BY DR. WILLIAM COLE |JANUARY 21, 2014
Millions of people struggle with low thyroid symptoms, and millions
more experience the symptoms of a low thyroid only to have their labs come back
negative. They're told they are "normal," and are left with no
answers. Symptoms like anxiety, irritability, depression, brain fog, weight
gain and fatigue can debilitate lives for decades. One major underlying factor
that isn't being addressed in the standard model of care is toxins.
Whether they're synthetic or natural in nature, toxins are a piece of
the complex thyroid puzzle. Here are 11 offenders that may be affecting your
thyroid function:
1. Perchlorates
Almost all of us have perchlorates in our bodies, according to the CDC.
Perchlorate is a byproduct of the manufacturing of rocket and jet fuel, car air
bags and fireworks. This toxin leaks into much of our drinking water and food
supply. The CDC study found widespread perchlorate human exposure, and a
connection between perchlorate levels and thyroid hormone levels.
Perchlorate prevents the production of thyroid hormone, which can lead
to low thyroid symptoms. One study found babies born with elevated levels of
thyroid-stimulating hormone may have been affected by small amounts of
perchlorate in their mother's drinking water. These studies, and the work of
the Environmental Working Group, show that not only is perchlorate exposure
pervasive, but that even low levels of perchlorate exposure can have negative
health effects on the thyroid.
2. PCBs
Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals that were
banned in the 1970s but are still detected in our environment today. PCBs have
been shown increase thyroid dysfunction, and, by increasing the level of
thyroid-stimulating hormone, can make your body resistant to the thyroid
hormone, similar to the insulin resistance seen in type II diabetes. They also
can affect the liver enzymes that regulate the conversion of your thyroid
hormone so it can be available to use in your body.
3. Dioxins
Both PCBs and dioxins are known to have disruptive effects on the
endocrine system, and a dioxin is the primary toxic component of Agent Orange.
I have seen many patients who served in Vietnam, and they have linked their
current thyroid problems to Agent Orange.
4. Soy
Phytoestrogens in soy proteins have been found to inhibit thyroid
peroxidase. Soy is able to disrupt normal thyroid function by inhibiting the
body’s ability to use iodine, blocking the process by which iodine becomes the
thyroid hormones, inhibiting the secretion of thyroid hormone, and disrupting
the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Researchers have also found that infants
fed soy formula had a prolonged increase in their thyroid-stimulating hormone
(TSH) levels, compared to infants fed non-soy formulas. Soy is also commonly a
genetically modified food (GMO), which adds another variable to consider.
5. Pesticides
One study found that women married to men who used pesticides in their
daily work were at a much higher risk of developing thyroid problems than other
women. Another study warns that about 60 percent of pesticides used today may
affect the thyroid gland’s production of hormones. Many antifungals and weed
killers used on produce have been shown to decrease thyroid function and
increase weight-loss resistance.
6. Flame retardants
Flame retardants, or polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), have been
found in several studies to disturb thyroid function. Flame-retardant chemicals
are found in television and computer screens, as well as in the foam used for
furniture and carpeting padding. PBDEs are also found in many Americans, and
are linked to behavioral and developmental problems.
7. Plastics
Beyond an environmental concern, plastics can also be hazardous to your
body's environment. Antimony, a chemical that leaches from plastic bottles, is
one concern. Researchers at the University of Copenhagen found antimony levels
in fruit drinks and juices in plastic bottles at levels 2.5 times higher than
what’s considered safe in tap water! Phthalates in some plastics have been
shown to decrease thyroid function. Bisphenol A (BPA) — also used in plastics,
food can coatings, and dental sealants — decreases thyroid receptor site
sensitivity, causing thyroid resistance, similar to PCBs.
8. PFOA
One study found that perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a chemical used to
make Teflon, food wrappers, and other products, can affect thyroid function
even at moderate levels of exposure. A study in Environmental Health
Perspectives found that higher concentrations of PFOA are associated with the
thyroid conditions that are seen today.
9. Halogens
Fluoride and chloride exposure can lead to a decrease of iodine
transport and block the conversion of the T4 to T3, which is the active form of
your thyroid hormone. Fluoride was found to suppress thyroid function, and the
dose needed to reduce thyroid function was low, 2 to 5 mg per day. You can
absorb these halogens through your food, water, medications and the
environment. Because they're similar to iodine, they can occupy your iodine
receptors, making the body's iodine levels unusable.
10. Heavy Metals
Mercury, lead and aluminum can all trigger antibodies, which in turn
lead to autoimmune thyroid conditions such as the Grave’s and Hashimoto’s
disease. This is not acute poisoning that I am referring to, which would show
up on a conventional blood test. I'm referring to a chronic heavy metal
toxicity which can only be accurately shown with a urine test using a chelating
agent. The chelator will pull the metals from your cells where it has leached,
so it can actually be measured on the test.
11. Antibacterial Products
Triclosan is an antibacterial chemical added to soaps, lotions and
toothpastes. Although some research has shown small amounts to be safe, there's
evidence that triclosan is an endocrine disruptor and impacts thyroid function.
One recent study found that triclosan had an effect on thyroid hormones, and
another showed that triclosan interacted with androgen and estrogen hormone
receptors.
Conclusion:
Remember, every person is uniquely complex. Everyone has his own
genetic tolerance for toxins like these. Think of your genetic tolerance as an
empty bucket, and these toxins are filling up the bucket. Some people's buckets
are smaller than those of others, and therefore fill up faster. Some people can
be exposed to all of these toxins and show no noticeable effects from them.
This is not a simple "one size fits all" solution.
I don't want you to feel defeated when reading this article. It's easy
to say, "I'm doomed," but be encouraged, because knowledge is power.
You can make informed decisions to decrease the level of stress your thyroid is
up against. You can also investigate these underlying issues and address them
head on. And lastly, remember, your body is amazingly resilient. It wants to
heal. I coach people all around the world who suffer from seemingly
insurmountable health problems, and I've seen them completely restore their
health when we address these underlying components.
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