Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

Areas of Focus

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Mental Health

Determine the Source of your Depression Take a naturopathic approach to mental…

Thyroid Dysfunction

Are you constantly tired, no matter how well you sleep? Are you…

Women’s Health

Women are beautiful, complicated beings. We embrace and assist every female from…

Hormone Balance

Expect nothing less. Hormones in balance allow every aspect of your health…

Digestive Restoration

Constipation, Bloating, or IBS are not normal. Heal your digestive troubles effectively…

Weight Loss Woes

Whether you’re looking to lose 10 lbs or 100lbs, Dr. Emina will…

Low Energy & Adrenal Fatigue

Adrenal fatigue is one of the most common health disorders that we…

Allergies & LDA

Don’t suffer. Conquer allergies and head pain with safe and effective natural…

Genetic Consultation

Be clear on understanding what your genes mean for you and how…

Children’s Health

Providing comprehensive and holistic care for healthy children, from simple tummy pains…

What is SIBO?

Small intestinal bacterial overgrowth, or SIBO for short, happens when bacteria in your small intestine grow out of control, disrupting healthy digestive function and causing discomfort.

Symptoms of food sensitivities

Chronic constipation
Diarrhea
Heartburn or Indigestion
Boating and gas
Abdominal cramps and pain
Acne
Eczema or Itchy skin
Hives
Migraines or headaches
Immediate fatigue after a meal
Increased heart rate
Hypoglycemia
Joint pain
Respiratory problems

What and Where is the Thyroid Gland?

Your thyroid gland is a butterfly-shaped organ in the front of your neck. The thyroid plays an important role in your body’s energy and metabolism. The thyroid gland takes up trace minerals, such as iodine, selenium and tyrosine, and uses these to make thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). These hormones circulate through the liver, brain and several other organs in the body as part of the endocrine system. If the thyroid is not functioning properly, you can develop health problems.

If you have the following health concerns – It could be your Thyroid:

Fatigue
Anxiety or Panic Attacks
Depression
Constipation
Unexplained weight gain
Generalized swelling
Puffy eyes & face
Muscle aches or pain
Muscle weakness
Joint pain, joint stiffness or swelling
Hair loss
Low sex drive
Asthma & allergies
Migraines

Recurrent miscarriage / Infertility
Lack of ovulation
PMS
Decreased memory
Irritability
Decreased Concentration or ”Brain Fog”
Dry Skin, Dry Hair
Carpal tunnel syndrome
High cholesterol
Low heart rate
Insomnia
Hives
Loss of outer 1/3 of eyebrows

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

Chronic Stress & Adrenal Fatigue

The adrenal glands take the leading role when it comes to managing stress through the production of cortisol. Research shows that adrenal fatigue has an impact on thyroid function. Even at a mild degree of deficiency, adrenal fatigue can negatively affect thyroid hormone conversion, utilization, and production. For example, high stress can cause too much cortisol in the circulation which promotes inflammation around the thyroid, and this reduces thyroid receptor responsiveness. Therefore, when treating thyroid issues with medicine or therapy it’s important to address the adrenals, this connection, and to care for them both effectively.

Hashimoto’s Hypothyroid

90% of cases of hypothyroidism are due to an autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland by either thyroperoxidase antibodies (TPOAb) or by thyroglobulin antibodies (TgAb), a condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. What this means is that the body creates immune cells that attack the gland so that its function – and a person’s health – declines over time. This condition can be triggered by gluten in gluten-sensitive individuals. Similarly, in these people, gluten avoidance for at least 3 months may help lower antibody levels to a normal range.

Thyroid Conversion Disorder

In some cases, the conversion of T4 into T3 doesn’t function properly due an enzyme issue or otherwise. Test results will show normal levels of TSH and T4 but severely low levels of T3. Commonly, in these cases, patients are often told by their doctors that their thyroid function is “normal” even though they do not feel normal! This is also why some patients who receive medication or therapies that only supplement T4 levels may feel like the treatment is ineffective.

Thyroid Hormone Resistance

Thyroid hormone resistance can be thought of in the same way as insulin resistance is in diabetics. In this condition, the body’s cells are unresponsive to thyroid hormones. In these individuals, T3 and T4 levels can be normal but TSH levels are elevated.

Nutritional Deficiencies

For proper function and the creation of thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland requires the trace minerals iodine, selenium and zinc as well as an amino acid, thyroxine. Deficiency in any of these nutrients can create symptoms of hypothyroidism. Iodine is found in iodized salt and sea vegetables (such as nori and dulse flakes). I have come to find that iodine deficiency is more prevalent than previously given credit for (a 24 Hour Urine Iodine Challenge Test can determine this). The trace mineral Selenium is abundantly found in Oysters and Brazil nuts, and Zinc is rich in pumpkin seeds and beef. Thyroxine is the amino acid building block of thyroid hormones and can be found in most sources of protein.

Heavy Metal Toxicity and Mercury

The thyroid hormone and the heavy metal mercury have strikingly similar biochemistry. The long term exposure of this metal wreaks havoc on the thyroid gland and a person’s health, with these negative effects typically being experienced by dental patients who have currently have or previously had mercury amalgams. Sometimes it is prudent to screen for heavy metal toxicity and high levels of mercury that may be causing thyroid suppression. Heavy metal testing, followed by Chelation Therapy for removal of mercury from deep tissue stores is one naturopathic way to treat the underlying hypothyroid condition.

Central Hypothyroidism

In rare cases, disorders of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus in the brain may be an underlying cause for central Hypothyroidism (AKA secondary or tertiary hypothyroidism). There are usually other concerning symptoms (beyond the list seen on this page) that would warrant imaging and more advanced hospital testing.