as this will increase the health of those tissues and promote optimal hormonal function.