Thyroid Gland Though it weighs less than an ounce, the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is a formidable figure in the intricate

dance of human physiology. The thyroid is the spark plug for energy production it controls the rate of energy production, maintains body temperature, helps regulate childrens growth, and profoundly affects brain chemistry, influencing moods and emotions. When one sees thyroid function within the intelligent matrix of the human body, taking into account the immune system, hormone balance, and even brain function, it becomes easy to see why addressing the entire body as demonstrated in Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? is a very logical way to support the thyroid. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, more than 27 million Americans suffer from thyroid dysfunction, half of which go undiagnosed. Of the detected cases of hypothyroidism, more than half are due to an autoimmune disorder called Hashimotos disease, in which the immune system attacks and destroys thyroid gland tissue. All too frequently, the question of why the thyroid gland quit working never comes up. Thyroid symptoms are like the person on the airport runway, using giant arm motions and brightly lit orange wands, waving at you in the hopes that youll steer the right course. Yet standard health care, both conventional and alternative, often treats the thyroid as a car part that simply needs replacing or lubricating. Thyroid replacement hormones are a first line of defense for many doctors, prescribed with the promise of wiping out a number of symptoms in one fell swoop. But taking that approach is turning a blind eye to what caused the thyroid to become depressed in the first place. For example, irregular immune function, poor blood sugar metabolism, gut infections, adrenal problems, and hormonal imbalances can all significantly depress thyroid function. While prescription thyroid hormones might bring their levels in the blood into a normal range, the hormone replacement doesnt address what caused the thyroid to falter in the first place. The drugs may make some people feel better, but for many others the relief is short-lived, if it occurs at all even when they have normal blood test results It is far wiser to ask what the faltering thyroid says about the entire body, and proceed from there. I address the conditions that caused the thyroid to slow down in the first place, and find supporting the gland itself either isnt necessary or requires only basic herbal and nutritional therapy for a few months. The conditions creating the hypothyroid symptoms, however, more likely call for lifestyle changes and lasting nutritional support. If the check-engine light on your car lights up, which would be smarter: to investigate the engine or remove the light? Failing to ask what the thyroid symptoms are trying to communicate and prescribing levothyroxine sodium (Synthroid, Armour, or Levoxyl) is like simply removing the engine light. When I started addressing the underlying causes of hypothyroidism in my practice, my patients began to enjoy not only symptom relief but also true health.

Kharrazian, Datis (2010-02-02). Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal (Kindle Locations 220-228). Elephant Press LP. Kindle Edition.