Hypothyroidism (myxoedema or underactive thyroid) arise when the thyroid produces less thyroid hormone that it should. This cause the body metabolism to run to slow. Most of the time problems with thyroid affect bigger health aspects of our body.

There are many causes of underactive thyroid:

• Iodine deficiency ( great food: cheddar cheese, cranberries and cranberry juice, eggs, strawberries, yogurt, potatoes,lima beans and navy beans; sea vegetables-kelp, kombu, wakame, hiziki, arame)

• use of steroids

• genetic dysfunction of the thyroid at birth or predisposition later on in life

• autoimmune disease where the antibodies first stimulating the thyroids and then attacking the thyroids trying to destroy it – Hashimoto

• problem with thyroid hormone ( level ) :

T4 ( thyroxine or tetraiodothyronine) : chemical communicator in the thyroid gland, less active but also important hormone

T3 ( active hormone or triiodothyronine) : responsible for almost every physiological process in our body ( growth and development, body temperature, heart rate, metabolism….This hormone is very important and level of T3 must be monitor closely.

TSH ( thyroid stimulating hormone):

(higher level than 3.0 mIU / L = warning! )

(higher than 4.0 mIU / L = act now! )

(lower than 2.0 mIU / L = ask the doctor to test TRH hormone )

• environmental challenges or deficiencies – chemicals in food and drinks

• liver tenderness and enlargement

• dysfunctional adrenal gland fatigue ( deficiency of hormone DHEA-S); low testosterone ; low estrogen; cortisol ( stress hormone)

This is number one rule which MUST be addressed with thyroid problems – to stabilize adrenal glands!!!

To read more about adrenal glands please click here.

Hypothyroidism often occurs during the menopausal years and symptoms are often ignored during the early stages.

What are the Symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

• weight gain (our metabolism affects our temperature and how fast we burn calories. That’s why people with hypothyroidism often feel cold, fatigued and may gain weight easily )

• emotional problems ( mood swings, easily upset, depression, anxiety …)

• skin problems ( dry skin, acne etc.)

• pins & needles

• loss of libido

• dizziness

• slow body movements, speech and brain fog

• difficulty swallowing

• digestive problems ( constipation etc.)

• hair loss, nail problems

• pain ( joint & muscle pain…)

• carpal tunnel syndrome

• breathless / palpitations

• high cholesterol

• mood swings

• hearing problems

• puffiness (eyes, ankles, hands, face…)

• visual disturbances

• menstrual disorders

• nose, mouth and throat problems

Thyroid function test:

• blood test : TSH, FT4, FT3 and thyroid antibodies

• check the adrenal glands

How to help yourself with Hypothyroidism?

Food to avoid:

• soya and soya food !

• highly processed food: cakes, cookies, etc

• millet – all varieties

• peaches, strawberry and pears

• gluten: pasta, beer, cereal , rye, barley, wheat avoid for some time

• cauliflower, cabbage, kale, turnips, swede, spinach avoid for some time

• coffee, alcohol, green tea

• sorghum (grain)

• sweetcorn

• milk!

Food in moderation:

• walnuts, peanuts, almond

• sweet potatoes

• cheese, yogurt

Food to consume:

• eggs

• vegetables

• fish

• meat

• fruits including berries, bananas, oranges, tomatoes…

Recommended supplements:
• Vitamin C

• Vitamin D3 + K2M K7

• Vitamin A

• Vitamin B Complex ( B2, B3, B6, B17)

• Chromium ( during meals)

• Zinc (during meals)

• Magnesium (evening)

• Omega 3

• Selenium ( only under doctor advice)

• Iodine ( only under doctor advice)

If you need more advice on supplements please contact me and I will be happy to help.

Recommended of aromatherapy essential oils for hypothyroidism:

• lemongrass ( thyroid support, emotional support )

• basil ( tension, fatigue )

• orange ( emotional support )

• clary sage ( hormonal balance, emotional support )

• peppermint ( metabolic support )

• lavender, cedarwood ( emotional support, tension, anxiousness, peaceful sleep )

• lemon (digestive, metabolic, emotional support )

• bergamot ( metabolic support )

• cardamom ( digestive support, tension reducer )