Posts about lipoprotein A | Dr. Emina Jasarevic, Naturopath Kelowna

What are Adrenal Glands?

The adrenal glands are tiny hats, one each, that sit atop your kidneys and secrete hormones to help you deal with and manage stress. The outer part of the glands, called the cortex, releases cortisol, for our stress response and metabolism control, as well as aldosterone to regulate blood pressure. The inner part of the glands are the medulla where adrenaline is released, another part of the stress response.

When your central nervous system perceives stress, it stimulates the adrenal glands to release their hormones as a part of the “fight or flight” response. This can happen several times throughout the day and can vary depending on your lifestyle. For example, an alarm clock startling you out of sleep will trigger this response, as will less sudden stressors like feeling overwhelmed by your overflowing email at work or worrying about finances or family members. In the early stages of stress, this response is actually beneficial. It can improve mental clarity, focus and energy. But over time, the benefits start to fade, and the consequences of chronic stress take over.

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.

What are natural treatments for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

Insulin resistance can often be helped by addressing a few key areas of health such as diet, exercise and stress reduction techniques. A diet rich in low starch vegetables, little/no refined sugar, good protein and healthy fats is important to reduce your risk factors for developing insulin resistance. A Ketogenic Diet has been found to be the most impactful for metabolic syndrome, but also for diabetics who are currently on medications.

High stress spikes cortisol, blood sugar and insulin. Stress reduction techniques like yoga (and other exercise), meditation, breathing practice, clinical therapy, acupuncture, and massage therapy can all be beneficial.

Our naturopathic doctors will work with you to help you manage your symptoms, prevent diabetes (or treat existing diabetes), and get to the source of your insulin resistance through your own individualized treatment plan. It may include:

Specific dietary modifications –– eliminating food intolerances; increase in fibre, vegetables, fats and protein, decrease in starches and sugars; increase omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods; education and recommendation for a ketogenic diet or intermittent fasting.
Vitamins, minerals, enzymes –– may include chromium, vanadium, alpha-lipoic acid, B Vitamins, and others.
Botanicals –– such as devils club, gymnema, momordica, and milk thistle.
Exercise Guidance and recommendations
Stress reduction techniques, tools, and resources

How does SIBO testing work?

SIBO testing works by measuring either the amount of gas produced by the bacteria in your digestive system (with breath testing), or by looking for biomarkers in your blood that indicate the presence of SIBO (with blood testing).

Dr. Emina jasarevic, nd | Naturopathic physician

lipoprotein A

Heart Health & Cholesterol – What women (and men) NEED to Know.

FAQ

What are Adrenal Glands?

What Causes Hypothyroidism?

What are natural treatments for insulin resistance or metabolic syndrome?

How does SIBO testing work?

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