Thyroid-5 Steps to Vibrant Health

I believe the organ systems in our bodies work together and that no one part of our body functions completely by itself. The thyroid gland influences and is affected by the pituitary, adrenals, digestive system, blood sugar mechanisms and our immune response. The basic metabolic functions it supervises can easily be thrown out of balance when these other organs are not operating at their peak efficiency.

These 5 steps can help re balance your thyroid for more vibrant energy and well being.

1. Take a careful look at how much wheat you are eating. A high number of people with thyroid conditions suffer from un-diagnosed gluten intolerance. Gluten is a protein found primarily in wheat, rye, oats, corn and barley. When the body cannot digest this gluten protein properly an inflammatory response occurs in the gut which can lead to joint and muscle pain, fatigue, nausea , gas, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, hives, painful sores and rashes.1 It takes some organization to eliminate the gluten containing foods and replace them with healthy alternatives. Most people will feel positive results within 21 days but to make a permanent shift you may need to be gluten free for at least 3-6 months.

2. Look at your blood sugar levels and the carbohydrate foods you eat in your daily diet. People with thyroid problems experience a higher levels of obesity and diabetes. Both high blood sugar from eating too many carbs and low blood sugar from hypoglycemia can suppress and aggravate thyroid function.

3. Are you stressed out? High levels of stress makes it difficult for your body to utilize whatever amounts of thyroid hormone it is able to produce and can create an inflammatory response with multiple hormone imbalances. Take up meditation, yoga or stress management to relax. Laugh and have fun. Go to sleep early and find more ways to experience pleasure.

4. Check your vitamin D levels. Many of the disorders related to thyroid problems make it difficult to utilize vitamin D properly. Vitamin D regulates the immune response, balances the blood sugar & insulin metabolism and influences our stress reactions. If you have an inflammatory response in the gut from gluten intolerance, are overly stressed or have a poor blood sugar metabolism your ability to absorb Vitamin D and utilize it properly can be compromised.

5. Think about your digestion and elimination. Healthy intestinal bacteria regulate our immune response, help to process and convert thyroid hormones, and reduce stress. If you are having gas, bloating, constipation, diarrhea or acid stomach you can take a stool test to determine the best means of restoring healthy gut function.

All of us are biochemically unique and most people with thyroid problems need systematic help with testing from a trained practitioner. However-these are steps you can use to find out what brings you better rest, more energy and pain relief.


For information on foods that can help your thyroid and how to use clinical detox to improve your thyroid you might also enjoy:

Your Thyroid Gland and You
Signs that You May Have a Thyroid Problem
Who Needs Clinical Detox


References:
1. Digestive Diseases and Sciences, February 2000;45:403-406.

Natural Regenerative Therapy for Glaucoma

 

Natural therapies can be of great value in helping your eyes to heal and to have better results with your prescription medication. Glaucoma is a serious condition – so medical intervention with regular checkups is important. These suggestions
are meant to work in conjunction with the instructions from your MD.

Too Much Stress Is Hard on the Eyes

Our eyes and especially eyes with glaucoma or other eye diseases like cataracts, macular degeneration etc. are very susceptible to oxidative stress.

As the cells in our body accomplis their natural metabolic processes toxic byproducts called free radicals and peroxides are produced. These chemicals  produce oxidative stress.

Mother nature has given us a sophisticated means of neutralizing these buzz bombs with super active enzymes working to support our detox process…. but some people need extra help to reduce the effects of this  physiological stress. 

Vitamin C therapy can help reduce the intraocular pressure (IOP) that may build up in the eye due to oxidative stress.  Bioflavanoids-a  form of vitamin C from citrus, lipoic acid, magnesium, B12, and omega 3 fatty acids from fish oils also reduce oxidative stress, improve circulation and blood flow to the eyes.

Life Can Be Sweet Without So Much Sugar

Insulin resistance, levels of insulin that are too high and difficulty processing carbohydrate foods causes diabetes, weight problems and can raise your blood pressure. All of these are associated with elevated eye pressure.

Avoid sugar- cut  back on how much you use. Reduce bread, pasta, potatoes, rice, crackers, cereal etc to balance your insulin metabolism.  Get your blood sugar level checked regularly because like glaucoma insulin related problems can be difficult to feel.

Regular exercise-walking, yoga, swimming, bike riding or perhaps  aerobics can  rebalance blood sugar metabolism reduce stress, improve well being and decrease the buildup of ocular pressure. However, it depends on what is going on with your eyes -check with your MD. Make sure the exercise you plan on doing regularly will be easy on your eyes.

Are Your Adrenals Wearing Their Dancing Shoes?

An intricate dance goes on between our adrenals, the kidneys and the mineral stores in our body. The adrenals regulate the kidneys with aldosterone. The kidneys respond by excreting urine with contains minerals. Our fluid balance and minerals stores change which affects our blood pressure and fluid levels in the body & our eyes.

Rebalance your adrenals by- reducing stress,  practicing meditation, learning how to sleep/rest more deeply and walking your dogs or playing with pets you love.  The adrenals work in close connection with the thyroid- have your thyroid checked at the same time your blood sugar is evaluated.

Vitamin C therapy, B complex, calcium magnesium and zinc  help reduce the stress load and normalize kidney and adrenal function.

Other alternative possibilities  include: homeopathy, herbal therapy, nutrition, acupuncture, acupressure, chiropractic, ayurvedic therapies and massage.

Eat Nutrient Rich Foods Every Day

Use these foods to protect the eyes, promote healthy vision and slow down the progression of eye disease, decrease IOP, and strengthen blood flow to the eyes

*spinach, kale, chard, collards, broccoli, brussel sprouts, leafy green veggies and egg yolks are high in lutein &  zeathin.  

*orange fruits and vegetables: squash, carrots, pumkin, yams, sweet potatoes and apricots contain vitamin A derivatives

*almonds, sunflower& pumpkin seeds, hazlenuts and wheat germ are rich in vitamin E.

*berries-cranberries, blueberries, bilberry, raspberry etc are high in bioflavanoids a natural form of vitamin c

* things to avoid: excess caffeine, alcohol, smoking and rich fatty foods with high sugar content like doughnuts, pastries and fried foods.

 

 Be gentle with yourself- Start with one or two changes at a time and listen to what your body tells you. Let your inner vision guide you to what helps you feel more relaxed and rejuvenated.

 

“The natural healing force within each of us

is the greatest force in getting well.” - Hippocrates

 

Resources:

1. http//www.ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmid/17604498

“A novel perspective on natural therapeutic approaches in glaucoma therapy”.

Mozaffarieh M. Flammer J.

 

2. http//www/ncbi.nim.nih.gov/pmc/articles/pmd/11302779

“Natural therapies for ocular disorders, part two:cataracts and glaucoma”.

 Head, KA.

 

You might also enjoy Inner Vision, Glaucoma and Love and Take the Pressure Off Your Pressure.