This page is an introduction on thyroid health issues, and on how homeopathy can help. The original transcript was written for an online health portal, aimed at users with little knowledge about thyroid issues. This page is a further version of this transcript.
Thierry Clerc practices in Cambridge (UK) as a clinical homeopath and a nutritionist. He is a regular contributor of several national and international health magazines.
One area, where I would always suggest a blood test, is the thyroid. This is because this small organ is so key to someone’s general health, and also because the health of our thyroid can be impacted by very subtle issues in other parts of the body, or in someone’s life.
What is the role of the thyroid?
Thyroid is an endocrine gland, and one of the body’s most important organ in the body. Our thyroid primarily influences our metabolic process, which means how we create and process energy at an organic and cellular level. It is also the key regulator of calcium level in the blood and the bones.
As an endocrine gland, it releases into the bloodstream, hormones, which will trigger a wide variety of responses within our body.
Through the thyroid’s functions, it indirectly involved in our immune functions, the metabolism of all the organs, blood sugar regulation, emotional stability and hormonal balance, just to name a few.
What can go wrong with our thyroid?
The thyroid can either go in over-drive, a condition called hyperthyroidism, or alternatively become under-active, something called hypothyroid.
– Hyperthyroid will see thyroid gland create an excess of T4 or T3 hormones, which will make the body work over its ideal metabolic rate. Weight loss coupled with increased appetite, heart palpitations, increased body heat, restlessness and anxiety are the main symptoms of this condition. Bulging eyes, trembling hands, sleep disturbances and decreased menstrual flow are also common.
– Hypothyroidism is much more frequent and on the increase. It is especially common for women over 50. It may affect as many as 30% of this group (from 10% in the 70s). The main symptoms are fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, low motivation, heat and/or cold intolerance, headaches and migraines. More severe issues include, hair loss, fluid retention, unhealthy brittle nails, constipation, low sex drive, depression and decreased memory.
What are the main causes of thyroid issues?
The thyroid gland is very sensitive to changes in the body and there can be several reasons impacting the activity of the thyroid, and here are the most common one:
– over-stimulation of the hormonal system through stress and stimulants, which will force the thyroid to overwork for too long. This is in my experience the most common problems affecting the thyroid nowadays. Most people are not well equipped to deal with the stress of the modern life.
– a sluggish liver, which will disrupt how the body responds to hormones secreted by the thyroid, forcing again this gland to overwork.
– over-activity or disturbance of the immune system, which may generate antibodies impacting the thyroid,
– exposure to metals or radioactive iodine, especially Iodine-129 and I-131, which are now a permanent part of the environment and our food chain. Mercury fillings are sometimes an issue in my experience.
– Exposure to artificial hormones, primarily synthetic cortisone and estrogen, as this may disrupt the whole hormonal system,
– Poorly treated infections, which will promote a stress in the body, and put the thyroid under stress. I seem to link a lot the Coxsackie virus and the Candida fungus with lower immunity and an impacted thyroid.
It is important to understand that behind all these causes lies severe body imbalances, either cause by chronic stress, poor diet or toxicity.
Can Homeopathy & Nutrition help?
First and foremost, understanding what is happening in the patient’s body and in their life is key. Nutrition and supplementation in the short term will help most people, who suffer from thyroid issues, and also of course chemical medical drugs.
However, as the thyroid is by stress and toxicity, and have such a wide role for the body, a multi-level approach is usually required. I mean by this strengthening the body through proper nutrition and detoxification, help the body to re-balance, and assist the patient with any poorly handled stress in their life
Homeopathic treatment may be extremely useful as a supportive therapy for regulating both over-active and under-active thyroids. Homeopathic remedies work by stimulating the body’s own regulations system, and are generally well tolerated and considered safe.
If you need more information, or know anyone who would like to know more about complementary and alternative support for the thyroid, then feel free to contact me.
Thierry Clerc, MARH, RHom, MSc
Registered Health Practitioner
Clinical Homeopathy, Bioresonance, Nutrition & Allergy