Your Health Detective

Cause & Effect - Thyroid and Cholesterol

Did you Know?…

• Your thyroid gland affects your cholesterol levels. An underactive thyroid can cause elevations in your low-density lipoprotein – LDL  or "bad" cholesterol.
• An overactive thyroid can lead to a sharp drop in your triglycerides, a type of fat in your bloodstream.
  Either condition, if left untreated, puts you at risk for disorders of the heart...click here to continue reading...

New THYROID BOOK Released - eBook & Paper Version

SOoooo many of you have asked for a simple, to-the-point small book on only ONE subject - the most requested is a book on Thyroid. Even clients who consult with me and hear the explanation of the importance of thyroid testing the way most of the world does it at home, always have more questions. That said, This is the first in a series of new books to be released this year, all on ONE specific health condition.  

This new releases focuses on why "Your symptoms are NOT in your head, hips or expanding waistline, They're probably in YOUR THYROID. It also provides specific guidelines for testing your own thyroid health at home for about $5 (and that one bottle will last about 2 years). I learned this technique while studying in abroad many years ago and I have incorporated the protocols for health professionals around the world that take my courses for Wholistic Rejuvenation. The book goes into detail about Causes, Effects and NON-DRUG Solutions. It's in full color and includes a chart to keep track of your testing and supplementation. It also describes why supplementing with a fully-absorbable biological iodine complex is the best for thyroid health because as a homeopathic that is supplemented under the tongue, it DOES NOT require your body to convert to useable energy...it is immediately transported where it needs to be.

For those of you that are Premium Subscribers, you will receive a separate email providing the PASSWORD for you to download the eBook. All other subscribers can purchase the eBook by CLICKING HERE, the cost is $9.95. The book is also available in paper full-color version for the same price, CLICK HERE  to purchase paper copy.

The most important aspect of this book is that it provides a guide for how to supplement with the homeopathic complex depending on the results of your home test. This makes it convenient for those who do not consult with me, yet want to perform the test and know what the results mean. Keep in mind that it's always best to consult a nutritionally-aware health professional before supplementation.

It also provides specifics of what symptoms are generally related to hypothyroidism, even though conventional testing shows, "within normal range."

Keep in mind that if you're supplementing with another form of thyroid or iodine, your body MUST convert it into useable energy - not easy for someone who is stressed or with a compromised immune system. With a homeopathic complex that conversion is not necessary. SO, when conventional testing shows your current supplement shows "normal" on blood test - of course it is - it's floating around in your blood but that doesn't mean it's being converted as useable fuel for the thyroid and all of its vital functions.

All eBooks are able to be downloaded immediately once you register with your name and a password. They are, however, NOT able to be forwarded as the embedded programming will destort or destroy the contents. The contents are copyrighted and for use as such by the purchaser.

The next eBook to be released next month is about another health issue that has reached epidemic porportions, particularly in baby-boomers - eye disease. The title of the next book is Don't be BLIND to Degenerative Eye Diseases. All Premium Subscribers will receive all eBooks at no charge as a benefit of their membership.

Thank you all for your continued support of my Health Detective Blog...I look forward to providing you with abundant natural health information, furthering my commitment of Health thru Education.

Your Partner in Health,

Dr. Gloria

Death by Processed Meats - It's NOT Just Baloney!

Declaration – Too Dangerous for Human Consumption!

The World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF)
has just completed a detailed review of more than 7,000 clinical studies covering links between diet and cancer. Its conclusion is rocking the health
world with startling bluntness: Processed meats are too dangerous for human consumption. Consumers should stop buying and eating all processed meat
products for the rest of their lives...click to continue reading...

Mayonnaise-FREE Sweet Potato Salad by Dr. Gloria

Many of you have been asking me to share some of my Nightshade-FREE recipes that will be included in my upcoming cookbook about eating to avoid and reverse inflammation. When the cookbook is released, all Premium Subscribers will receive it FREE, all general subscribers will pay the minimal cost. The following is one of my all-time favorites and I’m sure will be yours as well:

Mayonnaise-FREE Sweet Potato Salad

Developed by Dr. Gloria Gilbère

Makes about 8 average size servings.

• 1 pound Sweet Potatoes*, peeled and cut into about ½ inch pieces
• Salt & Pepper to taste
• 2 - 3 TBS white wine vinegar (I prefer using Balsamic vinegar; it gives it a great “zingy” rich flavor)
• ¼ cup light vegetable oil (I prefer Macadamia nut oil, available in specialty food stores) – another tasty alternative is Grape Seed oil.
• 1 tsp. brown sugar (I prefer Brown Whey Low Natural Sugar Alternative) – it’s used in exactly the same ratios as sugar and can be used for baking or any recipe needing sweetener. To order click here. It is the only natural sweetener I know of that can be used for baking.
• 1 ½ tsp fresh finely chopped thyme leaves
• 2-3 stocks celery, finely chopped
• 2-3 green onions or scallions, finely chopped
• ½ -1 cup shredded celery root
• ½ cup finely chopped pecans

Variations / Comments:

•  I like to add about 1 tsp. of Dijon Mustard for added zest. It works best if you mix the mustard with the oil before adding to the salad mix.

•  I don’t like the flavor of this salad when made with olive oil, it becomes too heavy but is an individual preference.

1. In a 3-quart saucepan, heat sweet potatoes with 1 tsp. salt and enough water to cover. Allow to boil then reduce heat to low; cover and simmer 3-5 minutes until potatoes are just fork-tender (al dente), don’t overcook. Drain well and cool.
2. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vinegar, sugar/sweetener, thyme, and salt. After thoroughly mixed, add celery, green onions, celery root, and pecans.
3. When potatoes are cooled, add to mixture in the bowl and toss. It taste better when made one-day in advance and kept well refrigerated to allow flavors to blend.
4. To serve, place an ice cream scoop sized serving onto of your favorite green and, if using dark balsamic, gently drizzle a bit around the edge of the plate.

* NOTE: In various parts of the country, Sweet Potatoes are known by different names. On the West Coast we know Sweet Potatoes as the paler light yellow thin-skinned variety with pale yellow flesh which is not sweet and has a dry, crumbly texture similar to a white baking potato. This can be used in any receipe calling for white potatoes.  

In the South, for instance, the other type is also called Sweet Potatoe but is known to Westerners as Yams.  The tubulars are elongated with ends that taper to a point and come in two varieties. The darker of the varieties has a thicker, dark orange to reddish skin with a vivid orange, sweet flesh and a moist texture. Yams contain more natural sugar than sweet potatoes and have higher moisture content.

This recipe calls for Western Sweet Potatoes although I’ve made it with Yams and it’s just as delicious, just a bit sweeter so if you use what I call Yams, adjust your sweetener to taste.

 

Here's to Healthy Inflammation-FREE Eating...From my Kitchen to Yours, Dr. Gloria

Inflammation Affects Thyroid - Thyroid Affects Inflammation

Having dealt with thousands of clients with inflammatory disorders, I find there is one
connection most do not make before consulting with me – inflammation and their
thyroid health.   

When a thyroid disorder is diagnosed, hypothyroidism resulted from lack of iodine in their food/supplements and from the inflammation in general. There is confusion about hypothyroid and the diagnosis of Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis…allow me to clarify.

Hashimoto’s is a disorder where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland – the resulting
inflammation leads to an underactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism.  It is an
autoimmune thyroid disease based on a dysfunctional immune system where your
thyroid is being attacked by your immune system via antibodies – attempting to
destroy your gland as if it is an enemy. Hashimoto’s disease is the most common
form of hypothyroidism and it was the first condition to be medically classified as an autoimmune disorder.

I’ve written extensively about thyroid health and what I see as contributing factors that
include gluten, compromised intestinal health, birth control pills, chronic stress, low iodine levels, vitamin D deficiency, etc. That said, a big misconception exists that once you supplement with a natural remedy or prescription, you can eventually stop supplementation – WRONG. Once a thyroid disorder occurs, you can naturally help stabilize it through proper nutrition, detoxification and specific supplementation – you cannot and should not stop supplementation. The challenge with most thyroid supplements is that the body is not able to convert from T4 to T3. I find the best option is to use a sublingual homeopathic remedy that contains all three varieties of natural iodine so that it is easier utilized by the body without concern about absorption and the body's ability to convert to useable energy for the thyroid.

    Hashimoto's disease (inflammation of the thyroid gland) is one of the major reasons for low thyroid levels. This disorder not only damages the gland's 'hormone releasing
capacity' it also destroys the gland. Iodine deficient diets, diets high in food additives and preservatives, malfunctioning of the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, infection of the thyroid gland, radiation treatments to treat hyperthyroidism and congenital defects
are some other reasons responsible for low thyroid levels. Birth control pills are also harmful to the thyroid gland – estrogen inhibits the gland's activity.

Replies to Subscribers Questions…

• My Physician says I shouldn’t use thyroid medications when conventional testing shows I’m hyper as a result of Hashimoto’s. The hyper in Hashimoto’s is caused by the die-off of thyroid hormones that then "dump" them into your blood. With Hashimoto’s disease you will usually swing between hypo and hyper. But to say you shouldn’t be on thyroid meds is wrong in my
  opinion from experience consulting with victims of Hashimoto’s. The objective is to stop the attack and the swings, and the only way to do that is to be on a bioavailable thyroid supplement, and raise the levels high enough to stop the attack, which in turn will stop the hyper swings. You’ll have to fight your doctor’s tendency to hold you too long on each raise, or to dose you by the TSH or other conventional lab results.

NOTE: A patient in Europe informed me that in Germany there is government-directed iodination of practically every food which is processed, including milk. And with this has come an explosion of Hashimoto’s the last 20 years!

• Can I take iodine when I have Hashimoto’s? Most likely because by performing an iodine loading patch test you can confirm if you have low iodine. And since iodine is the main component of thyroid hormones, plus has anti-cancer benefits, the use of specific iodine can be a wise decision. Some Hashi’s patients do wonderful on iodine supplementation, are free of previous symptoms and regain their quality of life. For others, it’s tricky to find just the right balance because iodine can trigger hyper symptoms.  The problem may not be supplementing with enough iodine, the problem is usually from supplementing with a form of iodine/thyroid that is not easily converted. It’s also key to be on selenium and other supporting
  nutrients along with iodine...more specific to follow.

• Selenium and Thyroid A Vital Team – What does selenium do for your thyroid? How is it connected to iodine? Substances known as selenoproteins convert the storage of hormone T4 into the active T3 hormone. They do this by removing one iodine atom from the T4. But, selenium has other relationships with iodine as well. It is well documented that a severe iodine deficiency leads to neurological and myxedematous cretinism (a congenital condition). It is only when a severe selenium deficiency is coupled with a severe iodine deficiency does the latter manifest. Iodine deficiency also causes goiter but a selenium deficiency results in a “weighty” or heavy thyroid as evidenced by ultrasound results. Studies show that selenium protects against goiter and iodine is proving to protect against a heavy thyroid. 

           When there is an iodine deficiency and attempts to supplement with selenium occur, the selenium will magnify the iodine deficiency causing it to become worse - the reverse is also true. If there is a selenium deficiency and attempts are made to supplement with iodine, the iodine will exacerbate the selenium deficiency cause it to worsen as well. In fact, anytime one is high and the other low, symptoms will occur and often get worse. If there is a deficiency, both must be supplemented.
     

In addition to its affiliation with iodine, selenium is responsible for other regulatory functions within the thyroid. Selenium deficiency leads to the exacerbation of Graves, Hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s and other thyroid disorders.  Recent studies have shown that selenium supplementation can reduce serum levels of T4, Free T4, and Reverse T3. To explain, the thyroid produces hydrogen peroxide during the production of T4. While some hydrogen peroxide is essential for proper functioning, excessive amounts of it can lead to high T4 production which results in a lower T3 availability. Too much hydrogen peroxide will also cause cell destruction. Selenium as an antioxidant breaks down excessive hydrogen peroxide and prevents cell damage and necrosis of thyrocytes.

• Selenium-rich Foods & Supplements – Several factors need to be kept in
  mind when supplementing for selenium. Yes, selenium is available through food
  and over-the-counter supplements. The following foods are rich in selenium:

 

• Shellfish
• Crab
• Kidney
• Liver
• Brazil nuts

Keep in mind that in order for food to be selenium-rich, it must be grown or cultivated in a selenium-rich environment. Therefore, attempting to only supplement selenium through food sources is very challenging because of not knowing soil or environmental conditions.

• Selenium Supplement Facts: Supplements are a great way to ensure proper intake of selenium; however, you need to know the differences as it comes in many forms. Most selenium supplements are selenium yeast, selenomethionine, selenite and selenite.
  Selenite and selenite are both inorganic forms with an absorption rate of about 50% -- increasing the chance of selenium toxicity. For this reason, organic forms of selenium, selenium yeast or selenomethionine, are safer and more readily absorbed. Selenomethionine has shown to have the best bioavailability with an absorption rate of about 90% and
  it is organic and yeast-free. NOTE: Organic forms of selenium are the ONLY way
  to raise serum levels within the body.

• Are digestive disorders connected to thyroid disease?
  Research shows there can be a strong connection between Hashimoto’s disease and Celiac
  disease and generalized inflammation for that matter. Celiac disease is an autoimmune digestive disorder that results in an over-reaction to gluten, a protein found in most grains like wheat, rye, oats and barley, which can be found in breads, cereals, pasta and many processed foods. The over-reaction, in turn, causes autoimmune damage to the intestines, which results in poor absorption of nutrients. Oats, which can be purchased gluten-free, are often contaminated within soil where gluten-containing grains were once grown or in the processing facility.

Gluten can also trigger the very autoimmune reactions that cause you to have Hashi’s, since reportedly, the cells of your thyroid are similar to the cells of gluten – i.e. an attack on one is going to make you ripe for an attack on the other. As a result, some Hashimoto’s patients experiment with
eliminating gluten from their diets, and with good results…body talk never lies, learn to listen to what your body is telling you.

• Thyroid Disorder and Fibromyalgia…It is my experience that most of the Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue patients I counsel also have hypothyroidism – one of the conditions
  contributing to their condition as a result of a malfunction in how their body
  processes cellular waste. Keep in mind that both of these conditions are syndromes, meaning they are derived from a variety of conditions not just one major assault. The lack of hormones is responsible for the lack of activity and regeneration of the cells throughout your body. The manifestation of this decreased production includes dramatic weight gain, sluggishness, confusion, lowered sex drive, dry nails and skin, sleep disorders, thinning of the outer edge of the eyebrows, mood disorders, a chronic feeling of being cold, widespread inflammation and fatigue, to name a few. 

A Natural Bioavailable Solution

For those of you choosing to purchase a easy-to-read eBook titled, Your symptoms are NOT in your head, hips or expanding waistline, they’re probably in YOUR THYROID click here. This guide answers most of your questions about causes, affects and non-drug solutions for thyroid health and
easily shows you how to test your own thyroid levels at home for around $5. It additionally explains how to naturally supplement with a homeopathic Wholistic Thyroid Balance complex that is used sublingually and does not require your body to convert into useable energy. To order this supplement or for more information, click here.

NOTE: For those of you that are Premium Subscribers, you will receive a separate email with a Coupon Code to receive the eBook FREE as a benefit of your subscription.

Your Partner in Health….

Dr. Gloria

 

Resources upon request

 

Sweet Science for a Sweet Tooth

Sweet Science for a Sweet Tooth

By Gloria Gilbère, CDP., DAHom., PhD., DSC., EcoErgonomist,
Wholistic Rejuvenist

Happy Holidays!

You’re probably surprised I’m writing about the health benefits of
chocolate in December rather than in February. If you’re like me, chocolate is
all around you this time of year. That said, knowing the healthiest chocolate
and its health benefits in moderation can be very helpful; not to mention, lessen
our guilt in its indulgence...

Gum Disease, Rheumatoid/Osteo-arthritis, Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune Disorders...PART 2 of 2

 

Anti-Inflammatory Drugs – Short-Term Relief, Long-Term Side Effects

Many individuals with inflammatory disorders (rheumatoid- and osteo-arthritis, fibromyalgia, etc.) consume high doses of aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). These drugs can increase bleeding and possibly hemorrhage after dental procedures – not including the damage to the intestinal tract that may lead to leaky gut syndrome. In addition, many people may also be taking D-penicillamine, steroids or other drugs that are known to weaken the overall immune system...Click to continue reading...

Gum Disease, Rheumatoid/Osteo-arthritis, Fibromyalgia & Autoimmune Disorders: The Connection PART 1 of 2

Individuals with any form of arthritis, arthritis-related inflammatory disorders (Fibromyalgia for instance), or autoimmune disorders are at HIGH risk of developing many diseases of the oral cavity including, but not limited to: Click to continue reading...

 

Fibromyalgia & Victims of Inflammation...watch out for more saboteurs!

As if it wasn't enough to have to eliminate nightshades in our diet in order to keep from accelerating an inflammatory condition. Now, there's new information that you need to know about soy.

 

I' have written for over ten years about the necessity to AVOID ALL nightshades if you have existing inflammation. If you do not do so for at least 90 days, you won't know the benefits...maybe you're so use to living with the pain you don't actually know how destructive it is and don't recognize when it's alleviated...Click to continue reading...

Topical Pain Drug Causes Life-threatening Liver Damage

Many of my readers and patients believe that as long as they're using a TOPICAL medication, it "must not be toxic." I am constantly in awe that the FDA is constantly looking for ways to put down non-drug therapies and remedies, yet the substances that keep popping-up as the most dangerous are those approved by the same organization that "claims" they're only goal is to protect us consumers.

These facts have never been more pointed than the recent announcement by the FDA that a topical gel prescribed for arthritis-type pain, known as Dicoflenac Gel (brand name Voltaren Gel), is linked to SEVERE liver damage - and this toxicity can appear within the first month of use!...Click to continue reading...