Hypothyroidism (low thyroid) will affect 12 percent of the U.S. population in their lifetime, according to the American Thyroid Association. When the thyroid doesn’t create and release enough hormones into the bloodstream, the metabolism slows down. This causes a variety of symptoms, including tiredness, weight gain, intolerance to cold, anxiety, depression, and high cholesterol. If undetected, hypothyroidism can lead to cardiovascular issues, osteoporosis, infertility, and other serious conditions.
Thyroid disorders are often misdiagnosed. The truth is, the causes of thyroid problems are largely unknown from an allopathic point of view. When it comes to thyroid issues, the most common recourse is treatment with pharmaceuticals. However, wholistic practitioners have learned how to approach these issues more effectively with natural solutions.
Sir Robert McCarrison, MD, knighted in England for his groundbreaking research into the relationship between nutrition and deficiency disease in India in the early 1900s, greatly advanced our understanding of the true cause of endocrine decline. Dr. McCarrison made it clear that the first structures to atrophy and degenerate from vitamin and mineral deficiencies—resulting from too much adulterated foods and not enough animal substances in the diet—are the adrenals, thyroid, and pituitary endocrine glands.
The following is a review of the three vitamin, mineral, and gland-specific proteins (known as protomorphogens, or PMGs) needed in the diet of human beings—and, when lacking, are at the core of declining thyroid health.
Vitamin F
Unsaturated fatty acids are derived from the oils of fatty fish, plants (avocados, coconut), and seeds and nuts (flaxseed, sesame). Vitamin F is the key vitamin needed for the balanced release of hormone in the thyroid cycle. It cooperates with thyroxin to make it acceptable to the tissues in the body, and it works in cooperation with vitamin K and the spleen for mineral regulation, especially calcium distribution from the blood into the tissues of the body.
The most effective supplement source of vitamin F factors is Cataplex F Tablets (3 twice daily).
Iodine
A critical mineral that comprises 65 percent of thyroxine (T4), iodine makes up to two-thirds of the thyroid by dry weight. Blood labs previously evaluated thyroxine by the iodine content measured in the blood. Iodine provides the molecular fuel for metabolism and vitality throughout the body. The thyroid cells are specialized for extracting iodine from the blood and incorporating it into thyroid hormones. Iodine is a disinfectant for the blood, decreases fibrotic growth, helps neutralize viruses in infectious states, and prevents the toxic halogens of bromine, fluorine, and chlorine from entering the cellular network. The World Health Organization considers iodine deficiency to be the main cause of impaired cognitive development.
The most effective source of iodine is Prolamine Iodine Plus (1 capsule, once or twice daily).
Thytrophin PMG
In the 1930s, Dr. Royal Lee expanded the work of both Dr. McCarrison and Dr. Henry Harrower, a renowned endocrinologist and organotherapist who introduced glandular therapy to wholistic health care. Dr. Lee’s groundbreaking work in the development of protomorphogens (nucleoproteins) revolutionized the use of glandulars in normalizing (self-regulating) organ, gland, and tissue function. The application of protomorphogens continues to this day to be significant in regulating tissue decline in autoimmune syndromes.
Thytrophin PMG from Standard Process is the third critical nutrient needed in balancing thyroid function. I recommend 3 tablets twice daily on an empty stomach, but keep in mind it takes approximately three to six months to be effective.
When any tissue in the body is damaged or broken down, necrotic (dead) tissue proteins may leak into the blood. This antigenic material is neutralized by antibodies that remove the cellular debris. Once accomplished, the antibodies may attack the source of the tissue breakdown, creating an autoimmune reaction. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is the final result of such an immune assault. Thytrophin PMG redirects the attacking antibodies, removing the burden on the thyroid so that healing can occur. Thytrophin PMG is the most sought-after protomorphogen in the Standard Process line. It has been used by millions of practitioners and their clients since it was introduced in 1952.
Cataplex F Tablets, Prolamine Iodine Plus, and Thytrophin PMG from Standard Process can help the thyroid return to normalcy. Over time, the beleaguered yet essential endocrine gland can release its powerful hormones to regulate the metabolism (action) of every cell in the body.
Also consider the following activities and lifestyle recommendations to support the thyroid:
- Eat smaller amounts of food, including Paleo-based, non-goitrogenic, satisfying foods.
- Laugh more.
- Sing more.
- Try chanting and meditations.
- Engage in relaxing daily movement such as tai chi, yoga, or any modality that gets the body, mind, and spirit back into the natural rhythms and flow of life.
Check out Adjuvant Protocols for Healing: A Practitioner’s Manual for additional insights into hypothyroidism.
Images from iStock/ablokhin (main), AlexRaths (foods), Inside Creative House (man meditating).
