Is my thyroid functioning properly?

By Brittany Mastin, OMS-III, Osteopathic Physician Candidate 2016, Alex Fu, OMS-III, Osteopathic Physician Candidates 2016, and Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O.

Thyroid Dysfunction


The thyroid is an endocrine gland positioned in the mid-line of the neck at the level of the clavicles. It uses iodine to produce hormones which are essential to effective metabolism and energy.  The thyroid is stimulated by Thyroid-Stimulating hormone, a hormone from the Pituitary gland in the brain, to produce thyroid hormone; however, 90 percent of thyroid dysfunction stems from problems with the thyroid itself. Thyroid hormones are then released from the thyroid and act on almost every organ of the body to ensure proper functioning. Thyroid function is especially important for children due to the profound effects of thyroid hormones on brain development. The diffuse effects of thyroid hormones on the body results in the wide array of symptoms that can occur when your thyroid is not functioning efficiently.

How do I know if mine is functioning properly?


With low thyroid hormone the body essentially begins to slow down. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, constipation, slow heart rate, hair and nail changes, weight gain, cold intolerance and lack of energy. Hypothyroidism is five to eight times more common in women than in men. Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid is over-producing thyroid hormones. An over production of thyroid hormones causes an increase in your body’s metabolism and expenditure of energy. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include diarrhea, racing heartbeat, tremors, weight loss and heat intolerance. Other signs of thyroid disease include swelling or lumps in the neck in the location of the thyroid gland.  If you have any of these signs or symptoms, you should be evaluated by your physician.

I have a family member with thyroid issues; should I be concerned? 


Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and Graves’ Disease are thyroid diseases that can be hereditary and can be passed down from one generation to the next. Both of these are autoimmune diseases, meaning they are caused by your own antibodies targeting part of your thyroid gland. If you are experiencing thyroid related symptoms and a family member also suffers from thyroid dysfunction, you should see your doctor to get more information on screening blood test to check your thyroid function.

How can my doctor test my thyroid function?


Your doctor will likely manually feel the thyroid on physical exam for any lumps or enlargement when you come to the office. A blood test can be performed to check the levels of thyroid hormone in your body. Your physician will typically initially check for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) and a free T4 (thyroid hormone).  Additionally, your doctor may check your blood for the antibody markers seen in autoimmune thyroiditis such as Grave’s Disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.

How are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism treated?


The treatment for thyroid dysfunction depends on the underlying cause of the condition.  The most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States is a condition called Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, an autoimmune condition in which auto-anti-bodies act on the thyroid gland. This condition can be treated by replacement of the thyroid hormones via a prescription pill called levothyroxine.  Repeat blood levels of TSH will typically be monitored after 6 weeks to ensure there is an adequate dose of thyroid hormone to compensate for the lack of thyroid hormone in one's body. In some instances, hypothyroidism can be due to an iodine deficiency in one's diet.  In this case, iodine supplements would be the appropriate treatment.

The most common cause of hyperthyroidism in the United States is Graves’ Disease, also an autoimmune condition in which auto-anti-bodies act on thyroid receptors, thus stimulating it. Graves' disease can be treated medicinally by taking Propylthiouracil, surgically by removing the thyroid or by irradiating the thyroid.

CONNECT WITH YOUR THYROID


How is my body affected by the thyroid?


Your thyroid is a gland that sits near the front of the base of your neck. It produces a hormone called “thyroid hormone” and is regulated by the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) secreted from your pituitary (a gland from your brain). Thyroid hormone functions in many ways to maintain health, ranging from modulating one's metabolism to raising sensitivity to adrenaline.

Thyroid hormone is an excellent example of something in a person's body that can affect multiple components of a person's health and well-being. It is amazing how a single hormone can influence a person's mood, energy levels, and even bowel movements.

HARMONIZE WITH BODY


How can I optimize my thyroid function?


Making sure that you consume a diet rich in Selenium and Tyrosine or supplementing with vitamins can be helpful in ensuring optimal thyroid function. Always remember to see your health care provider before taking new supplements. Additionally, exercise has been shown to increase thyroid hormones and boost metabolism.

What if my symptoms get worse?  


If you try an exercise and experience more pain, you should cease immediately and consult a health care professional.

INTEGRATE COMPLIMENTARY ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE


What can be expected during Osteopathic Manipulative Treatment?


Osteopathic Manipulative Medicine aims to maximize function of the body, and the thyroid gland is no exception. Techniques can be done to increase blood flow to the thyroid gland and enhance flow out of the thyroid gland as well to enhance delivery of thyroid hormone to the rest of the body. OMT can also improve blood flow to other regions of the body as well. Thyroid dysfunction can also manifest with changes in fascia and musculature, and OMT treatment can help to return one's body to a more optimal state in this regard as well.

Your osteopathic physician may begin by assessing Chapman's reflex points, which are specific tender-points in the connective tissue throughout your body that may signify underlying organ dysfunction. A positive point feels like a small mobile ball that will likely be quite tender. The Chapman's reflex point for the thyroid is located between the 1st and 2nd rib next to the sternum. In addition to medicinal treatment, your osteopathic physician may also be able to alleviate the muscle tension, autonomic irregularities and symptoms associated with thyroid dysfunction. Osteopathic treatments can also improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage to and from the thyroid gland, which further enhance its functioning.

What are some homeopathic options for treating thyroid dysfunction?


Homeopathic medications are prescribed by the specific symptoms and characteristics manifested as a result of the thyroid disorder.  Proper prescription is based on the concept of similars in which the more similar the related characteristics the more likely the medication will help.  Graphites are often used in patients with symptoms often associated with hypothyroidism such as anxiety, indecision, and sensitivity.  Iodum is often used in patients with symptoms often associated with hyperthyroidism such as anxiety accompanied by hyperactivity, irritability, and violent impulses.

Kinpira Gobo

by Courtney Mizuhara-Cheng, D.O., M.S.H.S.

Our family celebrates New Years with various Japanese-inspired dishes.  Each year, my contribution is the preparation of kinpira gobo.  "Kinpira" is a Japanese cooking style involving the saute and simmer of root vegetables, such as burdock root and carrots, cut into thin strips.  "Gobo" is the Japanese word for burdock root which was introduced from China where it was used as medicine.  Burdock contains high potassium and low sodium which makes it beneficial in controlling heart rate and blood pressure  It also contains many vital vitamins, including folic acid, riboflavin, pryidoxine, niacin, vitamin E and vitamin C that is essential for optimum health and prevention of infections, cancer and neurologic conditions.  It is low in calories and contains inulin, glucoside-lappin, mucilage that helps with constipation, controlling blood-sugar level, body-weight, and cholesterol levels in the blood.  In folk medicine, it is used as a blood purifier using certain diuretic principles which help expel toxic products from the blood through the urine.  As you start the new year, I hope you will also enjoy the health benefits of this favorite Japanese side dish.

INGREDIENTS

2 burdock roots, skin scraped and rinsed (about 1.5 lbs)
1 medium carrot, skin scraped and rinsed (about 1/2 lb)
4 Tbsp rice vinegar
4 Tbsp of sesame oil
1/2 C Tamari GF Soy Sauce
4 Tbsp of Cooking Rice Sake
3 Tbsp of Sugar
1/2 tsp Nanami Togarashi (or dried chili pepper to taste)
1 Tbsp of roasted white sesame seeds

Bias-slice the gobo sticks thin.  Stack slices and julienne into 3" toothpicks.  As you cut them, soak sticks in bowl with water and vinegar to prevent darkening.  Let them sit in water for about 30 minutes while cutting the carrot in a similar fashion.

Drain the gobo sticks in colander and rinse well.  Shake colander well to drain water, and wrap the strips in a paper towel to get as much of the water absorbed.

Heat sesame oil in a medium-sized wok, add gobo and carrots and stir-fry three to five minutes on medium-heat.

Add soy sauce and sake.  Mix well and increase heat to medium-high for about 3 minutes.  

Add sugar and chili pepper.  Cook an additional three minutes or until liquid is condensed to about a tablespoon.  

Garnish with roasted sesame seeds.