Hypothyroidism

E-BOOK

How to care for and heal

your thyroid

MELISSAFOREMAN.CO.UK
 Hypothyroidism e-Book
Hypothyroidism is increasing and is up to 8–9 times more
common in women than in men. It is one of the most common
diseases worldwide, affecting up to 5% of the general
population. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland,
located in the neck, does not produce enough thyroid hormone
for the body’s requirements. The thyroid is a butterfly shaped
gland that sits in the front of your neck.

Energetically the thyroid is linked to the throat chakra. The area of self
expression and personal power. Listed in this e-book are the many causes
and links to an underactive thyroid/hypothyroidism, but in my experience
in treating patients with this condition there is often an underlying
emotional cause or trigger such as:
Stress, trauma or humiliation.
I never get to do what I want to do.
When is it my turn.

Hypothyroidism often leads to low energy, weight gain and and depression.
It can stem from not having your needs met and also not having your needs
met or given what they asked for as a child, so that you eventually gave up.

This e-book is designed to give you information on how to help and support
you thyroid health. But to affectively heal the thyroid and to progress
through life without having to take continuous thyroid medication then
Homeopathic treatment is a must. This entails seeing a homeopath for a
detailed consultation (and several follow up consultations) after which a
‘constitutional’ remedy is prescribed. A constitutional remedy is a remedy
that is prescribed on all your symptoms plus how you are feeling emotionally
at that time. As well as taking into account other general characteristics such
as how you sleep, favourite foods and body temperature etc.

With homeopathy and information on the 'friends and enemies' of your

thyroid, my aim is to get you back to full health without the need for lifelong
medication.

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Hypothyroidism typically comes on gradually and can go undetected for a long
time. As the disease progresses and your metabolism continues to decelerate, you’ll
notice that there might be a problem that needs addressing. Thyriod hormones
control the way the body uses energy so when there is a deficiency many body
functions slow down.
A full list of Hypothyroid symptoms include:
• tiredness/Fatigue
• being sensitive to cold
• weight gain
• constipation
• depression
• slow movements and thoughts
• muscle aches and weakness
• muscle cramps
• dry and scaly skin
• brittle hair and nails
• loss of libido (sex drive)
• pain, numbness and a tingling sensation in the hand and fingers (carpal tunnel
syndrome)
• irregular periods or heavy periods
• sore, scratchy throat

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What happens when you have Hypothyroidism
The thyroid glands chief function is to facilitate energy production in the
mitochondria, the energy cells of the body. So lack of thyroid hormones (TSH), or
when your body does not produce enough T4, reduces overall energy
production and leads to hypothyroidism. Thyroid hormone T4 is converted into
T3 when extra energy production is needed, for example when we go outside
and our body temperature lowers. The T3 then gets to work to create more
energy and in this case more heat. Only 20% or less of T3 originates in the
thyroid gland the rest is derived from converting T4 into T3. When T4 is
converted to T3 hormone, which is the active thyroid hormone, it can then
exert its effect on thyroid function. T3 is much more metabolically active and
speeds up metabolism, removes fatigue, aches and pains and low mood.

What causes Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause. As many as 95% of cases of
Hypothyroidism in the US are a result of Hashimoto’s. Worldwide iodine
deficiency is the most common cause of Hypothyroidism.

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Iodine deficiency
Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones and is needed for
the production of T3 and T4. In underdeveloped parts of the world, the
main reason why people develop hypothyroidism is that they not
getting enough iodine from food. Thus, many countries try to increase
iodine intake by adding iodine to salt. The U.K is not currently one of
them. From the 1930’s iodine was added to the U.K food chain, in the
form of food fodder for dairy cattle. Since then, the UK population has
been considered iodine sufficient. Recent research however, has
indicated that the UK population is in fact, ‘mild to moderately’ iodine
deficient. Particularly, teenage girls, pregnant women, vegetarians and
vegans. This is because our soil has become so Iodine depleted in recent
years.

Hashimoto’s disease
If you have a goitre, a swollen area of your neck that appears when your
thyroid gland expands as it works to release the hormones you need, or
nodules, which are solid or fluid-filled growths inside your thyroid then this is
an indication that you may have Hashimoto’s disease. Which in turn causes
Hypothyroidism.
Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition where the immune system
mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Too much iodine may trigger
Hashimoto’s in susceptible people.
Hormones may also play a role in developing Hashimoto’s. Furthermore, some
women have thyroid problems during the first year of having a baby.
Although the problem usually goes away, as many as 20% of these women
develop Hashimoto's years later.
Increased cases of thyroid disease have been reported in people exposed to
radiation, including the atomic bombs in Japan, the Chernobyl nuclear
accident, and radiation treatment for Hodgkins disease.
In my experience the trigger can often be because the patient is experiencing a
lot of stress or because they have been exposed to significant trauma in their
life. Hashimoto’s often (but not always) results in hypothyroidism.

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Iodine and Hashimoto’s
There is a high incidence of Hashimoto’s in the U.S. This may be
because the salt in the U.S is iodised. Studies have found if a person
with Hashimoto’s is exposed to too much iodine or take too much
iodine supplements without having enough selenium or anti-oxidants
in their system, then free radicals can flare up and attack the thyroid
gland. They may feel more energy at first but this is coming from
destruction of the thyroid tissue, which dumps thyroid hormones into
the circulation.

Damage to Thyroid gland

Hypothyroidism can also be caused by damage to, or destruction of the
thyroid gland. This can be caused by treatment or conditions, such as
thyroidectomy, radioactive iodine therapy for Graves’ disease or nodular
goitre, radiotherapy for head and neck cancer, or toxic exposure to some
chemicals or drugs. Drugs that may cause hypothyroidism include
amiodarone, interleukin-2, kinase inhibitors, and lithium, which is
diagnosed for depression and is stored in the thyroid.

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Congenital
Hypothyroidism can be caused by failed embryologic development of the
thyroid gland, but this is rare.

Hypothyroidism triggers
Sleep problems
Melatonin is vital to thyroid function, so it is important that your sleep
pattern is healthy and uninterrupted.

Stress
Stress is as important to manage as cortisol, which is stimulated during stress
and has a negative effect on the thyroid. Meditation, yoga, exercise, can all
help alleviate stress to some extent, but Homeopathy can also be very helpful
in dealing with long term stressful situations. It is also very effective in
treating anxiety and low self esteem caused by stress or trauma.
Iodine Blockers
Fluoride: I cannot underestimate how bad fluoride is to the thyroid and health
in general. It is basically an enzyme poison and does significant damage to our
thyroids. It is a powerful central nervous system toxin and has even been
shown in studies to lower intelligence.

Found in:
• Toothpaste and dental treatments
• Tea (more fluoride than any other
plant due to being grown in fluoride
rich soil)
• Water supplies in some areas of the
U.K (mostly midlands and North East)

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Chlorine: found in pesticides and cleaning products.

Bromine: which is everywhere. Particularly in:

• Bread
• Pesticides
• Flame retardants
• Baby products
• Plastic products
• Citrus drinks

• Personal care products

Heavy metal toxicity and pesticides
Today we are exposed to a lot of environmental toxicity and
pesticides such as Roundup. There is now a school of thought that
it may not be gluten that people are intolerant to but the actual
pesticides that are used on wheat and oat production that are
causing problems.

Mercury: in fillings and vaccines.

Mercury blocks the production of thyroid hormones. Mercury
toxicity can lead to Hypothyroidism

Oestrogen dominance
Oestrogen dominance directly affects the thyroid by thwarting its
ability to produce thyroid hormones. Oestrogen dominance is
caused by:
• Xenoestrogens in plastics (“xeno” means “outside the body”)
• Synthetic oestrogens in the birth control pill
• Too many phytoestrogens from food – mostly soy and flax
products (“phyto” means plant)
• Environmental toxins that mimic oestrogen

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Hypothyroid diet
Protein
In the form of: organic, meat, poultry, fish, eggs, pulses and nuts.

Iodine
In the form of: fish, seafood, seaweed or kelp supplements (50mg) But be aware
that supplementing with seaweeds as they can be exposed to high levels of
mercury.

Selenium
Very important in regulating the correct manufacture of T3 and T4 and in
nourishing the thyroid and preventing hypothyroidism. However, Selenium
tends to be low in our foodstuffs. Just a few Brazils nuts a day can provide you
with the adequate amount of selenium that you need as they contain the
highest amount of selenium per gram. But be careful not to have too many or
ingest on an empty stomach, as too many can be toxic. The recommended
amount for supplementation is 70mcg .

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Other sources or selenium include:

• Brown rice
• Meat
• Sunflower seeds
• Eggs
• Mushrooms

However, selenium can be

reduced in the body if you are
on medication for the following:
• Acid blockers
• Antacids,
• Antidepressants
• Corticosteroids
• HRT

Supplements for a healthy thyroid

Vitamin D (5000 IU per day for 1 month)
Blue green algae
Essential fatty acids
Magnesium
Zinc
Chromium
Copper
Flavanoids
CoQ10
Especially B vitamins, folic acid and
Vitamins A, E and C
Ashwagandha
N.B Biocare Thyroid complex is a good all
round Thyroid support supplement

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Cortisone
High dose cortisones, such as prednisone. Which are prescribed to
reduce inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, allergic
disorders and skin conditions. Unfortunately, corticosteroids
supress TSH levels. Thyroid levels should be tested at least 4
weeks after a round of Prednisone.

Importance of the liver

Your body may be unable to convert sufficient T4 to
metabolically active T3 due to metabolic blockages in liver
function, but the more efficient your liver is at conversion of T4
to T3, the less hypothyroid symptoms you will have. This is
because conversion occurs mainly in the liver, which means if
you are having liver problems you will not to be able to normalize
your thyroid without liver support. Liver toxicity build up can be
a result of exposure to environmental toxins, drugs and alcohol
and even the female contraceptive pill, which although you may
not still be taking, can still be stored in the liver for years after.

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Foods to increase in Hypothyroidism
• Iodised salt
• Drink fresh celery juice first thing on an empty stomach
• Blueberries
• Carotenoids veg
• Beans

Foods to avoid in Hypothyroidism

• Gluten
• Dairy
• Soy
•Nightshade
family

Foods not to eat as they inhibit the manufacture of thyroid

hormones and stop the conversion of T4 into T3.
• Goitrogenic foods, such as the brassicas, cabbage and brussel sprouts.
• Turnips,
• Cassava,
• Pine nuts,
• Mustard,
• Peanuts
• Millet

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Thyroid depressants
• Coffee
• Alcohol
• Tobacco

Electromagnetic fields and mobile phones, WIFI, blue light screens,

even electrical wiring, fluorescent light bulbs and 5G

Conventional medical treatment for Hypothyroidism

Levothyroxine
Levothyroxine is a synthetic version of the body’s natural thyroid
hormones: thyroxine (T4). Levothyroxine is among the most widely
prescribed medications in the world, and is one of the two most frequently
prescribed medications in the US.

Even when TSH levels are controlled on levothyroxine, about 5–10% of

treated hypothyroid patients have persistent symptoms. This is because
levothyroxine just targets the stimulation of T4 into T3. There are many
other contributing factors in the dance of our hormones, such as the effect of
T1 and T2, which Levothyroxine does not address. So if you are taking
thyroid medication and still feel unwell then this may be the reason.

Natural desiccated thyroid

NDT is preferable to Levothyroxine because it is a more natural treatment to
synthetic treatment. Widely used in the U.S and increasingly in the U.K through
private medical practices. It is made from the desiccated thyroid glands of pigs.
Although studies have found that participants preferred NDT to levothyroxine
they are considered high risk for people age 65+ due to off beat heart rhythms in
older people who may have heart problems.

Both drugs are prescribed for patients for the rest of their lives and as stated
before, some symptoms still persist even when on these medications.

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Homeopathic treatment
It is possible to treat Hypothyroidism successfully with Homeopathy.
Conventional medicine like Levothyroxine only facilitates the conversion of T4
into T3 . With Hypothyroid symptoms, there are other factors involved. Such as
T1, T2 and the Deiodinases enzymes, which balance thyroid metabolism and
hormone levels. Homeopathy is a holistic form of medicine, all of these
contributing factors get addressed and corrected, unlike conventional
treatment. So all symptoms will be treated.

There are homeopathic remedies specifically used to support the thyroid gland
and thyroid hormones. The patient also has to be prescribed with a
constitutional remedy that suits and matches their individual needs and
emotional state at that time.
Homeopathy will address all symptoms, both physically, mentally and
emotionally. That is how homeopathy will get to the root of the problem and
stimulate a lasting cure.

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Supporting treatments include:

• Detoxing with Homeopathy, where necessary, such as the female
contraceptive pill or past toxic medications. As well as homeopathic remedies
that specifically target or support the thyroid gland.

Remedies that target or support the thyroid:

Iodum
Great anxiety about many things. Irritability, restlessness, forgetful. The
person feels better if being busy although this leads to aggravations and
exhaustion. Symptoms may also include a ravenous hunger with great
thirst. Painful joints. Chilly disposition. Restless sleep.

Fucus
From the herb Bladder-wrack that is traditionally used for thyroid
conditions. Symptoms can include thyroid gland enlargement. Weight gain,
headaches and constipation.

Adrenal gland
This remedy balances the sympathetic nervous system, body's rapid
involuntary response to dangerous or stressful situations. Effective in
treating conditions caused by overwork and stress which is often the trigger
for thyroid conditions.

Thyroidinum
A remedy made from the thyroid gland. Person may feel restless alternating
with melancholy. Irritable before their period. May feel depressed and
weepy. Chest may feel constricted. Insomnia.

Folliculinum
A great remedy for detoxing the effect of the female contraceptive pill. Pre
menstrual syndrome and migraines. Weight gain without excessive eating

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Other supporting treatments that I include:

• Advise on supplementation

• Homeobotanical herbs tinctures: A thyroid specific blend of herbs in a

tincture that have been prepared in a more homeopathic way.

• Homeopathy to support other areas of the body that may need addressing
for optimum thyroid function, such as homeopathic liver support remedies.

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