Hyperthyroidism & Graves Disease.

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1 Hyperthyroidism & Graves Disease. Using a Natural Treatment Approach To Restore One s Health and Avoid RAI Dr. Eric Osansky Licensed healthcare professional in autoimmune thyroid conditions

2 A Brief Background Doctor of chiropractic who focuses on endocrine disorders Masters in Human Nutrition and Functional Medicine Certified Nutrition Specialist Certificate of herbal therapy from Australian College of Phytotherapy Author of the book Natural Treatment Solutions For Hyperthyroidism & Graves Disease Personally diagnosed with Graves Disease The New Healers Master Coaching Program.

3 Cure vs. Remission Can hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease be cured? Goal #1: eliminate the person s symptoms Goal #2: address other compromised areas of the body causing or contributing the hyperthyroid condition Goal #3: normalize the blood and saliva tests Goal #4: maintain one s health Overall goal: permanent remission

4 The Pathophysiology of Graves Disease Most hyperthyroid conditions are autoimmune Graves' Disease IS NOT a thyroid condition It's an autoimmune condition which affects the thyroid gland Graves' Disease is characterized by TSH receptor antibodies Why do some people develop these antibodies? A combination of genetic and environmental factors We can modify the expression of your genes through lifestyle and environmental factors

5 Pros and Cons of Drugs and RAI Primary benefit: help to manage or eliminate the hyperthyroid symptoms Risk #1: Drugs and RAI don t do anything for the autoimmune component of the condition Risk #2: Potential side effects of anti-thyroid drugs, beta blockers, and radioactive iodine Risk #3: Don t address other compromised areas Medication may be necessary to take on a temporary basis RAI should almost always be a last resort

6 You Need To Find The Trigger Finding the trigger can be a big challenge Stress Food intolerances Leaky Gut Syndrome Environmental Toxins Hormone Imbalances Pathogens (i.e. H. Pylori and Yersinia Enterocolitica) Nutrient Imbalances

7 How Do You Find The Trigger? Thorough Case History Signs and Symptoms Blood tests Additional Testing is usually necessary Adrenal Stress Index Hair Mineral Analysis Intestinal Permeability Hormone Panel

8 Hyperthyroid Diet Tips Eat Whole Foods, Avoid Refined Foods and Sugars Eat organic whenever possible Drink purified water At least 5 servings of fresh vegetables each day Nutrient dense foods Fermented foods Consider avoiding gluten, dairy, corn, etc. Minimize consumption of grains, nuts, seeds, and beans due to antinutrients

9 Nutritional Supplements and Herbs Nutritional supplements are not a replacement for a healthy diet More supplements are not necessarily better Different doses for different people Herbs can help greatly, but you need to be careful Symptom Management: Bugleweed, Lemon Balm, Motherwort, L- Carnitine Common deficiencies: vitamin D, vitamin C, fatty acids, selenium, zinc, magnesium For inflammation: Omega 3 fatty acids, GLA, Boswellia, curcumin, resveratrol, hemidesmus

10 The Iodine Controversy Iodine was commonly used as a treatment in the past for hyperthyroidism and Graves Disease Taking iodine usually does not increase the output of thyroid hormone unless if very large doses are consumed Iodine can trigger or exacerbate the autoimmune response if certain precautions are not taken Testing should be done before taking iodine If deficient, begin with small doses- Selenium, Vitamin C, Magnesium, B vitamins Not everyone with hyperthyroidism should take iodine

11 Modify Other Lifestyle Factors Obtain a sufficient amount of sleep Changing your diet may help you sleep better Exercise regularly (although cautiously) Take it slow when first starting to exercise Some light weight lifting to increase the bone density Manage your stress better Dealing with chronic stress is another reason why many people have adrenal problems Create a list of the different stressors in your life Have a good attitude

12 Chronic Stress Is A Key Factor Cortisol and DHEA are 2 key hormones secreted by the adrenals Stress raises cortisol Prolonged, chronic stress will lead to decreased DHEA, and eventually cortisol Adrenal Stress Index test Serum vs. saliva testing What is the HPA-Axis? Diet, stress management, adaptogenic herbs, adrenal glandulars, HPA-Axis support

13 A Healthy Gut Is Essential An increase in intestinal permeability = leaky gut syndrome Leaky gut syndrome can lead to autoimmunity What causes a leaky gut? Gluten, pathogens, NSAIDs, stress What is a leaky gut? Lactulose Mannitol test, Cyrex Labs Array #2 Probiotics, L-glutamine, Slippery elm, etc. Don't forget the gallbladder

14 Reduce Toxic Load We are bombarded by environmental toxins Reduce your exposure to toxins Start by changing your home environment Organic foods, natural cleaners and cosmetics Minimize exposure to VOCs Carpeting, flame retardants Mycotoxins Electronic pollution

15 Detoxify Your Body What is glutathione? A potent antioxidant: plays a big role in detoxification How do you increase glutathione levels? NAC, lipoic acid, milk thistle, selenium Acetyl glutathione Infrared sauna therapy Colon hydrotherapy Coffee enemas

16 Correct Hormone Imbalances Most autoimmune conditions are more prevalent in women High estrogen levels and/or low progesterone levels Consider a hormone panel Bioidentical hormones, oral contraceptives, xenoestrogens, adrenal problems and HP-Axis dysregulation Restore the health of the adrenals first Address the HP-Axis Bioidentical hormones? Low progesterone: consider chaste tree

17 Keys to Restoring Your Health Eat well and cut out the refined foods and sugars Balance your blood sugar levels Drink plenty of purified water Avoid food allergens (gluten, dairy, etc.) Effectively manage your stress Address compromised adrenal glands Get sufficient sleep Exercise regularly (although cautiously) Correct leaky gut / balance intestinal flora

18 Keys to Restoring Your Health Minimize exposure to environmental toxins, including xenohormones, heavy metals, EMFs Liver detox, infrared sauna, colon hydrotherapy Correct vitamin and mineral deficiencies Balance the sex hormones Cautiously eradicate pathogens All of this will help to improve health of immune system and eliminate the inflammation Have a positive attitude

19 Special Cases Special case #1: Thyroid eye disease TSI antibodies attack the tissues of the eye Key is to suppress the autoimmune component and control the inflammation Exophthalmos and ptosis Special case #2: Thyroid nodules Many people have thyroid nodules, and they usually do not cause a problem They may shrink when following a natural treatment protocol, but there is not a specific supplement or herb that shrinks thyroid nodules

20 Cons of Natural Treatment Methods Not everyone can have their health restored back to normal It takes time to restore one s health Costs of eating well, taking supplements, consulting with a natural healthcare professional Peer pressure and deviating from the norm Combining conventional and natural treatment methods is a good option for some people

21 Benefits of Natural Treatment Methods Attempts to find the underlying cause of your condition You don t have a deficiency of Methimazole or RAI Genetics is usually not the main factor Preserve the health of your thyroid gland Address the autoimmune component and inflammation Correct weak adrenals, mineral deficiencies, gut problems, balance the hormones, etc. Prevent other conditions from developing

22 Thank you for attending! For more information on natural thyroid health visit: