One million women in Sweden have an under-functioning thyroid gland (hypothyroidism ) according to health care estimates, but the number of unreported cases is probably large. Men are also affected but there are ten times more women. Signs of an underactive thyroid are mainly increasing obesity, excessive fatigue, dry, brittle hair and a general decline in health. Proper diet and nutrition, as well as food breaks, can help balance your energy. (Updated, originally published June 11, 2017.)

The causes of thyroid dysfunction can be stress, lack of sleep and nutritional deficiencies (poor diet). Underproduction is also linked to inflammation of the thyroid gland, which over time causes problems in the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands have to work hard to compensate for the reduced thyroid function. But it is possible to balance it to normal levels and I have done it myself several times with the help of supplements and dietary changes.

The thyroid gland is very important for energy levels as it regulates metabolism, blood sugar levels and body temperature. But it also controls the adrenal glands, and thus indirectly the production of the stress hormones adrenaline and noradrenaline. An under- or over-functioning thyroid gland causes a range of symptoms, including reduced energy levels and fatigue.

Signs of thyroid disorders

Signs of an underactive thyroid are listed below. Note that individual symptoms can of course have other causes as well. Untreated underactivity affects the whole body and can even affect the fetus if the mother’s thyroid gland is underactive during pregnancy, resulting in reduced intellectual capacity. So it is important to identify the problem and address the imbalance.

• cold hands and feet due to reduced blood circulation
• edema, swelling of the arms, legs and face are signs when it has been longer
• yellowish skin mainly on the hands, as thyroid hormone helps convert beta-carotene into vitamin A.
• stubborn infections
• hair loss
• pain in joints
• skin dehydration (wrinkled and dry skin, dull hair, brittle nails)
• osteoarthritis-like pain in knees and joints

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New approach to testing and treatment

Opinions are divided on how best to test thyroid function. The traditional tests for thyroid hormones T3 and T4 only show part of the picture. A good bacterial flora in the gastrointestinal tract is also important, as a course of antibiotics kills the microbes that convert 20-30% of T4 to T3. A more individualized treatment is requested. In Kurera’s article (link at the bottom) there is a story about a woman who was not helped by Levaxin but by natural pork thyroid extract.

The causes of thyroid dysfunction can be multiple, such as stress, insufficient sleep and nutritional deficiencies (poor diet), underlying infection, not having had or taking time to recover. It can usually be balanced to normal levels with dietary changes and supplements.

The most important thing is to change lifestyle and diet.

My experience

I have had thyroid problems a couple of times, the first time when I was 32 and recovering from a Candida infection in my gut and pneumonia with penicillin (which triggered Candida). Before that I had been a vegetarian for two years, but was not getting enough protein. I have a fast metabolism and my fast brain makes higher demands where protein and natural fat are very important. I regained good thyroid function by changing my diet – more protein in particular – and taking supplements.

I had a medical checkup a couple of years ago, when I was still impaired from massive parasite infestations I was fighting in 2011-12, and then had an under-functioning thyroid. The doctor wanted to prescribe Levaxin. Wait, I said and went home and took extra supplements and both slept and exercised more. I tested again a couple of weeks later and to the doctor’s surprise I had perfect values. However, if you have very low values, you should walk and take it easy. Getting rid of excess weight also helps the thyroid. And possibly food breaks (intermittent fasting) – see below.

Proposals for action

1. Thyroid is strengthened by supplements such as iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin C and mix of several B vitamins
2. Make dietary changes
3. Birth control – intermittent fasting activates autophagy (deep cleaning)
4. De-stress and take time for recovery – resting and gaining inner peace is an active choice

Food supplements

The changes in diet

Eliminating gluten, and ideally cow’s milk products, is essential as they have been scientifically shown to increase the risk of autoimmune reactions in the body. Eating more protein gets the body moving. My view is that the best thing is a proper dietary change and sometimes supplements to restore thyroid function. Removing all fast carbohydrates and increasing protein and fat consumption is appropriate, and the Green Diet works very well.

It is important to eat as ‘clean’ food as possible, i.e. food without additives – so avoid industrial food because it is chemically processed. Sitting down at mealtimes, chewing well (chewing twice as long) promotes both digestion and good nutrient absorption. It can be helpful to take hydrochloric acid tablets (with HCl and trypsin) and also enzymes for better digestion. Look at your individual needs, we are different and need different things

Birth control – intermittent fasting

Taking a weekend to eat very little or nothing (fasting) can also be helpful – because it gives your body and digestion a rest and a chance to recover. Fasting therapist Stephanie Saidra, 33, healed her thyroid with intermittent fasting and dietary changes – and was able to phase out her medications completely! It received positive attention in a serious article in Hälsoliv Expressen (link) – and it was supported by Kerstin Brismar, professor of endocrinology at the Karolinska Institute. Stephanie described: “I have regained my strength and energy. My memory is in place and I remember things.

Stephanie changed her diet:
– For long periods she eats the Green Diet: only green vegetables, meat, fish and fat, completely avoiding carbohydrates – pasta, potatoes and rice.
– Periodic water fasting two days every two weeks. She can only drink water, green tea and black coffee. Initially 16 hours, now 18-25 hours over two days. But never two days in a row. She then also did VASS – water fasting Sanna special of 1.5 days where you do the salt water flush.

Many people fast on juices, lemon water, whatever, but then you break the vital autophagy. You need to avoid all carbohydrates and protein for the autophagy to be activated and maintained. When fasting for a longer period, the body cleans up: cells are repaired, old cells are discarded. Internal organs – such as the heart, brain, liver, gut and skin – are also repaired and rejuvenated. Read more about how autophagy cleanses and rejuvenates here.

Also, write a list of all the things you are going to do – and cross out half! This is a very good way.

Moderate exercise and walking are good for increased energy too. And take away some of the stress. Give yourself time for recovery, rest and fun activities. Laughing and having fun is very good both for de-stressing and promoting all the body’s positive processes.

Take the pressure off and make time for relaxation and meditation every day. I highly recommend doing the following methods I developed to calm the body and brain quickly, and get lasting results with repeated practice:

• Calm and quiet training against stress

• The Blissful Body Method takes just a few minutes and instantly calms the whole body using the heart.

In summary, prolonged stress (without recovery) usually results in a depletion of thyroid and adrenal hormone production, and this

Stress affects the body both chemically and physiologically. In short, all reactions involve a certain amount of stress, and dealing with it requires a range of vitamins and minerals. Read about nutrient loss during stress, according to Selye’s stress cycles here: stress causes nutrient loss.

All of the above factors are much more important than medical science currently suggests. And that we can fix it ourselves relatively easily. That is my view, and today it is important to be informed and knowledgeable yourself before consulting experts.

Your body, your health – your choice.

References and read more: