hypothyroid

Are YOU Hypothyroid?
By Jane Smolnik, ND, Iridologist, M.H., C.I.H.

Hypothyroidism is an ailment characterized by under-activity of the Thyroid Gland (i.e.
insufficient production of Thyroid Hormones).

•        Hypothyroidism occurs most frequently in women over the age of 40 (however men and
teenagers are also prone to Hypothyroidism):
•        12.5% of women aged 35 to 60 are affected by Hypothyroidism.
•        15% - 20% of women over the age of 60 are affected by sub-clinical Hypothyroidism.
•        Hypothyroidism is believed to be more prevalent than once thought. Approximately 54%
of people with Hypothyroidism are unaware that they have Hypothyroidism.

Do you have some of these symptoms:
Cold Hands and Feet?
Low body temperature?
Fatigue / Apathy?
Skin course and dry?
Feel depressed? Sadness?
Mental sluggishness, or reduced initiative?
Frequent constipation?
Hair thin or falling out?
Cry easily, worse with change in season?
Headaches upon wakening?
Gain weight easily?
Difficulty losing weight?
Carbohydrate cravings?
Irregular or heavy menstrual periods?
Recurring infections?
Brittle fingernails?
Higher cholesterol levels?
Infertility?   Low Libido?
Insomnia?
Panic attacks or Anxiety?
Fluid retention / Puffiness around the eyes?
A hoarse voice?
Anemia / Easy bruising?
Slow Pulse / Slow Reflexes?

Mild Hypothyroidism can occur as a result from insufficient iodine in the diet, high estrogen
levels, stress, nutritional deficiencies, physical inactivity, some medications, and hormonal
changes relating to pregnancy or menopause. Some risk factors include family history,
growing older, race (more common in White or Asian populations), an autoimmune disorder,
premature gray hair, Down Syndrome, Turner Syndrome, Vitiligo (a pigment condition of
white skin patches), or bipolar disease.

Basal Metabolism
The most “observable” sign of Hypothyroidism is a low basal temperature upon awakening in
the morning. Basal Metabolism involves the combustion of Food, using Oxygen and
producing Carbon Dioxide - the rate of Oxygen consumption of an individual indicates their
Energy expenditure, i.e. their Basal Metabolic Rate. The Basal Metabolic Rate measures the
speed of all chemical reactions which occur when the body is lying completely at rest
(preferably measured immediately upon wakening); for the activity of the internal organs and
to maintain body temperature.

To test yourself, place a thermometer next to your bed after having shaken it down to 97
degrees. Upon waking, but before moving around, place the thermometer under your armpit
and hold for 3 minutes. If your temperature is below 98 degrees three days in a row, and if
you have several symptoms listed above, you may have an underactive thyroid.

It would be beneficial to include sea vegetables such as kelp, dulse, and bladderwrack, fish,
and unrefined sea salt in the diet to increase iodine, the mineral most associated with the
thyroid.

Natural protocols may include the amino acid l-tyrosine, and glandular products including
thyroid and/or pituitary extracts to stimulate the healthy functioning of these glands. Very
often an underactive thyroid can be secondary to pituitary hypofunction, which needs to be
addressed first.

Having a Total Health Analysis, including an Iridology assessment, will help us see if these
glands are stressed, weak, or underactive.   A change in diet and activity may help improve
this naturally, but if not, some natural therapies may be helpful in most cases.

Jane Smolnik, ND is a Traditional Naturopath, Certified Iridologist, M.H., and Certified
Intuitive Healer with a private practice in Asheville, NC. You may reach her at (828) 777-
JANE (5263) or visit her website for more info: www.ultimatehealing.com