Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

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A Fall Cleanse Can Supercharge Your Health — Here’s How

October 21, 2021

The leaves are turning yellow, and the air is fresh and crisp. It…

Shining a Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder: What Is It?

October 15, 2021

Feeling blue? It may be more than just the rainy weather that’s got…

Bye Bye Yeast Overgrowth: The Strongest Natural Candida Killers

September 6, 2021

Have you been struggling with frequent fungal yeast infections recently? Know that you’re…

The Vampire Breast Lift: Supernatural Scam or Perky Perfection?

July 22, 2021

We’ve seen a rise in non-surgical enhancement procedures recently as patients take a…

Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

June 22, 2021

I don’t know about you but when it comes to meals I always…

What is Parenteral Therapy?

June 21, 2021

Parenteral therapy is used when patients require large amounts of nutrients, often as…

Girl holding her stomach in pain from SIBO laying on a couch

What is SIBO?

September 22, 2021

Do you feel as though you are always bloated and gassy? Do painful…

Allergies? The Why & How to Neti Pot

June 11, 2021

How to Neti Pot

Food Allergies, Food Sensitivities & Migraine Headaches.

March 25, 2021

Do you suffer from frequent painful headaches? Is it necessary to go into…

Beet salad healthy lifestyle recipe for Kelowna

Beet Salad & Orange Vinaigrette

April 29, 2021

Sometimes I simply crave beets. It may be their beautiful deep magenta colour…

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 mild a 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 responsivity. Therefore, when treating thyroid issues 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 function 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, people are often told by their doctors that their thyroid function is “normal” even though they do not feel normal! This is also why some people who are medicated with Levothyroxine or Synthroid (T4) may feel like their medication 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 previous 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. If an individual has ever had mercury amalgams in their mouth (even if they have now been long removed), both the fact of having had them and likely having had them removed without the proper biological dentistry, the long term exposure of this metal wreaks havoc on the thyroid gland. Sometimes it is prudent to screen for heavy metal toxicity and high levels of mercury that may be causing thyroid suppression. Chelation Therapy for removal of mercury from deep tissue store is one 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.

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

Blog

A Fall Cleanse Can Supercharge Your Health — Here’s How

Shining a Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder: What Is It?

Bye Bye Yeast Overgrowth: The Strongest Natural Candida Killers

The Vampire Breast Lift: Supernatural Scam or Perky Perfection?

Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

What is Parenteral Therapy?

What is SIBO?

Allergies? The Why & How to Neti Pot

Food Allergies, Food Sensitivities & Migraine Headaches.

Beet Salad & Orange Vinaigrette

FAQ

What is Adrenal Fatigue?

Do You Offer Seasonal Allergy Tests?

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

What are the signs and symptoms of prediabetes?

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