Bezpłatny fragment - FROM COUGH AND EYE PROBLEMS TO HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE

All rights reserved. ©Ewa Danuta Bialek

This book is protected by copyright and intellectual property laws. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means — electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise — without the prior written permission of the Author and/or Publisher.

The purpose of this guide is not to diagnose any medical condition or to recommend treatment for a specific disease. Rather, it reflects the author’s lifelong exploration of scientific research and clinical knowledge, together with her personal experience of seeking to better understand the functioning of the human body — both her own and that of others.

The views and observations presented in this guide represent the professional opinions of the author, based on more than fifty years of scientific study, clinical practice, and personal experience. Throughout these years, her work has focused on identifying evidence-informed approaches that may support health while remaining faithful to the Hippocratic principle: First, do no harm. This philosophy has also guided her broader vision of developing a model of education for the future — one that promotes the health and well-being of individuals, communities, and society.

This book offers information solely for educational purposes. The book does not intend to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Readers should consult appropriately licensed healthcare professionals about their individual medical needs and make healthcare decisions in partnership with qualified practitioners.

Introduction

This is my third approach to autoimmune diseases, which may prove that “third time’s the charm” — and that sometimes it is worth looking at the same thing three times before making a choice. I have explored Sjögren’s syndrome, the gut–lung axis, and the resulting two-track problems centered in the throat and lungs (bronchiectasis). And now a third line of inquiry opens up, one connected with the thyroid.

In this book, therefore, we will look at the thyroid, how it functions, and the disorders that can cause systemic problems. This may help us understand why these problems arise and what consequences they have, including the development of further symptoms throughout the body.

If we bring the two previous books into the picture, we can see a multitude of symptoms resulting from different problems occurring throughout the organism. None of them can simply be left out. When we add what emerges in this book, we begin to see that, indeed, the entire system is affected.

The question is where to begin and what we can do together — what we can observe, monitor, and eliminate — to reverse the course of events rather than contribute to further stages of self-destruction.

So let us take this one step further.

In my previous books, I explored the layers of problems as they accumulated, uncovering them one by one. The mucous membranes, hydration, the microbiome — all of these, in essence, concerned the organism as a whole. Ultimately, this also involved energy metabolism and, therefore, the mitochondria.

Now I will bring many of these aspects together and move further — to the endocrine system. I will focus only on those organs and structures that may potentially be significant to the main theme I wish to develop: the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, thyroid, and adrenal glands. These have a significant influence on autoimmune diseases, their common symptoms, and also on the underlying causes of disturbances in homeostasis at deeper — even spiritual — levels.

In the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases, the central process is the attack by cells of the immune system on the body’s own cells (autoimmunity). Specialized cells responsible for protecting the body produce antibodies, referred to in this context as autoantibodies. These are directed against the body’s own cells or tissues. They mistakenly recognize the body’s own cells as a threat and initiate processes aimed at eliminating them. A specific, chronic inflammatory process then develops, which we call an autoimmune disease.

This book contains both information that is widely available from numerous sources and more specialized knowledge that may not be readily accessible to the average person — or sometimes even to professionals or people searching for an understanding of the sources of their own health problems. My intention has been to synthesize generally known and more specialized knowledge in order to show that knowledge is not limited to what someone learned when they studied a particular field. Knowledge is continually evolving.

It is therefore impossible to apply information that has long become outdated to situations that are themselves changing dynamically — for example, environmental factors, diet, and even economic or political circumstances. All of these can have a significant influence on the way people experience illness, and it makes little sense to apply to them concepts that have long since lost their relevance.

In many chapters of this book, I also refer to my own problems, my personal history, and my reflections on what they mean at this point in my life — in light of both the advancement of knowledge and a deeper understanding of myself. As I discovered while working with clients for more than thirty years, I was, in the vast majority of cases, able to reach the heart of the problem.

This book is therefore about exactly that: updating our knowledge and understanding ourselves, and through this, understanding our own problems and the possibilities of helping ourselves more effectively amid the flood of information and the constant sense that there is something more — but…

A few words about the thyroid and its importance for hormonal metabolism and beyond

The thyroid, also known as the thyroid gland, is a small, butterfly-shaped endocrine gland located in the lower front part of the neck. The thyroid consists of two lobes connected by an isthmus. Its glandular cells, known as thyrocytes, are arranged into follicles filled with colloid. These follicles constitute the gland’s main structural and functional unit.

Despite its small size, the thyroid plays a very important role in the functioning of the body, both physically and psychologically. It produces metabolic hormones that play a role in controlling virtually all the other hormones in the body. Imbalances in this area can therefore have far-reaching consequences.

The thyroid also serves as a storage site for the hormones it produces. Before they are released into the bloodstream, they are stored temporarily in the gel-like substance filling the follicles.

The thyroid primarily produces three hormones:

— T2: diiodothyronine

— T3: triiodothyronine

— T4: thyroxine.

T4 and, to a lesser extent, T3 are produced in the follicular cells by attaching iodine molecules to a protein called TG (thyroglobulin). The hormones produced are then stored in the colloid and subsequently released into the bloodstream.

These “major hormones” help control and regulate the activity of glands and organs in other parts of the endocrine system, as well as the other hormones they produce, including insulin, estrogen, cortisol, testosterone, and others.

The thyroid requires an adequate supply of iodine to produce its hormones. When the thyroid produces too little or too much of these hormones, health problems begin to develop. They occur much more frequently in women than in men.

The secretion of thyroid hormones is stimulated by thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), released by the pituitary gland, which is why the thyroid is considered a subordinate gland. The activity of the pituitary gland, in turn, is regulated by the hypothalamus. Through this feedback loop, T3 and T4 are produced according to the body’s needs.

Proper thyroid function and, consequently, hormone production are therefore subject to dual regulation. On the one hand, it is controlled by the hypothalamus–pituitary system located in the brain, operating through negative feedback: when the thyroid releases its hormones, they simultaneously inhibit the release of hypothalamic hormones that stimulate the thyroid. On the other hand, thyroid hormones are produced as a result of stimulatory activity of the nervous system. This occurs in stressful situations, when the body’s defensive response is intensified.

The concentration of another thyroid hormone — calcitonin — is correlated with the level of calcium in the blood. When the thyroid produces too little or too much of its hormones, this is referred to as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, respectively.

Thyroid hormones regulate metabolic processes occurring in many tissues and organs. Above all, they control the metabolism of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Thyroid hormones affect, among other things, the central nervous system, heart function (including heart rate), circulation, and the rate of oxygen consumption by cells. They also influence liver function, including the metabolism of fats and carbohydrates (increasing lipogenesis, glycogenolysis, and gluconeogenesis), protein synthesis, and calcium-phosphate metabolism, including bone mineralization and mineral metabolism.

In addition, thyroid hormones regulate heat production, thereby helping maintain the body’s balance, or homeostasis. The thyroid is often regarded as the body’s thermostat, regulating its temperature.

A deficiency of thyroid hormones may cause symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath on exertion, excessive sleepiness, joint pain, muscle stiffness, hoarseness, headaches, hair loss, increased sensitivity to cold, and depression.

It is estimated that as many as 40% of people living in the United States have suboptimal thyroid function (approximately 130 million people in the United States alone; statistics in other countries are similar).

The role of mitochondria in the body’s energy metabolism

Mitochondria are small organelles within eukaryotic cells, often referred to as the “powerhouses of the cell.” They produce most of the cell’s energy (ATP) through cellular respiration, converting nutrients and oxygen into usable energy that is essential for the functioning of the body. They also influence cell specialization, signaling, and the processes of cell growth and cell death (apoptosis). Eukaryotic cells are highly developed cells that possess a membrane-bound nucleus containing DNA organized into chromosomes, as well as numerous membrane-bound organelles (e.g., mitochondria, which produce energy; the endoplasmic reticulum; and the Golgi apparatus), each performing specialized functions.

Mitochondria play many important roles in the human body. They produce ATP, a key high-energy chemical compound that acts as a universal “battery” within cells, storing and supplying energy for most vital processes, such as muscle contraction, protein synthesis, and the transport of substances. ATP is a nucleotide composed of adenine, ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups linked by high-energy bonds. Energy is released when these bonds are hydrolyzed, resulting in the formation of ADP (adenosine diphosphate).

ATP is produced through the oxidation of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats from food. This “energy currency” is used to generate muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and the synthesis of countless molecules needed by the body, including hormones and neurotransmitters. Mitochondria also modulate the cellular response to oxidative stress and regulate communication between cells and tissues.

When mitochondria function properly, the body has adequate energy, metabolism functions efficiently, the brain works properly, and so does the immune system. When mitochondrial function becomes impaired, dysfunction can affect the entire organism. It is associated with numerous diseases, including chronic fatigue syndrome, type 2 diabetes, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)

This is a debilitating condition characterized by very low endurance and persistent fatigue. An increasing body of research indicates that mitochondrial ATP production is impaired in people with CFS. As a result, patients experience chronic fatigue, and energy production decreases at the cellular level throughout the body.

Metabolic Syndrome and Diabetes

Pancreatic beta cells require optimal mitochondrial function to produce insulin. Impaired mitochondrial function reduces insulin secretion and increases levels of fatty-acid metabolites, such as acyl-CoA and diacylglycerol, which interfere with insulin secretion. Through these mechanisms, mitochondrial dysfunction may contribute to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Neurodegenerative Diseases and Mental Health Disorders

The brain has an exceptionally high energy demand and is therefore highly dependent on mitochondrial function. Consequently, mitochondrial dysfunction can have a significant impact on brain health. A growing body of research indicates that when mitochondrial function becomes impaired, neurodegenerative diseases and mental health disorders may develop.

Mitochondria are also responsible for initiating apoptosis in damaged cells and proteins in the brain; however, mitochondrial dysfunction can lead to uncontrolled apoptosis and neurodegeneration.

Research suggests that impaired mitochondrial function may also contribute to depression and bipolar disorder by disrupting neurotransmission and neuroplasticity. These two key processes are essential for the proper functioning of the brain. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain’s ability to repair and reorganize itself in response to environmental influences, thoughts, behaviors, and emotions reaching and generated by the brain. Mitochondrial dysfunction deprives the brain of ATP, which is essential for driving these processes, thereby reducing neuroplasticity and increasing the risk of brain dysfunction and mental health disorders.

Cardiovascular Disease

Damaged mitochondria are unable to adequately counteract oxidative stress, leading to an accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart and blood vessels. This alters the structure and function of the cardiovascular system and promotes the oxidation of circulating lipids, contributing to atherosclerosis.

Impaired mitochondrial function has a significant impact on energy production, insulin production and blood glucose regulation, as well as the health of the brain, heart, and immune system. Increasing evidence points to oxidative stress as a factor initiating these processes.

Oxidative Stress

This type of stress is considered a key cause of mitochondrial dysfunction. An imbalance between the production of free radicals and the body’s ability to counteract their harmful effects with antioxidants is a major factor in the development of this type of dysfunction. The body is exposed to oxidative stress through dietary and lifestyle factors, such as a carbohydrate-rich diet, exposure to environmental toxins and pathogens, and a sedentary lifestyle. Consuming a diet high in refined carbohydrates is associated with significant oxidative stress.

Low consumption of fruits and vegetables also promotes oxidative stress by depriving the body of plant-based antioxidants such as polyphenols.

Environmental toxins such as pesticides, BPA, and heavy metals are another important source of oxidative stress. BPA, or bisphenols, can leach into food, particularly when exposed to heat, and disrupt the endocrine system (acting like estrogen), which is associated with the risk of fertility problems, premature puberty, and other health conditions.

Lack of physical activity also promotes oxidative stress because it deprives the body of the stimulus needed to produce antioxidant enzymes.

Free radicals induced by dietary and lifestyle factors can damage the body’s natural antioxidant defenses and lead to cellular and mitochondrial damage. This has serious consequences for many physiological processes in the body, including the proper functioning of ATP produced by mitochondria. In order to protect cells and improve mitochondrial function, we need to know how to manage oxidative stress.

As described above, the primary function of mitochondria is to produce energy that powers the activity of cells, tissues, and organs throughout the body.

The energy generated by mitochondria makes it possible for muscles to work, nerve impulses to be transmitted, hormones to be synthesized, tissues to regenerate, and the immune system to function properly.

However, the role of mitochondria does not end with energy production. Their function in the human body is much broader:

— they participate in the formation of biological compounds, such as hemoglobin;

— they support fat burning;

— they participate in heat production, thereby helping maintain normal body temperature;

— they convert toxic ammonia into the much less harmful urea;

— they participate in the disposal of damaged cells.

For the reasons described above, it is worth taking care to keep mitochondria functioning properly by ensuring an adequate intake of nutrients in the diet, such as:

1. Minerals

Among the minerals, selenium is particularly valuable. Scientific studies indicate that this element participates in so-called mitochondrial biogenesis, the process through which new mitochondria are formed within cells.

The richest sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, cod, herring, salmon, sardines, halibut, flounder, beef, turkey, and egg yolks.

Magnesium is also important for mitochondrial function. Scientific literature indicates that approximately one-third of the magnesium pool present in cells is located in the mitochondria. Magnesium deficiency causes mitochondria to function less efficiently. Energy production decreases, and cells become “fatigued” and age more rapidly.

2. Vitamins

Within this group of nutrients, B vitamins are particularly important. Their primary role is to increase energy production by the mitochondria.

It is also important to ensure adequate intake of vitamin C, as it supports the formation of new mitochondria and additionally protects them from damage caused by free radicals.

3. Bioactive Compounds

A number of bioactive compounds found in various foods also have beneficial effects on mitochondrial function, including improving their efficiency:

— Taurine: liver, poultry, beef, pork, cod, salmon, tuna, mussels, oysters.

— Coenzyme Q10: organ meats, herring, mackerel, beef.

— Alpha-lipoic acid: organ meats, tomatoes, broccoli, spinach, and Brussels sprouts.

— Quercetin: onions, asparagus, capers, cranberries, apples with the skin, cherries, and cocoa.

Supplements that support mitochondrial function

Cell and organelle membranes, including mitochondrial membranes, are composed primarily of lipids. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), produced in response to oxidative stress, damage membrane lipids. ROS alter the structure and function of cells and mitochondria, impair energy production, and negatively affect health.

For this reason, a number of preparations intended to support mitochondrial function and, consequently, the body’s energy metabolism, are available on the market:

1. Mitochondria Ignite with NT Factor is a dietary supplement designed to support the repair of damaged cell membranes and restore normal mitochondrial function. It contains a broad range of nutrients, including phospholipids, glycophospholipids, nutrients, probiotics, vitamins, minerals, and plant extracts.

NT Factor is a lipid replacement therapy (LRT) that helps repair damaged membranes. It contains lipids that are compatible with human cell membranes, as well as antioxidants that protect the lipids from oxidation in the intestines. This helps ensure that the lipids reach the cells intact, where they can be used to repair damaged membranes and restore normal cellular and mitochondrial function.

Several scientific studies have shown that lipid replacement therapy can effectively restore membrane integrity and may alleviate symptoms of mitochondrial dysfunction.

NT Factor supplementation has been found to:

— reduce fatigue and improve mitochondrial function in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome;

— influence processes associated with slowing aging;

— increase levels of “good” HDL cholesterol and apolipoprotein A-1 while reducing triglyceride levels in patients with cardiovascular disease.

This supplement also contains probiotics, prebiotic fibers that support the growth of beneficial intestinal bacteria, as well as a range of vitamins and minerals that support mitochondrial energy production. These ingredients work synergistically to increase the absorption and utilization of nutrients and provide cells with the substances they need for optimal functioning.

Mitochondria-ATP — this formula provides comprehensive support and neutralizes free radicals produced during mitochondrial energy generation.

2. Energy Renew — an advanced formula designed to support chronic fatigue-related problems.

3. Mitochondrial Energy Optimizer with PQQ — supports healthy mitochondria responsible for producing the energy required by the entire body.

In modern life, many factors promote oxidative stress and adversely affect mitochondrial function. Nevertheless, relatively small changes in nutrition and lifestyle can significantly improve energy metabolism by influencing mitochondrial function.[1] By eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet, avoiding environmental toxins, engaging in regular physical activity, and replenishing lipids and antioxidants, we can influence our own health and take greater responsibility for it.

One step higher: control of the endocrine glands and consequences for the thyroid

THE HYPOTHALAMUS is a small structure in the diencephalon, located below the thalamus, that plays an exceptionally important role in controlling the endocrine glands. The hypothalamus is the main center integrating three different functional systems: somatic, autonomic (dependent on the nervous system), and hormonal — influencing hormone secretion. It performs its regulatory functions through the autonomic nervous system (via the brainstem and spinal cord), as well as through the limbic and endocrine systems (via the pituitary gland).

The hypothalamus is responsible for many processes occurring in the body, including homeostasis, that is, maintaining the body’s internal balance. These processes include maintaining an optimal temperature, managing energy reserves, regulating water and electrolyte balance (including thirst and preventing dehydration), food intake and processing (hunger and satiety), regulating periods of sleep and wakefulness, as well as many neuropsychological processes. The hypothalamus is also involved in sexual functions, including reproductive cycles and sexual drive.

The hypothalamus is where communication takes place between the nervous and endocrine systems: neural signals are converted into biochemical signals, allowing psychological processes to influence changes in the body’s biochemical functions. This occurs through the action of two catecholamines: adrenaline and noradrenaline.

It is impossible to discuss the hypothalamus without mentioning the pituitary gland. These two glands are closely interconnected. The hypothalamus regulates bodily functions largely through the pituitary gland. They work together through a feedback mechanism. The hypothalamus monitors the concentration of a particular hormone in the blood. When the appropriate level is reached, the pituitary stops secreting that hormone and its concentration gradually decreases. Conversely, when there is too little of a particular hormone in the blood, the hypothalamus releases its regulatory hormones into the pituitary, stimulating it to secrete the appropriate hormones.

The hypothalamus is regarded as a central organ with a higher-level role in controlling the endocrine glands. It is through the hypothalamus that homeostasis can be maintained in the body. Some researchers describe it as both a radar and a control center. It collects information from throughout the body, transmitted to it by neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. For example, it produces more thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) when it receives a signal indicating that the level of thyroid hormones is too low. TRH reaches the pituitary gland and stimulates it to release thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). TSH then travels through the bloodstream to the thyroid gland and stimulates the production of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), as well as calcitonin, the latter regulating calcium-phosphate metabolism.

Through the hypothalamus, both the autonomic nervous system and the endocrine system are regulated. Thus, neural impulses are translated into biochemical processes.

Thyroid dysfunction and its impact on other organs and systems

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are two conditions that illustrate how disturbances in thyroid balance can produce symptoms throughout the body.

Hyperthyroidism is associated with an accelerated metabolism and excessive weight loss, whereas hypothyroidism involves a slowed metabolism, weight gain, and fatigue.

Hypothyroidism is characterized by lethargy: weight gain, fatigue, slowed metabolism, mental fatigue, depression, and low mood. It is the opposite of hyperthyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone.

Diagnosing hypothyroidism can be difficult because its symptoms are often regarded as problems in their own right — weight gain or lethargy, for example, may be treated as isolated issues without considering their underlying cause. Many people change to a lower-calorie diet, believing this will help them lose weight, whereas in reality it may have no effect, except perhaps to worsen thyroid imbalance.

Hypothyroidism is often misdiagnosed or overlooked because the tests used by many physicians may have a limited scope and may be performed at different times, which does not necessarily facilitate an accurate diagnosis.

It is best to listen to your body — if you experience one or more of the following symptoms, it is worth exploring the subject further and, for example, beginning to support thyroid balance through an alkaline diet. The following symptoms may indicate thyroid problems:

— weight gain (and difficulty losing weight)

— fatigue (physical and mental)

— mood changes and depression

— rough, cracked skin

— hair loss

— infertility

— digestive problems, especially constipation

— frequent colds and generally reduced immunity

— sudden, unexplained changes in the menstrual cycle

— …and many others

Symptoms of this kind may be only the tip of the iceberg. When an imbalance develops in one of the so-called “five major systems,” it can disturb the balance of other systems, leading to a cascade of symptoms and problems.

These five major systems are:

— the hormonal,

— the digestive,

— the immune,

— the detoxification,

— the pH-balancing.

The body’s pH-balancing system is based on the blood buffer systems, including the bicarbonate, phosphate, and protein buffer systems, as well as the cooperation of the lungs, which remove carbon dioxide, and the kidneys, which excrete hydrogen ions and bicarbonate. These mechanisms maintain blood pH within a narrow range of 7.35–7.45, preventing acidosis (pH < 7.35) or alkalosis (pH > 7.45).

And here we encounter the influence of hypothyroidism on body weight. If the thyroid does not produce sufficient T4, the body develops visceral fat cells and metabolism slows down. Weight gain is only the beginning.

Excess visceral fat impairs the body’s ability to regulate blood glucose levels, requiring it to produce increasing amounts of insulin to keep blood glucose under control. This can lead to insulin resistance and place additional strain on the pancreas, which begins to lose its ability to use fat as fuel, resulting in further weight gain.

Constant fluctuations in insulin and blood glucose levels become increasingly pronounced, and when blood glucose falls too low, the adrenal glands produce cortisol to help raise it.

Chronically elevated cortisol levels have consequences of their own:

— First, this places stress on the adrenal glands, leading to what is described as adrenal fatigue, which further reduces the body’s ability to burn fat. When the adrenal glands are weakened, they do not produce adequate amounts of hormones involved in stimulating the thyroid, leading to more pronounced hypothyroidism. A vicious cycle begins.

— Second, when cortisol levels are elevated, the body enters a state of mild acidosis (and again, in a vicious cycle, chronic diet-related acidosis causes the body to produce excess cortisol, while elevated cortisol levels are described as one of the most common factors preceding virtually every cancer).

Chronic acidosis is associated with cancer, cardiovascular disease/hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, osteoporosis, and many other conditions. The list seems endless. The point is that one imbalance can easily trigger another and create a feedback loop that develops into a vicious cycle. The situation can spiral out of control.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism can therefore contribute to its further progression, while the overall picture of the problem is lost from view.

Causes of hypothyroidism

There are many causes of hypothyroidism, and chronic inflammation is considered to be one of them. Let us take a closer look at this.

1. Autoimmune diseases with an inflammatory basis

The most common cause of hypothyroidism is inflammation, which leads to the condition known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, or autoimmune thyroiditis. It results from excessive inflammation in the body, which causes serious disturbances in immune-system function and triggers autoimmune endocrine disorders.

An “autoimmune disorder” means that the body begins to attack itself, producing excessive antibodies that are not needed and generating antibodies that attack cells it mistakenly identifies as foreign invaders, even though those cells actually belong in the body. In Hashimoto’s disease, the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland.

Although an abnormal inflammatory response is a cause of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto’s disease, it is also this response that intensifies inflammation, creating a vicious cycle.

One approach used by physicians practicing integrative medicine is dietary intervention. When we consume too many foods that promote acid formation in the body, we expose the body to continuous stress, forcing it to work constantly to neutralize acidity and restore the pH to approximately 7.365.

From the moment acid-forming foods enter the mouth, the digestive system is subjected to stress. They cause an imbalance between the amount of hydrochloric acid and sodium bicarbonate produced during digestion, creating an environment conducive to gastroesophageal reflux, excessive yeast growth, intestinal dysbiosis, and increased intestinal permeability.

And this is only the first wave of harmful factors associated with an acidic diet, each of which may negatively affect thyroid function.

One of the most direct harmful effects attributed to diet-induced acidosis is increased cortisol production. As we have already seen, chronically elevated cortisol levels can adversely affect the adrenal glands and pituitary gland.

The acidity of food therefore becomes a direct cause of inflammatory processes in the body. Constant exposure throughout the day to substances with an acid-forming effect keeps the body in a state of alarm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, also affecting thyroid function.

2. Iodine and selenium deficiency

Iodine deficiency is a typical feature of hypothyroidism. Some people consider it the only cause of a slowing thyroid. Severe iodine deficiency has a major impact on thyroid function, but also on the skin, pancreas, salivary glands, brain, stomach, and other organs.

The problem is not necessarily consuming enough iodine, because it is relatively easy to obtain an adequate daily amount (approximately 140 mcg). For many years, iodized salt has also been readily available in grocery stores.

The problem, however, lies in the modern diet, which may reduce the body’s ability to utilize iodine. Gluten-containing grains, food stored in plastic containers, pesticides, bromine compounds, food additives, artificial sweeteners, and toxins found in cleaning products and cosmetics — all of these are described as factors that may interfere with the body’s ability to use and store iodine. Bromine can compete with iodine and thereby interfere with its metabolism. It is not, however, a substitute for iodine.

Selenium is just as important as iodine, yet it is often overlooked. The thyroid is one of the organs with the highest selenium concentration per gram of tissue. It requires more selenium than almost any other part of the body. The thyroid uses selenium in the metabolism of thyroid hormones.

Selenium deficiency is most commonly associated with Graves’ disease (a condition involving hyperthyroidism), but it may also play a significant role in hypothyroidism.

There are many alkaline-forming sources of selenium, including spinach, lentils, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, cashews, oats, and others.

3. Leaky gut syndrome

This is where the inflammatory and autoimmune pathways come into play once again. Inflammation caused by poor dietary choices — especially gluten, processed foods, sugar, excessive amounts of animal protein, and dairy products — is described as causing significant imbalance and damage in the intestines.