Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal Quotes

“Lepidium mayenil (Peruvian Maca) is an herb that has been used historically to enhance fertility in males, females, and livestock. It appears to have positive impacts on spermatogenesis, fertility, and hormone levels. Aphrodisiac and anti-stress properties of this herb have also been reported.7 8 9 10 Panax Ginseng has a long history of its use in supporting fertility and virility in both sexes. It has shown the ability to improve libido, support healthy testosterone concentrations, promote the growth of the testis, and improve spermatogenesis.11 12 13 14”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Tribulus terrestris is a popular herb used to support sexual weakness in both males and females. It seems to have opposite impacts on physiology on males versus females.  In males, Tribulus has shown to support spermatogenesis, increase the number of Sertoli cells in the testis, and increase LH and testosterone with no change in FSH levels. In females Tribulus appears to support healthy concentration of FSH and estradiol. Therefore, the primary role of Tribulus appears to be the support of the hypophyseal-gonadal axis in both males and females.1  2”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Vitamin D Elevated autoimmune thyroid antibodies are a very common pattern associated with the etiology of thyroid disorders. Vitamin D has shown to be an effective immune modulator and even shown to suppress autoimmune activity.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Selenium is the major cofactor for the enzyme 5’deiodinase, which is responsible for converting T4 into T3 as well as degrading rT3. Studies have confirmed lower production T3 in individuals with lower selenium status.3 4 5 Numerous studies have demonstrated increased T3 synthesis as well as decreased reverse T3 production with selenium.6 7 8 9 10 Zinc It has been shown that low zinc status compromises T3 production.11 Studies have also demonstrated that zinc supplementation improves thyroid hormone production.12 13 14 15 These effects may be due to the cofactor role zinc plays with type I 5’deiodinase. In addition, zinc may play a role in reducing thyroidal antibodies.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“It impacts the gallbladder by causing contraction and release of stored bile.1 2 3
Milk Thistle (Silybum Marianum) has the ability to increase the solubility of bile and its use has been shown to significantly reduce biliary cholesterol concentrations and bile saturation indexes.4 It has potent antioxidant activity which supports phase I detoxification and prevents the depletion of hepatic glutathione which is important for phase II detoxification.5 6 7 Silybum marianum has anti-inflammatory chemical properties that are inhibitors of inflammatory prostaglandins and leukotriens as well as chemical properties that promote protein synthesis to replace damaged liver cells. 8 9 10 11
Ginger (Zingiber Officinale) contains chemical compounds that have been shown to increase bile secretion and to reduce hepatic cholesterol levels by up-regulating the enzyme cholesterol-7-alpha-hydorxylase which is the rate limiting enzyme in bile acid synthesis.12 13 14”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Dandelion (Taraxacum Officinale) Dandelion root has physiologic impacts on both the liver and gallbladder. It impacts the liver by promoting the production of bile and its delivery to the gallbladder. It impacts the gallbladder by causing contraction and release of stored bile.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Bismuth citrate Bismuth is a naturally occurring mineral that exhibits activity against H. pylori and is used in the treatment of ulcers. Two double-blind placebo-controlled studies have demonstrated the safe and effective use of bismuth in managing gastric inflammation.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“deglycyrrhizinated Licorice root (DGL) DGL is a popular and substantially studied, natural compound that provides flavonoids shown to heal the gastric lining. Many different mechanisms have been demonstrated with regard to its restorative properties, including stimulation and differentiation of glandular cells, mucous formation and secretion, and the growth and regeneration of the stomach and intestinal cells.1 2 3 4”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Glutamine is the preferred fuel source for the cells of the small intestines and has shown to be helpful in improving the regeneration and repair of the intestinal lining. It has shown to increase the number of cells in the small intestine, the number of villi on those cells, and the height of the villi. Glutamine reduces permeability of the lining which may accompany “leaky gut” patterns that may lead to inflammation and the development of delayed food intolerances.9 10 11
Lactobacilli Acidophilus has long been noted for the role it plays as a probiotic organism to maintain healthy gastrointestinal environment. These healthy organisms, part of the normal gastrointestinal microflora, have been shown to inhibit growth and attachment of adverse non-beneficial bacteria and pathogens. L acidophilus produces metabolic byproducts known as bacteriocins that inhibit and antagonize unhealthy bacteria.12 13 14
Jeurusalem”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Biotin is an important vitamin that is important for the utilization of fats and amino acids by the body, but may become depleted in individuals that suffer from unhealthy gastrointestinal flora. A major portion of human biotin supply is provided by healthy intestinal microflora.  In cases of dysbiosis, biotin deficiency may become apparent.  Biotin is important for strong nails, healthy hair, it aids in the synthesis of fatty acids, it enhances insulin sensitivity, and aids in the removal of the amine groups in the metabolism of amino acid important for cell growth and replication.8”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs) are derived from coconut oil and range in length from 6 to 12 carbons. Their lengths allow for an easily absorbed energy source for people with malabsorption syndromes. Unlike other long-chain fatty acids, they do not require pancreatic enzymes or bile acid for absorption. MCTs are rapidly utilized by gastrointestinal mucosa cells for energy and may aid gastrointestinal regenerative processes and provide a useful source of energy for people that suffer from malabsorption.1 2”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“The use of GSH and SOD in a liposomal delivery cream is a breakthrough in antioxidant therapy and should be considered in cases that require antioxidant therapy, such as inflammatory disorders. This cream is best delivered on the bottoms of the feet.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Thyroid tissue disorder related to thyroid peroxidase (TPO) autoimmune response:366 TPO is the enzyme in the thyroid responsible for the production of thyroid hormones and is a common site for autoimmune attacks. A positive TPO antibody test suggests Hashimoto’s disease. Nutritional support Regulatory T-cell Support • Emulsified vitamin D and liposomal glutathione and superoxide dismutase cream. TH-1 response or TH-2 response
•     Nutritional compounds to support the TH-1 response. Key ingredients include astragalus root extract, echinacea purpurea root, licorice root extract, porcine thymus gland, lemon balm, maitake mushroom, and pomegranate. •     Nutritional compounds to support the TH-2 response. Key ingredients include pine bark extract, grape seed extract, green tea extract, resveratrol, and pycnogenol. Please work with a qualified healthcare practitioner to safely and correctly use these nutrients in the right amounts.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“USING TESTS TO ASSESS ADRENAL HEALTH When a patient presents with symptoms or blood test results of hypothyroidism, I always order an Adrenal Salivary Index (ASI) test through DiagnosTechs Lab. To support the thyroid, it’s important for me to get a clear picture of my patient’s adrenal status using this test. Symptoms alone do not provide an accurate diagnosis, as symptoms can be the same for both over active and under active adrenal function. I also do not use urinary adrenal tests, for with hypothyroidism, the excretion of several adrenal hormones is decreased so that results can be inaccurate. The salivary panel provides the most useful, accurate, and comprehensive information. The most important thing to know about the ASI test is that one ASI test is worthless. I repeat, one ASI test is worthless. It is the second and third test that tells me whether we’re on the right track with a protocol. Adrenal health should improve on the protocol I give my patient.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Nutritional compounds for the “Repair” phase include: •     Nutritional compounds to support gastric inflammation, increase mucous formation, and maintain healthy gastric lining. Key ingredients include deglycyrrhizinated licorice root, glutamine, flavanoids (catechin), bismuth citrate, gamma-oryzanol, rhubarb officiniale, and mastic gum. • L-Glutamine powder: 1,500 mg three times a day”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“In order to gauge progress, I like to use a lactoluse/mannitol test to establish the degree of permeability in the intestines. (Note: If fasting glucose is over 105, this test will be inaccurate.). This test, which is relatively inexpensive, involves swallowing a solution of two sugars and then collecting urine exactly six hours later.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Nutritional compounds for “Replace” phase include: •     Nutritional compounds to supply HCl and support the production of stomach acid. Key ingredients include betaine HCl, niacinamide, B6, pepsin, ox bile, and papain. •     Nutritional compounds to support healthy bile formation, secretion and flow. Key ingredients include dandelion root, milk thistle seed, ginger, taurine, beet concentrate, vitamin C, and phosphatidylcholine. •     Nutritional compounds to support digestion. Key ingredients include high levels of proteolytic and carbolytic plant enzymes.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“I recommend enzymes. When gut health is poor, the pancreas loses the ability to secrete sufficient digestive enzymes. Ideally you will take your enzymes 15 to 20 minutes before your meal, or at least in the beginning. Take your hydrochloric acid toward the middle and end of the meal, as the acid can neutralize the effects of some digestive enzymes.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Reinoculate At this stage, I also recommend ample probiotics to inoculate the gut and replace an overabundance of bad bacteria with beneficial bacteria. I see many GI lab panels come back showing bacterial infection in the digestive tract. A good probiotic program is an important part of restoring balance, clearing out bad bacteria, and establishing healthy levels of the healthy bacteria necessary to convert T4 to T3. Nutritional compounds for the “Reinoculate” phase include: • A good source of beneficial bacteria, such as lactobacillus and bifidobacterium.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Several weeks of the elimination/provocation diet in conjunction with a high-quality detoxification powder clears up common digestive complaints such as gas, bloating, diarrhea, and constipation for many people. If a digestive problem still persists, I run a GI stool and salivary panel to see if parasites or other pathogens are causing problems. It’s not uncommon to find infections by an amoeba, Giardia, roundworms, candida yeast, excess bacteria, or other pathogens affecting the person’s gut health. How to eradicate these parasites and pathogens is beyond the scope of this book, and methods vary. There are situations in which I will recommend drugs instead of herbal remedies, because medications are ultimately more effective and easier on my patient. Herbal remedies, on the other hand, work well for many other conditions, including candida overgrowth271 and h.pylori bacteria.272”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Interestingly, some studies have found connections between Yersinia enterocolitica and Hashimoto’s. Researchers have found that antibodies to this bacteria, which indicates exposure to it, was 14 times higher in people with Hashimoto’s than in those without the disease.262 Being tested for and removing this particular bacterium can be another effective tool in managing Hashimoto’s.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Hypothyroidism can lead to hypochlorhydria, a condition in which the stomach produces too little stomach acid, or hydrochloric acid (HCl). For someone with acid reflux, this may sound like a good thing, but in fact hypochlorhydria often causes that problem.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Thyroid support has little effect in people with positive thyroid antibodies.  For them, nutritional support is essential.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Because the immune system fluctuates, a person with Hashimoto’s may produce a negative antibodies test. If I see negative test results yet suspect the person has the disorder, I will repeat the test. If the person is already on a gluten-free diet, I will have them consume wheat for two weeks and then repeat the test. Once you see a positive antibody test, you have confirmed an autoimmune thyroid condition.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“The production of rT3 typically takes place in cases of extreme stress, such as major trauma, surgery, or severe chronic stress. It appears the increased production of T3 is due to an inability to clear rT3, as well as from elevated levels of cortisol. Functional Range: 90-350 pg/ml Typical Laboratory Range: 90-350 pg/ml”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Free T4 is high with hyperthyroidism and low with hypothyroidism. It’s important to note that even a high TSH with normal T4 is enough to identify hypothyroidism. A rare pattern and one indicative of a hereditary thyroid resistance condition is high FT4. High FT4 can also be caused by taking heparin or by an acute illness that causes binding protein levels to suddenly fall. If an illness other than thyroid disease becomes severe or chronic, it may decrease FT4. Functional Range: 1.0-1.5 ng/ dL Typical Laboratory Range: 0.7-1.53 ng/dL”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Functional Range: 1.8-3.0 mU/L Typical Laboratory Range: 0.5-5.5 mU/L”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“Monitoring and Supporting Hashimoto’s
​• ​After Hashimoto’s is assessed with a positive TPO and/or TGB serum antibody test, establish TH-1 or TH-2 dominance with an immunological serum test. Look at the percentage values, not the total. ​• ​A TH-1 serum profile includes interferon, IL-2, IL-12, interferon-gamma, and TNF alpha. ​• ​A TH-2 serum profile includes IL-4, IL-13 and IL-10. ​• ​If the TH-1 cytokines are high, then modulate the autoimmune condition by supporting the TH-2 pathway with TH-2 stimulators. ​• ​If the TH-2 cytokines are high, then support the TH-1 pathway with TH-1 stimulators. ​• ​A CD4/CD8 (T-suppressor cell/T-helper cell) ratio of 2 or higher is an indication that an active antigen is driving the autoimmune response. This test is also a baseline from which to monitor overall progress. ​• ​If an active antigen or hapten is at work, then stimulate the dominant TH pathway to eradicate the antigen or drive it into remission. ​• ​If both TH-1 and TH-2 stimulators make you feel worse, a hapten may be driving the autoimmune condition. In that case, restore the immune barriers. ​• ​In all instances, modulate immune T-helper cell response with therapeutic doses of emulsified vitamin D plus cofactors, fish oil, and liposomal glutathione and superoxide dismutase cream. Have a licensed healthcare practitioner qualified to work with vitamin D therapy prescribe the appropriate dose. ​• ​Add in nutritional compounds individually every three days to monitor response. ​• ​Remove gluten and possibly dairy from the diet and support other systems, organs, and functions in the body.  (Managing blood sugar, digestive function, and adrenal health using functional medicine principles is explained in later chapters.) ​• ​Monitor whether support is effective with follow-up TSH, CD4/CD8, and TH-1 and TH-2 cytokine tests.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“When an antigen is to blame for stimulating an autoimmune attack, an immune panel of tests may show both the TH-1 and TH-2 cytokines are high and T-suppressor cells are low. This indicates the body is currently in a heated battle against something the immune system recognizes as an enemy, which is stoking the autoimmune mechanism. Another essential immune panel measures the ratio of T-helper cells to T-suppressor cells. This is the CD4/CD8 test (CD4 measures T-helper cells and CD8 measures T-suppressor cells). Typically when an autoimmune disease such as Hashimoto’s is being driven by an antigen response, the CD4/CD8 ratio is above 2. If follow-up tests of the CD4/CD8 ratio show it lowering, then you know the approach you’re using is having an effect.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism

“About 30 percent of the time, the labs don’t clearly show a dominant pathway. When that happens, I may turn to TH-1 and TH-2 stimulators to establish which state is dominant. As I mentioned earlier, I look for clues while talking to my patients: Does she feel better or worse after drinking coffee, or taking something like echinacea?  If a person with Hashimoto’s  complains of irritability and insomnia whenever she takes echinacea, that is a clue she might be TH-1 dominant as echinacea stimulates the TH-1 pathway.”
― Datis Kharrazian, Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A revolutionary breakthrough in understanding Hashimoto’s disease and hypothyroidism