HypoThyroid (Low Thyroid) and Stubborn Weight Loss
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What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is an endocrine gland located in the front of the neck.  It secretes thyroid hormone
which regulates protein synthesis, growth, temperature, oxygen consumption of cells, and
metabolic rate.  When thyroid hormone levels are low, signals from the brain tell the thyroid
gland to release more hormone in the form of T4.  This hormone is very influential over a
person's ability to burn fat.  Pathological diseases of the thyroid are rare, but subtle
decreases in thyroid function are very common and easy to treat. Note: Exercise is a great way
to stimulate the thyroid gland to release more T4.

What can Cause HypoThyroid?

Once the T4 is released, most of it must be converted into the active form of thyroid hormone
known as T3.  Poor conversion from T4 to T3 is often the cause of hypothyroid symptoms.  If
the conversion to T3 is not sufficient, you will have a sluggish metabolism and all of the
symptoms of low thyroid.  Selenium and other nutrients are required to properly convert to T3.  
If selenium is not available, the conversion will inappropriately result in Reverse T3 which is
NOT metabolically active.
Toxic exposure to things like mercury, fluoride, benzene, toluene, certain medications,
recreational drugs and alcohol can all disrupt this conversion.  In these cases, the problem
is not in the thyroid gland itself but rather the conversion of the hormone into its active form.  
This is one reason why thyroid related problems are often missed when doctors read thyroid
blood panels. The hormone might be present, but it is not working properly.

Are there Natural or Alternative Treatments for Low Thyroid?

If there is not enough active form of thyroid hormone (T3), a person may experience weight
gain, fatigue, emotional instability, mental sluggishness, muscle weakness, muscle
tremors, nervousness, anxiety, intolerance to cold, dry or rough skin or hair, puffy
hands or face, loss of the outer third of the eyebrow, joint aches, muscle cramps, and
constipation.  Proper nutritional intervention, detoxification (if needed) and lifestyle
modifications are the best ways to handle this condition.

When we look at those with low thyroid function, the first thing we need to assess is nutritional
deficiency.  Specific nutrients are used to make thyroid hormone, and other nutrients enable
the body to convert the hormone into its active form and to utilize the hormone effectively.  
Iodine is the most important nutrient for thyroid function, but there is a need for other nutrients
including selenium, tyrosine, zinc and many different vitamins.  

How would I know if I am Iodine deficient?

Sub-optimal Iodine levels are very common in America today.  Testing reveals that many
people do not get enough Iodine to meet their total body needs or to have optimal thyroid
health.  Iodine is not only concentrated in the thyroid, but also in breast tissue, prostate, testes,
ovaries, stomach and the sweat glands of the skin.  Often those low in Iodine do not sweat as
much as normal.

Those low in Iodine are susceptible to thyroid disorders as well as hormonal imbalance,
irregular or painful menstruation, indigestion, fibrous cystic disorders of the breasts,
ovaries (PCOS), testes and prostate and eventually cancer in those respective tissues.  
Testing reveals that some people require as high as 300 times the RDA level of Iodine to
re-establish normal iodine levels in their bodies.  I must caution everyone who reads this that
you should NOT take high doses of Iodine without being properly tested for Iodine deficiency.

Testing Iodine levels is very simple, accurate and inexpensive.  The test will tell you if your
body is starving for Iodine or if your body can not properly absorb Iodine.  The treatments for
either case are very simple and inexpensive as well.  A months supply of Iodine can cost as
little as $3.  Often this is all it takes to get someone's energy back and to trigger healthy weight
loss, not to mention the reduction in cancer risk.

How do I get Evaluated for Treatment?

Dr. Webster has had much success treating those with hypothyroid symptoms by determining
the exact cause of the hypothyroidism.  Each individual is unique and each person deserves a
treatment plan that is equally unique and customized to that individuals requirements.

Make an appointment with Dr. Webster to discuss options for Hypothyroid Disorders,
Stubborn Weight Loss or Iodine Deficiency today!  
972-735-0707