Q: Karen, I have a friend who is in her 60's, and her doctor that her thyroid levels are abnormal. My friend expressed that she does not want to use western meds to normalize her thyroid levels. Over the past year, she has been under excess family and work stress. I do not know a lot of her nutrition level, but do know she likes to watch her weight.. my presumption is she eats a typical American diet of "healthy" processed foods (almost sounds like an oxy-moron). She is also physically active, Pilates, weight training and walking/running. She does not like acupuncture either. Do you have some suggestions that I can forward to her, including any herb fusions, books of reading, suggested nutrition?
Thank you for your time
A: Here are some things you can share with your friend if you wish, from our websites:
http://www.susunweed.com/A_press-kit_book-quotes.htm
Two self-tests to see if your thyroid levels are normal:
1. Paint tincture of iodine on exposed skin. If it disappears within an hour, you need more iodine (and your thyroid is probably unhappy).
2. For four mornings in a row, take your armpit temperature first thing, while resting quietly. The average of four readings should be between 97.8 and 98.2.
At least one out of every ten women in America is currently diagnosed with a thyroid disorder.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/July04/menopausal.htm
Seaweeds are superb sources of the nutrients most needed by the endocrine, circulatory, and immune systems. Regular use helps maintain adequate production of all hormones, especially thyroid hormones. Lavish use may reverse hypothyroidism.
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Mineral_Rich_Herbs.htm
It's easy to find chickweed (Stellaria media) in large planters on street corners and in gardens. Mince her stalks and leaves into your salads to nourish your thyroid and help prevent excess weight gain during menopause. (Ten to fifteen pounds can be normal and healthy however.)
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/september03/herbalmedicine.htm
Chickweed (Stellaria media) has many uses, including delicious salad greens. I cut the entire top of the plant and eat it or use alcohol to make a tincture, which dissolves cysts, tonifies the thyroid, and aids in weight loss. A dose is a dropperful (1 ml), up to three times a day.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-113-weight_gain.htm
In fact, weight loss can lead to thyroid malfunction, severe gall bladder problems, increased insulin-resistance, and weakening of the cardiovascular and immune systems.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/September04/menopausal.htm
Iodine: For fewer breast lumps, less fatigue, healthier thyroid function, stronger liver.
*Depleted by: Unfermented soy products.
*Food Sources of Iodine: Seafood, seaweed, sea salt, spinach, beets, mushrooms.
*Herbal Sources of Iodine: Kelp, parsley, celery, sarsaparilla root.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/August04/healingwise.htm
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a health-giving agent for centuries. Hippocrates, father of medicine, is said to have used only two remedies: honey and apple cider vinegar. Some of the many benefits of apple cider vinegar include: better digestion, reduction of cholesterol, improvements in blood pressure, prevention/care of osteoporosis, normalization of thyroid/metabolic functioning, possible reduction of cancer risk, and lessening of wrinkles and grey hair.
http://www.susunweed.com/An_Article_Fear_AW1.htm
Soy beverage can have the opposite effect -- that is, it may increase anxiety -- due to its ability to disrupt thyroid functioning and interfere with calcium metabolism.
http://www.susunweed.com/An_Interview-Weed2.htm
More recent research shows that soy milk and other soy products (with the exception of tamari, miso and other fermented soy foods) can cause thyroid problems and may also lead to an increased risk of Alzheimer's, according to Weed.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-110-menopause_enlightenment.htm
Menstrual pain, bloating, indigestion, heart palpitations, thyroid malfunctions, headaches, and memory loss are all associated with resistance to the passage of kundalini.
http://www.menopause-metamorphosis.com/An_Excerpt-119_that_filthy_colon.htm
Lack of high-quality fats, can lead to thyroid problems, immune system stress, lack of energy, and blood vessel disease. Nourishing herbal infusions, full-fat yogurt, organic chocolate, olive oil, organic butter, nuts and seeds are superb sources.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/intuitive.htm
FIFTH CHAKRA: THROAT CHAKRA
LOCATION: Neck, throat area above collar bone.
COLOR: blue
ELEMENT: The higher expression of all signs.
FUNCTIONS: Communication center, acting to provide the energy for, and the understanding of, both verbal and mental
communications.
GLANDS/ORGANS: Thyroid gland, throat and jaw areas, alimentary canal, lungs, vocal cords, and the breath.
GEMS/MINERALS: Aquamarine, turquoise, chalcedony
FOODS: fruit.
ASSOCIATED AROMAS: Sage, eucalyptus.
SENSORY FUNCTION: Hearing.
QUALITIES/LESSONS: Open, clear communication of feelings and thoughts. Creativity, speaking up, releasing, healing.
http://www.susunweed.com/Article_Motherwort.htm
Motherwort may help an overactive thyroid but does not depress normal thyroid function.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/march04/wisewoman.htm
Seaweeds also help stabilize weight by balancing the thyroid--stabilizing an overactive thyroid as well as nudging a sluggish one--with their iodine content. Goiter (linked to a hypoactive thyroid) is rare in Iceland where seaweeds are a regular part of the diet.
http://www.susunweed.com/herbal_ezine/May05/healingwise.htm
VITAMIN D Essential for calcium and phosphorous utilization. Prevents rickets. Needed for normal growth of bones and teeth. Helps regulate heartbeat. Prevents cancer and enhances immunity. Aids thyroid function and blood clotting.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, horsetail, nettle, parsley.
IODINE Needed in trace amounts for a healthy thyroid gland , and to help metabolize excess fat.
HERBAL SOURCES: Calendula, tarragon leaves, turkey rhubarb.
MANGANESE Minute quantities of this mineral are needed for healthy nerves, blood sugar regulation, normal bone growth, and thyroid hormone production.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, chamomile, chickweed, dandelion, eyebright, fennel seed, fenugreek, ginseng, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, mullein, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, red clover, rose hip, wild yam, yarrow, yellow dock.
SELENIUM Provides an important trace element for prostrate gland in males. Protects immune system and helps regulate thyroid hormones.
HERBAL SOURCES: Alfalfa, burdock root, catnip, cayenne, chamomile, chickweed, fennel seed, ginseng, garlic, hawthorn berry, hops, horsetail, lemongrass, milk thistle nettle, oat straw, parsley, peppermint, raspberry leaf, rose hips, sarsaparilla, uva ursi, yarrow, yellow dock.
Lots of love,
Karen Joy
[email protected]
www.wisewomanweb.com
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