Thyroid
Thyroid therapy talks March 13 & 20
06/Mar/13 11:31 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Tired of feeling TIRED and think your thyroid may be to blame? Confused by testing and medication for your thyroid?
Join me for a free talk on Thyroid Therapy! They don’t call the thyroid the “master gland” of the body for nothing!
Discover:
Please RSVP by calling the library!
Check out more articles all about thyroid on my blog and see my Events page for more upcoming events and topics!
Tired of feeling TIRED and think your thyroid may be to blame? Confused by testing and medication for your thyroid?
Join me for a free talk on Thyroid Therapy! They don’t call the thyroid the “master gland” of the body for nothing!
Discover:
- Types of thyroid dysfunction
- How to decode thyroid testing
- Naturopathic treatment options for thyroid health
- Wednesday, March 13th, 7pm at Deer Park Library, 40 St. Clair Avenue East, 416-393-7657
- Wednesday, March 20th, 7pm at Main Street Library, 137 Main Street, 416-393-7700
Please RSVP by calling the library!
Check out more articles all about thyroid on my blog and see my Events page for more upcoming events and topics!
Comments
10 tips for thyroid balance
19/Feb/13 07:08 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Hypothyroidism is rampant, especially among women. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to boost thyroid function! To take your thyroid therapy to the next level, seek treatment with a naturopathic doctor.
If you need some background on thyroid hormones and function, check on my blog on Decoding thyroid testing first.
1. Emphasize nutrition
Are you eating whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods that come from your kitchen and not a fast food restaurant? If not, remember that you need many nutrients to feel your best and your thyroid gland is no exception! Not all food is created equal and the most processed, sweetest, saltiest, fattiest foods are devoid of what you need to feel good. Iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and tyrosine are just a few of the nutrients key for thyroid health.
Here are just a few of the nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function: iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, tyrosine. Want to know which foods to eat to get them? Check out the World’s Healthiest Foods.
2. Avoid the worst goitrogens
Have you heard of goitrogens? These are compounds found in some foods that can impair thyroid function. If you search online, you will easily find lots of long lists and you might get confused as to whether you should eat ANY foods that contains these... If you want more detailed info, check out this great article on goitrogens from the World’s Healthiest Foods.
My simple rule is to avoid high intake of soy and corn (you’d be surprised how pervasive and sneaky these are), avoid EXCESSIVE intake of other goitrogens, and to COOK goitrogenic foods to reduces their activity.
3. Eat less sugar
Besides the fact that sugar increases the risk of every chronic disease and makes human beings foggy, fat, and fatigued, high sugar intake leads to high insulin (and insulin resistance!).
Insulin triggers increased thyroid binding globulin, which is the protein that carries thyroid hormones around in your body. If you have more of this protein, more thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) will be bound up, making less free hormone available to do its job all over your body and resulting in symptoms of hypothyroidism.
4. Reduce caffeine
Did you know that caffeine interferes with the activity of T3 (the thyroid hormone active in your body tissues)? Take it easier on the caffeine and if you’re relying on caffeine to get you through your day or make it possible for you to think clearly, please reconsider your state of health. You can function wonderfully by working on your health rather than relying on stimulants!
5. Just say no to drugs
And if you think I’m talking about illicit drugs, you’re wrong!
Did you know that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (aka SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication) reduce levels of T3? Surprising, right? This means that sometimes patients who are depressed and start taking this type of medication can actually feel WORSE because low T3 levels are associated with depression and many of its symptoms! There are so many great options for treating depression (and anxiety too) with naturopathic medicine whether you are on medication or not. Come in and have a chat with me to learn more.
6. Harmonize hormones
Especially estrogen, which influences all sorts of health issues these days. Many women (and men) are in an estrogen dominant state and excess estrogen (either produced by you or coming from external sources such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy) can reduce the efficiency of T4.
I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you can balance hormones naturally! Rather than ignore the problem or cover it up by using external hormones, why not seek to understand and treat hormonal imbalance so your body can work better? I have a special interest in women’s health issues at all ages, so contact me to learn more.
7. Stop smoking
Nicotine depresses thyroid hormone levels to create a chronic underlying hypothyroid state and is also hard on your adrenal health. So if you needed just one more reason to quit this toxic habit, there you go! Need help quitting? There are amazing naturopathic treatments to support you in quitting smoking and I’d love to help you, so come see me!
8. Detoxify
The thyroid gland is very sensitive to toxins such as heavy metals (particularly lead and mercury), chlorine, fluoride, xenoestrogens, PCBs, and probably many others!
We are surrounded by so many more toxins that ever before and much of the time we cannot directly control our exposure. However, you can improve your body’s ability to deal with this toxic onslaught by regularly engaging in safe and healthy total body detox and improving the function of your elimination organs. I’m very interested in detoxification and offer a Total Body Detox program both individually and a group program every spring, so check it out!
9. Prioritize exercise
Not only is getting enough exercise the #1 best possible health habit you can do to prevent every chronic disease out there (for more on this, see my blog What is the best medicine?), but it also helps thyroid hormones conversion in your body, helping them to work better and more efficiently!
Too tired to exercise? You may be in a vicious cycle and you can break it! If you exercise more, your energy and stamina can improve dramatically, which gives you more energy to do everything you need to do (including exercise).
10. Decrease stress
Cortisol, a major stress hormone produced by your adrenal glands, decreases T3, increases risk of auto-antibody production (hello Hashimoto’s or Graves), and interferes with thyroid function. Healthy adrenal function and addressing chronic stress are cornerstones to a healthy thyroid.
There are lots of ways to work on stress and adrenal support with naturopathic treatment, so come talk with me about it!
Hypothyroidism is rampant, especially among women. Luckily, there are some simple steps you can take to boost thyroid function! To take your thyroid therapy to the next level, seek treatment with a naturopathic doctor.
If you need some background on thyroid hormones and function, check on my blog on Decoding thyroid testing first.
1. Emphasize nutrition
Are you eating whole, unprocessed, nutrient-dense foods that come from your kitchen and not a fast food restaurant? If not, remember that you need many nutrients to feel your best and your thyroid gland is no exception! Not all food is created equal and the most processed, sweetest, saltiest, fattiest foods are devoid of what you need to feel good. Iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, and tyrosine are just a few of the nutrients key for thyroid health.
Here are just a few of the nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function: iodine, zinc, copper, selenium, vitamin D, vitamin E, tyrosine. Want to know which foods to eat to get them? Check out the World’s Healthiest Foods.
2. Avoid the worst goitrogens
Have you heard of goitrogens? These are compounds found in some foods that can impair thyroid function. If you search online, you will easily find lots of long lists and you might get confused as to whether you should eat ANY foods that contains these... If you want more detailed info, check out this great article on goitrogens from the World’s Healthiest Foods.
My simple rule is to avoid high intake of soy and corn (you’d be surprised how pervasive and sneaky these are), avoid EXCESSIVE intake of other goitrogens, and to COOK goitrogenic foods to reduces their activity.
3. Eat less sugar
Besides the fact that sugar increases the risk of every chronic disease and makes human beings foggy, fat, and fatigued, high sugar intake leads to high insulin (and insulin resistance!).
Insulin triggers increased thyroid binding globulin, which is the protein that carries thyroid hormones around in your body. If you have more of this protein, more thyroid hormones (T4 and T3) will be bound up, making less free hormone available to do its job all over your body and resulting in symptoms of hypothyroidism.
4. Reduce caffeine
Did you know that caffeine interferes with the activity of T3 (the thyroid hormone active in your body tissues)? Take it easier on the caffeine and if you’re relying on caffeine to get you through your day or make it possible for you to think clearly, please reconsider your state of health. You can function wonderfully by working on your health rather than relying on stimulants!
5. Just say no to drugs
And if you think I’m talking about illicit drugs, you’re wrong!
Did you know that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (aka SSRIs, the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medication) reduce levels of T3? Surprising, right? This means that sometimes patients who are depressed and start taking this type of medication can actually feel WORSE because low T3 levels are associated with depression and many of its symptoms! There are so many great options for treating depression (and anxiety too) with naturopathic medicine whether you are on medication or not. Come in and have a chat with me to learn more.
6. Harmonize hormones
Especially estrogen, which influences all sorts of health issues these days. Many women (and men) are in an estrogen dominant state and excess estrogen (either produced by you or coming from external sources such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy) can reduce the efficiency of T4.
I’m starting to sound like a broken record, but you can balance hormones naturally! Rather than ignore the problem or cover it up by using external hormones, why not seek to understand and treat hormonal imbalance so your body can work better? I have a special interest in women’s health issues at all ages, so contact me to learn more.
7. Stop smoking
Nicotine depresses thyroid hormone levels to create a chronic underlying hypothyroid state and is also hard on your adrenal health. So if you needed just one more reason to quit this toxic habit, there you go! Need help quitting? There are amazing naturopathic treatments to support you in quitting smoking and I’d love to help you, so come see me!
8. Detoxify
The thyroid gland is very sensitive to toxins such as heavy metals (particularly lead and mercury), chlorine, fluoride, xenoestrogens, PCBs, and probably many others!
We are surrounded by so many more toxins that ever before and much of the time we cannot directly control our exposure. However, you can improve your body’s ability to deal with this toxic onslaught by regularly engaging in safe and healthy total body detox and improving the function of your elimination organs. I’m very interested in detoxification and offer a Total Body Detox program both individually and a group program every spring, so check it out!
9. Prioritize exercise
Not only is getting enough exercise the #1 best possible health habit you can do to prevent every chronic disease out there (for more on this, see my blog What is the best medicine?), but it also helps thyroid hormones conversion in your body, helping them to work better and more efficiently!
Too tired to exercise? You may be in a vicious cycle and you can break it! If you exercise more, your energy and stamina can improve dramatically, which gives you more energy to do everything you need to do (including exercise).
10. Decrease stress
Cortisol, a major stress hormone produced by your adrenal glands, decreases T3, increases risk of auto-antibody production (hello Hashimoto’s or Graves), and interferes with thyroid function. Healthy adrenal function and addressing chronic stress are cornerstones to a healthy thyroid.
There are lots of ways to work on stress and adrenal support with naturopathic treatment, so come talk with me about it!
Decoding thyroid testing
27/Jan/13 05:37 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
Do you feel like thyroid lab testing might as well be a foreign language? You’re not alone!
One of the most confusing aspects of thyroid dysfunction is understanding thyroid testing. What tests have been done and what do they mean? What other testing can be helpful to gain a deeper understanding of thyroid function? This blog will teach you the basics of thyroid function and explain the meaning and purpose behind both common and less common testing available.
Background:
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the throat that plays a major role in regulating temperature, basal metabolic rate, and nearly every other tissue and system in the body! It can affect digestion, the nervous system, heart health, musculoskeletal system, reproduction and fertility, and skin.
You’ve probably heard the terms “hypothyroidism” and hyperthyroidism before, right? Since they sound nearly EXACTLY the same, sometimes people get confused, so here is a comparison:
HYPO-thyroidism:
Hypo means under, or less than normal, so hypothyroidism is less than normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are the result of this slowed down or sluggish function and include: fatigue, cold intolerance, cold extremities, low libido, infertility, thinning eyebrows, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, poor memory, constipation, heavy periods, irregular periods, menstrual cramps, weight gain (but can see weight loss), puffy eyes, elevated cholesterol.
HYPER-thyroidism:
Hyper means the opposite of hypo: above or higher than normal, so hyperthyroidism is excessive or higher than normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are therefore the results of this speeded up function and include: fatigue, sweating, heat intolerance, flushing, nervousness, anxiety, heart palpitations, increased heart rate and blood pressure, oily skin, insomnia, tremor, irregular periods, weight loss (despite normal or high appetite), goiter, protruding eyes.
The hormone cascade:
Your brain (specifically the hypothalamus) make a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) that stimulates another part of your brain (this time the pituitary gland and specifically the anterior part of it) to make thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH causes your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones which have action in your body tissues.
Thyroid hormones are called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 (which is a prehormone) is released in greater quantities by the thyroid because it is converted into T3 by tissues. T3 is much more active than T4 and most of it is produced through this peripheral conversion of T4. These thyroid hormone levels also provide a feedback signal to both your hypothalamus and pituitary gland as to whether they need to increase or decrease their production of their hormones respectively.
Basic testing:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
The most basic screening test for thyroid function is TSH, which is measuring production by the pituitary gland as it aims to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, a HIGH TSH level indicates an UNDER-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism); the high TSH level means that the pituitary gland is over-producing TSH trying to stimulate a thyroid gland that may not be responding adequately. The reverse is true for hyperthyroidism: TSH will be LOW, indicating an OVER-functioning thyroid gland. Just remember that a high number means you’re low and vice versa!
Free thyroxine (free T4):
This is the next most common test you will likely see as this is the thyroid hormone produced in larger quantities by the thyroid gland. T4 is converted to the more active triiodothyronine (T3) in your body tissues. “Free” means this test measures the metabolically active hormone; a total T4 test measures both free hormone and hormone bound to a carrier protein (thyroid binding globulin).
Free triiodothyronine (free T3):
This test less common, but is useful for measuring the second hormone produced by the thyroid gland and actual action of thyroid hormones in your body. “Free” means this test measures the metabolically active hormone; a total T3 test measures both free hormone and hormone bound to a carrier protein (thyroid binding globulin).
Antibodies:
You’ve probably heard of autoimmune disease, right? Just to refresh, autoimmune disease occurs when your body makes antibodies (part of your body’s immune response) to tissues or substances that are part of you. This means your body is attacking itself and causing damage.
Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by an autoimmune process, so it is important to test antibody levels to determine whether this is the case because it helps us understand more about why a patient has thyroid dysfunction and guides treatment decisions. Autoimmune hypothyroidism (called Hashimoto’s) is the most common form of hypothyroidism. Graves disease is the name for autoimmune hyperthyroidism.
There are many types of antibody tests, but below I have given you the basics on the two most common
Antimicrosomal/Antithyroid peroxidase:
These antibodies are found in most patients with autoimmune thyroid dysfunction, usually Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) is the most sensitive test for antimicrosomal antibodies. Anti-TPO is present in nearly all Hashimoto’s patients and is also present in a high percentage of Graves patients. It can also be present in patients with other autoimmune diseases. This test provides a measure of the degree of inflammation/attack occurring in the thyroid.
Antithyroglobulin antibody:
This is another common thyroid antibody test that is found less often in autoimmune thyroid conditions. However, it is a good idea to test both antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin in conjunction to maximize sensitivity and specificity and correctly and accurately diagnose thyroid dysfunction.
Other useful tests:
Ultrasound:
Taking an ultrasound of the thyroid gland helps visualize abnormalities of the thyroid, such as nodules or cancer as well as measure the extent of any thyroid enlargement/inflammation.
Reverse T3 (rT3):
Reverse T3 is a virtually inactive form of T3 that binds to T3 receptors and therefore blocks the action of normal T3. If this type of T3 is too high, other thyroid testing does not give a true picture of thyroid function. This is much less commonly used test but can be very useful when you want to delve deeper to understand thyroid function and to the best treatment for you.
Thyroid binding globulin:
This tests the amount of the protein that carries thyroid hormones to tissues and helps to understand whether an abnormally high amount of thyroid hormone is bound up and therefore unavailable. When this happens, TSH will increase to produce more T4 and T3 to increase the amount of hormone that is free, or metabolically active.
Gluten sensitivity testing:
As discussed in my blogs on gluten sensitivity, thyroid dysfunction (autoimmune and otherwise) is correlated with gluten sensitivity and in some cases, identifying this sensitivity can aid in regulating thyroid function. For more on this subject, see my blog on gluten sensitivity testing and why gluten sensitivity matters.
Do you feel like thyroid lab testing might as well be a foreign language? You’re not alone!
One of the most confusing aspects of thyroid dysfunction is understanding thyroid testing. What tests have been done and what do they mean? What other testing can be helpful to gain a deeper understanding of thyroid function? This blog will teach you the basics of thyroid function and explain the meaning and purpose behind both common and less common testing available.
Background:
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland found at the base of the throat that plays a major role in regulating temperature, basal metabolic rate, and nearly every other tissue and system in the body! It can affect digestion, the nervous system, heart health, musculoskeletal system, reproduction and fertility, and skin.
You’ve probably heard the terms “hypothyroidism” and hyperthyroidism before, right? Since they sound nearly EXACTLY the same, sometimes people get confused, so here is a comparison:
HYPO-thyroidism:
Hypo means under, or less than normal, so hypothyroidism is less than normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are the result of this slowed down or sluggish function and include: fatigue, cold intolerance, cold extremities, low libido, infertility, thinning eyebrows, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails, poor memory, constipation, heavy periods, irregular periods, menstrual cramps, weight gain (but can see weight loss), puffy eyes, elevated cholesterol.
HYPER-thyroidism:
Hyper means the opposite of hypo: above or higher than normal, so hyperthyroidism is excessive or higher than normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism are therefore the results of this speeded up function and include: fatigue, sweating, heat intolerance, flushing, nervousness, anxiety, heart palpitations, increased heart rate and blood pressure, oily skin, insomnia, tremor, irregular periods, weight loss (despite normal or high appetite), goiter, protruding eyes.
The hormone cascade:
Your brain (specifically the hypothalamus) make a hormone called thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH) that stimulates another part of your brain (this time the pituitary gland and specifically the anterior part of it) to make thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH causes your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormones which have action in your body tissues.
Thyroid hormones are called thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). T4 (which is a prehormone) is released in greater quantities by the thyroid because it is converted into T3 by tissues. T3 is much more active than T4 and most of it is produced through this peripheral conversion of T4. These thyroid hormone levels also provide a feedback signal to both your hypothalamus and pituitary gland as to whether they need to increase or decrease their production of their hormones respectively.
Basic testing:
Thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH):
The most basic screening test for thyroid function is TSH, which is measuring production by the pituitary gland as it aims to stimulate the thyroid gland. Therefore, a HIGH TSH level indicates an UNDER-functioning thyroid (hypothyroidism); the high TSH level means that the pituitary gland is over-producing TSH trying to stimulate a thyroid gland that may not be responding adequately. The reverse is true for hyperthyroidism: TSH will be LOW, indicating an OVER-functioning thyroid gland. Just remember that a high number means you’re low and vice versa!
Free thyroxine (free T4):
This is the next most common test you will likely see as this is the thyroid hormone produced in larger quantities by the thyroid gland. T4 is converted to the more active triiodothyronine (T3) in your body tissues. “Free” means this test measures the metabolically active hormone; a total T4 test measures both free hormone and hormone bound to a carrier protein (thyroid binding globulin).
Free triiodothyronine (free T3):
This test less common, but is useful for measuring the second hormone produced by the thyroid gland and actual action of thyroid hormones in your body. “Free” means this test measures the metabolically active hormone; a total T3 test measures both free hormone and hormone bound to a carrier protein (thyroid binding globulin).
Antibodies:
You’ve probably heard of autoimmune disease, right? Just to refresh, autoimmune disease occurs when your body makes antibodies (part of your body’s immune response) to tissues or substances that are part of you. This means your body is attacking itself and causing damage.
Thyroid dysfunction can be caused by an autoimmune process, so it is important to test antibody levels to determine whether this is the case because it helps us understand more about why a patient has thyroid dysfunction and guides treatment decisions. Autoimmune hypothyroidism (called Hashimoto’s) is the most common form of hypothyroidism. Graves disease is the name for autoimmune hyperthyroidism.
There are many types of antibody tests, but below I have given you the basics on the two most common
Antimicrosomal/Antithyroid peroxidase:
These antibodies are found in most patients with autoimmune thyroid dysfunction, usually Hashimoto’s hypothyroidism.
Antithyroid peroxidase antibodies (anti-TPO) is the most sensitive test for antimicrosomal antibodies. Anti-TPO is present in nearly all Hashimoto’s patients and is also present in a high percentage of Graves patients. It can also be present in patients with other autoimmune diseases. This test provides a measure of the degree of inflammation/attack occurring in the thyroid.
Antithyroglobulin antibody:
This is another common thyroid antibody test that is found less often in autoimmune thyroid conditions. However, it is a good idea to test both antithyroid peroxidase (anti-TPO) and antithyroglobulin in conjunction to maximize sensitivity and specificity and correctly and accurately diagnose thyroid dysfunction.
Other useful tests:
Ultrasound:
Taking an ultrasound of the thyroid gland helps visualize abnormalities of the thyroid, such as nodules or cancer as well as measure the extent of any thyroid enlargement/inflammation.
Reverse T3 (rT3):
Reverse T3 is a virtually inactive form of T3 that binds to T3 receptors and therefore blocks the action of normal T3. If this type of T3 is too high, other thyroid testing does not give a true picture of thyroid function. This is much less commonly used test but can be very useful when you want to delve deeper to understand thyroid function and to the best treatment for you.
Thyroid binding globulin:
This tests the amount of the protein that carries thyroid hormones to tissues and helps to understand whether an abnormally high amount of thyroid hormone is bound up and therefore unavailable. When this happens, TSH will increase to produce more T4 and T3 to increase the amount of hormone that is free, or metabolically active.
Gluten sensitivity testing:
As discussed in my blogs on gluten sensitivity, thyroid dysfunction (autoimmune and otherwise) is correlated with gluten sensitivity and in some cases, identifying this sensitivity can aid in regulating thyroid function. For more on this subject, see my blog on gluten sensitivity testing and why gluten sensitivity matters.
Introducing naturopathic programs!
21/Oct/12 09:46 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I’m excited to announce I’ve added a new section to this website called “Programs” which highlights some of the conditions I treat often and my approach. While each program has a structure, treatment is customized depending on your unique health concerns and goals.
So far I’ve developed programs for:
I hope to add a few more to this list over the next year or so. Check them out!
I’m excited to announce I’ve added a new section to this website called “Programs” which highlights some of the conditions I treat often and my approach. While each program has a structure, treatment is customized depending on your unique health concerns and goals.
So far I’ve developed programs for:
I hope to add a few more to this list over the next year or so. Check them out!
Thyroid health webinar September 18th
04/Sep/12 05:48 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Tuesday, September 18th, 7pm via webinar in partnership with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health. This is the first webinar I have done, so I would love for you to join me and provide your feedback!
You can attend by conference call or online, more details here.
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Tuesday, September 18th, 7pm via webinar in partnership with Mahaya Forest Hill Integrative Health. This is the first webinar I have done, so I would love for you to join me and provide your feedback!
You can attend by conference call or online, more details here.
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Thyroid health and healing talk April 25th
23/Apr/12 02:57 PM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 25th, 7pm at the Main Street Library (137 Main Street, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7700 to RSVP!
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Thyroid health and healing talk April 18th
12/Apr/12 09:13 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
I will be giving a free talk called Thyroid Health and Healing on Wednesday, April 18th, 7pm at the Deer Park Library (40 St. Clair Avenue East, Toronto). Call the library at 416-393-7657 to RSVP!
The “master gland” of the body, your thyroid influences both body and mind. Learn how to understand thyroid testing and treatment options to support thyroid health.
See my Appearances and Events page for more upcoming dates and topics!
Thyroid, iodine, and breast health
03/Jul/09 10:53 AM
by Kate Whimster, BCom, MIFHI, ND
This blog was originally published on December 2, 2008 here.
I wrote a research paper looking the relationships between thyroid function, breast pathologies, and the role of iodine supplementation. This blog is a summary of what I learned. References are listed at the end and can be found on PubMed.
First, thyroid. There is an observed correlation between thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer (1,2,3), particularly hypothyroidism (3,4). Decreased function of the thyroid gland and rising TSH are also associated with a doubling in the risk of development of fibrocystic breast disease (5).
Next, iodine and breasts. Both breast tissue and thyroid tissue concentrate iodine (6) and deficiency of iodine causes “atypical tissue and physiologic changes in both” (7). One researcher noted that “geographic differences in the rates of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer appear to be inversely correlated with dietary iodine intake” (8). For example, in Japan seaweed (high in both iodine and selenium) is a major part of the diet and may play a role in the low incidence of both benign and malignant breast disease in that country (9).
A study on rats demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer incidence with iodine treatment (10). With regard to fibrocystic breast disease, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (the gold-standard of conventional medicine!) have demonstrated that supplementation with iodide/iodine significantly reduced breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity (11,12).
So how does this work? One theory is that iodine deficiency leads to a state of excess estrogen (13), increasing the risk of a whole host of cancers. Iodine is also believed to suppress tumour growth (14), induce tumour cell death (15), and regulate genes that influence hormone metabolism, cell cycle, growth, and differentiation (16).
Why is this useful information? Everything in the body is connected, particularly the endocrine system. So, when something is going wrong in one area, like thyroid function, there are likely also going to be issues either immediately or down the road with another area, particularly reproductive organs. The causal mechanisms are not clear yet, but it is prudent to assess breast health when patients present with thyroid dysfunction and vice versa. There is evidence to suggest that iodine is effective nutritional treatment for fibrocystic breast disease and it may also be useful in reproductive cancers. Molecular iodine, rather than iodide, was found to be most effective and have the least adverse effects on the thyroid (12).
There is lots of other interesting information that I was not able to get to, such as a deeper look at the interaction of sex hormones with thyroid function and other influences on hormonal balance, such as sleep. Maybe one day I’ll have time to do more research and I’ll post an update!
References:
1. Turken O, NarIn Y, DemIrbas S, Onde ME, Sayan O, KandemIr EG, YaylacI M, Ozturk A. Breast cancer in association with thyroid disorders. Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(5):R110-3. Epub 2003 Jun 5. PMID: 12927040
2. Saraiva PP, Figueiredo NB, Padovani CR, Brentani MM, Nogueira CR. Profile of thyroid hormones in breast cancer patients. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2005 May;38(5):761-5. Epub 2005 May 25. PMID: 15917958
3. Giani C, Fierabracci P, Bonacci R, Gigliotti A, Campani D, De Negri F, Cecchetti D, Martino E, Pinchera A. Relationship between breast cancer and thyroid disease: relevance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in breast malignancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Mar;81(3):990-4.
4. Kuijpens JL, Nyklíctek I, Louwman MW, Weetman TA, Pop VJ, Coebergh JW. Hypothyroidism might be related to breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Thyroid. 2005 Nov;15(11):1253-9. PMID: 16356089
5. Mardaleishvili KG, Nemsadze GG, Metreveli DS, Roinishvili TL. [About correlation of dysfunction of the thyroid gland with fibrocystic diseases in women] Georgian Med News. 2006 Nov;(140):30-2. Russian.
6. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Jun;13(2):116-27. Review. PMID: 18590348
7. Eskin BA, Grotkowski CE, Connolly CP, Ghent WR. Different tissue responses for iodine and iodide in rat thyroid and mammary glands. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1995 Jul;49(1):9-19. PMID: 7577324
8. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
9. Cann SA, van Netten JP, van Netten C. Hypothesis: iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2000 Feb;11(2):121-7. Review. PMID: 10710195
10. García-Solís P, Alfaro Y, Anguiano B, Delgado G, Guzman RC, Nandi S, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Martínez O, Aceves C. Inhibition of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis by molecular iodine (I2) but not by iodide (I-) treatment Evidence that I2 prevents cancer promotion. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2005 May 31;236(1-2):49-57. Epub 2005 Apr 13. PMID: 15922087
11. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36. PMID: 15239792
12. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60. PMID: 8221402
13. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
14. Funahashi H, Imai T, Tanaka Y, Tobinaga J, Wada M, Morita T, Yamada F, Tsukamura K, Oiwa M, Kikumori T, Narita T, Takagi H. Suppressive effect of iodine on DMBA-induced breast tumor growth in the rat. J Surg Oncol. 1996 Mar;61(3):209-13. PMID: 8637209
15. Shrivastava A, Tiwari M, Sinha RA, Kumar A, Balapure AK, Bajpai VK, Sharma R, Mitra K, Tandon A, Godbole MM. Molecular iodine induces caspase-independent apoptosis in human breast carcinoma cells involving the mitochondria-mediated pathway. J Biol Chem. 2006 Jul 14;281(28):19762-71. Epub 2006 May 5. PMID: 16679319
16. Stoddard FR 2nd, Brooks AD, Eskin BA, Johannes GJ. Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine. Int J Med Sci. 2008 Jul 8;5(4):189-96. PMID: 18645607
This blog was originally published on December 2, 2008 here.
I wrote a research paper looking the relationships between thyroid function, breast pathologies, and the role of iodine supplementation. This blog is a summary of what I learned. References are listed at the end and can be found on PubMed.
First, thyroid. There is an observed correlation between thyroid dysfunction and breast cancer (1,2,3), particularly hypothyroidism (3,4). Decreased function of the thyroid gland and rising TSH are also associated with a doubling in the risk of development of fibrocystic breast disease (5).
Next, iodine and breasts. Both breast tissue and thyroid tissue concentrate iodine (6) and deficiency of iodine causes “atypical tissue and physiologic changes in both” (7). One researcher noted that “geographic differences in the rates of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer appear to be inversely correlated with dietary iodine intake” (8). For example, in Japan seaweed (high in both iodine and selenium) is a major part of the diet and may play a role in the low incidence of both benign and malignant breast disease in that country (9).
A study on rats demonstrated a reduction in breast cancer incidence with iodine treatment (10). With regard to fibrocystic breast disease, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter clinical trials (the gold-standard of conventional medicine!) have demonstrated that supplementation with iodide/iodine significantly reduced breast pain, tenderness, and nodularity (11,12).
So how does this work? One theory is that iodine deficiency leads to a state of excess estrogen (13), increasing the risk of a whole host of cancers. Iodine is also believed to suppress tumour growth (14), induce tumour cell death (15), and regulate genes that influence hormone metabolism, cell cycle, growth, and differentiation (16).
Why is this useful information? Everything in the body is connected, particularly the endocrine system. So, when something is going wrong in one area, like thyroid function, there are likely also going to be issues either immediately or down the road with another area, particularly reproductive organs. The causal mechanisms are not clear yet, but it is prudent to assess breast health when patients present with thyroid dysfunction and vice versa. There is evidence to suggest that iodine is effective nutritional treatment for fibrocystic breast disease and it may also be useful in reproductive cancers. Molecular iodine, rather than iodide, was found to be most effective and have the least adverse effects on the thyroid (12).
There is lots of other interesting information that I was not able to get to, such as a deeper look at the interaction of sex hormones with thyroid function and other influences on hormonal balance, such as sleep. Maybe one day I’ll have time to do more research and I’ll post an update!
References:
1. Turken O, NarIn Y, DemIrbas S, Onde ME, Sayan O, KandemIr EG, YaylacI M, Ozturk A. Breast cancer in association with thyroid disorders. Breast Cancer Res. 2003;5(5):R110-3. Epub 2003 Jun 5. PMID: 12927040
2. Saraiva PP, Figueiredo NB, Padovani CR, Brentani MM, Nogueira CR. Profile of thyroid hormones in breast cancer patients. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2005 May;38(5):761-5. Epub 2005 May 25. PMID: 15917958
3. Giani C, Fierabracci P, Bonacci R, Gigliotti A, Campani D, De Negri F, Cecchetti D, Martino E, Pinchera A. Relationship between breast cancer and thyroid disease: relevance of autoimmune thyroid disorders in breast malignancy. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 1996 Mar;81(3):990-4.
4. Kuijpens JL, Nyklíctek I, Louwman MW, Weetman TA, Pop VJ, Coebergh JW. Hypothyroidism might be related to breast cancer in post-menopausal women. Thyroid. 2005 Nov;15(11):1253-9. PMID: 16356089
5. Mardaleishvili KG, Nemsadze GG, Metreveli DS, Roinishvili TL. [About correlation of dysfunction of the thyroid gland with fibrocystic diseases in women] Georgian Med News. 2006 Nov;(140):30-2. Russian.
6. Patrick L. Iodine: deficiency and therapeutic considerations. Altern Med Rev. 2008 Jun;13(2):116-27. Review. PMID: 18590348
7. Eskin BA, Grotkowski CE, Connolly CP, Ghent WR. Different tissue responses for iodine and iodide in rat thyroid and mammary glands. Biol Trace Elem Res. 1995 Jul;49(1):9-19. PMID: 7577324
8. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
9. Cann SA, van Netten JP, van Netten C. Hypothesis: iodine, selenium and the development of breast cancer. Cancer Causes Control. 2000 Feb;11(2):121-7. Review. PMID: 10710195
10. García-Solís P, Alfaro Y, Anguiano B, Delgado G, Guzman RC, Nandi S, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Martínez O, Aceves C. Inhibition of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mammary carcinogenesis by molecular iodine (I2) but not by iodide (I-) treatment Evidence that I2 prevents cancer promotion. Mol Cell Endocrinol. 2005 May 31;236(1-2):49-57. Epub 2005 Apr 13. PMID: 15922087
11. Kessler JH. The effect of supraphysiologic levels of iodine on patients with cyclic mastalgia. Breast J. 2004 Jul-Aug;10(4):328-36. PMID: 15239792
12. Ghent WR, Eskin BA, Low DA, Hill LP. Iodine replacement in fibrocystic disease of the breast. Can J Surg. 1993 Oct;36(5):453-60. PMID: 8221402
13. Stadel BV. Dietary iodine and risk of breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancer. Lancet. 1976 Apr 24;1(7965):890-1. PMID: 58152
14. Funahashi H, Imai T, Tanaka Y, Tobinaga J, Wada M, Morita T, Yamada F, Tsukamura K, Oiwa M, Kikumori T, Narita T, Takagi H. Suppressive effect of iodine on DMBA-induced breast tumor growth in the rat. J Surg Oncol. 1996 Mar;61(3):209-13. PMID: 8637209
15. Shrivastava A, Tiwari M, Sinha RA, Kumar A, Balapure AK, Bajpai VK, Sharma R, Mitra K, Tandon A, Godbole MM. Molecular iodine induces caspase-independent apoptosis in human breast carcinoma cells involving the mitochondria-mediated pathway. J Biol Chem. 2006 Jul 14;281(28):19762-71. Epub 2006 May 5. PMID: 16679319
16. Stoddard FR 2nd, Brooks AD, Eskin BA, Johannes GJ. Iodine alters gene expression in the MCF7 breast cancer cell line: evidence for an anti-estrogen effect of iodine. Int J Med Sci. 2008 Jul 8;5(4):189-96. PMID: 18645607