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Fibromyalgia Monthly Newsletter
Natural Choices for Fibromyalgia Newsletter – August 2004
In this month’s newsletter we are looking at the potential relationship of fibromyalgia and thyroid imbalances. Many women today are taking some form of synthetic thyroid to improve symptoms of fatigue, depression, dry skin, hair loss, low body temperature, and brain fog. Sometimes this medication helps to improve the symptoms and sometimes it does not seem to make any difference. Low thyroid function, or hypothyroidism, affects your metabolism and can make you more tired, and can make your body more sensitive to fibromyalgia pain.
How do I know if I am having thyroid problems?
The most common and effective at-home test is the axillary temperature test. You will need a mercury thermometer (the old-fashion kind that you can shake down.) Before you go to bed, place the thermometer within reach. Before you get out of bed in the morning, place the thermometer in your armpit, and wait at least 4 minutes. Do not move around during this time, stay in bed! If the thermometer reading is less than 97.6 degrees on a consistent basis then you may have low thyroid function. I recommend doing at least 3 daily tests in a row to see the variance in temperature.
You can also test your thyroid function during the day. Take your temperature at least 3 hours after you wake up. It should be around 98.6 degrees as recommended. If it is consistently less than 98.2 during the daytime you may have low thyroid function. You body temperature tends to rise during the day, so it will tend to be higher in the evening. You can learn more about temperature testing and thyroid imbalances at the Wilson's Syndrome website at Wilson's Thyroid Syndrome
What affects thyroid function?
A lack of certain minerals and essential fatty acids can cause many hypothyroid symptoms. Iodine is the major mineral that is needed by the thyroid to create the hormones that regulate your metabolism and energy levels. Iodine is needed to synthesize natural thyroxine (T4), or the thyroid medication Synthroid, to triiodothyronine (T3). Iodine deficiency is common in many parts of the world. That is why iodine is added to table salt to help reduce this deficiency. But there are common foods and drinks that can block iodine absorption.
Are you still drinking tap water? I hope not!
Two minerals, chlorine and fluoride, that are added to city water block iodine absorption.
Chlorine is found in treated city water and can rob our bodies of many minerals, including iodine. One study showed that drinking chlorinated water with a mineral supplement reduced the effectiveness of the supplement by 45%.
Fluoride is added to water to prevent tooth decay. It is also added to some vitamins and processed foods. Fluoride builds up in your tissues and the more you have accumulated the less iodine you will be able to absorb. That is why as we age we can have poorer thyroid function.
What foods contain iodine?
Iodine is found in sea vegetables like kelp. Other sources of iodine are found in dairy products such as yogurt, milk, and mozzarella cheese. Eggs are also a good source of absorbable iodine.
How can I know if I am iodine deficient?
Purchase a bottle of USP tincture of iodine at your local drug store. Using a cotton ball or Q-tip, paint a 2-inch circle of iodine on the inner part of your lower arm. Watch the yellow stain to see how long it takes for it to go away. If it is gone within 2 hours you are lacking iodine. The longer the stain stays the better your iodine level. If it lasts 4 hours or longer your iodine level is okay.
What about soybeans?
Soybeans affect iodine absorption. There has been some controversy about the benefits of soy proteins and soybean oil. If you are having problems with energy production – having fatigue, cold hand and feet, or dry skin; try avoiding soybeans in your daily diet. Even though there are some benefits to soy, if it is affecting your thyroid function you will be able to tell within four weeks after avoiding it whether it is beneficial for you or not.
What supplements help with thyroid function?
I recommend Kelp to many clients who are struggling with low thyroid. Kelp contains many minerals, but especially natural iodine.
I always recommend essential fatty acids also. Our glandular organs, like the thyroid and adrenals, need the good fats to produce hormones. One of most common symptoms of low thyroid function, and low essential fatty acids, is dry skin. If you have dry skin, at any time of the year, look at the quality and quantity of essential fatty acids you are getting in your diet and supplementation. Fish oils containing omega-3 fatty acids and borage oil or evening primrose oil, containing high quality omega-5 fatty acids are needed daily by the thyroid. If you are not getting these in your diet, I recommend them to you today. You can order high quality, pharmaceutical grade fish oil softgels as EPA-DHA Complex, or a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in Omega-EFA at Dr. Jane Oelke's Meta E-Health website
I recommend at least 2000 mg per day for prevention, or up to 4000 to 6000 mg per day if you have thyroid or fibromyalgia.
Jane Oelke, N.D., Ph.D.
Natural Choices, Inc.
"Building Your Health Naturally"
DoctorOelke@aol.com
www.NaturalChoicesForYou.com
www.NaturalChoicesForFibromyalgia.com
1-888-893-7225
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