The Hidden Epidemic of Low Thyroid Function | Know Your Numbers
Mark Hyman
Feb 2, 2024
Mindsip insights from this episode:
Cook kale and broccoli to protect thyroid function
Raw cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli contain goitrogens that can interfere with thyroid function, but cooking them significantly reduces this effect.
Choose desiccated thyroid for better hormone balance
Desiccated porcine thyroid (e.g., Armour Thyroid) is often more effective than Synthroid because it contains both T4 and the active T3 hormone, but it will naturally suppress TSH levels.
Address rising thyroid problems with proactive health measures
From 2009 to 2019, the percentage of the population with low thyroid function more than doubled, increasing from 4.6% to 11.7%.
Utilize red light therapy to regenerate thyroid function
A study found that red light therapy regenerated thyroid follicular cells in patients, allowing many to reduce or eliminate their need for thyroid medication.
Recognize autoimmune nature of low thyroid conditions
An estimated 90% of low thyroid conditions are actually an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
Demand comprehensive thyroid testing beyond TSH
Conventional doctors typically only test for TSH, which is insufficient for a proper diagnosis and often misses low levels of the active T3 hormone and the presence of thyroid antibodies.
Maintain TSH levels under two for optimal thyroid health
While the standard lab reference range for TSH goes up to 5.0, the optimal range is likely between 0.5 and 2.0, meaning many cases of subclinical hypothyroidism are missed.
Eliminate gluten to reduce thyroid autoimmunity risk
Due to a process called molecular mimicry, gluten can trigger an autoimmune attack on the thyroid, and a gluten-free diet has been shown to reduce thyroid antibodies.
Limit birth control use to reduce hypothyroidism risk
Women who have used birth control for over 10 years have four times the risk of developing low thyroid function.
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