THYROID DISEASE AND ITS HEALING

Dr. Lawrence Wilson is a Nutrition and Lifestyle Consultant at Scottsdale and Prescott, Arizona, course author and instructor at University of Natural Medicine, Santa Fe, New Mexico and  Westbrook University, Aztec, New Mexico; Author for the Eck Institute Bulletin (a monthly bulletin for physicians), Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bio-Energetics, Ltd., Phoenix, Arizona. He is also a consultant at Analytical Research Laboratories, Phoenix, Arizona. He has a medical degree but he chooses, however, to work as a nutrition consultant. What he is famous with is his work and articles on different health topics like: How Nutrition Affects Emotions and Behavior, Toxic Metals, Nutrition and Energy, Biochemical Basis of Positive Thinking, Behavior and Learning Disorders and Nutrition, Sauna Therapy, Tissue Mineral Analysis and Nutritional Aspects of Arthritis, Allergies, Candida Albicans, Developmental Disorders and other health conditions. His website provides a lot of information about all this problems, as well as many other disease:  http://drlwilson.com/index.htm

THYROID DISEASE AND ITS HEALING

Hair tissue mineral analysis offers excellent information about thyroid activity and often very different information than blood tests. The hair assessment can be extremely helpful, especially in a common syndrome that one might call secondary hyperthyroidism.  Most confusion arises because blood thyroid tests do not reveal much about thyroid physiology. Standard tests only measure circulating hormones (T3 and T4) and pituitary stimulation of the thyroid (TSH).

In most cases, thyroid problems can be corrected without using natural or synthetic hormone replacement.  When needed, natural thyroid supplementation is usually far superior to synthetic drugs such as Synthroid or Levoxyl.    Thyroid-inhibiting drugs, RAI (radioactive iodine) or thyroid surgery are never required in my experience.   In many cases, these treatments are absolutely incorrect once one understands the physiology.

THYROID PHYSIOLOGY

Thyroid metabolism involves four important stages:

1) Hormone Production. To produce thyroxine (T4) requires manganese, iodine, tyrosine, cyclic AMP, vitamin C and B-complex, and other micronutrients.   Radiation toxicity, excessive oxidant stress or toxic chemicals can block hormone synthesis. Mercury and copper toxicity stimulate hormone synthesis.

2) Hormone Release. Secretion of thyroid hormones requires sympathetic nervous stimulation. Many people have exhausted adrenals or other autonomic imbalances that may affect the sympathetic nervous system.

3) Absorption into the Cells. Once released into the blood, T4 must be absorbed into the body cells. For this to occur, the cell membranes must function properly. Accumulation of biounavailable calcium and magnesium excessively stabilize cell membranes and reduce cell permeability. Deficient calcium and magnesium cause excessive cell permeability. Oxidant stress or impaired fatty acid metabolism or other damage to cell membranes can also block absorption of thyroxine.

Copper affects absorption by altering calcium and potassium levels. Cadmium or nickel toxicity affect hormone absorption by affecting the levels of calcium, sodium and other critical minerals.

4) Utilization in the Mitochondria. Once inside the cells, thyroxine must be converted to to T3 and utilized in the mitochondria. Potassium plays a role in sensitizing the mitochondria to thyroid hormone. Fluorides in drinking water and chlorides found in bleaches used to make white flour are powerful inhibitors of thyroid hormone utilization. They interfere with iodine metabolism. Substances in soy and in raw cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli also inhibit thyroid hormone utilization. The worst foods for one’s thyroid are soy products and foods made with white flour. Many packaged foods processed with water contain high levels of fluorides that have found their way into water supplies.

Cells must also be able to respond to thyroid hormone stimulation. A range of vitamins and minerals are required for energy production in the glycolysis and carboxylic acid cycles in the mitochondria. If these co-factors are missing or toxins block steps in the pathway, thyroid hormone will be ineffective in increasing energy production.

THYROID PROBLEMS

Imbalances can occur at any stage of the production or utilization of thyroid hormone. The concepts of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism are incomplete and often misleading as they only relate to hormone production and release. One person might have inadequate hormone production due to radiation damage. Another produces enough hormone, but has an autonomic imbalance preventing its release.

Another cannot transport enough hormones into the cells due to low cell permeability. Still another person might have adequate hormone production but be unable to utilize the hormones in the cells due to manganese deficiency or fluoride toxicity.

Another may have excess hormone production due to copper or mercury toxicity and at the same time have inadequate cell permeability, causing a mixture of hypo- and hyperthyroid symptoms.

Blood tests do not assess these factors. As a result, they miss many problems, may indicate a problem where none exists or may indicate one imbalance when the opposite condition exists at the cellular level.

Most commonly, serum thyroid tests are normal but a thyroid imbalance is present. This may occur because the normal ranges of the blood tests are too large. TSH should not be above 3.5, yet many doctors still use 5 as the upper limit of normal. In other cases, however, the blood tests cannot detect deficiencies and toxins affecting thyroid activity.

The most common imbalances are low thyroid effect due to impaired cell permeability in slow metabolizers and hyperthyroid symptoms due to copper or mercury toxicity of the thyroid gland. These commonly occur together causing a mixture of symptoms.

HAIR ANALYSIS FOR THYROID ASSESSMENT

by Dr. Wilson

Hair analysis is excellent to help assess thyroid difficulties. It can indicate imbalances in many steps involved in thyroid hormone metabolism:

PRIMARY HYPERTHYROIDISM

           In these cases, which are less common than secondary hyperthyroidism, the hair mineral analysis will reveal a fast oxidation rate.  That is, calcium is often less than 40 mg% or 400 ppm and magnesium less than 6 mg% or 60 ppm.  Sodium and potassium are often high if the hair is not washed at the laboratory.  The thyroid is overactive, usually due to the presence of toxic metals such as mercury in the thyroid or pituitary glands or other toxic metals such as copper, lead, iron, cadmium or others.  Metabolic balancing is usually very effective at restoring normal thyroid activity.

SECONDARY HYPERTHYROIDISM

           This is the most common type of hyperthyroidism in my experience.  Serum levels of T3 and T4 are often elevated.  TSH may be high, normal or low.  The patient will have symptoms of hyperthyroidism such as anxiety and exothalmos.  Yet the patient is often fatigued as well.  The hair analysis will show a slow oxidizer pattern, often with very low sodium and potassium levels and quite an elevated calcium level.

In these cases, the cells are not permeable enough to thyroid hormone due to elevated calcium.  Low potassium may impair the sensitivity of the tissues to thyroid hormone.  In response, the body may elevate T4 and/or T3 production as a compensation.  Very often, the patient pushes herself by doing too much or exercising excessively.  This must stop for correction to occur.   Then metabolic correction often works well and rapidly to correct this imbalance.

PRIMARY HYPOTHYROIDISM

A hair calcium above 50 mg% and magnesium above about 9 mg% indicate some degree of biounavailable calcium and magnesium. This occurs mainly in slow metabolizers.  One is often fatigued and may have other symptoms of low thyroid activity such as dry skin and hair, weight gain (though in some cases one is very thin), cold intolerance and others.  If serum hormone levels are normal or elevated, physicians may not give thyroid support when it is in fact needed.

WHEN THYROID HORMONE IS HARMFUL

When hair tissue calcium and magnesium are low, as in fast metabolizers, cell membranes are more permeable. This causes more rapid uptake of thyroid hormone into the cells and an increased thyroid effect. The patient may present with fatigue or other symptoms suggestive of low thyroid activity.  Serum thyroid hormone levels may be low normal or even decreased. A physician who only measures serum hormone levels (T3 and T4) or TSH might conclude that the patient needs thyroid hormone. This will make the patient’s condition much worse, although it may provide a temporary energy boost. * The hair calcium level is an approximate thyroid effect indicator because thyroid hormone lowers calcium in the body. The higher the level of hair calcium, in general, the lower the effective activity of the thyroid gland.

OTHER HAIR THYROID INDICATORS

* The potassium level is associated with sensitivity of the tissues to thyroid hormone. Low hair potassium is associated with reduced sensitivity of the mitochondrial receptors to thyroid hormone. Even if circulating hormone levels are normal and hormones can be absorbed into the cells, when tissue potassium is low they may not be utilized, resulting in a low thyroid effect. This commonly contributes to thyroid problems in slow metabolizers. Potassium supplements rarely help because the problem is a loss of potassium due to kidney dysfunction and electrical imbalances at the cellular level.

* Manganese deficiency can reduce thyroid activity. Manganese is required for T4 production. Manganese deficiency or biounavailability are very common today. Deficiency is associated with a hair manganese level less than 0.03 mg%. A level greater than 0.07 mg% often indicates biounavailability. Adrenal exhaustion causes manganese to become biounavailable as the binding protein, transmanganin, is not produced in sufficient quantity.

* Metabolic typing can assess vitamin needs. Vitamins C and B-complex, for instance, tend to enhance thyroid activity. Higher doses are given to slow metabolizers and less to fast metabolizers to help balance thyroid activity. Supplementation without testing for the metabolic type is often ineffective or can aggravate thyroid imbalances.

* Hair calcium and magnesium levels are associated with cell permeability. Biounavailable calcium and magnesium stabilize cell membranes. This causes reduced cell membrane permeability that decreases thyroid hormone uptake into the cells. This produces a cellular thyroid hormone deficiency. Serum hormone levels may be normal or even elevated.  When the serum levels are elevated and the hair test shows a high calcium and low potassium, it is a secondary hyperthyroidism.

* Copper is an important thyroid indicator. The key here is that one cannot use the hair copper level as the only copper indicator because copper often does not accumulate in the hair, but rather in the brain, liver and other organs. One must not supplement copper simply on the basis of the hair copper level. Other test numbers, however, offer excellent information about copper status:

1) Copper raises calcium and lowers potassium. Elevated calcium and low potassium is a slow metabolizer pattern associated with the presence of excess tissue copper. It does not matter if the hair copper is low, normal or high. The pattern is associated with reduced thyroid utilization and hypothyroidism.

2) Compensatory effects may occur. Copper stimulates the production of biogenic amines – epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine. These can cause anxiety, sweating and other symptoms similar to hyperthyroidism.

The body may compensate for the inhibitory effect of high calcium and low potassium by increasing T3 and T4 to force more thyroid hormone into the cells. TSH may vary. The symptoms and blood tests cause some physicians to diagnose hyperthyroidism. Irradiation or even surgery may be recommended when the real problem is copper imbalance. This occurs commonly.

3) Weak adrenals cause copper to become biounavailable. This produces another mixed picture. Often this is indicated by a sodium/potassium ratio less than 2:1 or a hair copper less than 1.0 mg%. In these cases, even if hair copper is high, one must give some copper to relieve symptoms until copper becomes biologically available.

4) Fast metabolizers are copper deficient. They have a relatively low hair calcium level and elevated hair potassium. Their cells are excessively permeable and sensitive to thyroid hormone. Fast metabolizers all require copper supplements even if their hair copper level is normal or elevated.

* Other Toxic Metals and Imbalances. Energy production requires many nutrients, and can be blocked by toxic chemicals and heavy metals. Hair analysis may provide indicators of an impaired energy such as cadmium toxicity or zinc deficiency that causes thyroid hormone to be ineffective in stimulating energy production.

* Autonomic Balance. Most slow metabolizers have depleted their sympathetic nervous systems and are in a pathological parasympathetic state. This can affect thyroid hormone release.

L- Carnitine for Hyperthyroidism. The Supplement with Drastic Results for hyperthyroid patients

The first studies published in the modern literature on the effects of L carnitine for hyperthyroidism came from post-war Germany in 1959, with the observation that L-carnitine had an impact on the hyper-functioning thyroid. Three years later the same researchers reported on the use of L Carnitine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism; they subsequently demonstrated that carnitine affected the accumulation of iodine in thyroid tissue itself. In the 1970s, Japanese researchers found also that there was an increase in carnitine excretion in the urine of hyperthyroid patients.

Carnitine is an essential nutrient for transporting fuel (mostly fatty acids) into the cellular “furnaces” known as mitochondria.

As muscle cells burn fatty acids in a wasteful response to increased thyroid activity, carnitine turnover is dramatically increased, using up cellular stores of carnitine while potentially contributing to the increased urinary losses at the same time.

The most recent discoveries regarding L- carnitine for hyperthyroidism are done by the Italian endocrinologist Dr. Salvatore Benvenga and his colleagues in 2004. He conducted  a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial and their subjects were 50 women who would be taking thyroid hormones to treat benign thyroid nodules (thyroid hormone suppresses the pituitary hormone called thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH, which causes the nodules to grow).

In such patients, mild-to-moderate hyperthyroidism is frequently an undesired side effect, and the researchers chose to study this group of patients in order to capitalize on that effect, while potentially providing welcome relief from symptoms. They were divided into the following 3 groups:

1. placebo only for six months (Group 0)

2. placebo for two months followed by carnitine 2 or 4 g/day for two months followed by a return to placebo (Groups A2 and A4)

3. Carnitine 2 or 4 g/day for four months followed by placebo (Groups B2 and B4).

By examining the results of supplementation on Group A, the researchers could study the ability of carnitine to treat the effects of hyperthyroidism, since patients wouldn’t get the supplement until after two months of symptom-inducing treatment. By studying the impact of supplementation on Group B they could determine how well carnitine worked to prevent symptoms of the excess hormone levels, since the patients would be getting the supplement right from the start of treatment with thyroid hormones.

The results were nothing short of dramatic. As expected, symptoms and blood chemistry results worsened in Group 0, who received thyroid hormone but only placebo in addition. These women displayed the symptoms of mild hyperthyroidism, including muscle weakness, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, nervousness, insomnia, and tremors. They also had increased knee reflexes and heart rates, and substantial loss of body weight. Women in Group A experienced similar worsening of symptoms during the two months that they initially took placebo, but those symptoms disappeared after two months on the carnitine supplementation, only to return during their final two months of placebo. Meanwhile, women in Group B, who took carnitine from the start of their thyroid hormone treatment, had no worsening of their symptoms until they stopped receiving carnitine at the end of the first four months.

They then rapidly developed symptoms similar to the other subjects who were not receiving carnitine.

There were improvements in certain laboratory parameters as well during the times that the subjects supplemented with carnitine.

Of particular interest was the fact that bone mineral density increased in both supplemented groups, with the greatest increase in Group B, who received carnitine supplementation for a full four months.

Dr. Benvenga and colleagues summarized their findings from these studies in the following fashion: “Since hyperthyroidism impoverishes the tissue deposits of carnitine, there is a rationale for using L-carnitine for hyperthyroidism at least in certain clinical settings… and since carnitine has no toxicity, teratogenicity [birth defects], contraindications, and interactions with drugs, carnitine can be of clinical use.”

To date, clinical trials have shown that doses of 2,000-4,000 mg/day of L-carnitine are helpful in individuals who suffer from hyperthyroidism. Future studies may uncover similar benefits of other carnitine formulations such as acetyl-L-carnitine, acetyl-L-carnitine arginate, and propionyl-L-carnitine, along with the doses needed to match the efficacy provided by 2,000-4,000 mg L-carnitine.

Until scientists reveal the most effective dosages of each carnitine formulation, the following chart may provide preliminary guidance for individuals seeking relief from the effects of hyperthyroidism:

L-carnitine: 2,000-4,000 mg/day

Acetyl-L-carnitine: 800-2,000 mg/day

Acetyl-L-carnitine arginate: 600-1,000 mg/day

Propionyl-L-carnitine: 600-2,000 mg/day

However, I strongly advise you to check with your physician. There is nothing worse than taking a supplement that may not be for you, as other factors may interhere.

Reference:

Sinclair C, Gilchrist JM, Hennessey JV, Kandula M. Muscle carnitine in hypo- and hyperthyroidism. Muscle Nerve. 2005 Sep;32(3):357-9.

Nayak B, Burman K. Thyrotoxicosis and thyroid storm. Endocrinol Metab Clin North Am. 210. Strack E, Woratz G, Rotzsch W. Effects of carnitine in hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Endokrinologie. 1959 Sep;38:218-25.

Strack E, Bloesche H, Bemm H, Rotzsch W. Use of L-carnitine in hyperfunction of the thyroid gland. Dtsch Z Verdau Stoffwechselkr. 1962 Apr;21:253-9.

Willgerodt H, Rotzsch W, Strack E. Effect of carnitine of the accumulation of iodine in the thyroid gland. Dtsch Z Verdau Stoffwechselkr. 1965 Aug;25(3):127-35.

Emmrich R. New methods for the diagnosis and therapy of hyperthyroidism. Munch Med Wochenschr. 1967 Oct 27;109(43):2217-21.

Maebashi M, Kawamura N, Sato M, Imamura A, Yoshinaga K. Urinary excretion of carnitine in patients with hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism: augmentation by thyroid hormone. Metabolism. 1977 Apr;26(4):351-6.

COPPER TOXICITY SYNDROME

by Lawrence Wilson, MD

Do you know anyone who suffers from headaches, fatigue, insomnia, depression, skin rashes, spaciness or detachment, learning disorders or premenstrual syndrome?  These can be symptoms of a copper imbalance. It is an extremely common nutritional imbalance, although it is often overlooked, in part because it is not always simple to detect.        Copper is an essential trace mineral that is vitally important for both physical and mental health.  It has been studied for years, including at government laboratories.  However, its importance for health is still largely unappreciated.  The following article is an introduction to the large subject of copper imbalance.  The author is deeply indebted to Dr. Paul C. Eck, an avid copper researcher.

COPPER’S ROLE IN THE BODY        

Copper is critical for energy production in the cells.  It is also involved in nerve conduction, connective tissue, the cardiovascular system and the immune system.  Copper is closely related to estrogen metabolism, and is required for women’s fertility and to maintain pregnancy. 

Copper stimulates production of the neurotransmitters epinephrine, norepinephrine and dopamine.  It is also required for monoamine oxidase, an enzyme related to serotonin production.

THREE COPPER IMBALANCES

        It is possible for a person to become copper-toxic, copper-deficient or to have a condition called biounavailable copper.  In the latter, copper is present, but cannot be utilized.  When copper is biounavailable, one may have symptoms of both copper toxicity and copper excess.  This occurs because copper is present in excess in certain organs and tissues of the body, but is not usable in other key areas.  Biounavailability often occurs due to a deficiency of the copper-binding proteins, ceruloplasmin or metallothionein.  Without sufficient binding proteins, unbound copper may circulate freely in the body, where it may accumulate primarily in the liver, brain and female organs.

        Copper toxicity and biounavailability are seen most often.  These occur almost always in people who are in a state called slow oxidation.  Copper deficiency occurs most often in people who are in the state called fast oxidation.  This article uses the words copper imbalance when more than one of the three types of copper problems are possible.

DETECTING COPPER IMBALANCE

        Blood, urine, feces and hair testing are used to detect copper imbalance.  Liver biopsy is also used on rare occasions.  Let us examine each method from my experience.        Serum copper levels are not considered a reliable way to detect copper imbalance because copper may not accumulate in the blood.  Serum ceruloplasmin may be more accurate.

         Simple urine testing is also inaccurate because copper is stored deep in organs such as the brain and liver.  Urine challenge testing with penicillamine, a strong copper chelator, is much better.  With this procedure, one first gives a dose of penicillamine and then collects the urine for 24 hours.  However, this still will miss much copper that is stored deep within body organs and tissues.  Chelating agents primarily remove minerals from the blood and arterial walls.

        Liver biopsy for copper is accurate, but costly, invasive and in my experience unnecessary except perhaps in rare cases of Wilson’s disease.

        Hair is not a primary site of copper deposition.  However, if one knows how to interpret the hair analysis, one can often rapidly and non-invasively assess copper status.

 COPPER ASSESSMENT VIA HAIR MINERAL ANALYSIS

        The following is accurate in my experience, based mainly on symptom correlation.  Hair must not be washed at the laboratory  for accurate results.  See the article entitled Hair Analysis Controversy in regards to washing of the hair at the laboratory.

Assessing Low Copper.  Following are hair indicators for a need for copper supplementation:

1) A fast oxidation rate.  This is identified for you on tests from Analytical Research Laboratories.  The criteria are a calcium/potassium ratio less than 4:1 and a sodium/magnesium ratio greater than 4.17;1.

2) When the sodium/potassium ratio is less than about 2.2-2.5:1, one often needs copper in some amount.  Copper may be low or biounavailable.

Assessing Biounavailable Copper.  When copper is present in excess, often it is biounavailable as well.  This may give rise to a combination of symptoms of toxicity and deficiency.  Primary indicators of biounavailability include:

1) A copper level less than 1.0 in a slow oxidizer.
2) A sodium/potassium ratio less than about 2.5:1.

Assessing Copper Toxicity. Indicators include:

        Slow oxidation.  Most slow oxidizers have copper toxicity and often biounavailable copper.  Slow oxidation is indicated on hair analyses from Analytical Research Labs and Trace Elements, Inc.  The basic criteria for it are a calcium/potassium ratio greater than 4:1 and a sodium/magnesium ratio less than 4.17:1.  Calcium/phosphorus ratio above 2.5 is also used at times to assess a slow oxidation rate.

        More definite indicators in conjunction with slow oxidation are:    

a: calcium /potassium ratio greater than 10:1.

b: zinc less than about 12

c: zinc/copper ratio less than about 6.

d: sodium/potassium ratio less than about 2:1.  This is specifically an indicator for biounavailable copper.

e: copper level less than 1.0 mg%.  This is specifically an indicator for biounavailable copper.

        Indicators for copper toxicity that may be seen in both fast and slow oxidizers include:

1) A calcium level greater than about 120 mg%.

2) A potassium level less than about 4 mg%.

3) A mercury level of greater than 0.06 mg%.  In the book I co-authored with Dr. Paul Eck, entitled Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease (1989), we wrote that the mercury level needs to be 0.4 mg% for hidden copper to be present.  I now believe the level is closer to 0.05-0.06. 

CONDITIONS ASSOCIATED WITH COPPER IMBALANCE

        Physical conditions associated with copper imbalance include arthritis, fatigue, adrenal burnout, insomnia, scoliosis, osteoporosis, heart disease, cancer, migraine headaches, seizures, fungal and bacterial infections including yeast infection, gum disease, tooth decay, skin and hair problems and female organ conditions including uterine fibroids, endometriosis and others.

        Mental and emotional disorders related to copper imbalance include spaciness, depression, mood swings, fears, anxiety, phobias, panic attacks, violence, autism, schizophrenia, and attention deficit disorder.  Copper deficiency is associated with aneurysms, gout, anemia and osteoporosis.           Interestingly, the symptoms of premenstrual tension are identical to the symptoms of copper imbalance. 

SOURCES OF COPPER

        Today, many children are born with excessive tissue copper.  It is passed from high-copper mothers to their children through the placenta.

        Stress from any cause contributes to copper imbalance.  Stress depletes the adrenal glands and lowers the zinc level in the body.  Whenever zinc becomes deficient, copper tends to accumulate.  Our soil is low in zinc.  Refined sugar, white rice and white flour have been stripped of their zinc.  The trend toward vegetarianism reduces zinc in the diet, since red meat is the best dietary source of zinc.

 Copper is found in many foods, particularly vegetarian proteins such as nuts, beans, seeds and grains.  Meats contain copper, but it is balanced by zinc which competes for its absorption.  Chocolate is high in copper.  A desire for copper may help explain chocolate cravings.

        Another source of copper is drinking water that remained in copper water pipes, or copper added to your water supply.  During a recent dry summer, several Oregon cities added copper sulfate to their reservoirs to reduce algae growth.  Accident and disease rates increased.

        Other sources of copper are copper cookware, dental materials, vitamin pills, fungicides and pesticides residues on food, copper intra-uterine devices and birth control pills.  Mrs. Robinson and her 6-month-old, breast-fed baby both began to experience hair loss.  The cause was a daily prenatal vitamin containing 4 milligrams of copper, far too much for this high-copper mother.        Deficiencies of manganese, iron, B-vitamins and vitamin C can cause copper to accumulate.  Adrenal hormones cause the liver to produce ceruloplasmin, the main copper binding protein in the body.  Therefore, a sluggish liver or weak adrenal glands may cause copper to build up in the tissues. 

THE COPPER PERSONALITY

        There exists a high copper personality.  Positive traits include a warm, caring, sensitive, emotional nature, often with artistic orientation and a child-like quality.  Often high-copper people are young-looking.  Many traditionally feminine traits are associated with copper such as softness, gentleness and intuitiveness.  This may relate to the qualities of metallic copper, which include softness, malleability and an excellent conductor of electricity.

        When the personality is not fully integrated or the copper becomes too high, negative traits show up.  These include spaciness, racing thoughts, living in a dream world, naiveté, childishness, excessive emotions, sentimentality, a tendency to depression, fearfulness, hidden anger and resentments, phobias, psychosis and violence.  Artists, inventors and other high-copper types often “live on the edge”, in part due to their high copper level.

        The copper personality tends to accumulate copper easily.  Copper can function as a psychological defense mechanism.  It causes one to detach slightly from reality.  This provides relief from stress for the sensitive individual.  It works well as long as the copper does not become too high.  Very high copper can cause a psychotic break from reality, a type of schizophrenia.

        An 18-year old schizophrenic patient had a hair copper level of 41 mg% (normal is 2.5 mg%).  She hallucinated and attempted suicide twice while in the Scottsdale Camelback Mental Hospital.  When her copper was brought back into the normal range with a nutritional balancing program, her symptoms disappeared and she has remained well ever since.  This case is described on page 224 of Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis.  No chemical chelators were used.

COPPER AND SOCIETY

        Is it possible that our mineral balance affects our attitudes?  Copper is called the ‘psychic’ mineral, the ‘intuitive’ mineral, and a ‘feminine’ mineral because it is so important for the female reproductive system.  Its level generally parallels that of estrogen.  While many factors influence our attitudes and values, the rise in tissue copper levels in both men and women in the past twenty years parallels renewed interest in feminism, in psychic and intuitive knowledge, and ‘nurturing’ movements such as environmentalism. 

COPPER AND SEXUALITY

        Women tend to have higher levels of copper than men.  Women also have more symptoms related to copper imbalance.  These include yeast infections, migraine headaches, adult acne, various menstrual symptoms and depression.

        Copper-toxic women are often estrogen dominant.  They may benefit from progesterone therapy to help balance their hormones.  Women with biounavailable copper are often low in estrogen.  Their bodies are often more linear in shape.  Of course, copper is not the only factor affecting hormones.  Some pesticides, for example, mimic the effects of estrogen and can affect the hormone balance. 

        Men, by contrast, should be zinc-dominant.  Zinc, a ‘masculine’ element, balances copper in the body, and is essential for male reproductive activity.  Today, however, many men have symptoms of copper toxicity including depression, anxiety and other symptoms.  Homosexuality may be related to copper levels.  This is because secondary sex characteristics are greatly influenced by hormones which are in turn influenced by copper and zinc levels.

COPPER AND CHILDREN

        Children are born with high copper levels.  Young children are very sensitive and intuitive.  They often lose some of their sensitivity and ‘psychic abilities’ as their copper levels diminish around age four.

        However, today persistently elevated copper levels in children are commonly seen.  At times, the copper is hidden.  This is disuc  The problem often begins during gestation, when high-copper mothers pass on excessive copper (and often low zinc) to the fetus through the placenta.  This is called congenital, rather than genetic high copper.  It can be prevented by correcting one’s copper metabolism before becoming pregnant.  After birth, poor nutrition, stress in the home, and overuse of prescription drugs can aggravate a child’s copper imbalance.

        Copper imbalance in children is associated with delayed development, attention deficit disorder, anti-social and hyperactive behavior, autism, learning difficulties and infections such as ear infections. 

VEGETARIAN DIETS

        Excess copper interferes with zinc, a mineral needed to make digestive enzymes.  Too much copper also impairs thyroid activity and the functioning of the liver.  If severe enough, a person will become an obligatory vegetarian.  This means they are no longer able to digest meat very well.  Conversely, if one becomes a vegetarian for other reasons, most likely one’s copper level will increase.  Vegetarian proteins are higher in copper, and lower in zinc.

        At times, the vegetarian orientation is health-producing.  In many people, however, restricted diets do not work well.  Fatigue, spaciness and other symptoms begin to appear.  Many people, including the author, felt they were becoming more spiritual on a vegetarian diet, when in fact it was just copper poisoning!  The taste for meat often returns when copper is brought into better balance.

        Some people with high copper dislike all protein.  They crave high-carbohydrate diets.  Protein feels heavy or causes other symptoms.  Eating protein stimulates glandular activity.  This releases stored copper which causes the symptoms.  However, these individuals usually need to eat protein.  The symptoms will eventually disappear.

Copper-toxic individuals may also be drawn to sweets or salty foods due to adrenal insufficiency.  Some sea salt is often beneficial.  Sweets, including fruit juices, provide a temporary lift but may worsen the condition.

       ADRENAL BURNOUT

        Adrenal burnout, characterized by chronic fatigue and other symptoms, is often related to copper imbalance.  Although correcting emotional and other factors are necessary, improving the copper imbalance, supporting the adrenals and releasing fearful thoughts go hand in hand to restore optimum health.   Click here for more information about adrenal burnout syndrome.

COPPER AND ADDICTION

        Compulsive behavior may be related to copper and the adrenals.  Exercise, for example, stimulates the adrenals.  This helps keep copper available and makes one feel better.  If one stops exercising, unbound copper builds up and one may feel fatigue, mood swings and depression.  In some people, this can create a compulsive need to exercise.  Other ways to temporarily control copper toxicity include the use of caffeine or other stimulants.

        Part of the appeal of cocaine, Ritalin and amphetamines may be their ability to help lower copper temporarily by stimulating the adrenals.  Cadmium found in marijuana and cigarettes drives copper back into storage.  These drugs may make one feel better by affecting the copper balance. 

COPPER AND YEAST INFECTIONS

        Our bodies use copper to help control the growth of yeast.  This may be because copper favors aerobic metabolism.  Copper is required for the electron transport system, where most of our cellular energy is produced.  Yeast organisms use anaerobic metabolism.

        Copper sulfate is often sprayed on crops to kill yeast and fungus.  Copper is also used in some swimming pools and hot tubs to control yeast and bacterial growth.

        When copper is out of balance, our bodies cannot control yeast overgrowth.  This often lead to chronic candida albicans infections that are resistant to treatment.

COPPER AND MALIGNANCY

        Copper imbalance impairs the immune system.  Research is underway investigating the role of excess copper in tumor angiogenesis.  Elevated copper on a hair mineral analysis, when the level is above about 12 mg% and persists at this level, is often related to a tendency for infections and even cancer.

COPPER AND CONNECTIVE TISSUE

        Copper is required for collagen formation.  Copper deficiency is association with atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular conditions.  Excess copper or biounavailable copper often cause connective tissue problems, interfering with the disulfide bonds in connective tissue.  Symptoms may include stretch marks, tendon and ligament weakness, mitral valve prolapse, skin and hair problems and other conditions affecting connective tissue. 

BALANCING COPPER

        The author dealt with severe copper imbalance in himself and with many others for the past 18 years.  Seven methods are used to reduce copper in the tissues:

        1) Inhibit the sympathetic nervous system.  This is easier said than done.  Copper toxic individuals often complain of their mind racing.  Turning off the sympathetic or fight-or-flight nervous system can be a challenge.  Methods that are helpful include electric light sauna therapy, meditation, relaxation techniques, deep breathing, supplemental calcium, magnesium, ox bile, pancreatin, kidney glandular and coffee enemas.
        2) Reduce exposure to sources of copper like copper intra-uterine devices, swimming in pools and high-copper vegetarian diets.

        3) Antagonists such as zinc, manganese and iron compete with copper for absorption and utilization.  Other antagonists include vitamins B6, folic acid and selenium.  Research indicates copper may be excreted by binding with glutathione and metallothionine which require these nutrients.

        4) Chelators of copper include vitamin C, molybdenum and sulfur-containing amino acids.  These bind and remove copper.  More powerful chelators may be used, but can have harmful side effects.

        5) Enhance the eliminative organs, such as the liver, skin and colon.  Digestive enzymes, especially pancreatin, are very important.  Also excellent is sauna therapy, especially with an infrared electric light sauna.  Other methods of enhancing the eliminative organs are coffee enemas, colonic irrigation and skin brushing.

        6) Balance body chemistry, enhance energy production and improve adrenal gland activity.  To support the adrenal glands, avoid sweets, eat protein with each meal.  Supplements that assist the adrenals include vitamins A,C and E, manganese, zinc, adrenal glandular and B-complex vitamins.  Animal protein is very helpful due to its higher content of zinc, B-vitamins and sulfur amino acids including cysteine and taurine.  Adrenal glandular substance is also frequently helpful.

        7) Reduce fear and stress.  Methods range from a change in location or work to meditation, therapy, more rest and other changes.

        Note that just taking copper antagonists and chelators may not work very well.  This is because these, of themselves, do not assist to rebalance body chemistry.  In fact, they can make the overall balance of the electrolytes worse.  This is why a complete program of balancing body chemistry with nutritional balancing science is far preferable.  I will assist any practitioner who wishes to learn about this method of copper removal.

        For example, zinc and vitamin C, often used to correct a high copper, lower the hair sodium level.  Molybdenum, another excellent copper antagonist and chelator, raises sodium.  Each vitamin and mineral affects overall body chemistry.   For best results, I strongly recommend an integrated nutrition, lifestyle and detoxification program based on a properly performed and interpreted hair mineral analysis.  It is worth the extra time and energy in better results and avoiding unnecessary and costly supplements and other procedures. 

COPPER DETOXIFICATION SYMPTOMS

        One of the difficulties in reducing excess copper are symptoms that arise during the process of elimination.  As the body begins to mobilize excess copper from tissue storage sites, it enters the bloodstream on its way to the liver and kidneys for elimination.  While in the bloodstream, the copper can  cause headaches, skin rashes, racing thoughts, strange odors, digestive upset, mood swings and energy fluctuations.  In men, testicular pain is not uncommon.  Women’s periods may be affected.    

Certain methods of lowering copper cause these symptoms more than others. Zinc, vitamin C and manganese tend to cause more symptoms, perhaps because zinc and manganese replace copper in the liver.

 Molybdenum and sulfur compounds such as Russian black radish tend not to produce copper elimination effects.

        If one knows what is occurring, it is possible to take measures to minimize these temporary elimination symptoms.  Enemas, sweating, and drinking more water can help promote copper elimination.  Reducing the nutrition program for a few days may also help slow the reactions and reduce symptoms if they are severe.  Supplements of molybdenum, bile acids, laxative herbs and vitamin B6 may also mitigate elimination symptoms.  A more complete article on copper elimination is available by clicking here. An excellent copper toxicity case history is available by clicking here.

ATTITUDES TO HELP BALANCE COPPER

        Adequate rest and sleep are important.  Any technique to help handle stress is also helpful.  A simple but powerful technique for handling all negative emotions is given in an excellent book, Emissary of Light, by James Twyman.  He suggests to feel our negative emotions purely, dissociating them from thoughts.  Feel them in the body.  Then move the feeling to the heart area, visualize a small door just in front of you, open the door and release the emotion.  Realize that all feelings are just energies.  They can be transmuted, sent forth and used for good.

        High copper people are often sensitive, must acknowledge this and ‘live their own truth’.  At the same time, a careful look at one’s attitudes, especially hidden fears, angers and resentments, is very important.  Overcoming copper imbalance often involves overcoming deep fears.

        Life is not always easy for the copper-toxic person.  One can become resentful or depressed at times.  With understanding, a complete nutritional balancing program based on hair mineral analysis and lots of compassion for oneself, these obstacles can be overcome.  Then the creative, intuitive and loving qualities of the high-copper individual can shine through to the world.

Resources

1. Eck, P. and Wilson, L., Toxic Metals in Human Health and Disease, Eck Institute of Applied Nutrition and Bioenergetics, Ltd., Phoenix, AZ, 1989.

2. Gittleman, A.L., Why Am I Always So Tired?, Harper San Francisco, 1999.

3. Nolan, K., “Copper Toxicity Syndrome”, J. Orthomolecular Psychiatry, 12:4, p.270-282.

4. Pfeiffer, C., Mental and Elemental Nutrients, Keats Publishing, New Canaan, CT., 1975.

4. Twyman, J., Emissary of Light, Warner Books, New York, 1996.

5. Wilson, L., Nutritional Balancing and Hair Mineral Analysis, L.D. Wilson Consultants, 1998.

6. Wilson, L., Sauna Therapy, L.D.Wilson Consultants, Inc., 2006. 

Selenium for  Graves’ Disease/ Thyroid Eye Disease/ Thyroid Antibodies

by Svetla Bankova

This is not a new information in fact, but I am mentioning it here because there was just another scientific research about Thyroid eye disease and Selenium that I feel I should share with  you all.

Recently study titled “Selenium and the course of mild Graves’ orbitopathy” was conducted by the Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.

What happened: They  carried out a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to determine the effect of selenium (an antioxidant agent) or pentoxifylline (an antiinflammatory agent) in 159 patients with mild Graves’ orbitopathy. The patients were given selenium (100 μg twice daily), pentoxifylline (600 mg twice daily), or placebo (twice daily) orally for 6 months and were then followed for 6 months after treatment was withdrawn. Primary outcomes at 6 months were evaluated by means of an overall ophthalmic assessment, conducted by an ophthalmologist who was unaware of the treatment assignments, and a Graves’ orbitopathy-specific quality-of-life questionnaire, completed by the patient. Secondary outcomes were evaluated with the use of a Clinical Activity Score and a diplopia score.

CONCLUSIONS made by the scientists: Selenium administration significantly improved quality of life, reduced ocular involvement, and slowed progression of the disease in patients with mild Graves’ orbitopathy (you read it as Thyroid Eye Disease).

Another older, but still relevant  information on “selenium for Graves Disease” as well:

On June 22, 2001 Dr. Barbara Gasnier reported the findings at the 83rd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society in Denver, Colorado that selenium supplementation may prevent progression of autoimmune thyroid disease, especially during the onset of the disease. According to the researchers, selenium deficiency appears to contribute to the development and maintenance of autoimmune thyroiditis because of its effect on the function of selenium-dependent enzymes, which can modulate the immune system.

Selenium for graves disease (supplementation with 200mcg of sodium selenite) may improve the inflammatory activity seen in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but whether this effect is specific for autoimmune thyroiditis or may also be effective in other organ-specific autoimmune diseases remains to be investigated. Selenium supplementation may lower free radical activity, which contributes to inflammation.

It appears that taking selenium without iodine will result in a decrease in production of Thyroxine (T4), although there may be an initial transient increase in T4 to T3 conversion and hence higher T3 and seemingly worse hyperthyroidism.

Bottom line:  Selenium may be helpful for both- hyperthyroidism and thyroid eye disease (mild, they say, but who knows). I know that almost any laboratory can measure it  if you need any vitamins and supplements. Better check that as well.

How it is taken:  I am not a pro here, because I personally have never taken that supplement, (actually I am going today to the store and buy some) but I just did my homework on researching the subject. This is what it says:

Conclusion: Taking 200 mg/ daily Selenium Selenite  may also dramatically decrease the Thyroid Antibodies ( TPO so called). Also, if combined with Vitamin E, as in the product below this post, it’s even a better option.

In another study I found in Clinica Chimica Acta (2004:341:55-63), researchers found that antioxidants, especially those containing selenium, had a beneficial effect in the treatment of Graves Disease. From the abstract: “The effect of supplementation with a fixed combination of antioxidants (vitamins C and E, beta-carotene and selenium) was monitored on the speed of attaining euthyroidism in a group of patients with Graves’ disease, treated with methimazole. Methods: The activity of glutathione peroxidase in whole blood and the concentrations of selenium, pituitary and thyroid hormones in serum were measured, prior to commencement of therapy and after 30 and 60 days. Results: Patients who received supplementation with antioxidants in addition to therapy with methimazole (Group A, n=29) attained euthyroidism faster than the patients treated with only methimazole (Group B, n=28). The concentration of selenium in the serum of patients in Group A increased significantly during treatment (p<0.001), while there was no statistically significant change in the patients in Group B. The concentration of selenium in the serum between the groups differed statistically significantly 30 days (p<0.05) and 60 days (p<0.01) after the commencement of therapy. Activity of glutathione peroxidase in whole blood increased during treatment in both groups of patients. However, a statistically more significant increase occurred in Group A compared to Group B, 30 days after the commencement of therapy (p<0.01).”

Bottom line: Taking selenium + other antioxidants like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Beta carotene, Vitamin A) may dramatically increase the speed of recovery from hyperthyroidism. As noted by Dr. Russell Blaylock it has many effects on nutrition and behavior.
Don’t rush to the store now to buy all these Vitamins, especially Selenium- you may check with your doctor first and read the contraindications carefully. Overdosing with selenium can be even more dangerous, than the lack of it. 

Reference:

Serum Selenium Levels in Patients with Remission and Relapse of Graves Disease , Department of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Rheumatology, University Hospital Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany. Med Chem. 2007 May;3(3):281-4. Author(s): Tina Wertenbruch, Holger S. Willenberg, Cornelia Sagert, Thi-Bang-Tam Nguyen, Maryam Bahlo, Joachim Feldkamp, Claus Groeger, Derik Hermsen, Werner A. Scherbaum and Matthias Schott.

 Vitamins and Supplements for Graves’ disease

by Svetla Bankova

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder and when we talk about auto-immune disorders, everything should be taken into consideration: diet, vitamins and supplements, herbs, exercise, alternative and traditional therapies. Vitamins and supplements alone will not cure your Graves’ disease or hyperthyroidism, but can definitely help some of the symptoms, and support the immune system to perform at its best possible level. So speaking, don’t rely exclusively on them, but DO use them, WISELY, same as with herbs and other complementary therapies. If in any doubt at any time, please, consult your physician, or ask your doctor to run a Vitamins deficiency test (these tests exists and are pretty common). 

So, what are the best supplements and Vitamins that can really help? Here are a few, to the best best of my knowledge of course:

Copper 

Although supportive data is limited, a report from a study group of hyperthyroid women suggests that copper status should at least be investigated in women with Hyperthyroidism.

 “Thyroid and immune system health are crucially dependent upon copper. Copper deficiency could be one of the most important factors in the development of hyperthyroidism. Virtually, all patients in the hyperthyroidism group have found that copper supplementation reduced their symptoms, usually within hours or a few days at most. Most have reported that within three to six months of beginning copper supplementation, they have been able to significantly reduce their intake of antithyroid drugs. While copper is the big story in hyperthyroidism, it is not the whole story. If it were, it would have been discovered years ago. Proper copper metabolism interrelates with and depends upon many other nutrients.” [John Johnson, iThyroid.com]

This opinion was also confirmed in my interview with Dr. Wilson, who spent many years investigating the correlation between copper and hyperthyroidism, and specifically the so called syndrome copper toxicity. Click here to read my interview with him:

So speaking, I would not suggest just running to the closest store to buy copper pills. I would recommend testing to see what is the real situation with your body as we know everybody is different and needs different quantities to perform best. 

L- Carnitine

Carnitine is an essential nutrient for transporting fuel (mostly fatty acids) into the cellular “furnaces” known as mitochondria. As muscle cells burn fatty acids in a wasteful response to increased thyroid activity, carnitine turnover is dramatically increased, using up cellular stores of carnitine, while potentially contributing to the increased urinary losses at the same time. The first studies, published in modern literature on the effects of carnitine in hyperthyroidism came from post-war Germany in 1959, with the observation that carnitine had an impact on the hyper-functioning thyroid. Three years later the same researchers reported on the use of carnitine in the treatment of hyperthyroidism; they subsequently demonstrated that carnitine affected the accumulation of iodine in thyroid tissue itself. In the 1970s, Japanese researchers found that there was an increase in carnitine excretion in the urine of hyperthyroid patients.  The most recent discoveries regarding L- canitine are done by the Italian endocrinologist Dr. Salvatore Benvenga and his colleagues in 2004. He found shocking things about L- Carnitine and if you would like to learn more click here: —->>>>

Selenium

On June 22, 2001 Dr. Barbara Gasnier reported the findings at the 83-rd Annual Meeting of the Endocrine Society in Denver, Colorado that selenium supplementation may prevent progression of autoimmune thyroid disease, especially during the onset of the disease. According to the researchers, selenium deficiency appears to contribute to the development and maintenance of autoimmune thyroiditis because of its effect on the function of selenium-dependent enzymes, which can modulate the immune system.

Selenium supplementation with 200 mcg of sodium selenite may improve the inflammatory activity seen in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but whether this effect is specific for autoimmune thyroiditis or may also be effective in other organ-specific autoimmune diseases remains to be investigated. Selenium supplementation may also lower free radical activity, which contributes to inflammation.

It appears that taking selenium without iodine will result in a decrease in production of Thyroxine (T4), although there may be an initial transient increase in T4 to T3 conversion and hence higher T3 and seemingly worse hyperthyroidism.

Magnesium

This is the forth most abundant mineral in the body and contributes ti healthy bones and teeth.  It also have calming effect on muscles and nervous system (it is usually prescribed to pregnant women with contractions). It can be used in the form of magnesium oil to relieve muscle cramps (typical for hyperthyroidism). It also improves sleep thus should be taken prior to bed. I personally use magnesium oil to massage my muscles when overworked. If you take it orally- combine with calcium as they work hand in hand. 

Fish oil/ Flax seed oil

They contain long chain Omega 3 fatty acids. I personally prefer Flax seed oil and I used that for my Thyroid eye disease. For me it worked miracles.  Better take with meal to help absorption. 

Iron

Low levels of iron can cause fatigue and not well performing immune system. It’s a key component of hemoglobin. Take in the morning, but avoid combination with Calcium, as the last is a major inhibitor. 

Vitamin B12 (or Vitamin B complex)

It helps the nervous system to function properly, supports the conversion of food to energy. Prevents memory loss, disorientation, hallucinations, tingling in arms and legs. It’s highly recommended for people with Graves’ disease/ hyperthyroidism as they are usually under tremendous stress. Take it first thing with breakfast to maintain energy levels throughout the day (not on empty stomach). 

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a great supporter of the immune system, powerful antioxidant and boosts the immune system. It’s a water soluble vitamin and stays just a few hours in the body, so it’s better to take it in split doses throughout the day. 

Vitamin E

I always recommend Vitamin E for healthy nails, skin and hair. It’s a natural, soluble antioxidant that protects against the damage of free radicals and helps blood circulation and heart. It is best absorbed when dietary fats are present, i.e. milk in cereal, avocado, nuts, yogurt. 

These are just a few of the vitamins and supplements that can be useful, but check with your doctor first and run some tests, if necessary, to determine exactly what your body needs. Even though all these supplements are over-the-counter and every body can buy them anytime they interact with each other on a different level and may cause unexpected complications.

Also, as I said before, even if you take all or many of the above Vitamins and supplements for Graves’ disease, it doesn’t mean that this is enough to solve your health problems. This is just one aspect of it. 

Have in mind that there is no scientific proof that hyperthyroidism can be corrected just nutritionally.   What works for one person may be dangerous or not helpful at all for another.  Consult a qualified nutritionist who knows your health condition before starting any supplement program!