Hypothyroidism – What You Need to Know
25% of the Canadian population have low thyroid function. The most common cause ofhypothyroidism in Canada is named after Dr. Hashimoto who first described it in 1912. Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s own immune system attacks and destroys the thyroid tissue. This type of thyroid disease tends to run in families and is 5 to 10 times more common in women than men.
A blood test can determine advanced stages of low thyroid function, however, a basal temperature test and symptoms assessment maybe a more reliable way to identify the early stages of thyroid disease.
Caught early enough, low thyroid function often responds well to nutritional supplements, and lifestyle management. Normal Range Blood Analysis: TSH: 0.35 –5.5, Free T4: 11.5 – 23.2, Free T3: 3.5 – 6.5
Symptoms Include
• Low body temperature
• Unable to lose weight
• Skin is dry, coarse, scaly and thick
• Hair is dry, coarse, breaking/falling out
• Hoarse or gravely voice
• Low blood pressure
• Outer third of eyebrow missing
• Constipation, sometimes severe
• Chronic fatigue, exhaustion
• Puffiness and swelling around eyes/face
• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Muscle and joint pain
• Trouble conceiving a baby
• More frequent colds and infections
• Diminished sex drive
• Swelling in neck or throat
• Feelings of butterflies in chest
• Mood disorders, depression
• Family history of thyroid disease
• Poor short-term memory
- Eat protein with every meal and snack
- Avoid supplemental iodine and iodized salt unless recommended by your health practitioner – too much iodine can cause hyper-thyroidism
- Speak to a Nutritional Consultant who can design a meal plan and provide recommendations for nutritional supplements, specific to your needs.
submitted by Kathy Shackleton, RHN Nutritionist wellnessinbalance@sympatico.ca
