Nutrition. Vitamins. You.
HYPOTHYROIDISM Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Hypothyroidism is where the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. This can happen if there is a problem in the thyroid itself or a problem in the organ that controls the thyroid. For this lecture we will focus on the …
Part 2 of Autoimmune Thyroid Disorders Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND In our last blog we started by doing an overview of just what constitutes autoimmune thyroid disorders. Just like with any autoimmune disorder it is important to work on our overall health, including our digestive …
Thyroid Autoimmune Disorders!
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
Let us talk about Autoimmune and how it relates to the thyroid. This is important to talk about because thyroid health is much more complex than just under or overactive thyroid. It can be such a complex issue that I will be splitting it into 2 parts. This first part is a breakdown as to what autoimmune thyroid disorder is and the second part will focus on supplements. Let us get into it, shall we? What does autoimmune mean in this context? In this case autoimmune is a term referring to inflammation in the thyroid usually caused by the body’s immune system attacking the thyroid. The most common autoimmune system disorders of the thyroid are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, Graves’ disease, postpartum thyroiditis, and silent thyroiditis. Sub-clinical thyroid disorders can be triggered by leaky gut, and other pro-inflammatory situations including other autoimmune disorders. (1)
Hashimoto’s disease results in a slow decline of hormones as the cells are damaged by the immune system. The symptoms of Hashimoto’s start slow but proceed to more severe hypothyroidism symptoms as they progress. What exactly are these symptoms? See the attached photo. (8)
As for blood tests TSH and T3/T4 will be typical for hypothyroidism but what is unique is the presence of specific antibodies called thyroid peroxidase or TPO. Please see the picture below for typical lab results for hypothyroidism. Hashimoto’s disease is treated in two main ways. The first is to work with the thyroid to help regulate its function. The second is more about the underlying cause. (2)
In contrast to Hashimoto’s, there is Graves’ disease, which results in the overproduction of hormones or in other words the symptoms of hyperthyroidism.(3) Please see the attached photo for these symptoms. (9)
Lab results show typical TSH and T3/T4 for hyperthyroidism as well as antibodies to the thyroid. Please see below for typical hyperthyroidism labs. Radioactive iodine uptake can help determine Graves’ disease. The goal of treatment once again is to work on calming symptoms and address the underlying inflammation. (3) Now if you are wondering what I mean by “normal hypothyroid and hyperthyroid labs” I have included a chart right here so you can compare them! (10)
Postpartum thyroiditis is any thyroid dysfunction that occurs in the first 12 months after pregnancy. This may present as hyperthyroidism type symptoms or hypothyroidism type symptoms, or it may present as hyperthyroidism proceeding into hypothyroidism. Postpartum thyroiditis affects approximately 8% of pregnancies. Of those, one in five will develop permanent hypothyroidism that needs to be treated. Usual blood work will show antibodies to thyroglobulin, thyroid peroxidase, and TSH receptors. There is usually also a lymphocyte infiltration and T cell changes noted. In the initial phase there is usually a suppressed TSH. As time passes, this can shift to an increase in TSH, indicating that there is a shift from hyperthyroid to hypothyroidism. For most women there is no need to treat this condition as hormones will naturally regulate themselves. For others it is important to follow up with a health care provider to address the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction. (4)
Silent thyroiditis or sub-acute lymphocytic thyroiditis is a sub type of Hashimoto’s which features a goiter. In this condition, there are hyperthyroid symptoms followed by hypothyroidism symptoms. This can be diagnosed by a radioactive iodine uptake because in both hyperthyroid/hypothyroid you will have a decrease in iodine uptake. (5)
Goiter is a growth in the neck because of an enlarged thyroid, which is usually caused by iodine deficiency. A goiter or even a growth called a thyroid nodule may or may not be metabolically active. If it is active hyperthyroid symptoms can occur. If it is not active it can present as hypothyroid symptoms or in many cases, they are asymptomatic. Since these growths are most often associated with deficiencies of certain nutrients it is important to include those in any protocol. If they are caused by Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease or pituitary disease or thyroiditis it is important to work on this underlying cause. Goiters and nodules are usually not treated independently but rather as part of a protocol to treat something like Graves or Hashimoto’s. (6)
Last but not least is sub-clinical thyroid disorders which are usually related to leaky gut and other auto-immune issues such as RA, SLE, and Diabetes. In this situation blood work is normal but is sub-optimum. Treating the symptoms can help with feeling better, but it is particularly important to target other underlying issues such as gut dysbiosis and leaky gut with healthy probiotics.(7)
In our next part of this 2-part mini-series I will be talking about just what supplements you can use to help with the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disorders. I will be talking about supplements you might expect such as Turmeric, Omega 3s and something you may not expect such as Resveratrol!
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Thyroid and Women’s Health Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND Thyroid health is important for our overall wellbeing. But did you know that it can also affect women’s health concerns? In general women are more likely to be diagnosed with thyroid issues. In fact, up to …
Thyroid Health and the Adrenal Glands Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND When it comes to holistic health care 2 of the most common things to talk about are thyroid health and adrenal health. What is interesting about these 2 topics is that they are more …
How the Thyroid Impacts Weight Management
Dr. Claire Arcidiacono, ND
One topic that comes up often around summertime is weight management. Everyone wants to be ready for the beach! And one part of managing our weight is by working with our thyroid. Everyone knows the thyroid controls weight! But just how does it do this? Well, it works by increasing or decreasing our metabolism. In the medical world, this is known as basal metabolic rate or BMR. It is the number of calories you use to just live. Sleeping, breathing and even sitting are all things that contribute to the BMR. Being highly active and engaging in physical exercise will cause it to increase. BMR is usually calculated based on the following factors: age, gender, height, and weight. (1) In addition to the thyroid, other hormones can and do affect weight. For right now I will just be focusing on weight on weight. Let us get into it, shall we?
Studies show that people with low thyroid function had lower BMRs, compared to those with a higher-than-normal amount of thyroid hormone, who had higher BMRs. (2) Meaning, those with a decreased thyroid function gained weight easily; while those with an increase in thyroid function were able to lose weight.
Now, it is especially important to first determine if weight loss or weight gain is related to the thyroid. Bloodwork is always a wonderful place to start. While you are waiting for the test results you should start a food diary of anything you eat throughout the day. It is especially important to be honest about what you are eating if you want to try to balance your food intake. I know it might be embarrassing to write down or tell a nutritionist you had 4 slices of pizza, 3 times this week; but it’s easier to understand what we need to do when someone is honest about what they eat; rather than saying what they think we want to hear. Why do I am harping on this issue? Even with a thyroid disorder, what we eat is one of the most important things to help regulate our weight. While it is true that having a lower/higher level of thyroid hormone will make it easier to gain or lose weight, it is not the only concern regarding a healthy weight. Having a healthy or unhealthy relationship with food is just as important to talk about. (3) If you have a thyroid disorder and an unhealthy relationship with food, it is like throwing gasoline on a fire; it will only make it worse.
SO, WHAT CAN WE DO?
Well first, get blood work down then do your food log. Once you have your blood work and food log feel free to contact an Invite Health nutritionist. I am always happy to go over your food log. Email me at carcidiacono@invitehealth.com, if you are interested in working with me! Next, work with a nutritionist to determine what is going on with your thyroid. Is it higher than normal? Lower? Is there an autoimmune problem going on?
SUPPLEMENTS FOR WEIGHT MANAGEMENT and thyroid health
In addition to working on the thyroid and what you are eating, there are supplements that studies show can help with weight loss and weight gain.
HELPFUL WEIGHT LOSS DRINKS
*The following smoothie recipes can be used as a meal replacement
1 scoop of InVite Health Weight Management Protein
1 scoop of Oranges Hx
1 scoop of Collagen Hx
1 dropper-full Green Tea Tx
Open 1 capsule of Probiotic Hx Weight into the shaker or blender and mix.
Cut up and remove the pits from cherries! You can use as many or little as you like
Make any brand of Jell-O and add the cherries. While it is still liquid add the contents of 2 Trim Hx. Portion this delicious treat into 8 portions (each portion will be about ¼ cup not counting the cherries).
Allow it to cool and harden for a nice nighttime treat!
HELPFUL WEIGHT GAIN DRINKS
*The following smoothies will be best eaten in between meals for weight gain benefits (not instead or in place of one of the three meals eating each day)
Retro Weight Gainer
Milk of choice – Add 1 scoop of each of the following:
Weight Management Powder
Cocoa HxⓇ
Organic Greens Plus
Collagen HxⓇ
1 Avocado, or banana or 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Superfood Weight Gainer
Milk of choice and 1 avocado and 1 scoop of each:
Weight Management Powder
Reds Hx
Purples Hx
Yummy muffins!
To a blender add ½ cup of oatmeal, 2 eggs, 1 banana, 1 teaspoon vanilla and 1 scoop of Weight Management Powder. Add 2 scoops of Multi Energy Powder. Start with 2 tablespoons of water, adding as you blend. Your goal is a mix that is thick, but you can still pour. Place in muffin tin and bake till a toothpick comes out clean. 350 degrees for about 10-15 minutes is ideal, but it is best to test!
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