Just behind the Adam's apple, in your throat, is a butterfly shaped gland called your thyroid. Although it is small, and for the most part forgotten by the average person, it plays a huge role in our achieving total health.
The thyroid gland is the body's internal thermostat, regulating the temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy.

The enzymes that run every system and process in your body are dependent upon the thyroid's ability to keep the internal thermostat at a set point 98.6F. Any lower and the enzymes are unable to do their job, thus the body begins to break down. 

There are many reasons why the thyroid will become ineffective, but the primary reason is stress.During times of stress, whatever the cause, the body tends to try to conserve energy in order for the body to function. In so doing, sometimes, the body will lower the temperature temporarily in order to utilize that energy somewhere that it feels is more urgent. After the stress has passed, the body is supposed to bring the temperature back up to normal in order to return the systems to their optimal functioning status. Unfortunately, after episodes of repeatedly high levels of stress, the body finds it more difficult to return to normal. Because of this, a condition known as hypothyroidism may occur.

What kind of stress can trigger these episodes? It can be anything from financial concerns, moving, change of job, war, accidents, death of a loved one, or the birth of a child. All of these are emotional stresses, but the biggest cause is a self-inflicted stress that occurs because of the nutritional deficiencies caused by eating the S.A.D. (Standard American Diet) lifestyle.

Of all the people that we have consulted with in just the past year, over 90% have tested positive for a low thyroid.  In speaking with other Natural Healthcare practitioners, it seems that these tendencies may be regional initially, but with the mobility of people today, and with the continued depletion of our soil, it is becoming a nation-wide issue. Unfortunately, blood tests for thyroid activity do not always pick up mild hypothyroidism. In a book by Broda Barnes, MD, entitled Hypothyroidism: The Unsuspected Illness, he suggests that one of the best ways to test for an under-functioning thyroid condition is the basal temperature test.

So what can you do to help nourish and strengthen the thyroid? Eat foods that will create more stress for the body. Avoid fatty, processed foods, and consume more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and whole grains.
Using foods that are high in organic iodine, such as kelp and dulse will also help. We use Nova Scotia dulse tablets and liquid to help nourish the thyroid gland, and our clients experience good results in assisting the body get back to normal.

What are some of the symptoms of hypothyroidism?

 Low body temperature
 Weight gain and weight loss
 Intolerance to cold
 Cold hands and feet
 Intolerance to heat
 Increased cholesterol and triglycerides
 Swelling of tissues
 Slowed lymphatic drainage
 Decreased sweating

Swelling of lymph nodes
 Loss of appetite
 Hypoglycemia
 Poor absorption of minerals
 Poor digestion
 Ulcers
 Constipation
 Parched/dry mouth
 Loss of libido
 Menstrual abnormalities
 Infertility
 Impotency
 Dry/rough skin
 Coarse/dry/brittle hair
 Hair loss
 Gnashing and grinding of teeth
 Alternating hot/cold waves over the skin
 Lethargy
 Hypertension
 Reduced heart function
Reduced heart rate
 Enlargement of heart
 Palpitations
 Heart pains
 Shortness of breath
 Gasping for breath
 Loss of smell
 Chronic catarrh of head & nose
 Stinging in the eyes
 Puffiness and swelling under the eyes
 Loss of hearing
 Inner ear adhesions
 Impaired kidney function
 Feel sleepy all day
 Muttering or even screaming while asleep.
 Depression
 Fatigue
 Difficulty concentrating
 Forgetfulness
 Nervousness
 Confusion
 Tendency to cry easily & excessively
 Restlessness
 Joint stiffness and pain
 Muscle weakness and pain
 Stiff neck
 Numb fingers

Basal Temperature Study for Thyroid function 

The basal temperature test is very accurate when an axillary (under the arm) temperature is taken each morning for 2-3 days. If the temperature is consistently low, then the thyroid is considered to be under active. Be sure to record the reading accurately. Your accuracy determines the value of the test.

At night, before retiring, shake down a thermometer and lay it beside your bed on a night table or chair. It should be close enough that you can just reach over and pick it up without getting out of bed or hardly moving.

Immediately upon awakening, place the thermometer under your bare arm, pressing your arm against your body with no clothing between. Keep still and quiet. Any motion can upset your temperature reading. If it is a mercury thermometer, leave under the arm for 10 minutes. If it is a digital thermometer, just leave under until it beeps.

Record the result for 2 to 3 mornings
Date __________ Temp __________
Date __________ Temp __________
Date __________ Temp __________

Normal reading when taken this way is between 97.8 and 98.2
For menstruating females: Do temps. on the 2nd & 3rd day of your period

We have found that many of our clients experience good results when using Nova Scotia Dulse tablets and liquid.  For more information about these products contact us at:
 765-453-3828.