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07-25-2001, 11:34 PM
Keep Thyroid Healthy for Weight Control
December 8, 1999
Having an under active/sluggish thyroid often results with weight gain. While doing research on female metabolism over the age of 30, I studied thyroid gland function in connection to weight gain/loss and realized that having a healthy thyroid definitely helps in maintaining one's weight.
An easy way to check thyroid function: put a drop of 2% iodine approximately the size of a silver dollar on your thigh or abdomen, if it disappears within 24 hours, have a doctor check your thyroid.
Iodine deficiency results in "hypothyroidism"(low thyroid function), which can cause sluggish metabolism, weight gain, dry hair, rapid pulse and heart palpitation, slowed mental reactions, tremor, nervousness, restlessness, and irritability. Iodine deficiency has recently been linked to breast cancer as well.
Iodine is a trace mineral that aids thyroid gland function and is an integral part of thyroxine, the principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in regulating the body's production of energy (cellular oxidation), stimulates the rate of metabolism (basal metabolic rate) and helps the body burn excess fat. Mentality, speech and the condition of hair, nails, skin, and teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland. The conversion of carotene to vitamin A, the synthesis of protein by ribosomes, and the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine, all work efficiently when thyroxine production is normal (iodine makes thyroxin).
Natural sources of Iodine: Both types of sea life, plant and animal, absorb iodine from seawater and are excellent sources of this mineral. White deep-water fish, kelp, garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, summer squash, and turnip greens are good non sea-life sources.
Iodine is quickly absorbed through the skin or from the gastrointestinal tract and it is transported via the bloodstream to the thyroid gland where it is oxidized and converted to thyroxine. Approximately 30% of iodine in the blood is absorbed by the thyroid gland; the rest is absorbed by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, with some lost in sweat, tears, saliva, and bile.
How Teresa Tapp "Feeds" Her Thyroid
Take one Solaray capsule of kelp (640mg) in the morning on an empty stomach along with 2 capsules of Premium Blended Alfalfa. When extra tired, I take a second one in the afternoon. Retail for 100 capsules of Solaray kelp is $7.99, but all brands seem equal in quality and are easily found in health food stores.
Blood type connection: While researching blood type connection to female metabolism, I discovered that having a sluggish thyroid appears to be common in O blood types.
Toxicity: There have been no reported cases of toxicity resulting from too much iodine when consumed from natural sources. Excessive amounts of iodine can cause acne, sores in the mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, or diarrhea. However, iodine prepared as a drug or medicine must be prescribed carefully because an overdose can be serious.
Hypothyroidism
Found mostly in women, hypothyroidism is the underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland thus resulting in lowered cellular metabolism. It is the easiest thyroid disease to reverse. Hypothyroidism develops gradually and is difficult to diagnose. The brain cells are affected and intellectual capacity is lowered and impaired. In the elderly, hypothyroidism is often mistaken for senility, due to similar symptoms of depression, poor memory, and impaired mental condition.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are accumulation of fluid under the eye, fatigue, decreased appetite, dull, dry hair and skin, constipation, lack of mental/physical vigor, sleeplessness, slurred speech, clumsiness, and numbness/tingling in the hands and feet.
Many cases of hypothyroidism are caused by autoimmune disease, whereby the body attacks its own thyroid cells. Genetics seem to play a role, but the condition can also result from iodine deficiency. Since hypothyroidism develops slowly, early symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of zest, and sensitivity to cold may be attributed to other sources, such as stress. Other symptoms are weak or aching muscles, constipation, gaining weight even when not eating poor diet, and lack of concentration.
Low thyroid levels can cause night blindness and even deafness. It can cause men to become impotent and have a low sperm count. It can cause women to have a lower sex drive, ovulation to cease, and excessive or irregular menstruation.
An adequate diet supplying all nutrients at an optimal level is essential. Foods rich in iodine, like iodized salt, seafood, shellfish, and seaweed (kelp) are needed. Foods that inhibit absorption of iodine like peanuts, cabbage, soybeans, pine nuts, mustard, and turnips should be avoided.
Supplementation Can Help
Vitamin A (beta-carotene may not be broken down), vitamins C and E, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and zinc may help. Organic iodine, such as that found in kelp, appears to be retained well and is less likely to be excreted by the body than potassium iodide. Treatment for hypothyroidism may include administration of thyroid hormone (thyroxin).
List of Nutrients That May Be Beneficial In The Treatment Of Hypothyroidism:
Vitamin B Complex - 100mg with meals
Riboflavin - 50mg taken twice a day
Niacin
Vitamin B12 - oral spray is best with 3 sprays/3x a day or 15mg in lozenge form 3x a day on empty stomach
Choline
Vitamin C - 500mg 4x a day
Vitamin E - 300-400 IU daily
Vitamin A - 15,000 IU daily
Beta-carotene - 15,000 IU daily
Iodine - 10 capsules daily
Zinc - 50mg daily
Iron Chelated - as directed
Protein
L-tyrosine - 500mg 2x a day on empty stomach
Brewer's yeast - as directed
Unsaturated fatty acids - as directed
Please note: Quantities shown are not prescriptive; some are extremely high and represent therapeutic test dosages. Individual needs and tolerances vary according to body size, metabolism, age, diet, and ailment. Consult a physician who is familiar with nutritional therapy.
**********Don't try to self-diagnose or treat!**********
Exercise Can Help
Exercise is beneficial because it stimulates production of thyroid hormones. When I developed the T-Tapp Total Workout, I created movements in a specific sequence to establish hormonal balance including thyroxin level. This is one of the reasons why Primary Back Stretch (PBS) is so important. Doing Primary Back Stretch prior to any type of exercise will make it more effective. Good news: Primary Back Stretch is now available on separate video and it is explained to the point of perfection. To expedite weight loss and/or cellulite removal, do PBS first thing in the morning. It only takes 5 minutes to complete! PBS will establish your neuro-kinetic flow, increase your metabolic rate, stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems, and boost your thyroid. Normal retail is $21.95, but it's on special for only $19.95 with free shipping. If you'd like to purchase Primary Back Stretch just email request with address to ship and authorization to charge credit card on file or call toll free 1-800-342-0717.
Super Fat-Burning Thyroid Booster Exercises: These yoga positions have been around for thousands of years. They stimulate the thyroid gland to work properly. By inverting the body and pressing gently on the thyroid gland, located at back of neck, you can stimulate thyroid function and reverse normal aging processes.
Level One - Wall Pose: Lay on back with bottom pressed against a wall with feet up along wall. Get butt as close to wall as possible. Now, simply put chin to chest and hold for 5 deep breaths. Release, relax and repeat as often as you like.
Level Two - The Plough: Lay on back with hands alongside body. Lift legs up and over your head trying to reach toes behind head. Do this slowly and gently. Don't move head to left or right - keep it centered. Keep weight on shoulders, never your neck. Stay here for as long as it is comfortable. Slowly, with control, bring legs back down over chest one vertebrae at a time until they reach the floor.
Level Three - The Shoulder Stand: From Level 2 position, place hands on back to support body. Slowly and carefully lift legs into air so that hips are aligned with shoulders. Breathe normal and hold this position for 20 breaths. This exercise not only stimulates the thyroid, but it also helps bring blood to the brain and reverses the flow of gravity to your body so that your cardiovascular system gets a rest.
Warning: Don't do these inverted positions if you are menstruating, pregnant or have a detached retina or glaucoma.
Best wishes ‘til next week!
Teresa Tapp
December 8, 1999
Having an under active/sluggish thyroid often results with weight gain. While doing research on female metabolism over the age of 30, I studied thyroid gland function in connection to weight gain/loss and realized that having a healthy thyroid definitely helps in maintaining one's weight.
An easy way to check thyroid function: put a drop of 2% iodine approximately the size of a silver dollar on your thigh or abdomen, if it disappears within 24 hours, have a doctor check your thyroid.
Iodine deficiency results in "hypothyroidism"(low thyroid function), which can cause sluggish metabolism, weight gain, dry hair, rapid pulse and heart palpitation, slowed mental reactions, tremor, nervousness, restlessness, and irritability. Iodine deficiency has recently been linked to breast cancer as well.
Iodine is a trace mineral that aids thyroid gland function and is an integral part of thyroxine, the principal hormone produced by the thyroid gland. It plays an important role in regulating the body's production of energy (cellular oxidation), stimulates the rate of metabolism (basal metabolic rate) and helps the body burn excess fat. Mentality, speech and the condition of hair, nails, skin, and teeth are dependent upon a well-functioning thyroid gland. The conversion of carotene to vitamin A, the synthesis of protein by ribosomes, and the absorption of carbohydrates from the intestine, all work efficiently when thyroxine production is normal (iodine makes thyroxin).
Natural sources of Iodine: Both types of sea life, plant and animal, absorb iodine from seawater and are excellent sources of this mineral. White deep-water fish, kelp, garlic, lima beans, sesame seeds, soybeans, spinach, summer squash, and turnip greens are good non sea-life sources.
Iodine is quickly absorbed through the skin or from the gastrointestinal tract and it is transported via the bloodstream to the thyroid gland where it is oxidized and converted to thyroxine. Approximately 30% of iodine in the blood is absorbed by the thyroid gland; the rest is absorbed by the kidneys and excreted in the urine, with some lost in sweat, tears, saliva, and bile.
How Teresa Tapp "Feeds" Her Thyroid
Take one Solaray capsule of kelp (640mg) in the morning on an empty stomach along with 2 capsules of Premium Blended Alfalfa. When extra tired, I take a second one in the afternoon. Retail for 100 capsules of Solaray kelp is $7.99, but all brands seem equal in quality and are easily found in health food stores.
Blood type connection: While researching blood type connection to female metabolism, I discovered that having a sluggish thyroid appears to be common in O blood types.
Toxicity: There have been no reported cases of toxicity resulting from too much iodine when consumed from natural sources. Excessive amounts of iodine can cause acne, sores in the mouth, a metallic taste in the mouth, or diarrhea. However, iodine prepared as a drug or medicine must be prescribed carefully because an overdose can be serious.
Hypothyroidism
Found mostly in women, hypothyroidism is the underproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland thus resulting in lowered cellular metabolism. It is the easiest thyroid disease to reverse. Hypothyroidism develops gradually and is difficult to diagnose. The brain cells are affected and intellectual capacity is lowered and impaired. In the elderly, hypothyroidism is often mistaken for senility, due to similar symptoms of depression, poor memory, and impaired mental condition.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism are accumulation of fluid under the eye, fatigue, decreased appetite, dull, dry hair and skin, constipation, lack of mental/physical vigor, sleeplessness, slurred speech, clumsiness, and numbness/tingling in the hands and feet.
Many cases of hypothyroidism are caused by autoimmune disease, whereby the body attacks its own thyroid cells. Genetics seem to play a role, but the condition can also result from iodine deficiency. Since hypothyroidism develops slowly, early symptoms, such as fatigue, lack of zest, and sensitivity to cold may be attributed to other sources, such as stress. Other symptoms are weak or aching muscles, constipation, gaining weight even when not eating poor diet, and lack of concentration.
Low thyroid levels can cause night blindness and even deafness. It can cause men to become impotent and have a low sperm count. It can cause women to have a lower sex drive, ovulation to cease, and excessive or irregular menstruation.
An adequate diet supplying all nutrients at an optimal level is essential. Foods rich in iodine, like iodized salt, seafood, shellfish, and seaweed (kelp) are needed. Foods that inhibit absorption of iodine like peanuts, cabbage, soybeans, pine nuts, mustard, and turnips should be avoided.
Supplementation Can Help
Vitamin A (beta-carotene may not be broken down), vitamins C and E, riboflavin, niacin, pyridoxine, and zinc may help. Organic iodine, such as that found in kelp, appears to be retained well and is less likely to be excreted by the body than potassium iodide. Treatment for hypothyroidism may include administration of thyroid hormone (thyroxin).
List of Nutrients That May Be Beneficial In The Treatment Of Hypothyroidism:
Vitamin B Complex - 100mg with meals
Riboflavin - 50mg taken twice a day
Niacin
Vitamin B12 - oral spray is best with 3 sprays/3x a day or 15mg in lozenge form 3x a day on empty stomach
Choline
Vitamin C - 500mg 4x a day
Vitamin E - 300-400 IU daily
Vitamin A - 15,000 IU daily
Beta-carotene - 15,000 IU daily
Iodine - 10 capsules daily
Zinc - 50mg daily
Iron Chelated - as directed
Protein
L-tyrosine - 500mg 2x a day on empty stomach
Brewer's yeast - as directed
Unsaturated fatty acids - as directed
Please note: Quantities shown are not prescriptive; some are extremely high and represent therapeutic test dosages. Individual needs and tolerances vary according to body size, metabolism, age, diet, and ailment. Consult a physician who is familiar with nutritional therapy.
**********Don't try to self-diagnose or treat!**********
Exercise Can Help
Exercise is beneficial because it stimulates production of thyroid hormones. When I developed the T-Tapp Total Workout, I created movements in a specific sequence to establish hormonal balance including thyroxin level. This is one of the reasons why Primary Back Stretch (PBS) is so important. Doing Primary Back Stretch prior to any type of exercise will make it more effective. Good news: Primary Back Stretch is now available on separate video and it is explained to the point of perfection. To expedite weight loss and/or cellulite removal, do PBS first thing in the morning. It only takes 5 minutes to complete! PBS will establish your neuro-kinetic flow, increase your metabolic rate, stimulate your lymphatic and circulatory systems, and boost your thyroid. Normal retail is $21.95, but it's on special for only $19.95 with free shipping. If you'd like to purchase Primary Back Stretch just email request with address to ship and authorization to charge credit card on file or call toll free 1-800-342-0717.
Super Fat-Burning Thyroid Booster Exercises: These yoga positions have been around for thousands of years. They stimulate the thyroid gland to work properly. By inverting the body and pressing gently on the thyroid gland, located at back of neck, you can stimulate thyroid function and reverse normal aging processes.
Level One - Wall Pose: Lay on back with bottom pressed against a wall with feet up along wall. Get butt as close to wall as possible. Now, simply put chin to chest and hold for 5 deep breaths. Release, relax and repeat as often as you like.
Level Two - The Plough: Lay on back with hands alongside body. Lift legs up and over your head trying to reach toes behind head. Do this slowly and gently. Don't move head to left or right - keep it centered. Keep weight on shoulders, never your neck. Stay here for as long as it is comfortable. Slowly, with control, bring legs back down over chest one vertebrae at a time until they reach the floor.
Level Three - The Shoulder Stand: From Level 2 position, place hands on back to support body. Slowly and carefully lift legs into air so that hips are aligned with shoulders. Breathe normal and hold this position for 20 breaths. This exercise not only stimulates the thyroid, but it also helps bring blood to the brain and reverses the flow of gravity to your body so that your cardiovascular system gets a rest.
Warning: Don't do these inverted positions if you are menstruating, pregnant or have a detached retina or glaucoma.
Best wishes ‘til next week!
Teresa Tapp