There is mounting evidence that the use of medications may be the primary reason we are seeing such a preponderance of thyroid problems.

There are many medications that interfere with proper thyroid function AND with the proper interpretation of thyroid function test results. These include: amphetamines, heart and cancer medications and iodide containing preparations (such as radio-contrast dyes used in most cat scans and angiograms) to name just a few. In addition,

non-prescription items contain iodides which can cause thyroid problems such as: many over-the-counter cough and cold preparations, aluminum-containing products, calcium carbonate and antacids, and cheap, synthetic dietary supplements.

Some doctors recommend taking an over-the-counter  desiccated natural thyroid hormone supplement. The makers of these supplements claim these thyroid hormones  are identical to those made by your thyroid. There is also a desiccated thyroid prescription drug that is derived from the dried thyroid gland of pigs. Common brand names include Armour Thyroid, Nature-throid, Westhroid, and Biotech. 

While desiccated thyroid is sometimes maligned by traditional doctors, many alternative physicians are comfortable prescribing and managing patients on natural thyroid drugs. My opinion? They are still drugs, with many of the associated side effects and risks.

These risks apply both to the standard T4 containing thyroid treatments (Synthroid and Levoxyl) as well as to the T3 containing alternative thyroid treatments (Cytomel and Armour Thyroid). High doses of thyroid tend to increase risk for abnormal heart rhythms, angina and heart attacks.

Additionally, I've never been a fan of glandulars from animals. I feel that our own bodies should produce the hormone from within and not receive it from without. It's simply not a natural order and certainly not a staple of a healthy diet.

To prevent, lessen or even reverse thyroid problems, there is a vital need for proper nutrition and healthy, holistic living, especially when we live in an environment filled with toxins, chemical residues, and rogue hormones.

Most of us are iodine deficient due to inadequate dietary intake and exposure to toxic substances that displace iodine, called toxic halides, which include inorganic fluoride, bromine and chloride. In fact, as many as 96% of all people tested are iodine deficient! Over the last 30 years, the NHANES (National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey I) has shown that iodine levels have dropped 50% in the U.S.A. alone.

Plus, the iodine supplements you see on the retail shelves are about 100 times too weak to be effective in stimulating your thyroid!

If you are currently taking a thyroid hormone like Synthroid, Levothroid, Levoxyl or Armour, taking an organic carbon-bond supplement that contains bioavailable iodine will actually reduce the amount of your prescription dosage needed - or even eliminate it altogether!

Since diet has a major influence on regulating proper thyroid hormones believed to improve thyroid health, it's smart to include vitamin-rich foods, including vegetables, as well as iodine-rich foods such as seafood and seaweed. Coconut oil is believed to help even out thyroid function as well as zinc, magnesium, evening primrose and cod liver oil. Selenium also  enhances conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active thyroid hormone T3.

Good healthy natural foods and supplementation are the way to go. This type of regimen has been shown to reverse many thyroid issues within 9 months to two years.
 

One last note: please remember that the only way pharmacies make money is to keep us dependent on medications by increasing their quantity and dosages. Make no mistake, making money IS their primary motivation. It would be counter-productive to their stock holders if you got well! So, let's take more of a proactive role in reducing risks associated with prescription medications by reducing their use, and thus lessening the associated risks and the power that medicines and pharmaceutical companies have on so many! 

Until next month, I remain yours in good health.