Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

Recipes

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Pumpkin Chia Pudding Recipie

October 10, 2022

Pumpkin Chia Pudding Recipe Put down the pumpkin spice latte and pick up…

Roasted Cauliflower and Pear Soup Recipe With Salad

September 25, 2022

Cauliflower and pear soup, plus additional recipes are provided by Emily d’Aoust, RHN…

Fresh Pineapple Salsa

June 17, 2022

This fresh pineapple salsa is sure to be a crowd pleaser this summer!…

Kale Caesar Salad with Sweet Potatoes and Crispy Chickpeas Recipe

March 27, 2022

Prep Time: 15 minutes, Cook Time: 40 minutes, Total Time: 55 minutesServings: 6,…

Crispy Golden Brown Zucchini & Broccoli Fritters

January 19, 2022

Fritters. I could practically stop right there, couldn’t I? They’re so good that…

Festive Shortbread Almond Flour Cookies

December 8, 2021

The holidays are here and that means it’s time for holiday baking! These…

Hearty Vegan Lentil Soup

November 24, 2021

PREP TIME 15 mins COOK TIME 30 mins YIELDS 4 large bowls When…

Grilled Fish Tacos with Cilantro Slaw

June 21, 2021

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

Beet salad healthy lifestyle recipe for Kelowna

Beet Salad & Orange Vinaigrette

March 3, 2021

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

Your Go-To Stir Fry Sauce

February 21, 2021

I am so pleased with this recipe as I have stumbled and failed…

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.

If a patient comes to you seeking mental health assistance, what will their experience be like?

“They will be heard and acknowledged. We will look for potential nutrient deficiencies or toxicities and other barriers that can contribute to poor mental health.”

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

Estrogen & Progesterone

Estrogen and progesterone are the two dominant female sex hormones produced by the ovaries, as well as the adrenal glands. In a healthy woman, these two hormones are in balance. Estrogen helps the uterine lining develop and is important for ovulation. Estrogen levels normally peak just before ovulation, and then slowly drop off in the second half of a woman’s cycle.

Progesterone is known as the relaxing hormone in the body. It maintains the uterine lining and is necessary for embryo development. Normally, progesterone levels start to rise just before ovulation, and peak around day 21. If a woman does not become pregnant, progesterone levels fall, the uterine lining is then shed and a period begins.

Common conditions occur under the umbrella of “estrogen dominance”, when there is significantly more estrogen than progesterone creating health issues such as PMS, migraines or headaches, anxiety or low mood, food cravings, digestive issues, and weight gain.

Estrogen dominance also exists in men, when there is significantly more estrogen than testosterone. This becomes an issue when “aromatization” occurs whereby the body prefers conversion of testosterone to estrogen. In aromatization, men may develop more breast tissue, abdominal weight gain, reduced libido, reduced sexual function, and difficulty maintaining lean muscle mass.

These important hormones are the primary players that shift as women enter into perimenopause. To learn more about how these hormones fluctuate during this time and how you can support your transition through pre-, peri- and post-menopause, click here.