Low-Carb Diets and Thyroid Health

For many people with thyroid disorders, the struggle to maintain a healthy weight can be a lifelong battle. For many hypothyroid patients, underactive thyroid glands -- and the resulting slowdown in the endocrine system and metabolism -- can make weight gain nearly inevitable, while simultaneously rendering the prospect of weight loss only a remote possibility. Although hyperthyroid patients have overactive thyroid glands, the resulting metabolic imbalances often result in weight gains as well.

For both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients, the challenge of weight loss can feel like an uphill battle. Many with these disorders have found that the traditional approach to diets -- namely, low-fat, low-calorie eating -- simply aren't effective. In fact, recent studies have indicated that very low-calorie diets may even serve to inhibit thyroid function even further.

A New Approach to Weight Loss

The introduction and subsequent popularity of low-carb diets in the late 1990s and early 2000s seemed like a ray of hope for many patients with thyroid disorders. For some, low-carb diet regimens offered one of the only methods of weight loss that had ever proven to be effective. However, soon after they gained popularity, low-carb diets began to face a backlash. Many researchers and diet experts condemned the low-carb lifestyle, claiming that these diets were extreme and ultimately unhealthy.

So, what's the real impact of low-carb diets on thyroid patients? This week, we'll take a look at both sides of this persistent controversy.

The Basic Premise of Low-Carb Diets

The standard low-calorie, low-fat diet adheres to the seemingly common-sense principle that eating fat makes people fat. Proponents of low-calorie, low-fat diets contend that taking in fewer calories results in a calorie deficit. Over time, this calorie deficit is believed to result in the loss of fat.

Supporters of low-carb diets think that lasting weight loss is more likely to occur when sugars and starches, rather than fat and calories, are eliminated from the diet. They base this theory on the physiology we've inherited from our prehistoric ancestors. Millions of years ago, alternating periods of feast and famine were common. When food was scarce, human bodies horded fat. When food was plentiful, bodies released excess fat stores.

Based on this principle, low-calorie, low-fat diets may actually trick our bodies into believing they are stuck in a period of famine. In other words, these regimens may be interpreted by our bodies as being akin to near-starvation.

In contrast, low-carb dieters typically eat foods rich in calories and fats, while eschewing carbohydrate- and sugar-laden meals. This way of eating is geared to signal to our bodies that food is plentiful. When the body is convinced that a famine is not eminent, it begins dipping into its fat stores. In this way, a gradual, lasting process of weight loss is initiated.

How Do Thyroid Patients Fare on Low-Carb Diets?

Little if any research has been conducted focusing on the benefits of low-carb diets for patients with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. In fact, it is only in the last several years that researchers have begun looking seriously at low-carb diets as an approach to weight loss. For decades, many scientists feared that being associated with these "fad" diets would tarnish their professional reputation. It is only very recently that the possibility that low-carb diets could be beneficial for weight loss has begun being taken seriously by some members of the scientific community.

Even though the research literature is mute on this issue, many anecdotal accounts of thyroid patients losing weight successfully on low-carb slimming regimens have been reported. A stroll through any of the most popular low-carb dieting web sites usually reveals entire communities of hypothyroid and hyperthyroid individuals who appear to be fighting -- and winning -- the weight loss battle by limiting their intakes of sugars and starches.

Proponents of low-carb diets for thyroid patients believe that the special metabolic action of low-carb diets is particularly useful for individuals whose endocrine systems don't behave normally. Because low-carb diets are believed by some to be able to boost the body's fat-burning ability and stoke the metabolic fires, this may help put thyroid patients who have struggled with excess pounds on the path to permanent weight loss.

If you're considering a low-carb diet, it's best to clear your eating plan with your physician before starting. Be sure to check back each work for more of the thyroid health news you need.

For Further Reading

• http://thyroid.about.com/od/loseweightsuccessfully/a/lowcarb101.htm

• http://www.low-carb.com/at-art5.html

Thyroid Cancer: Risks and Prevention

Researchers continue to focus on the confounding mystery behind the rapid increase in the rates of thyroid cancer diagnoses in the United States. Since 1973, the overall number of thyroid cancer cases has doubled, according to government health statistics.

Some scientists believe that the rise in thyroid cancer rates during this period can be attributed to advancements and refinements in the diagnostic process over the course of the last several decades. Others have contended that there may be environmental factors that could be contributing to the increase of thyroid cancer.

According to the American Cancer Society, over 30,000 new cases of thyroid cancer are diagnosed each year. Approximately 1,500 deaths related to thyroid cancer are reported annually.

With diagnosis rates rising rapidly, is there anything you can to do to reduce your risk of developing this mysterious form of cancer? This week, we'll take a look at thyroid cancer risk and prevention techniques -- and help you develop a prevention plan based on your individual risk profile.

Are You at Risk for Thyroid Cancer?

As a result of increased research activity over the last several decades, scientists have been able to develop a more sophisticated risk matrix for thyroid cancer. You may have a greater chance of developing thyroid cancer if you fall into one or more of the following risk categories:

• Female sex. Women have a much greater chance of developing thyroid cancer than men do, although cases have been documented in both men and women.
• Middle adulthood. The vast majority of thyroid cancer diagnoses are made in adults between the ages of 30-50. However, even people outside of this age group should be aware of their thyroid cancer risk profile.
• Radiation treatment. If you were ever treated for any disease or condition with the application of targeted radiation, you are at higher risk for developing thyroid cancer. Radiation exposure during childhood and/or adolescence is linked with a particularly high rate of thyroid cancer in adulthood.
• History of Hashimoto's thryoiditis. If you or anyone in your family has been diagnosed with this thyroid disorder, you are at greater risk for developing thyroid cancer, especially thyroid lymphoma.
• History of Gardner's syndrome. A personal or family history of this disorder is also linked with increased incidence of thyroid cancer.
• Exposure to environmental radiation. People who have been exposed to radiation in their living or working environments also have an increased thyroid cancer risk. Common examples include living in close proximity to a site of a nuclear accident, past nuclear testing, or a nuclear energy facility.
• Iodine deficiency. Although most people living in developed nations are not vulnerable to iodine deficiency as a result of the now-standard practice of supplementing table salt and other foods with the mineral, iodine deficiency remains a strong risk factor for thyroid cancer.

Can Thyroid Cancer Be Prevented?

Although there are some factors that can increase one's chances of developing thyroid cancer, many people with none of these known characteristics still develop the disease every year. As such, many doctors are hesitant to identify specific steps that people can take to "prevent" thyroid cancer.

However, as with many other forms of cancer, early detection of thyroid cancer is often a very important element in determining the prognosis of the disease. If thyroid cancer is diagnosed early in its development, the success rate of subsequent treatment is often very high. As such, remaining vigilant to the early signs and symptoms of thyroid cancer may be the best form of prevention available. Symptom awareness is particularly important for individuals who have any of the known risk factors for the disease.

The easiest way to check for thyroid cancer is to physically check the neck area for abnormal bumps, masses, or growths on a regular basis. This can be accomplished by running the palm of the hand over the neck, as well as checking in the mirror for any unusual shapes in the neck region. Similarly, if you experience any strange sensations in the throat, you should talk to your doctor.

In addition, there is a genetic test that can help those with a family history of thyroid cancers or disorders determine whether the carry the gene that makes one more prone to developing medullary thyroid cancer. For those with very high genetic risk factors, preventive surgery to remove the thyroid gland is sometimes recommended.

If you are at risk for thyroid cancer, work with your doctor to develop a personalized prevention plan. And be sure to check back each week for the thyroid news and information you need most.

For Further Reading

• http://www.endocrineweb.com/thyroidca.html
• http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/thyroid
• ttp://www.mayoclinic.com/health/thyroid-cancer/DS00492

Prescription Drug Interactions That Could Hurt Your Thyroid Health

Although thyroid disorders are serious health problems, most of the symptoms of these disorders can be managed with strict adherence to a prescription treatment regimen. In fact, most thyroid patients who take pains to stick closely to their prescribed drug regimen report very few ongoing health problems, high quality of life, and a strong sense of overall well-being.

Understandably, maintaining strict discipline in your daily dosage is the cardinal rule for thyroid patients. If you start to experience troubling symptoms, the first thing your doctor will probably check is your adherence to your prescribed treatment plan and whether the dosages of medication that you've been prescribed are sufficient to treat your disorder.

Many thyroid patients go to great lengths to ensure as much consistency as possible in their medication routine. Pill boxes, daily alarms, and even e-mailed reminders are just a few of the techniques discussed among the participants in online thyroid disorder communities and support groups.

But recent research has suggested that the effectiveness of your thyroid medication could be thwarted by unexpected forces -- namely, other variables in your environment. Even with perfect adherence to your prescription drug regimen, you may not be getting the full benefits of your thyroid medication if another variable is interfering in the absorption of the drugs. This week, we'll take a look at the results of three recent studies that have pointed out possible weaknesses in popular thyroid medications.

Chromium Picolinate May Reduce Absorption of Thyroid Drug Levothyroxine

Weight struggles are an all-too-familiar battle for many thyroid patients, particularly those diagnosed with hypothyroidism or other disorders that result in underperforming thyroid glands. In their quest to regain or maintain a healthy weight, many thyroid patients have begun taking vitamins, supplements, and other products marketed to dieters.

However, a recent study indicated that one popular weight loss supplement may limit the effectiveness of levothyroxine, one of the most commonly prescribed thyroid mediations. The study, which was conducted by a team of researchers at the Stony Brook University School of Medicine in New York, focused on the effect of the mineral chromium picolinate, which is an ingredient in many of the most popular weight-loss formulas.

It was found that study participants who took both chromium picolinate and levothyroxine simultaneously showed substantially reduced absorption of the levothyroxine. However, this effect was eliminated if the two pills were taken at least two to three hours apart. As a result, the researchers suggested that thyroid patients who are taking both medications should consult with their physicians and consider staggering their doses of chromium picolinate and levothyroxine.

Widely Used Kidney Medication May Interfere With Levothyroxine Uptake

In another study with important implications for thyroid patients who rely on levothyroxine, researchers at the University of Tulane in New Orleans found that the effectiveness of this popular thyroid medication may be reduced if it is taken along with a prescription drug commonly used in the treatment of kidney disease.

The drug, sevelamer hydrochloride, which is sold under the proprietary name Renegal, is used to help regulate phosphorus in patients with chronic kidney disease. The study found that when levothyroxine and sevelamer hydrochloride are taken simultaneously, the uptake of levothyroxine is often reduced significantly. However, preliminary results indicate that this effect may be eliminated if consumption of the two drugs is spaced over a period of several hours.

Study Finds that Summer Heat, High-Temperature Storage May Hinder Effectiveness of Thyroid Drugs

Even if you've followed your doctor's dosage instructions to the letter, you still may not be getting the full benefit of your prescription thyroid medications. According to a recent study, exposure to hot temperatures may eradicate some of the potency of the active ingredients in several common thyroid drugs.

According to the researchers, this problem may be particularly widespread during the scorching months of June, July, and August. Even in regions that don't reach extreme highs during the summertime, prescription medications may still be impacted. It was found that several commonly prescribed drugs begin to degrade at temperatures over 86 degrees Fahrenheit. If one of your prescriptions is particularly sensitive to heat, it may be advisable to store it in the refrigerator or another cool, dry environment.

Check with your doctor to make sure your thyroid medications are safe and free from any potentially harmful interactions. And be sure to stop by each week for more of the thyroid healthy news that matters to you.

Can't Get a Good Night's Sleep?

Your Thyroid May Be to Blame

Patients with thyroid disorders already know that this little gland can be a big troublemaker. The list of symptoms associated with illnesses and diseases like thyroid cancer, hypothyroidism, and hyperthyroidism can sometimes seem to span an entire medical dictionary, ranging from anxiety to zinc deficiency.

So while it may not be surprising to learn that sleep disturbances are yet another symptom that are counted among the culprits linked to thyroid disorders, some patients are taken aback by how much these thyroid disorders can impact their quality of life. Many find that going without a full night of restful sleep for months at a stretch can wreak havoc in their personal and professional lives.

Are you or a loved one experiencing sleep disturbances that you think may be related to thyroid problems? Well, don't despair -- new treatments are being developed that may help you overcome your problems. This week, we'll take a look at some of the most common thyroid-related sleep disorders and the steps that can be taken to overcome them.

Sleep Disorders Linked to Hypothyroidism

Patients with hypothyroidism have underactive thyroid glands, which results in a deficiency of thyroid hormones in the body. In effect, this deficiency slows down many of the bodily processes, and hypothyroid patients often face a daily struggle with fatigue, weakness, and a lack of energy.

In some cases, the fatigue associated with hypothyroidism can result in a disorder known as Excessive Daytime Sleepiness (EDS). This debilitating syndrome can make it nearly impossible for patients to complete their daily tasks and responsibilities.

The fatigue linked with hypothyroidism is often worsened by the fact that patients with this disorder often have difficulty sleeping due to thyroid-related sleep disorders. One of the most common sleep disorders reported by thyroid patients is obstructive sleep apnea. This sleeping disorder can disrupt rest and, in some cases, pose a serious health threat.

Patients with obstructive sleep apnea do not breathe in a regular, consistent pattern while sleeping, leading to heavy snoring, restless sleep, and a near-constant sense of feeling tired during the day. Although researchers are still exploring the exact ways in which hypothyroidism causes or increases the risk of obstructive sleep apnea, they are fairly convinced that there is a causal connection.

Similarly, there is an increased risk of chronic fatigue syndrome among patients with hypothyroidism. This disorder causes fatigue so severe that it often results in a debilitating inability to function normally.

Sleep Disorders Linked to Hyperthyroidism

Like hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism also causes its fair share of sleep disturbances. In spite of the fact that hyperthyroidism is, in many ways, the exact opposite of hypothyroidism, many of the sleep-related symptoms of these two diseases are similar, although for different physiological reasons.

Hyperthyroidism results from an overactive thyroid gland. The excess thyroid hormones that are pumped into the body as a result tend to "rev up" the entire body and all of its component systems. Often, hyperthyroid patients report feeling as if they have too much energy, resulting in feelings of anxiety and restlessness.

All of this excess energy can be tiring. As a result, hyperthyroid patients, much like their hypothyroid counterparts, often complain of fatigue. However, it is usually not the same level of crippling fatigue that is common among individuals with hypothyroidism.

Insomnia is one of the most commonly reported sleep disorders among patients with hyperthyroidism. The excess energy associated with this disease can make it difficult for the body to know when it is time to shut down. As such, hyperthyroid patients often find themselves wide awake, with mind racing and heart pumping, at two or three in the morning. The insomnia, not surprisingly, can also worsen the ongoing fatigue experienced by patients with hyperthyroidism.

Even when hyperthyroid patients are able to get to sleep, they often have difficulty staying asleep. It's not uncommon for a hyperthyroid individual to wake up dozens of times in the course of a single night. Restless sleep characterized by a great deal of movement and activity are also common among patients with hyperthyroidism.

What Can You Do?

As with all symptoms of thyroid diseases, the single most important step you can take is sticking strictly to your prescribed treatment regimen. Your thyroid medication helps your body regulate its production and distribution of thyroid hormone, and this, in turn, helps eradicate unwanted symptoms.

Experts also recommend that you set a strict sleeping schedule -- and stick to it. About an hour before your bedtime, begin to wind down with some relaxing activities, such as reading, taking a bubble bath, or turning down the lights and listening to soft music. Try to give your body clear cues when you want to go to sleep.

If you are a thyroid patient with ongoing sleep problems, be sure to talk to your doctor for additional tips and hints. Check back each week for more of the latest thyroid news and research.

For Further Reading

• http://thyroid.about.com/cs/fatigueenergy/a/exhausted.htm

• http://sleepdisorders.about.com/cs/relatedproblems/a/hypothyroidism.htm