PAGE- 17 July 2016
WWW
.azindiatimes.com
ing affects about every organ in the body. Thus, if
it is under functioning then everything in the body
slows down!! This leads to symptoms such as fatigue,
weight gain, dry skin, constipation, depression, dif-
ficulty concentrating, sleep problems, hair loss, cold
intolerance, fertility problems and menstrual irregu-
larities.
The two main thyroid hormones are T4 and T3. The
T4 is considered a pro hormone while T3 is 300 %
more biologically active compared to T4. Our bodies
convert T4 to T3 through the deiodination process.
This T3 is utilized by the cells to produce energy. TSH
is the Thyroid stimulating hormone and produced by
the pituitary gland, which is the master gland of the
body. Low levels of T3 and T4 signal the release of
TSH thus increasing its levels on lab results. While
high levels of T3 and T4 stop the release of TSH thus
decreasing its levels on lab results. TSH is considered
the standard screening test for thyroid. But over the
years in my practice I have found it to be an unre-
liable test. Many patients complain of multiple hy-
pothyroid symptoms yet because their TSH falls in
‘normal’ range, their thyroid is declared normal.
For my patients, I usually order a complete thyroid
panel which includes TSH, T3, FT3, T4, FT4, Anti-
thyroglobulin and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies.
Let me explain the reason behind ordering all these
tests. The T3 hormone is bound to a protein while
FT3 is freely circulating in the blood, similarly for
the T4 and FT4. Sometimes the T4 levels test out fine
but T3 levels are low. One probable reason could be
that the body is not being able to make the conver-
sion from T4 to T3. Zinc is one of the mineral that is
required for this process. From a thyroid treatment
standpoint this helps because if a patient is treated
with Synthroid or Levothyroxine, it provides them
the T4 hormone alone. If the person is unable to con-
vert this over to T3 which is the biologically active
hormone, then their physician would know based
on the levels of T3 that they may need to adjust their
treatment and probably add a medication which can
provide the T3 hormone as well.
There are times when all the above tests come back
within normal ranges but one or both of the Thyroid
antibody tests are elevated. This condition is referred
to as Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. In this case a patient
maybe complaining of symptoms of hypothyroidism
but they are usually sent away saying that everything
came back fine since their antibodies were not tested.
A person may have these antibody levels elevated for
up to 10 years and struggle with signs and symptoms
before they are actually diagnosed with Hypothyroid-
ism based purely on numbers. Naturopathic medi-
cine can immensely help a patient diagnosed with
Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis.
Keep a look out for my future articles where I will
address the naturopathic approach to treating
Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis and other
common illnesses using evidence based naturopathic
approach.
The thyroid gland produces the thyroid hormones
that regulate the body’s metabolism. Think of this as
a car engine, an engine produces the required energy
for your car to move. Similarly, thyroid’s function-
Is a licensed Naturopathic Physician in the State of Arizona. She works
with each patient to find the root cause of their health problems by uti-
lizing wide range of lab testing and providing personalized treatment
plans. A graduate from Southwest College of Naturopathic Medicine
in Tempe AZ, she offers the following services: Women’s Health and
Hormone Balancing, Thyroid disorders, Natural Pediatrics, Chronic
illnesses, Natural Weight Loss Program and Botox - Juvederm.
“ Education is the most
Powerful Weapon
which you can
use to Change theWorld“
Thoughts to Inspire
Nelson Mandela
Hypothyroidism – Thyroid tests ‘Normal’?
By Dr. Meghna Thacker, NMD
Great Summer Meal
Healthy Fruity Popsicles - a
Summer Treat
Kale Salads – Kale is one of the densest
foods. If you incorporate one cup of kale
in your salad of choice it will contain Vit
A, K, C, B1, B2, B3, B6 and Iron, Man-
ganese, Calcium, Copper, Potassium,
and Magnesium, along with some of the
omega-3 fatty acid called alpha linolenic
acid. This acid is important to maintain-
ing heart health.
Cut the watermelon into chunks and then puree it
in a blender until smooth. Set aside.
Set out about 1 dozen popsicle molds (amount
needed will depend on size of molds). Fill each one
with chopped fresh fruit.
Then pour in watermelon puree till each one mold
is full to the top. Place a popsicle stick in each one.
Place into your freezer and freeze for about 6 to 8
hours.
When ready to serve, run the popsicle molds under
warm water for a few seconds and then pull each
one out.
3 cups of watermelon puree (seedless if possible)
½ cup fresh blueberries
½ cup fresh chopped strawberries
1 kiwi, chopped and sliced
1 peach or nectarine, diced small
Handful fresh cherries, pitted and chopped
Ingredients:
I’m not lazy nor am I crazy. I
have Thyroid Disease. Just be-
cause you can’t see it, doesn’t
mean it doesn’t exist“
– Sincerely Thyroid Disease Warrior
DR. MEGHNA THACKER
SHAH TAX &
ACCOUNTING SERVICE
PREPARATION OF PERSONAL
& BUSINESS TAX RETURN,
ACCOUNTING &
PAYROLL SERVICES
FOR APPOINMENT PLEASE
CALL
480-491-4982
