Hyperthyroidism (Hyperactive Thyroid):

hormones (T4 and T3).

Thyrotoxicosis is not synonymous with hyperthyroidism. Thyrotoxicosis is defined as the state of thyroid hormone excess or clinical hyper metabolic syndrome due to increased T4 and T3. Hyperthyroidism is the result of excessive thyroid function. Thyrotoxicosis could happen without hyperthyroidism. And the most common cause of thyrotoxicosis is hyperthyroidism caused by graves` disease.

Graves` disease is a state of hyperthyroidism, goiter, and ophthalmopathy. In graves` ophthalmopathy, there are eye lid retraction, swelling around the eye, and protrusion of the eye. Graves` ophthalmopathy creates a staring appearance.

Hyperthyroidism affects women seven times more than men. Signs and symptoms of hyperactive thyroid are irritability, nervousness, increased sweating, heat intolerance, palpitation, fatigue, weight loss, muscle weakness, shortness of breath, increased appetite, warm and moist skin, tremor, goiter, loss of libido, skin changes, eye problems, diarrhea, breast enlargement in men, and liver palm.

Potential causes of thyrotoxicosis in conventional medicine:

1. With hyperthyroidism:
   
   1. Graves` disease (the most common cause; about 60 – 80%).
   2. Toxic goiter.
   3. Thyroid cancer.
   4. Consuming excessive iodine.
   5. Gestational thyrotoxicosis.
2. Without hyperthyroidism:
   
   1. Thyroiditis (inflammation of thyroid gland).
   2. Radiation.
   3. Consuming of excess thyroid hormones (thyrotoxicosis factitia).
   4. Medications: amiodarone.

Potential contributing factors in holistic medicine:

1. Gluten sensitivity.
2. Heavy metal toxicity.
3. Smoking.
4. Hormonal imbalances of DHEA and cortisol.
5. Environmental toxins (e.g. pesticides, herbicides, and food additives).
6. Poor digestion and malnutrition.

Nutritional Supports:

Restricted Foods:

1. Saturated and Trans fats.
2. Sugars and sweets.
3. Gluten-containing foods: wheat, couscous, spelt, semolina, rye, barley, oats, and triticale).
4. Sea vegetables high in iodine: kelp, nori (laver), dulse, kombu, hijiki, spirulina, and wakame (alaria).
5. Processed foods: sausage, and hamburger.
6. Cow`s milk.
7. Seafoods.
8. Food additives, preservatives, and food colorings.
9. Artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame.
10. Aspartame-containing drinks.
11. Sea salt.

Recommended Foods:

1. Plain water: at least 2 liters a day.
2. Gluten-free foods: amaranth, arrowroot, buckwheat, corn, rice, quinoa, potatoes, millet and teff.
3. Fresh fruits and vegetables.
4. Legumes.
5. Nuts, especially peanuts, pine nuts.
6. Lean proteins: fish, flaxseeds, walnuts, chia seeds, and hemp.
7. Goitrogens: Vegetables from brassica family (kale, broccoli, cauliflower, turnips, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, radishes, collard greens, kohlrabi, Bok Choy, rapini, mustard greens, rutabaga, horseradish, arugula, maca, wasabi, and watercress). These vegetables contain a phytonutrient called Isothiocyanate, which interferes with the uptake of iodine. Theoretically, isothiocyanate might reduce production of thyroid hormones by blocking the absorption of iodine and acting similar to anti-thyroid medications. Though not clinically proven, consuming more of those vegetables might be helpful. However, they should be taken as raw, because cooking inactivates isothiocyanate.
8. Soybeans.
9. Cassava root.
10. Food high in flavonoids: berries and red grapes.

Recommended Supplements:

1. L – Carnitine: 3000 – 4000 mg a day. L – Carnitine antagonizes the effects of thyroid hormones on peripheral tissues and reduces symptoms of hyperthyroidism.
2. Bugleweed: whole herb, 1 – 2 grams a day, or as a tincture, 3 – 6 ml a day. This herb contains lithospermic acid and other organic acids that lower TSH and T4 levels and also inhibit binding of antibodies to the thyroid gland.
3. Lemon Balm: as a dried herb, 2 – 4 grams a day in the form of tea, as a tincture, 6 – 9 ml a day, or as a concentrated extract, 160 – 200 mg a day bedtime. This herb contains flavonoids, phenolic acids and volatile oils, which are believed to be responsible for thyroid-regulating activities.
4. French Maritime Pine Bark Extract: 200 – 300 mg a day. it is a powerful antioxidant that may demonstrate thyroid-regulating property.
5. Grape Seed Extract: 100 – 200 mg a day.
6. Omega – 3 Fatty Acids: 2 – 3 grams a day.
7. Vitamin D: 2000 – 5000 IU a day.
8. DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) (in patients with low blood level): 25 – 50 mg a day. It may ease the symptoms of hyperactive thyroid.
9. Vitamin B – Complex: A high potency product.
10. Digestive Enzymes: A full spectrum product.
11. Probiotics: A product that provides 5 to 10 billion organisms per serving.

Miscellaneous Suggestions:

1. Liver detoxification.
2. Colon cleansing.