Thyroid Disease – Why this epidemic?

By George E. Springer, Jr. D.C., N.M.D., D.C.B.C.N.

 Did you know:

● an estimated 27 million Americans have Thyroid disease?

● more than half are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed?

● thyroid problems in women occur seven times more often than

in men?

● thyroid problems can be triggered by things as simple as your

drinking water or  swimming in your pool?

On a global scale, a staggering 200 million people have problems with their thyroid glands, with over 50 percent remaining undiagnosed. In the US alone, the instance of thyroid disease is running close to epidemic levels and equally as worrying is the number of un-diagnosed or mis-diagnosed cases. So just what is responsible for these runaway statistics?

The Thyroid Gland – So Small, Yet So Vital

Most people would locate their thyroid gland in the neck area, and many know it is somehow linked to weight-gain or weight-loss. How many times have you heard an over-weight person say “I have thyroid problems”? Well, what does that really mean?

The thyroid gland sits wrapped around the windpipe behind and below the Adam’s Apple area. This small bowtie-shaped gland produces several hormones in both men and women, the two most important being triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones help convert oxygen and calories into energy, making the thyroid the master gland of metabolism. The hormones are also essential for the proper functioning of all our organs, including our heart, musculoskeletal system and brain.

Hypo or Hyper?

The two most common forms of thyroid disease are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism and as their names suggest, they are at opposite end of the scale.

When it functions as it should, the thyroid will produce T3 and T4 at a 20% – 80% ratio. An under-production of these hormones will slow down the body’s metabolism, causing Hypothyroidism. Common symptoms of this condition are weight-gain despite eating sensibly, feeling cold, fatigue, depression and possibly increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when an excess of T3 and T4 speeds up the body’s metabolism and, if the mild condition is left untreated it can lead to complications such as severe weight-loss despite a healthy appetite, nervousness, accelerated heart rate and insomnia.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

– Autoimmune thyroiditis, where the body’s own immune system attacks the thyroid gland, is the major cause of hypothyroidism.

– A lack of iodine in the body. Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, and iodine deficiency due to inadequate intake can lead to problems.

– This is also true for a deficiency of protein in the body and a deficiency of magnesium and zinc .

– Heavy metal poisoning (as with mercury, lead, arsenic, and cadmium) of the thyroid can also lead to hypothyroidism; chemicals and pesticides can also be a factor.

– Root canal teeth can leak toxins into the body and enter the thyroid gland, producing malfunction.

– Babies can be born without a thyroid gland, or with one that is not properly functioning.

– Surgical removal of the thyroid gland or treatment with radioactive iodine, often for hyperthyroidism, can also lead to hypothyroidism.

Causes of Hyperthyroidism

– In 70% of people with hyperthyroidism, the cause is a genetic disorder called Graves’ disease. Graves’ disease may be secondary to dental infections, root canals or mercury fillings.

– Lumps or nodules in the thyroid may gradually grow and increase in activity also leading to an overproduction of thyroid hormones.

– Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), where the thyroid gland leaks thyroid hormones into the blood.

– Overmedication with triiodothyronine (T3) and/or levothyroxine (T4) may also cause hyperthyroidism.

 Why This Epidemic?

Thyroid disease is one of the silent epidemics of our time. The shocking fact is that nearly half of all women and a quarter of all men in the US will die with evidence of an inflamed thyroid.

As with many of today’s illnesses, the increased incidence of thyroid disease can be linked to an over-burden of toxins caused by pollution through air, water and food. If you have a concern about your thyroid, you may want to note the following potential causes of problems:

Iodine – deficiency is one cause of hypothyroidism. However, studies are also showing that in the case of chronic autoimmune thyroiditis, the highest prevalence occurs in countries with the highest intake of iodine, such as the US and Japan.  So, although iodine supplementation should be implemented to prevent and treat iodine-deficiency disorders, supplementation should be maintained at a safe level. 

Soy – high soy consumers and users of isoflavone supplements can be at risk of thyroid disorders since soy isoflavones can damage thyroid function. This is actually a rare occurrence.

Smoking – has a negative impact on thyroid function and can cause a 3- to 5- fold increase in the risk of all types of thyroid disease.

Tap water – Standard water-treatment plants cannot remove the chemical perchlorate from the water supply. According to one researcher, “There is a statistical association between low-level contamination with ammonium perchlorate and elevated or abnormal thyroid function.” Also, chlorine content in the water can displace the much-needed iodine.

Fluoride – is an enzyme poison which accumulates in the body. Since the body can only eliminate 50% of its total fluoride intake, this build-up can cause harm to the thyroid by blocking the use of iodine.

Pesticides – such as sumithrin (Anvil) and resmethrin (Scourge), are coming under considerable criticism for their adverse chronic effects on the thyroid.

Family history – of thyroid disease is a warning signal. Also a family history of depression, autoimmune disease, chronic fatigue or weight issues can signify thyroid problems.

Radiation and X-Rays – are known to cause damage to the thyroid and technicians should always cover the patient’s throat.

Stress – is a factor in almost every kind of disease and can affect the thyroid.

Pregnancy – It is estimated that between 5-10% of all pregnancies will result in PPT (Postpartum Thyroiditis).

Menopause – hormonal changes during this period of a woman’s life can wreak havoc on her thyroid.

Why This Misdiagnosis?

The statistic that more than 50 per cent of thyroid disorders remain un-diagnosed is alarming. Why is this? One problem is that because symptoms of hypothyroidism often vary from person to person and are non-specific, the correct diagnosis can easily be missed. Many cases remain undiagnosed because some practitioners and the patients themselves, mistake the symptoms of hypothyroidism for depression, obesity or menopause.

Hyperthyroidism tends to run in families, occurring most often in young women. It is often misdiagnosed as an eating disorder, anxiety or stress.

Thyroid Treatment

The thyroid affects all the other hormones in the body and its proper regulation is essential to good hormonal balance and health.  With the disturbing increase in thyroid disease, we suggest that an annual screening of thyroid function be done. This would include blood tests that check on thyroid hormone levels and body iodine levels.

When a patient is suspected to have a thyroid disorder, a comprehensive thyroid profile is ordered, in the form of a blood test. The test results will give precise measurements of Free T3 and T4 and their ratios to each other. If the results indicate that for example, the patient’s T3 level is too low, then the patient will be checked for deficiencies in essential nutrients which are required for hormone production. Many times this will correct the thyroid without the need for prescription hormones.

Getting the correct diagnosis and treatment of thyroid problems has made a difference to a lot of people’s lives and it could do the same for you!

Success Story

 “For 13 years I have had thyroid and health issues that nobody seemed to be able to help me with. It was one test after another with negative results and still no-one seemed to know what, if anything, could be done.

Then I decided to try treatment with Dr. Springer. I can now report that my life and health issues are turning in a positive direction and I am losing weight when I never could before. I feel so much better, especially because they give me answers to the questions that could not be answered in the past. Thank you.” Christy N.