3/4/00

Dear Friends,

As is sometimes the case, things happen that we don't expect. This newsletter was not put out for a couple of weeks because of a computer crash, but hopefully everything is back to normal and will continue to stay that way, at least in the computer area. Some of you have expressed concerns about my health and to those of you, thank you for your concern but I am still just as healthy as I was before. (Thank God for that) As always, I ask that you pass this newsletter around to anyone you feel might benefit from it. I do not mind it being copied as long it is left in its entirety. Also, the information in this letter is not meant to take the place of proper medical treatment and is provided as a source of information about the historical uses of herbs. If you choose to use this information to treat yourself in any way, I hope that you will do so in a responsible way and make sure you are under the guidance of a trained health care provider. 

The thyroid is part of the glandular system. It is a butterfly shaped organ that has two lobes, each being approximately 2" x 1". It is located at the base of the front part of the neck. This gland has several responsibilities in the body, all of which are important, but the metabolism is probably one of it's more known functions. It also produces Thyroglobulin, which is a protein and not a hormone. This protein helps to store as well as transport thyroid hormones. T-2 or Calcitonin also produced in the thyroid, helps to regulate blood phosphate and calcium ion levels. Continuing on that note, T-3 or Triiodoththyronine, regulates energy by balancing carbohydrate and protein synthesis. They also activate growth and the nervous system.

Fluoride and chlorine are two chemicals that are detrimental to the health of the thyroid. They block receptors in the thyroid that take up iodine. Radiation is also another substance that can be detrimental to the thyroid as radiation treatments anywhere in the body can settle in the thyroid. On the other hand, adequate iodine consumption as well as a healthy nervous system can do wonders for an ailing thyroid.

Symptoms or health conditions that may be triggered by an unhealthy thyroid include goiter. This is an enlargement of the thyroid and can be caused by an iodine deficiency. Hyperactivity or an overactive thyroid can cause weight loss, nervousness, heart palpitations which can lead to more serious heart damage if not treated, blood pressure is likely to increase, the appetite may increase yet weight loss continues, tiredness or weakness with an increase in activity, more frequent bowel movements occasionally with diarrhea, irritability, and bulging of the eyes. Hyperthyroidism may take the form of Graves' disease, toxic nodular goiter, or secondary hyperthyroidism. The inflammation associated with hyperthyroidism may damage the thyroid so that in its initial overactive state may actually be a prelude to either transient or permanent hypothyroidism.

If a hypoactive or an underactive condition exists with the thyroid, to little of the thyroid hormone is being produced. If this condition is allowed to worsen, Myxedema can develop. This is a very severe form of hypothyroidism. The most common causes of an underactive thyroid would be enlargement of the thyroid in which over a period of years destroys the functioning area of the gland. Another common cause is the treatment of an overactive thyroid. Radioactive iodine treatments as well as surgery tend to produce hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include body functions begin to slow, facial expressions become dull, hoarseness develops, speech slows, the eyelids droop, the eyes and the face become puffy and swollen, weight gain, constipation, an inability to tolerate cold develops, hair becomes brittle, coarse, and dry, some people develop carpal tunnel, the palms and soles of the feet may appear orange, and the side part of the eyebrows slowly falls out. If untreated hypothyroidism can lead to anemia, a low body temperature, and heart failure.

Location of the Thyroid in different Healing Modalities:

Kineseology:
Directly on either side of the adam's apple. Touch and tap both points together and then individually.

Iridology:
In both eyes toward the bridge of the nose. Right eye at 2:20 to 2:40 and in the left eye at 9:20 to 9:40. A lesion or weakened fiber must touch the autonomic nerve wreath. There doesn't have to be a lesion in order for a problem to exist here. Even a slight disruption of the fibers of the eye in the thyroid area could indicate a chronic weakness.

Reflexology:
In both feet, down from the big toe in the ball of the foot.

There are two diseases associated with the thyroid considered to be AutoImmune type diseases.

Hashimoto's Disease - The body becomes allergic to the thyroid hormone and the body's immune system begins to attack the thyroid.

Thyroiditis - This is an inflammation of the thyroid caused by a virus, bacteria, or an autoimmune reaction.

Nutrients needed for a Healthy Thyroid:

Minerals:
Iodine, chlorine, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium.

Vitamins:
A, B6, B12, C, D, and E.

Herbs:
Black Walnut - Parasites and a high source of organic iodine.

Kelp - High source of organic iodine.

Horseradish - High in vitamin C, A, and B-Complex.

Parsley - Builds the thyroid.

Bayberry - Supports the thyroid during hypothyroidism.

Goldenseal - Supports the thyroid during hypothyroidism.

Liquid Dulse - High iodine content and easily assimilated.

Herbal Combinations: (NSP Products)

Thyroid Activator - Overactivity or Underactivity.

Target TS II - Underactivity

TS II w/hops - Overactivity.

Additional Notes:

Increasing Iodine doses too quickly or taking too large a dose can give you a headache.

In working with body systems, it should always be remembered that they all work together. In the case of the thyroid, the pituitary gland works closely with the thyroid so it, as well as the rest of the glandular system should be supported. A product called Master Gland (NSP) works well as a base, then you can add the other supplement or herb/combination.

Some body signs that may indicate thyroid problems would include horizontal lines on the front of the neck and less than 10 moons on the fingernails.

A simple test would be to go to your local drug store to get some iodine. At night paint the bottom of one foot. Let it dry and then go to bed. If upon waking your foot has absorbed the iodine, you are deficient. BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER, THIS SOURCE OF IODINE IS NOT ORGANIC AND CAN BE POISONOUS IF DONE OFTEN. IT IS NOT A GOOD SOURCE OF IODINE FOR CONSUMPTION. DO NOT USE THIS FORM OF IODINE AS A SUPPLEMENT.

A simple test that does not involve any inorganic forms of iodine would be a temperature test. To test yourself for an under-active thyroid keep a thermometer by your bed. When you first awaken, place the thermometer under your arm and hold there for 10-15 minutes. Upon removing check the thermometer. If your temperature is 97.6º F. or lower, it could indicate Hypothyroidism. Do this test for 3-4 days in a row, but not during ovulation or menses.

Another quick note. Blood tests will not show an under-active thyroid unless it is 50% under-active or more.

If pregnant, an under-active thyroid can cause a child to be born with Cretinism (a form of mental retardation). The baby could also have a dwarfed body.

Women who lose (miscarry) because of a lack of or a misplaced chromosome in the baby should suspect that their thyroid function was such that their body temperature was not high enough to incubate the baby properly.

 

Questions to ask yourself:

Have you noticed changes in your hair, skin, energy level, or any weight fluctuation? A yes answer could be an indication of a Hypoactive thyroid.

Are you experiencing nervousness and does your eye or eyes seem to be bulging? A yes answer here could indicate a Hyperactive thyroid.

Books You Can Read:

Hypothyroidism by Dr. Broda Barnes, M.D.

Sources:

The Merck Manual of Medical Information; Home Edition: (Pocket Books Division of Simon & Schuster Inc. 1997)

Aminoguanidine blocked most of the toxic effects on the liver and blood flow in mice that was produced by the E. Coli bacteria. The toxins had caused significant injury to the liver and decreased abdominal wall blood flow without the administration of the aminoguanidine. Mice received the aminoguanidine 10 minutes before they received either a saline solution or the E.Coli endotoxin. Eur.J.Pharmacol. 1999 vol 379 iss 1 pp73-80.

MSG in its pure form must be labeled. Food manufacturers are wise to this and have found loopholes to fool the public. It can be hidden by the words Sodium Caseinate or Calcium Caseinate, Autolyed Yeast or Yeast Extract, Hydrolyzed Protein, Natural Flavoring, Textured Protein, etc. For a list of all the other names it may be hidden under go here:  http://www.nomsg.com/#Hidden

Salicylic acid, the basis for aspirin, was first prepared from willow bark by an Italian chemist in 1838. The name of the compound is derived from Salix, the Latin name for the willow genus. Aspirin, or acetylsalicylic acid, is a synthetic form of salicylic acid. Willow bark is rich in salicin and related salicylates that metabolize into salicylic acid. Many plants such as meadowsweet and wintergreen also contain these compounds. They have a long tradition of use in Europe, and far fewer side effects than aspirin. Life extension Magazine Feb. 2000 issue page 92

Commonly referred to as seaweed, kelp is a well-known tonic in modern herbology. Until recently, this algae was consumed almost solely by the Japanese. Studies have, in fact, proven that there is a significant correlation between the Japanese intake of kelp and the country's dramatically lower rates of breast cancer, obesity, heart disease, respiratory disease, rheumatism, arthritis, high blood pressure, thyroid deficiency, infectious disease, constipation, and other gastrointestinal ailments.

In fact, by the 18^th century doctors had already noticed that people that lived along the Atlantic coast rarely developed enlarged thyroid glands, known as goiters. They realized that this phenomenon was due to the large intake of kelp by the people on the coast.

The Indians also learned the value of consuming kelp. They also used it so they would not get "big necks" (goiters) like those who suffered from a lack of iodine. Some of the Indians, especially those living on or near the coasts, also found kelp to be beneficial in treating burns and scalds. The herb was also used to combat obesity and as a blood purifier and alterative (a medicine that gradually changes a condition and brings back health).

Kelp is a significant source of iodine and has therefore been used for hundreds of years in the treatment of enlarged thyroid glands. In the 1860's, physicians in Britain and France noticed that people who consumed iodine seemed to lose weight more easily than most people do. They discovered that iodine stimulates the thyroid, which in turn boosts the body's metabolic rate. As a result, the body is able to burn calories more quickly.

Kelp is useful in our technologically advanced world because it is beneficial in treating radiation exposure and heavy metal toxicity. Kelp contains a chemical called sodium alginate, which prevents the absorption of radioactive strontium 90. Strontium 90 is a by-product of nuclear explosions and nuclear power and weapons facilities and has been linked to a number of cancers including leukemia, bone cancer, and Hodgkin's disease. One study has shown that alginate supplements can reduce strontium 90 by as much as 83%. Sodium alginate helps to prevent the absorption of newly ingested metals. It is therefore a good supplement for anyone who works in a nuclear facility, lives near one, or is otherwise exposed to heavy metals.

Kelp is a contributor to the health of all the major body organs and glands. It also contributes to the health of the cardiovascular system by producing essential nutrients, preventing infectious and inflammatory diseases through its antibiotic principles, and by treating hypertension.

Studies have shown that this ocean-herb, known as the fisherman's friend, may aid in reducing cholesterol and blood pressure. It is however, high in sodium, which may raise the blood pressure of some individuals who are sensitive to salt.

Herbalists primarily recommend kelp as a natural source of minerals. It contains almost 30 minerals including calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, and sulfur. This mineral rich herb is also rich in B-complex vitamins and is a source of vitamins A, C, and E. In addition; kelp contains an anti-sterility vitamin and an anti-hemorrhage vitamin. For these reasons, kelp is often employed as a mineral supplement by many herbalists today.