change, problems will occur.
A common reason for thyroxine output problems is if the adrenal
glands or the pituitary gland and hypothalamus are unbalanced and
unable to stimulate the thyroid correctly. The thyroid gland is the body’s
internal thermostat, and the hormones it provides are in charge of this
job. If it fails, the body can initially overburn calories, and then underburn
calories.
The two major dysfunctions of the thyroid are hypothyroidism
(underproduction of the thyroid hormones) and hyperthyroidism
(overproduction of the thyroid hormones). Energy is low for both
conditions, and frequent illness can occur from the resulting impaired
immune function.
There are thyroid self-help tests in which temperature taking can
assess underactive conditions. Your basal body temperature can be
determined by placing an old-fashioned mercury thermometer under
your arm for ten minutes fi rst thing as you wake in the morning. For
women, this test is best taken during the menstruation week. Plot your
temperature on a chart in order to determine your average trend. It
would naturally fl uctuate but be around 97.4° to 98°F. Low basal
temperature readings (below 94.4°F) over a month could indicate not
only an underactive thyroid but also low adrenal function, so it is always
advisable to take your results to a physician or nutritionist to get them
further analyzed. There are also thyroid blood tests that can ascertain
hyperthyroid problems, when thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels
are too high. Refer to chapter 10 (“Overactive Thyroid” and “Underactive
Thyroid”) for symptoms.
An overburdened or overheated liver is known to affect thyroid
function, so liver foods and herbs will often help. Liver conditions
frequently occur during pregnancy, leaving many women with short-term
or long-term defi ciencies that, if left untreated, may become chronic. It is,
therefore, important to support the liver and adrenals in order to assist
the thyroid, as well as, of course, the entire endocrine system.
nutrition
Refer to “Overactive Thyroid” and “Underactive Thyroid” in chapter 10.
herbs
Refer to “Overactive Thyroid” and “Underactive Thyroid” in chapter 10
for appropriate choices of herbs and include Siberian ginseng root and,
occasionally, echinacea root. All endocrine and liver herbs such as
dandelion root, barberry root bark, milk thistle seed, and chaste tree
body systems 169