June is Canadian Thyroid Awareness Month! In this article by Clinical Herbalist Petra Sovcov, we explore natural support strategies for hypothyroidism and discuss what it is and some of the symptoms and complications involved.

The thyroid gland is the body’s internal thermostat, regulating the temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. If the thyroid secretes too little thyroid, hypothyroidism results. It is estimated that up to 5% of the population in the US are influenced by hypothyroidism, and it is more common in women between the ages of thirty and fifty than in men.
 
Because thyroid gland hormones regulate metabolism in each body cell, a deficiency of thyroid hormones can affect virtually all body functions. The degree of severity of symptoms in an adult ranges from extremely mild deficiencies (pre-clinical hypothyroidism) to severe deficiency states that are life threatening (myxedema).
 
Deficiency of thyroid hormone may be because of deficient hormone synthesis or lack of stimulation by the pituitary gland, which secretes thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH). When thyroid hormone levels in the blood are low, the pituitary secretes TSH. If thyroid hormone levels are decreased and TSH levels are elevated in the blood, it usually indicates defective thyroid hormone synthesis. This is termed primary hypothyroidism. If TSH levels are low and thyroid hormone levels are also low, this indicates the pituitary gland is responsible for the low thyroid function. This is termed secondary hypothyroidism.
 
The thyroid itself is a small gland, measuring about two inches across, that lies just under the skin below the Adam’s apple in the neck. The two halves (called lobes) of the gland are connected in the middle (this is called the isthmus), giving the thyroid gland the shape of a bow tie.

The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones, which control the speed at which the body’s chemical functions proceed (metabolic rate). Thyroid hormones influence the metabolic rate in two ways:

• By stimulating every tissue in the body to produce proteins.
• By increasing the amount of oxygen that cells use.

Thyroid hormones affect many vital body functions such as heart rate, the respiratory rate, the rate at which calories are burned, skin maintenance, growth, heat production, fertility, and digestion.
 
The two thyroid hormones are T4 (Thyroxine) and T3 (Triiodothyronine). T4, the major hormone produced by the thyroid gland, has only a slight, if any, effect on speeding up the body’s metabolic rate. Instead, T4 is converted into T3, the more active hormone. The conversion of T4 into T3 occur in the liver and other tissues.
 
To produce thyroid hormones, the thyroid gland needs iodine, an element contained in food and water. The thyroid gland traps iodine and processes it into thyroid hormones. As thyroid hormones are used, a small amount of the iodine contained is recycled to produce more thyroid hormones.

​Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormone. Thyroid problems can cause many recurring illnesses and fatigue. The thyroid can be affected by poor diet, fluoride exposure in water, excessive consumption of unsaturated fats, endurance exercise, pesticide residues on fruits and vegetables, radiation from x-rays, alcohol, and drugs/certain medications. In some cases, it can also be genetic.

Symptoms and Complications include:

• Chronic fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Inability to tolerate cold
• Low body temperature
• Slow heart rate
• Easy weight gain
• Elevated cholesterol
• Painful menstruation in women
• Heavy menstruation in women
• Milky discharge from breasts in women
• Fertility issues
• Muscle weakness
• Muscle cramps
• Dry and scaly skin
• A yellow-orange coloration to the skin (particularly on the palms of the hands)
• Yellow bumps on eyelids
• Hair loss (including the eyebrows)
• Recurrent infections
• Migraines
• Hoarseness
• Respiratory infections
• Constipation
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Slow speech
• Goiter
• Drooping/swollen eyelids

​The basal body temperature is perhaps the most sensitive functional home test of thyroid function. Your body temperature reflects your metabolic rate, which is largely determined by hormones secreted by the thyroid gland. The function of the thyroid gland, therefore, can be determined by simply measuring your basal body temperature. All you need is a Basal Thermometer and these simple steps:
 

1. At night before going to sleep set your thermometer next to your bed. If you are using an old fashioned thermometer, make sure that it has been shaken down to zero and place it on your bedside table.
2. When you awake, place the thermometer in your armpit for a full 10 minutes. It is important to make as little movement as possible. Lying and resting with your eyes closed is best. Do not get up until the 10 minute test is complete.
3. After 10 minutes, read and record the temperature, date, and time.
4. Record the temperature for at least three mornings (preferably at the same time each day) and give the information to your physician. Menstruating women must perform the test on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th days of menstruation. Men and postmenopausal women can perform the test at any time.

 
Your basal body temperature should be between 97.6 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit or 36.4 to 36.7 degrees Celsius. Low basal body temperatures are quite common and may reflect hypothyroidism. 

 Its not just about sunshine and eating right when it comes to COVID 19 and vitamin D. In recent clinical research, we are beginning to see the possibility of a correlation between  increased Vitamin D levels and the lessening of symptoms and the increase of appropriate immune reactions . Additionally, there is ongoing research in regard to Vitamin D as part of active COVID treatment plans. The following article is a grouping of ongoing scientific studies with links to the various research reports to help keep you well informed.

We hope you find this article interesting and informative. In addition to the article, we have included information on the types of Vitamin D that we recommend to clients, and also dietary and lifestyle guidelines for increasing your natural levels of Vitamin D.

If you would like to speak with one of our practitioners directly about supplements, or if you would like to implement an immune boost and Vitamin D plan, please reach out to us at the office.
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The following article comes from Fullscript and has been medically reviewed by Dr. Kealy Mann, ND - Research and Education Manager. 
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Please keep in mind that research is ongoing and constantly changing and that large randomized, and control based studies are still limited due to the newness  and scope of this disease.  If you feel you may have been exposed to COVD-19 or if you feel you have symptoms associated with this disease, please contact your medical doctor.

In Health and Wellness ,
Petra Sovcov - Herbal Medicine, Clinical Herbal Therapist

As a response to the current pandemic, new theories and research examining the pathogenesis and treatment of COVID-19 are becoming available. Recently, research examining vitamin D status and its possible link to COVID-19 risk has been quickly evolving. Through a review of literature, we aim to summarize the available information and provide an update on research. At the present time, available literature specific to COVID-19 and vitamin D is limited and lacks rigorous placebo-controlled human trials.

To help provide more information on the possible effects of vitamin D status, we have also included research examining the connection between vitamin D status, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), and acute respiratory infections. More information specific to vitamin D status and supplementation related to COVID-19 is necessary to improve evidence-based clinical decisions in patient care.

Examining the evidence Outlined below are summaries of published research articles that support the use of vitamin D. Each section is split into its respective condition.

The role of vitamin D in the prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 infection and mortality. Read full article 
This study aimed to assess any association between vitamin D levels, cases of COVID-19, and COVID-19-related mortality. An analysis of literature pertaining to vitamin D levels in various European countries and their reported cases of COVID-19 was performed. A negative correlation between mean levels of vitamin D (average 56 mmol/L) and COVID-19 cases was found in each country, as well as a negative correlation between serum vitamin D levels and COVID-19 mortality rates were also observed. This study also noted that older populations tend to have lower levels of vitamin D. 

​25-hydroxy vitamin D concentrations are lower in patients with positive PCR for SARS-CoV-2. Read full article 
A retrospective analysis of vitamin D plasma concentrations was performed on a cohort of older adults being tested via the nasopharyngeal severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) PCR test. Lower vitamin D levels were found in patients who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, compared to those who tested negative. The median value of serum vitamin D was 11.1 ng/mL in those that tested positive, whereas those that tested negative had a median value of 24.6 ng/mL. 

Potential role of vitamin D in the elderly to resist COVID-19 and to slow the progression of Parkinson’s disease. Read full article 
A recent literature review compared relationships between Parkinson's disease (PD), vitamin D status, and COVID-19. The review found that vitamin D levels impacted Th2 and regulatory T cell response. Since Th1 responses are subsequently downregulated, this mechanism is thought to help decrease proinflammatory cytokines. Additionally, vitamin D may help down-regulate ACE2 receptors and decrease the risk of COVID-19. This study suggests that vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of COVID-19, particularly in elderly and PD patients who are susceptible to deficiency. Supplementation of vitamin D may, therefore, reduce the risk and severity of COVID-19, as well as improve symptoms of PD and quality of life. 

Evidence that vitamin D supplementation could reduce the risk of influenza and COVID-19 infections and deaths. Read full article
A literature review of vitamin D serum levels and how supplementation may reduce the risk for COVID-19 was performed. Vitamin D status was found to be low during the winter season which correlated with the timing of the outbreak. Based on the winter outbreak of COVID-19, it is theorized that lower vitamin D levels may increase the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Decreased levels of serum vitamin D3 correlate positively with diagnoses of ARDS. 

Effect of vitamin D deficiency in Korean patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome. Read full article
Through a retrospective analysis, serum levels of 25-hydroxy vitamin D3 were analyzed in a population of patients diagnosed with ARDS. Vitamin D deficiency was found to have an increased prevalence in patients with ARDS. Mortality rates were not associated with decreased levels of serum vitamin D3. 

Vitamin D deficiency contributes directly to the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Read full article 
Human, murine, and in vitro methods were used to observe vitamin D deficiency and its impact on ARDS prevalence and severity. Human models displayed correlations of vitamin D deficiency in subjects with ARDS. Murine models demonstrated increased alveolar inflammation and epithelial damage when vitamin D deficiency was induced. In vitro results expanded on this by showing tropic effects in cells. 

Vitamin D (any form, any duration) supplementation appears to result in a decreased prevalence of ARI or Acute Respiratory Tract Infection (ARTI). Decreased levels of serum vitamin D are associated with elevated risk of ARTI. 

Vitamin D supplementation to prevent acute respiratory tract infections: systematic review and meta-analysis of individual participant data.
​Read full article 
A systematic review and meta-analysis utilizing randomized controlled human trials sought to assess the effect and risk factors associated with vitamin D supplementation on the risk of acute respiratory tract infection (ARTI). An analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) found that vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of ARTI in patients. Protective effects were found to be more beneficial in populations with baseline vitamin D levels less than 25 nmol/L, though patients with levels equal to or more than 25 nmol/L still experienced benefits. Vitamin D supplementation resulted in an overall reduction of ARTI.

Acute respiratory tract infection and 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Read full article 
An analysis of observational studies was completed in this systematic review and meta-analysis, focusing on identifying the connections between vitamin D concentration and ARTI. Serum level concentrations were found to have a non-linear, inverse relationship between vitamin D serum levels and ARTI risk. Notably, an increased risk of ARTI was observed at serum concentration levels of vitamin D below 37.5 nmol/L.

High-dose monthly vitamin D for the prevention of acute respiratory infection in older long-term care residents: a randomized clinical trial. Read full article ​
A randomized controlled trial with a placebo group compared high and standard doses of vitamin D and its effects on acute respiratory infection (ARI) incidence. The high dose group received 100,000 IU monthly. The standard dose group received a placebo if their daily regime included 400-1,000 IU per day or a monthly dose of 12,000 IU for those taking less than 400 IU per day. Incidence rates of ARI in the high dose group were significantly lower than in the standard dose group. It is important to note that higher rates of falls, but no increase in fracture, were also observed in the high dose group. 

​Preliminary findings show that vitamin D status may be beneficial in determining the risk for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Compared to mean vitamin D levels in specific populations (e.g., elderly individuals), decreased serum vitamin D may indicate high risk for the conditions above. In light of the evolving information regarding the COVID-19 pandemic, the goal of this review is to provide insights into the latest research on vitamin D status as it relates to COVID-19, ARDS, and ARI. These early findings are crucial to help strategize possible treatments and improve future clinical trials. Randomized placebo-controlled human trials are necessary in order to provide the level of evidence best suited to clinical practice.

A second important detail is to make sure your vitamin is bioavailable. This means that the vitamin is easy to digest and is easily broken down in your digestive tract where it can be absorbed in your gut. Because of the importance of bioavailability, I often recommend that Vitamin D come in a liquid form. The following are some of my favorite suggestions.

Vitamin D is part of a family of vitamins known as fat soluble,  because in contrast to water-soluble vitamins, it is more readily stored in our body tissues. No vitamin requires more whole-body participation than vitamin D. The skin, bloodstream, liver, and kidneys all contribute to the formation of fully active vitamin D. 

The process of vitamin D starts with the skin cells and sunlight. Vitamin D is known as the "sunshine" vitamin because it is manufactured in the human skin when in contact with ultraviolet light in the sun's rays. The sunlight interacts with 7-dehydrocholesterol (a form of cholesterol) to form something called cholecalciferol, which is then transfered to the liver or kidneys where it is converted to another form. This form of vitamin D is called calcidiol. The calcidiol formed in the liver must be sent further to the kidneys for conversion into the most fully active for of vitamin D also known as vitamin D3, and is considered by some researchers to be the only truly active form of vitamin D. Vitamin D  is closely related by structure to estrogen and cortisone.

When ingested, this fat-soluble vitamin is absorbed through the intestinal walls with other fats with the aid of bile from the liver.

There are some toxicity problems related to hypervitaminosis D (too much vitamin D). These usually occur in doses of more than 1,000 to 1,500 IU daily for a month or longer in adults, more than 400 IU daily in infants, and more than 600 IU daily in children. 
These are not exact numbers, and may vary between individuals, time of year, and specific needs. However, it is wise to be careful with supplemental vitamin D and to work with an appropriate practitioner.

If you choose to partially supplement your Vitamin D with foods, please be certain to eat as clean as possible. Organic produce is best, followed by the dirty dozen and clean fifteen list.

​Foods that are rich in Vitamin D include: 

• Fatty fish, like tuna, mackerel, and salmon - wild/responsibly caught
• Foods fortified with vitamin D, like some organic dairy products, fresh orange juice, organic soy, and organic cereals
• Beef liver
• Cheese
• Egg yolks

To get vitamin D from food, fish is a good option. Three ounces of cooked salmon has more than 450 international units (IU).

For vitamin D enrichment, getting outside is one of the best things you can do. Try 15 minutes in the sun if possible, or a little longer in speckled shade.

Hypertension, or High Blood Pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular issues present in North America. A normal blood pressure reading in adults is 120 (systolic) / 80 (diastolic), and though this is the normal reading for a healthy adult, it is good to know that blood pressure can also change with age, often times a raise or change in blood pressure is common in individuals who are over 50. Hypertension is one of the major risk factors for heart attach or stroke with many dietary and lifestyle factors linked to this chronic cardiovascular disease. Yet there is more to high blood pressure than meets the eye, it can be a far more complicated situation than simply being caused by lifestyle or dietary choices. Blood pressure is determined by mechanical movements in the body (cardiovascular, renal, circulatory), hormones, and environmental factors.
 
Please note that despite herbal medicine having many options for individuals with hypertension, severe hypertension (160+/115+) is considered a situation that requires immediate medical attention. In cases such as this a prescription medication may be necessary to achieve initial control. After which natural protocols can be implemented with the guidance of an appropriate practitioner.

In more than 95% of cases, a specific underlying cause of hypertension cannot be found, and many factors can contribute to its development.  Factors such as kidney disfunction, issues with peripheral resistance vessel tone, endothelial dysfunction, and neurohumoral factors can all be less common causes. Besides these, there are also important environmental factors such as high salt intake, a heavy consumption of alcohol etc., the list below identifies the most common causes of hypertension.

• Obesity
• High sodium-to-potassium ratio diet
• High sugar, low fiber diet
• Diet high in saturated fats and low in essential fatty acids
• Diet low in calcium and magnesium
• Diet low in vitamin C
• Low potassium intake
• Stress
• Sleep apnea (untreated, un-monitored)
• Overt increase in estrogen (this can happen with certain prescription medications, environmental exposures, or pregnancy)
• Certain prescription and non-prescription drugs (NSAIDS)
• Chronic kidney disease
• Various metabolic diseases
• Primary aldosteronism
• Renovascular disease
• Long term corticosteroid therapy
• Cushing syndrome
• Thyroid disease
• Parathyroid disease
• Pregnancy
• Genetics

​Hypertension is predominantly asymptomatic, meaning it has no symptoms. Generally, an individual does not know they have high blood pressure until they are seen by their practitioner for a check up or an issue occurs. A blood pressure check taken yearly is advisable in adults. Though hypertension often has no symptoms, the most common are as follows:

• Severe Headache
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Vision problems/change in vision
• Difficulty breathing
• Chest pain
• Irregular heartbeat
• Blood in urine

Sensation of pounding or pulsing in your chest, neck, or ears

It is estimated that nearly 1 in 5 Canadians (4.6 million) have some form of hypertension, and over 103 million Americans suffer from the same malady. Untreated and un-diagnosed hypertension can lead to many different systemic complications. As pressure rises in arteries, these issues can branch out to cause systemic failures throughout the body. Some of the more common but serious   complications are as follows:

• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney disease
• Kidney damage
• Ventricular arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat)
• Heart failure
• Dementia
• Change in vision/loss of sight/retinal damage
• Atherosclerosis
• Ventricle damage to the heart/Aortic insufficiency

​Thankfully there are many herbs, supplements, and lifestyle modifications that can be implemented to safely and reliably help with hypertension. If you are on medications please speak to your medical doctor so that dosage and blood pressure can be monitored as you make improvements.

• Garlic (Allium sativa) – Though this herb is excellent as a culinary herb, in therapeutic doses it is specific for hypertension. Some of its pertinent actions include its ability to lower cholesterol and blood sugar, and to help lower blood pressure. It is also a good detoxifier and is highly anti-inflammatory. It also is used traditionally to help lower the danger of thrombosis, atherosclerosis, arteriosclerosis, and to protect from heart disease and age-related vascular changes. Lastly, it helps to promote blood flow in arterial vascular disease.

 

• Cayenne (Capsicum annuum) – Another culinary herb made powerful in therapeutic doses. Cayenne is considered to be a general cardiovascular tonic, an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemostatic. It helps to stimulate proper circulation all the way from the arteries to the capillaries. Traditionally it is used to help regulate blood pressure, reduce platelet aggregation, and is used specifically in cases of poor circulation, varicose veins, issues with various types of hemorrhages, and atherosclerosis.

 
 

• Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna/oxycantha) – This beautiful tree has so many offerings in regard to traditional herbal medicine. You can use the berries, flowers, or leaves. It is considered specific in helping to regulate blood pressure. Some of its actions include its ability to be a central nervous system sedative, relaxant, adaptogenic, cardio-restorative, cardio-protective, coronary and peripheral vasodilator, anti-arrhythmic, and cholesterol and mineral solvent plus diuretic. Regarding hypertension, it is used traditionally to help improve circulation and lower blood pressure. It is considered specific in cases of tachycardia and palpitations as it acts upon the electrical S node of the heart and helps to regulate and improve heart function without having the heart work harder. It is specific in angina, and valve diseases and insufficiencies, and heart disease.

 

• Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) – Event the scientific name has the word cardiac in it, a very telling sign as to the traditional purpose of this herb. It is considered to be a nervous system sedative and tonic, and to also have cardiotonic and cardio sedative properties. It is also considered in cases of various cardiac arrhythmias and is also diuretic and anti-spasmodic. It is one of the most commonly used cardiac tonics and is excellent when stress is a main component in high blood pressure or if high blood pressure is due to hyperthyroidism.

We've all heard it before! We've heard from various sources that modern large scale farmed produce is usually covered in herbicides and pesticides. We've also heard the other side of the argument; that small amounts of residue in herbicides and pesticides are safe for consumption. While the other side argues that small amounts of these chemicals in foods, three times per day, seven days per week, four weeks per year, etc etc can compound into some pretty serious issues that can worsen with extended exposure.

This can sometimes lead to feeling overwhelmed at the grocery store, especially when one is trying to be healthy or to mitigate the effects of a body experiencing toxic overload or a chronic illness. Our bodies have an amazing ability to self clean and self regulate with our various channels of elimination and with help from our liver and lymphatic system can often times mitigate some of the effects from environmental toxin exposure. However, if we can lessen our exposure to herbicides and pesticides, we can give our body an even better chance to do what it does naturally...to heal.

That being said, it is often easiest to make smart choices when we have a smart and easy guide to follow.  The following guide is a listing of the most heavily sprayed fruits and vegetables (The Dirty Dozen), and the least heavily sprayed fruits and vegetables (The Clean Fifteen). With this knowledge, we can then decide on what we might buy organically or what we might feel comfortable purchasing from corporate farms, the choice is yours entirely, but with this easy guide you can make a more informed decision.

I hope you enjoy this complimentary print out and take it with you  grocery shopping!
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-Petra Sovcov, Medical Herbalist