A while ago, I wrote to you about thyroid function and the role it plays in managing your metabolism. This is so important that I wanted to mention it again. If you are taking the proper steps and have removed all of the toxic grains from your diet, but still aren’t losing the weight you desire, you should consider having your thyroid checked.
Is your little thyroid sensitive?
The thyroid gland sits on the front of your throat like a miniature bow-tie. Of all endocrine glands, the thyroid gland is the most susceptible to autoimmune damage. When the immune system is unable to distinguish proteins in the colon, thyroid gland, pancreas, or brain from foreign organisms invading the body, it recruits B and T lymphocytes into an army to wage war on its own organs. We call this autoimmunity. The most common trigger of autoimmune thyroid diseases (Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) is the gliadin protein of wheat and related proteins of other grains. Gliadin antibodies occur in 50 percent or more of people with thyroid disease.
Eliminating wheat and grains potentially removes the trigger for autoimmune thyroid damage. – Tweet this!
Those “love handles” really aren’t showing you any love! If visceral fat is present in the tummy, then this unique fat also disrupts thyroid function due to the flood of inflammatory proteins it releases that interfere with the function of thyroid hormones. This can occur with or without interference of thyroid function by autoimmune inflammation. In other words, this visceral fat is not only unattractive, it’s actually impairing weight loss.
Is it scary out there?
We are living in a dangerous era, a time when industrial compounds have proliferated to such an extraordinary degree that literally everyone is exposed to chemicals that cause some form of endocrine disruption. Disruption can occur at the brain level (hypothalamus and pituitary that control the thyroid), at the thyroid gland level, or even at the level of tissues, such as fat cells, liver, and muscle, which are all dependent on thyroid hormones.
Thyroid disruption can originate with perfluorooctanoic acid residues from Teflon in your cooking, restaurant food, or groundwater. It can be caused by triclosan in antibacterial hand soaps and hand sanitizers. It can be due to polybrominated diphenyl ethers from the flame retardant in carpeting and clothing, contaminants in the water supply, and plastics that are everywhere and in everything, from cars to the lining of canned foods to water bottles. They are even in the rainwater and air we breathe.
Nobody alive today has avoided exposure to these ubiquitous chemicals. – Tweet this!
Is it unavoidable?
Here are the numbers to prove it. The Environmental Working Group tested blood from the umbilical cords of newborns and uncovered 287 different industrial compounds, including mercury, 21 different pesticides, and components of industrial lubricants— this was in newborns, not 60-year-olds who had worked a lifetime in factories or other contaminated environments. Endocrine disruptive industrial chemicals can be detected in hair, urine, blood, liver, kidneys, and just about any other bodily fluid or organ. One recent study assessed individuals for the presence of perchlorates, a residue of synthetic fertilizers. Of 2,800 people tested, all 2,800 had detectable levels of perchlorates in their bodies.
You’ve heard that saying about death and taxes? Well, add industrial chemical exposure to the list of things that are unavoidable in life.
Is there a quick fix for this?
Unfortunately, there is no “detox” program that has been shown to reduce perchlorates or polychlorinated biphenyls from the thyroid gland or remove perfluorooctanoic acid residue from the adrenals. You can’t unwind the effects of fungicides like vinclozolin just by taking some purging supplement or submitting to four enemas per day. The thyroid gland and its production of thyroid hormones typically do not recover from the beating, and prescription thyroid hormones are usually still necessary, even long after autoimmune inflammation has subsided.
Is your doctor missing something?
Most doctors are unaware of the above issues, unaware that the old rules for diagnosing thyroid dysfunction no longer apply due to disruption by industrial chemicals. Thyroid status that is disrupted at the hypothalamic or pituitary level cannot be diagnosed with the usual screening methods because in these cases the TSH level (normally the only lab test used to assess thyroid function) is typically normal— even if substantial hypothyroidism is present. It means that, even if doctors manage to diagnose hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormone), they will only prescribe the T4 thyroid hormone but neglect to address T3, the truly active form of thyroid hormone. This results in someone taking T4 as levothyroxine (Synthroid), being told that their thyroid status is fine, yet continuing to struggle with hypothyroid symptoms such as weight gain, cold hands and feet, hair loss, depression, water retention or edema, thinning hair, disrupted bowel function, peculiar rashes, and increased cardiovascular risk due to disruption of T3 function or blocked conversion of T4 to T3 (how most T3 in the body is produced).
What can you do?
Look for a functional medicine practitioner, a naturopath, or someone who uses a compounding pharmacy to mix individualized thyroid prescriptions (ask the pharmacist at a compounding pharmacy in your area, one that is licensed to mix its own individualized prescriptions).
The key is to identify a health care practitioner who is enlightened on thyroid issues if you have such symptoms or if you have been prescribed T4 without T3. The solution is usually as easy as replacing the T4 with a T4/ T3 combination preparation (such as Armour Thyroid or NatureThroid) or adding T3 (as liothyronine or Cytomel). Taking the right combination of medications will correct thyroid dysfunction. Your body will finally be released from the misguided gatekeeper (your thyroid) and the weight loss will begin.
Yours in grainless health,
Dr. William Davis, MD
So I need feedback from my wheat belly friends and fellow believers. My most recent thyroid numbers are TSH: 1.64, t3= 3.7 and t4= .9. I still think I can do better, but my doc thinks my Nature Throid dose is right now. What do you all think?
Kim S wrote: «…thyroid numbers are TSH: 1.64, t3= 3.7 and t4= .9.»
Not quite sufficient data:
Are the T3 and T4 Free or Total?
What were the Reference Ranges?
(and you might as well include units of measure, as these vary regionally)
I don’t suppose you got any measures for Reverse T3 or Thyroid Antibodies.
What are you doing for iodine intake?
Also, any other hypo symptoms? See:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2015/04/thyroid-tune-up-update1/
«I still think I can do better, but my doc thinks my Nature Throid dose is right now.»
Could be, but it’s at least encouraging that you’ve got a doctor willing to prescribe NDT.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
Are there any functional practitioners or naturopath doctors in Wisconsin?
Yes. BodyLogics near Milwaukee
Yes. BodyLogics near Milwaukee . Suzanne Somers book can help you also.
Are there any functional practitioners or naturoath doctors in Wisconsin?
Yes there are Susan but they are hard to find. Not sure where you are in Wisconsin, but you could call MD Custom Rx in Brookfield and they will send you a list of practitioners that they work with.
However be aware that most of these doctors do not take insurance and are private pay, about $300 for the first visit.
They will do better and more in depth testing.
I was diagnosed with low thyroid last year. One of my symptoms was hais loss. I’ve been taking levothyroxin for a year and my hair loss is worse. I’ve read that Wheat Belly restores hair loss for some women. Can you tell me what it is about Wheat Belly that corrects hair loss? I eliminated gluten from my diet last year. Although I feel better from that change, it didn’t correct whatever is causing my hair loss. I’m curious what it is about Wheat Belly that restores hair. Thanks.
Nancy wrote: «I was diagnosed with low thyroid last year.»
That would be hypothyroid? And based on what tests and readings? Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 and Thyroid Antibody markers would be informative here, but I won’t be surprised if all you got was TSH.
Separately, what are you doing for iodine intake?
«I’ve been taking levothyroxin for a year and my hair loss is worse.»
And that’s why I won’t be surprised about TSH-only. That med is T4 only. Most people with hypothyroid also need some T3, and rarely get it. See:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2015/04/thyroid-tune-up-update1/
Hair loss is apparently common in hypothyroid, and I presume that extends to inadequately treated hypothyroid.
«Can you tell me what it is about Wheat Belly that corrects hair loss?»
Well, it’s correcting at least two causes of hair loss: thyroid (multiple issues there), and dermal inflammation caused by grain proteins.
«I’m curious what it is about Wheat Belly that restores hair.»
As far as I know Wheat Belly is not promoted as a hair restoration solution. It’s just something that is often reported as a serendipitous side effect.
Dr. Davis has also suggested supplementing biotin, at about 2000mg (2g) per day, to counter hair loss. Just looking at ConsumerLab’s latest test results, I’d probably lean toward something that was just biotin, as the compounded products tend to contain B-vitamins in iffy forms. Even with a biotin-only product, be mindful of what else is in it. I have an article on supplements I can link to in another response if you need it.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
Correction on the biotin: 2000mcg (2mg) per day.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
Thanks for the response, Bill.
My thyroid diagnosis was the result of T4 test numbers. My doctor did not mention any of the other thyroid factors you mentioned so I suspect that you are correct and the thyroid as a whole is not being tested/treated.
I’m not doing anything specific with regard to supplementing with iodine. I asked my dr about that and my iodine level was tested and my doctor told me if was “fine” but I have wondered about adding a supplement.
I have tried Biotin in the past, not at the level you suggested. The result was that it made my existing hair grow faster but I didn’t see any hair regrowth.
I understand that Wheat Belly has not been marketed as a solution to hair loss, but hair regrowth is a potential benefit that is promoted in the program. I am just trying to learn what it is about Wheat Belly that allows this to happen for some to gauge whether or not I might be one of the lucky ones to experience this benefit as well.
Nancy wrote: «My thyroid diagnosis was the result of T4 test numbers. My doctor did not mention any of the other thyroid factors you mentioned so I suspect that you are correct and the thyroid as a whole is not being tested/treated.»
People are staring to get outraged about what passes for the Standard of Care with respect to thyroid. In addition to sites like StopTheThyroidMadness, there has been a parade of books, with another coming out next month.
The latest author related her personal horror show on Mark Sisson’s blog today (article: “How I Recovered from Hypothyroidism and Became My Own Best Advocate”). Since the book is not out yet, there’s no way to know how on on-target it might be.
What I see in that story, however, is not just the routine mis-testing, mis-diagnosis and mis-treatment of thyroid, but hints of a condition aggravated (if not caused) by a former thyroid-adverse auto-immune provoking diet, modern iodine deficiency, and perhaps routine exposure to novel non-native halogens (which disrupt endocrine systems, and at the thyroid, out-compete what little iodine most people get).
«I’m not doing anything specific with regard to supplementing with iodine. I asked my dr about that and my iodine level was tested and my doctor told me if was “fine” but I have wondered about adding a supplement.»
Unless you’re consuming ample seafood, iodine deficiency is likely. See: https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2016/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-iodine/
«I have tried Biotin in the past, not at the level you suggested.»
The 2mg (2000mcg) that Dr. Davis suggests is actually not that much. Retail products commonly provide unit doses in the 1 to 7.5mg range, and therapeutic use is reportedly as high as 15mg.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
I had thyroid cancer in 2009. I am cancer free, thanks be to GOD. I take synthroid daily but have struggled with weight gain, fatigue, skin and hair issues, mood swings etc since my surgery. My dr says my levels are fine and I don’t see how it can be possible.
I am about to embark on this Wheat Belly lifestyle change for help with my health.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Lori
Lori wrote: «I had thyroid cancer in 2009.»
What was the treatment? In particular, do you still have a thyroid gland?
«I take synthroid daily but have struggled with weight gain, fatigue, skin and hair issues, mood swings etc…»
Synthroid is levothyroxine (T4 only).
«My dr says my levels are fine and I don’t see how it can be possible.»
What numbers and Reference Ranges do you have?
Reliance on the vague TSH, interpretation of high TSH readings as “normal”, dismissal of raging symptoms, and the failure (or refusal) to prescribe anything with some T3 in it, is all too often the Standard of Care. It’s why a book and a site named “Stop The Thyroid Madness” exists.
«I am about to embark on this Wheat Belly lifestyle change for help with my health.»
Much of what Dr. Davis is discussing in this latest series of blog posts is covered in an entire chapter (11) of Wheat Belly Total Health.
«Any advice is greatly appreciated.»
It may eventually come down to needing a new doctor. Some tips are at:
https://www.cureality.com/forum/topics.aspx?ID=18882
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
I have rheumatoid arthritis and have hashimotos. Should I be supplementing with iodine?
Lisa wrote: «I have rheumatoid arthritis…»
What diet are you following? Many people have reported relief from RA by following Wheat Belly Total Health.
«…and have hashimotos. Should I be supplementing with iodine?»
See: https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/2016/03/everything-you-need-to-know-about-iodine/
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
I’ll be starting WB on Wednesday w/ the Challenge. My RA started when I was 2 so I’ve had it for 49 years. I’m excited to see how WB will help me.
Lisa wrote: «I’ll be starting WB on Wednesday w/ the Challenge.»
Excellent. On the RA, you might want to browse the back traffic here:
https://drdavisinfinitehealth.com/?s=rheumatoid+arthritis
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
My daughter also was diagnosed with RA at the same age. She is now 15 and doing really well on methotrexate. Thanks for the info!
I can personally attest to how important thyroid treatment is for feeling better, however most doctors know very little about how to treat it.
My TSH is very low, which recently sent my PCP into a panic, but then she had failed to check my T3 and T4.
However a recent column by a local Functional Medicine doctor was questioning the low, low TSH based on this article: http://press.endocrine.org/doi/10.1210/jc.2013-3385?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori%3Arid%3Acrossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%3Dpubmed&
Any comments, or have the guidelines changed at all??
Thanks.
Pat
Pat wrote: «…questioning the low, low TSH…»
TSH seems to be about as useful a marker of thyroid health as BMI is for metabolic health, and LDL-C is for cardiovascular health. At most, these numbers suggest that perhaps some real tests are needed.
Alas, TSH is usually all that’s offered, and accompanied by NO inquiry on suggestive symptoms or dietary iodine intake. Your doctor may not be roused to action unless the TSH is above 5.0 μIU/mL (and perhaps above 10). Then you’re apt to get T4 only.
To protect yourself, don’t settle for just TSH. Ask for fT3, fT4, rT3 and TA. Also learn what hypothyroid and hyperthyroid symptoms are.
If all that’s provided is TSH, Wheat Belly has suggested that anything over 1.5 μIU/mL is grounds for testing for hypo. I’d personally consider anything under 0.45 as grounds for testing for hyper, with any hint of symptoms.
Note that depending on where you live, home test kits for thyroid, such as ZRT, may be an option.
«…have the guidelines changed at all??»
I’ve seen no evidence of it. Given pervasive modern exposure to thyroid antagonists, and iodine deficiency in diet (thanks a bunch, Low Salt Mania), it would not be paranoid for people to assume that they are probably hypothyroid until proven otherwise by competent testing.
Hyperthyroid is a lot less common (it’s in my family history), and yes, very low TSH is consistent with that (but not dispositive).
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)
Will taking iodine or kelp skew lab results? T3 or T4?
I’ve been on kelp for over month and plan to get all my lab tests taken in October.
Thanks!
Ella deNemours wrote: «Will taking iodine or kelp skew lab results? T3 or T4?»
My understanding on that is that some distortion can occur, but is not significant.
If the readings are outside desired ranges, get tested again at a date that’s six months or more after you first adjusted your daily iodine intake.
As you probably know, don’t just ask for T3 and T4, as you are apt to get the less useful Total T3&T4 numbers.
Specifically ask for Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3 and whatever Thyroid Antibody tests are provide by the lab used. You’ll probably TSH whether you ask for it or not. Be sure to get the resulting numbers, including Reference Ranges.
________
Blog Reply Associate (click my user name for details)