Hypothyroidism Causes
Primarily there several main causative factors of hypothyroidism are and Iodine deficiency and inflammation of the Thyroid gland known as Thyroiditis.
In the most of the developed Western world the frequency of deficiencies in Iodine tends to be low. In the remaining parts of the world however it is more commonplace. Thyroiditis tends to be the most common hypothyroidism causes. One test to check for this underlying condition is a blood test measuring the level of Thyroid auto antibodies.
Disease or environmental factors can also affect the function of the glands located in the brain. These include the Hypothalamus and Pituitary Gland. These glands are involved with the process of stimulating the Thyroid to produce and secrete they Thyroid hormones. If they are not functioning properly the Thyroid may be under stimulated.
Certain foods can detrimentally affect the function of the Thyroid gland and in some case produce Hypothyroid like affects. These foods can instigate an increasing in the size of the Thyroid. This may result in a decreased conversion of T4 into T3. Some of the common foods that may contribute to this include:
- Almond seeds
- Brussels sprouts
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Corn
- Kale
- Turnips
Drugs can also contribute to hypothyroidism causes. Both illicit as well as prescription medication. All drugs irrespective of legal or not will produce a number of effects within the human body. Whilst they are labelled as ‘side effects’ they are in fact simply ‘effects’. Typically they are labelled ‘side effects’ merely to shift attention from the undesirable effects to the more desirable ones.
Anti inflammatory medication may not sell as well if they were marketed as ‘stomach ulcer producing medication – may also induce side effects such as reduce joint and muscle pain.’
Commonly recognised drugs that may contribute to hypothyroidism causes include:
- Adrenal steroids like prednisone and hydrocortisone, which treat inflammation
- Amiodarone, a heart drug
- Antithyroid drugs like propylthiouricil and methimazole
- Lithium, for psychiatric treatment
- Propranolol, a beta blocker
Because of the increasing concern many people are now expressing with respect to drug based treatment options, natural, drug-free options are becoming increasingly sought after.
One of the primary benefits to a natural treatment option may be that there are fewer side effects due to the preference of using natural herbs and nutrition as opposed to potentially dangerous and poisonous harsh drugs.
A well researched and investigated natural approach has been detailed by Australian Naturopath Duncan Cappichiano ND. Duncan is one of Australia’s foremost experts on the treatment of Hypothyroidism with natural means. You can read more about Duncan’s work here.