posted 11-10-2000 12:01 PM            

By Jon E. Dougherty http://worldnetdaily.com/news/article.asp?ARTICLE_ID=15556

This link was not working because the article had been moved and archived.
This is the correct link, above.

posted 01-05-2001 10:18 PM            

My risk factors for hypothyroidism include:

[ ] I have a family history of thyroid disease
[ ] I have had my thyroid "monitored" in the past to watch for changes
[ ] I had a previous diagnosis of goiters/nodules
[ ] I currently have a goiter
[ ] I was treated for hypothyroidism in the past
[ ] I had post-partum thyroiditis in the past
[ ] I had a temporary thyroiditis in the past
[ ] I have another autoimmune disease
[ ] I have had a baby in the past nine months
[ ] I have a history of miscarriage
[ ] I have had part/all of my thyroid removed due to cancer
[ ] I have had part/all of my thyroid removed due to nodules
[ ] I have had part/all of my thyroid removed due to Graves' Disease/hyperthyroidism
[ ] I have had radioactive iodine due to Graves' Disease/hyperthyroidism
[ ] I have had anti-thyroid drugs due to Graves' Disease/hyperthyroidism

I have the following symptoms of hypothyroidism, as detailed by the Merck Manual, the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists, and the Thyroid Foundation of America

[ ] I am gaining weight inappropriately
[ ] I'm unable to lose weight with diet/exercise
[ ] I am constipated, sometimes severely
[ ] I have hypothermia/low body temperature (I feel cold when others feel hot, I need extra sweaters, etc.)
[ ] I feel fatigued, exhausted
[ ] Feeling run down, sluggish, lethargic
[ ] My hair is coarse and dry, breaking, brittle, falling out
[ ] My skin is coarse, dry, scaly, and thick
[ ] I have a hoarse or gravely voice
[ ] I have puffiness and swelling around the eyes and face
[ ] I have pains, aches in joints, hands and feet
[ ] I have developed carpal-tunnel syndrome, or it's getting worse
[ ] I am having irregular menstrual cycles (longer, or heavier, or more frequent)
[ ] I am having trouble conceiving a baby
[ ] I feel depressed
[ ] I feel restless
[ ] My moods change easily
[ ] I have feelings of worthlessness
[ ] I have difficulty concentrating
[ ] I have more feelings of sadness
[ ] I seem to be losing interest in normal daily activities
[ ] I'm more forgetful lately

I also have the following additional symptoms, which have been reported more frequently in people with hypothyroidism:

[ ] My hair is falling out
[ ] I can't seem to remember things
[ ] I have no sex drive
[ ] I am getting more frequent infections, that last longer
[ ] I'm snoring more lately
[ ] I have/may have sleep apnea
[ ] I feel shortness of breath and tightness in the chest
[ ] I feel the need to yawn to get oxygen
[ ] My eyes feel gritty and dry
[ ] My eyes feel sensitive to light
[ ] My eyes get jumpy/tics in eyes, which makes me dizzy/vertigo and have headaches
[ ] I have strange feelings in neck or throat
[ ] I have tinnitus (ringing in ears)
[ ] I get recurrent sinus infections
[ ] I have vertigo
[ ] I feel some lightheadedness
[ ] I have severe menstrual cramps

posted 03-24-2001 01:21 PM            

There was a thyroid testamonial here: http://www.mercola.com/2001/mar/24/testimonial.htm

Here is the link to the diet info: http://www.mercola.com/diet.htm

posted 03-25-2001 10:43 AM            

Here's a site that I like a lot...it's a online book on thyroid disease that addresses the spectrum from Hashi's to Graves and everything inbetween.
http://www.thyroidmanager.org

posted 05-06-2001 12:27 PM            

Palpitations
Heat intolerance
Nervousness
Insomnia
Breathlessness
Increased bowel movements
Light or absent menstrual periods
Fatigue
Fast heart rate
Trembling hands
Weight loss
Muscle weakness
Warm moist skin
Hair loss
Staring gaze

posted 07-16-2001 08:48 AM            

Got this chart from Forest Pharmaceuticals, Inc (makers of Thyrolar) thought it might be of some use to someone else:

Forest says these are APPROXIMATE EQUIVALENT STRENGTHS AND THAT THYROID DOSING IS HIGHLY PATIENT SPECIFIC AND MUST ALWAYS BE INDIVIDUALIZED TO ACHIEVE MAXIMUM BENEFIT AND OPTIMAL PATIENT HEALTH.

that said-here's what the chart says:

Armour - Thyrolar - Cytomel - Levothyroxine

1/4gr - 1/4 - 6.25mcg - .025mg

1/2gr - 1/2 - 12.5mcg - .05mg

1 gr - 1 - 25 mcg - .1mg

1 1/2gr - 1 1/2 - 37.5mcg- .15mg

2 gr - 2 - 50mcg - .2mg

3 gr - 3 - 75mcg - .3mg

sorry it's not easier to read. did the best i could!!

posted 07-24-2001 02:41 AM            

Here is what I personally take, according to my research and what I believe I personally need to supplement my diet according to how I eat:
I suggest that you look up each of these supplements to understand what they do for the body.

The vitamins that are needed for assimilating and converting thyroid med that I take daily are:

A-8000mg
(with D)

Selenium-200mg
(The Thyroid Solution says at least 50mg)

B-100 complex
C-250mg
E-400mg
I also take 4mg of copper and 50mg of zinc as I just got a med dose raise, and those minerals help keep the heartrate calm and even.

I take my thyroid med with water on an empty stomach, when I get up in the morning.
One hour later, I take the supplements.

posted 07-28-2001 02:31 PM            

Thyroiditis
Thyroiditis, an inflammation of the thyroid gland, produces transient hyperthyroidism often followed by transient hypothyroidism or no change in thyroid function at all.

The three types of thyroiditis are Hashimoto's thyroiditis, subacute granulomatous thyroiditis, and silent lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Hashimoto's Thyroiditis
Hashimoto's thyroiditis (autoimmune thyroiditis) is the most common type of thyroiditis and the most common cause of hypothyroidism. For unknown reasons, the body turns against itself in an autoimmune reaction, creating antibodies that attack the thyroid gland. (see page 816 in Chapter 168, Immunodeficiency Disorders) This type of thyroiditis is most common in elderly women and tends to run in families. The condition occurs eight times more often in women than in men and may occur in people with certain chromosomal abnormalities, including Turner's, Down, and Klinefelter's syndromes.

Hashimoto's thyroiditis often begins with a painless enlargement of the thyroid gland or a feeling of fullness in the neck. When doctors feel the gland, they usually find it enlarged, with a rubbery texture, but not tender; sometimes it feels lumpy. The thyroid gland is underactive in about 20 percent of the people when Hashimoto's thyroiditis is discovered; the rest have normal thyroid function. Many people with Hashimoto's thyroiditis have other endocrine disorders such as diabetes, an underactive adrenal gland, or underactive parathyroid glands, and other autoimmune diseases such as pernicious anemia, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren's syndrome, or systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus).

Doctors perform thyroid function tests on blood samples to determine whether the gland is functioning normally, but they base the diagnosis of Hashimoto's thyroiditis on the symptoms, a physical examination, and whether the person has antibodies that attack the gland (antithyroid antibodies), which can easily be measured in a blood test.

No specific treatment is available for Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Most people eventually develop hypothyroidism and must take thyroid hormone replacement therapy for the rest of their lives. Thyroid hormone may also be useful in decreasing the enlarged thyroid gland.

Subacute Granulomatous Thyroiditis
Subacute granulomatous (giant cell) thyroiditis, which is probably caused by a virus, begins much more suddenly than Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis often follows a viral illness and begins with what many people call a sore throat but actually proves to be neck pain localized to the thyroid. The thyroid gland becomes increasingly tender, and the person usually develops a low-grade fever (99° F. to 101° F.). The pain may shift from one side of the neck to the other, spread to the jaw and ears, and hurt more when the head is turned or when the person swallows. Subacute granulomatous thyroiditis is often mistaken at first for a dental problem or a throat or ear infection.

Inflammation usually causes the thyroid gland to release excessive thyroid hormones, resulting in hyperthyroidism, almost always followed by transient hypothyroidism. Many people with subacute granulomatous thyroiditis feel extremely tired.

Most people recover completely from this type of thyroiditis. Generally the condition goes away by itself within a few months, but sometimes it comes back or, more rarely, damages enough of the thyroid gland to cause permanent hypothyroidism.

Aspirin or other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen) can relieve the pain and inflammation. In very severe cases, doctors may recommend corticosteroids such as prednisone, which should be tapered off over 6 to 8 weeks. When corticosteroids are stopped abruptly, symptoms often return in full force.

Silent Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
Silent lymphocytic thyroiditis occurs most often in women, typically just after childbirth, and causes the thyroid to become enlarged without becoming tender. For several weeks to several months, a person with silent lymphocytic thyroiditis has hyperthyroidism followed by hypothyroidism before eventually recovering normal thyroid function. This condition requires no specific treatment, although the hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism may require treatment for a few weeks. Often, a beta-blocker such as propranolol is the only drug needed to control the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. During the period of hypothyroidism, a person may need to take thyroid hormone, usually for no more than a few months. Hypothyroidism becomes permanent in about 10 percent of the people with silent lymphocytic thyroiditis.

Take care
Lori

posted 09-10-2001 12:22 PM            

My homeopath gave the following recommendation for post-surgery trauma. You can find homeopathic remedies in natural food stores, but I recommend retaining the advice of a known practitioner prior to use.

To take a homeopathic remedy, tap one sugar pill into the cap of the vial, but DO NOT TOUCH THE PILL. Tap the cap to release the pill under your tongue and let it dissolve completely. Do not eat or drink anything 10 minutes before a dose and 20 minutes after the pill dissolves. You increase the dosage by taking pills more frequently, NOT by taking more pills. It is also recommended that you avoid mint and its relatives (camphor, menthol, tea tree oil) during homeopathic treatment. Fennel toothpaste is useful for this.

Pain and Bruising

Arnica Montana, 200c was recommended to aid the healing process. My homeopath says that Arnica is relatively benign, has no side effects, and cannot be overdosed.

The best case is to begin the Arnica before the surgery: Take one pellet three times a day, the day before the surgery.

For post-surgical trauma, I was told to take one pellet as soon as possible following surgery, followed by one pill every 15 minutes if pain is severe for up to 1 hour. Then take 1 pellet every 1-3 hours. The next day, taper off (as needed) but continue one pellet, three times a day for a week or more after the surgery.

This should help you with the pain, swelling, and any potential bruising.

Nausea (due to anesthesia)

Phosphorus, 30c was recommended.
Take one pellet as needed, up to every 15 minutes for the first hour. Then taper off. I found I needed three doses in the first hour, then two more doses (one in each of the next two hours) as the anesthesia left my body.

Too much Phosphorus can make you constipated (as can the anesthesia), so use sparingly as needed.

posted 09-25-2001 10:08 PM            

In the August 7th, Woman's World magazine, found in virtually every grocery store where magazines are sold, on pages 14-16, they have some great exercises that really works the inner middle body muscles like a girdle.

They were developed by an exercise physiologist,Teresa Tapp. Get that magazine, if interested. It has all the info you really need.

I did these exercises just two days and can feel the mucles tightening around my middle already. The exercises are really easy and don't hurt bad joints, such as I have.

I am really excited, because this routine really works up a sweat in 20-30 minutes and is incredibly easy.

posted 10-16-2001 04:54 AM            

I put together a fairly complete list of goitrogens some time ago. Here's what I came up with, but I am sure tyhere are othere things that can and will be added over time.

Avoid unless cooked thouroughly:

* African cassava
* Asparagus
* babassu (a palm-tree coconut fruit popular in Brazil and Africa)
* Broccoli
* brussels sprouts
* Cabbage
* Cauliflower
* horseradish
* kale
* kohlrabi
* leafy green vegetables (turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens)
* Legumes (beans and peas)
* peanuts
* pine nuts
* Processed meats
* radishes
* rutabaga
* Spinach
* turnips
* Watercress

Avoid entirely:

posted 11-02-2001 07:29 PM            

A friend posted this fantastic list of questions that she composed to another message board. I asked her if I could post it here, and this is her gracious response: "You can use it as much as you want. Power to the patient! ... 'Nette"

Here's the list:

a. What is your approach to treating hypo?

Desired answer: treatment is based on a combination of symptoms and lab tests. (What lab tests? TSH, antibodies (once is usually enough), free or total T3 and free T4 are good places to start).

b. What medications do you use in treatment of hypo?

Desired answer: whatever if takes. Some of those available are Synthroid, Thyrolar, Cytomel and natural meds like Armour.

Wrong answer: Synthroid only.

c. If I don't feel well when my labs are within the normal ranges, what do you do?

Desired answers: the normal ranges are just guidance, and there is often lots of room to play within the normal ranges. If that doesn't work, we have to consider things in addition to the thyroid for contributing to symptoms.

Wrong answer: If normal ranges don't make you feel well, it is all in your head.

d. What is your response to me asking about different approaches that I've read about on the internet or in books?

Desired answer: There is a lot of great info on the internet and books and some lousy info so one has to be selective. Don't hesitate to share the things you've learned about and we can discuss them in context to your treatment. I always enjoy getting new articles from professional publications about evolving methods.

Wrong answer: stay away from the internet, there is only rubbish out there.

e. How long does it take for me to get well, or at least see some improvement?

Desired answer: It is a slow process because your body has a lot of healing to do plus it takes a well to optimize your meds for your body. However, you should have made a lot of improvement in four to six months.

Wrong answer: 2 weeks or "never".

f. How often to you do tests and see me while we are in the optimization process? (Right answer is about every six weeks to 2 months).

Wrong answer: once a year.

g. Once I'm stable, how often do you monitor.

Good answer: every 4 to six months for a couple of years. If you are absolutely stable then once a year should be enough unless you are starting to show symptoms again, then you should call me.

posted 12-31-2001 11:59 AM            

A technical link: http://www.muhealth.org/~daveg/thyroid/thy_test.html

Also, the following describes tests you may encounter during your return to health:

Thyroxine (T4): This shows the total amount of the T4. High levels may be due to hyperthyroidism, however technical artifact occurs when estrogen levels are higher from pregnancy, birth control pills or estrogen replacement therapy. A Free T4 (see below) can avoid this interference.

T3 Resin Uptake or Thyroid Uptake: This is a test that confuses doctors, nurses, and patients. First, this is not a thyroid test, but a test on the proteins that carry thyroid around in your blood stream. Not only that, a high test number may indicate a low level of the protein! The method of reporting varies from lab to lab. The proper use of the test is to compute the free thyroxine index.

Free Thyroxine Index (FTI or T7): A mathematical computation allows the lab to estimate the free thyroxine index from the T4 and T3 Uptake tests. The results tell us how much thyroid hormone is free in the blood stream to work on the body. Unlike the T4 alone, it is not affected by estrogen levels.

Free T4: This test directly measures the free T4 in the blood rather than estimating it like the FTI. It is a more reliable , but a little more expensive test. Some labs now do the Free T4 routinely rather than the Total T4.

Total T3: This is usually not ordered as a screening test, but rather when thyroid disease is being evaluated. T3 is the more potent and shorter lived version of thyroid hormone. Some people with high thyroid levels secrete more T3 than T4. In these (overactive) hyperthyroid cases the T4 can be normal, the T3 high, and the TSH low. The Total T3 reports the total amount of T3 in the bloodstream, including T3 bound to carrier proteins plus freely circulating T3.

Free T3: This test measures only the portion of thyroid hormone T3 that is "free", that is, not bound to carrier proteins.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): This protein hormone is secreted by the pituitary gland and regulates the thyroid gland. A high level suggests your thyroid is underactive, and a low level suggests your thyroid is overactive.

posted 12-31-2001 03:02 PM            

quote:

---

T4 (also know as Thyroxine or Total T4) is a measure of how much T4 is in your blood, even if the T4 is bound to proteins in your blood. If you are eating soy products, taking Estrogen, or pregnant, this test won't tell you much since much of your thyroid hormones are likely bound to proteins and aren't immediately useable to your body.

Free T4 Measures ONLY the free hormone in your blood that is immediately useable by your body and is probably the most useful test in most cases.

Getting BOTH done can accurately tell you quite a bit about protein binding. Otherwise, the traditional panel that includes Total T4, T3 Uptake (Measures T4 binding proteins and has nothing to do with T3, actually) and FTI can tell you the same thing, though not as accurately (in my opinion).

I prefer to see a Free T4, Free T3 and TSH when I have my blood work done to get a more complete picture, and have never had the Total T4 test done.

---

posted 01-05-2002 12:37 PM            

Regarding Soy
If you have thyroid imbalance or are female you may want to use whey protein rather than soy.

Researchers have identified that the isoflavones act as potent anti-thyroid agents, and are capable of suppressing thyroid function, and causing or worsening hypothyroidism. Soy is a phytoestrogen, and therefore acts in the body much like a hormone. High consumption of soy products are also proven to cause goiter, (Anti-thyroid isoflavones from soybean: isolation, characterization, and mechanisms of action, Divi RL; Chang HC; Doerge DR, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA, Biochem Pharmacol, 1997 Nov, 54:10, 1087-96)

The best source of information on soy and its negative impact on health can be found at the Soy Online Service, and in particular, its page on phytoestrogenic effects of soy, and impact on the thyroid.

(The grain millet, for example, contains high levels of flavonoids, and is commonly known as problematic for thyroid function).

The March 1999 issue of Natural Health magazine has a feature on soy that quotes Daniel R. Doerge, Ph.D., a researcher at the Food and Drug Aministration's National Center for Toxicological Research. Dr. Doerge has researched soy's anti-thyroid properties, and has said "...I see substantial risks from taking soy supplements or eating huge amounts of soyfoods for their putative disease preventive value. There is definitely potential for interaction with the thyroid."

One UK study of premenopausal women gave 60 grams of soy protein per day for one month. This was found to disrupt the menstrual cycle, with the effects of the isoflavones continuing for a full three months after stopping the soy in the diet. Isoflavones are also known to modify fertility and change sex hormone status. Isoflavones have been shown to have serious health effects -- including infertility, thyroid disease or liver disease -- on a number of mammals.

Dr. Fitzpatrick believes that people with hypothyroidism should avoid soy products, because, "any inhibition of TPO will clearly work against anyone trying to correct an hypothyroid state." In addition, he believes that the current promotion of soy as a health food will result in an increase in thyroid disorders.

posted 01-16-2002 02:57 PM            

Here is a little info about it from an anti-aging website.

DHEA obtained credibility in the medical establishment when the New York Academy of Sciences published a book entitled DHEA and Aging and summarized in their journal, Aging (Dec. 29, 1995, 774:1-350). This highly technical book provided scientific validation for the many life extension effects of DHEA replacement therapy.

DHEA has been shown to improve neurological function (including memory, mood enhancement, and EEG readings), immune surveillance, and stress disorders. DHEA replacement therapy has become popular as an anti-aging regiment and offers aging patients help in preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, fatigue, depression, atherosclerosis, and cancer.

DHEA replacement therapy involves the supplementation of the hormone to restore serum levels to those of a 21-year-old. DHEA is a precursor building block that allows our bodies to more easily create hormones that may be in decline because of age, disease, prescription medications, or other factors. Hormones such as testosterone and estrogen as well as serum DHEA levels begin to decline between 25 and 30 years of age and may be reduced by 95% of youthful peak levels by age 85.

The most remarkable finding about DHEA came from a human study by S. S. C. Yen and associates at the University of California, San Diego, in which 50 mg a day of DHEA over a 6-month period restored youthful serum levels of DHEA in both men and women. Dr. Yen showed that DHEA replacement was associated with an increase in perceived physical and psychological well-being for both men (67%) and women (84%). Increases in lean body mass and muscle strength were reported in men taking 100 mg a day, but this dose appeared to be excessive in women.

DHEA (50 or 100 mg a day) was also shown to significantly elevate insulin growth factor (IGF). Aging causes a decline in IGF levels that contributes to the loss of lean body mass, as well as to excess fat accumulation, neurological impairment, and age-associated immune dysfunction.

DHEA has been shown to protect against heart disease and atherosclerosis. A study using coronary artery angiography showed that low DHEA levels predispose people to more significant coronary artery blockage. Another study showed that DHEA inhibits abnormal blood platelet aggregation, a factor in the development of sudden heart attack and stroke. In contrast, some studies on DHEA do not show the cardiovascular disease protection.

In the journal Drugs and Aging (Oct. 1996), an analysis of previous studies on DHEA showed that

In both humans and animals, the decline of DHEA production with aging is associated with immune depression, increased risk of several different cancers, loss of sleep, decreased feelings of well-being, and increased mortality.

DHEA replacement in aged mice significantly improved immune function to a more youthful state.

DHEA replacement has shown a favorable effect on osteoclasts and lymphoid cells, an effect that may delay osteoporosis. (Editor's note: DHEA has been shown in other studies to promote the activity of bone-forming osteoblasts.)

Low levels of DHEA inhibit energy metabolism, thus increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes mellitus.

Studies in humans show essentially no toxicity at doses that restore DHEA to youthful levels.

DHEA deficiency may expedite the development of some diseases that are common in the elderly.
Depression Responds to DHEA Treatment
Depression is a broad term for a host of unpleasant feelings, including emotional numbness, lack of energy, lack of motivation, feeling like a failure, and feeling undesirable. These feelings frequently show up for the first time in middle-aged people who feel like they're "over the hill." Elderly people, too, frequently get depressed, and they are particularly at risk of suicide. Depression is a growing problem among teenagers as well.

Doctors have long known that giving estrogen to women and testosterone to men during midlife can avert symptoms of depression, although the effects have never been phenomenal. Reports are stacking up that DHEA works better. DHEA turns into both estrogen and testosterone. And it just so happens that Dhea levels and those hormones go south about the time people start thinking about being "over the hill."

It may not be very helpful in people that are younger than 45-50 years. It can cause aggression, facial hair growth, acne, etc, since they usually still have enough of the hormone Dhea.

posted 01-17-2002 03:17 PM            

You may want to get this book if:

posted 01-23-2002 12:30 PM            

Helpful Canadian website about osteoporosis and potential treatments, including Calcitonin:
http://www.osteoporosis.ca/OSTEO/D04-calcitonin.html

posted 02-04-2002 09:43 PM            

On the Magnesium artcle above, or this website:

http://www.execpc.com/~magnesum/

go to Osteoporosis,

then to Calcium Absorption, which opens to a page with the article,

Magnesium: A key to Calcium Absorption.

posted 02-12-2002 10:27 PM            

Descriptions of various thyroid tests, including types of Antibodies:

Antithyroid Antibodies:
Antithyroid antibodies often are associated with and play a role in thyroid diseases. The antibodies of most clinical importance are the Antithyroid Microsomal (measured by the Antithyroid Peroxidase assay and also referred to as anti TPO antibodies), the Antithyroglobulin and the Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulin. The Antithyroid Microsomal Antibodies are usually elevated in patients with Autoimmune Thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis) and may be used to help predict which patients with subclinical hypothyroidism (Normal Free T4 and elevated TSH) will go on to develop overt hypothyroidism. Antithyroglobulin antibodies may also be elevated in patients with autoimmune thyroiditis, but this is less frequent and to a lesser degree. Thyroid Stimulating Immunoglobulins are associated with Grave’s Disease and are the likely cause of the hyperthyroidism seen in this condition. These antibodies attach to the thyrotropin (TSH) receptor in the thyroid gland and activate it. While Antithyroid Microsomal Antibody levels are usually highest in Autoimmune Thyroiditis, and Thyroid Simulating Immunoglobulins are highest in Grave’s Disease, each may be present the both diseases, as well as in family members without clinical disease. There are several other less common antibodies associated with autoimmune thyroid disease but they are usually not measured in the clinical setting.

posted 02-21-2002 12:46 AM            

Treasure from the Andes Maca, (Lepidium Peruvianum Chacon) is a root vegetable, or tuber from a mat-like perennial that grows in the harshest, most difficult farmlands in the world. Native Peruvians have used Maca as a food and as a medicine since before the Incas. This sturdy relative of the potato and Mexican yam is cultivated high in the mountains of Peru in an environment of amazingly intense sunlight and fierce winds. It grows at elevations higher than any other crop in the world and it manages this existence in regions that are little more than barren rock with sub-freezing temperatures each night.

Perhaps the challenging native environment where it is grown gives Maca its strength. Maca has been an important crop to the Andean Indians. Today, in spite of the labor intensive methods used to grow it, Maca is still a valuable commodity. The tenacity of this incredible plant makes agriculture possible in a region that otherwise would be relegated to grazing sheep and llamas

Enhances Fertility - One of the chief attributes of Maca, according to the Peruvian Indians who grow it, is its reported ability to enhance fertility. When the Spanish conquistadors first began to raise sheep in the higher regions the sheep were reproducing poorly. The Indians suggested Maca. The results were so amazing that the Spaniards noted them in colonial records. The records show that the Spanish began to demand Maca as payment from the colonies.

The reputed fertility enhancement of Maca may be due to its high content of iodine and zinc, amino acids and vitamin C. Although the fertility enhancement of Maca has not been substantiated scientifically it seems a reasonable choice for those wishing to conceive.

Superfood of the Incas - In the difficult regions where it is cultivated, Maca has the highest nutritional values of any food crop grown there. Ironically, nourishing Maca today is often traded for less nutritious foods like rice, noodles, and sugar. Maca is a delicacy, with a sweet and spicy flavor and a butterscotch-like aroma. Its potato like tubers can be dried and stored for years with no appreciable loss of nutritional value. The roots are usually yellow or purple, or yellow with purple bands and resemble its relative the radish. The fresh roots are baked or roasted in ashes. The dried roots are usually boiled in milk or water to create a savory porridge. Maca boiled in water tastes sweeter than cocoa.

Maca is a nutritional powerhouse especially rich in iodine. It is a reliable protein source containing significant amounts of amino acids. The protein and calories in Maca are stable even after years of storage. It is also rich in complex carbohydrates and essential minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and iron. It contains vitamins B-1, B-2, B12, C and E and is a source of glycoside steroids. Weight lifters and body builders are turning to Maca as a natural and safe alternative to anabolic steroids. The rich and diverse nutrient content of Maca explains its many traditional uses and why it is sought after today.

Balance and Energy - Maca is an "adaptogen" meaning it helps to restore balance or homeostasis to the body. Rather than addressing a specific symptom, adaptogens are used to improve the overall adaptability of the whole system. Other adaptogen herbs are ginseng and astragalus. Maca has been used traditionally to increase energy and to promote improvement in both stamina and endurance in athletes. Unlike caffeine, Maca is a healthy choice for increasing energy because it is not a stimulant. The steady enhancement of both physical and mental energy makes Maca an ideal supplement for students, professionals, writers, athletes and anyone who needs a lift. The fact that Maca contains no stimulants but obtains its benefit from vitamins and minerals makes it especially beneficial for individuals who suffer from chronic fatigue syndrome. Many people who use Maca also report increased mental clarity.

The Indians who first used Maca believed it to be a significant fertility aid for both animals and humans. This explains why Maca is often described as an aphrodisiac. Aphrodisiac or not, it may be used to address hormonal imbalances in women. Maca offers a natural solution to symptoms of both PMS and menopause. Calcium and magnesium are well known for their beneficial efforts on the female endocrine system. Maca is a good source of both of these important minerals and is a very rich source of iodine which is also important for the endocrine system primarily due to its effect on the thyroid. Further reports indicate that Maca may improve male impotence.

Maca is naturally a great source of iodine - One thing that is noteworthy is its rich iodine content. This suggests that Maca would be a good herbal therapy for those who have thyroid insufficiency. It has been suggested that some that suffer from symptoms such as dry skin, deep fatigue, insomnia, memory loss, or depression are actually suffering form hypothyroidism and that they improve when given either thyroid hormone alone, or a program that combines thyroid hormone with nutritional support. Along with selenium, magnesium, tyrosine, herbs like Maca that are rich in iodine are sometimes able to restore normal thyroid function. The connection of thyroid insufficiencies to female reproductive issues can not be overlooked. Early medical textbooks and journal articles mention the effectiveness in thyroid supplementation in relieving gynecological disturbances. Normal thyroid function promotes conception, corrects disorders of menstrual flow and assists the body in producing better levels of follicle stimulating hormone. The thyroid supporting capacity of Maca probably explains its ability to enhance fertility and bring relief to women who suffer with symptoms of menopause.

Maca has no harmful stimulant activity such as that from caffeine or ephedra. Ideal for marathoners, martial arts enthusiasts, weary travelers, and those who maintain intense work schedules.

posted 02-21-2002 03:07 AM            

From a commercial website:

Ninety to Ninety Five percent of the population is deficient in Magnesium, including many
of those who supplement magnesium regularly. The majority may still think that any magnesium supplement will fix magnesium deficiency. Unfortunately, this isn't the case.

Read on to understand this in full, and why water-soluble magnesium is the answer.

The improper use of magnesium among health professionals in general, is deeply
responsible for many of the failures encountered daily in treating chronic health conditions
nationwide.

Discovery Number 1: Many common symptoms are normally caused by MAGNESIUM deficiency, NOT calcium deficiency.

Discovery Number 2: Calcium needs magnesium to assimilate, and will naturally deplete
magnesium storages. Magnesium, on the other hand, does not depend on calcium and works on its own.
Magnesium is FAR more important than calcium.

Discovery Number 3 :Excess calcium in the body is, as a result, one of the major causes of magnesium deficiency and disease.

Lack of sufficient magnesium in the body will make calcium toxic and disease causing (magnesium has 16 major factors that deplete it). Excess calcium is today a major cause of heart attacks, kidney stones, fatigue, sleep disorders,muscle cramps,
headaches, gall stones, types of arthritis, PMS,osteoporosis,accelerated aging, depression, high blood pressure and much more.

Discovery Number 4: Sufficient magnesium will allow calcium to assimilate, as well as dissolve and discharge calcium deposits in the body.

Discovery Number 5: Most magnesium calcium supplements on the market are incorrectly proportioned and only make things worse.

Discovery Number 6: Nothing will work faster in bringing relief to the conditions listed
above as will water-soluble magnesium taken WITHOUT any calcium, which is the astounding results attained today by hundreds of successful doctors.

The Importance:
Magnesium is the most important mineral that is needed by your body. In order to function correctly your body needs many nutrients. But if it is deficient in magnesium, there are over 300 biochemical reactions that either won't occur at all or will occur very
inefficiently. Somewhat like a car functioning with dirty battery terminals.

Also, magnesium is necessary for the correct assimilation of calcium and potassium
and the correct and efficient functioning of enzymes. As you can imagine, without magnesium your body is going to be performing at very much less than full capacity. A deficiency in magnesium can go from slight to very severe and your body will be signaling to
you that it is in trouble: SOS . . .HELP!

Body Symptoms:
These signals are in the form of body symptoms. A slight deficiency and you will notice
slight depression and lack of well-being. The body is telling you, Help, I'm in trouble. Then
you start getting headaches, pain in the lower back, stiff, tight muscles, particularly in the
back.The body is telling you, I'm in worse trouble, help me! Now!

But you ignore these messages. You haven't learneed to read and decipher them. You seek professional advice and . . . Well,you know what they advise.
Time goes by and now you start getting muscle cramps, then calcium deposits, muscle twitches and tics, high blood pressure. You ignore it and don't do anything about these signals. You start to get nervous; you jump at sudden sounds. You have never been this
way before. You are told that you are getting old, that you can expect this sort of thing.
You now have trouble sleeping and continually wake up feeling tired. Your body goes into spasms (involuntary and abnormal muscular contractions) and jerks. Your body is calling out,
I need help now! Get some magnesium and take it night and morning!

Don't Ignore Warning Signals:
You ignore these signals. Next, you find yourself with a chest pain, called angina pectoris.
You ignore this also, and no one else seems to know what is causing it. You never did learn
how to take care of your own body and have always left it to the so-called experts. These
experts don't know either.The next thing that happens is suddenly your heart starts racing.
It goes out of rhythm. You don’t know what to do and neither does anyone else. Then one day you have been out working hard physically, or under stress, and all of a sudden you have a heart attack. Your body is telling you, I am in real trouble; I am almost at the end of the line. I need magnesium urgently and fast. NOW!

So learn from me: The body is crying out for magnesium. It is deficient in magnesium.
It cannot function unless it has sufficient of this mineral.

How important is magnesium?
It is so important that your body won’t function well with even a slight deficiency, and with a severe deficiency you could end up with a heart attack.

Key Nutrient
Magnesium is an essential nutrient. It is necessary for every major biochemical process,
such as digestion, protein synthesis, cellular energy production and glucose metabolism.
Magnesium is also needed for bone strength, muscle strength and heartbeat, as well as the
functioning of the nervous system. Over three hundred biochemical and bioelectric reactions
depend on magnesium to occur. Without these taking place efficiently, the body is in trouble
and so are you. If you do not have sufficient magnesium, the body will not work properly and
you will end up with the symptoms described earlier. By taking a water soluble magnesium ,
these symptoms will gradually and mysteriously disappear. This will occur even if you only
take a small amount of it.

Deficiency is Common
Contrary to common belief, magnesium deficiency is very common even among those who
supplement it regularly. The reason for this is that the stress of modern lifestyle depletes
magnesium reserves far more rapidly than was previously realized.

Activates Other Minerals
All other major minerals are dependent upon magnesium being present in order to function.
The major minerals are magnesium, calcium, potassium and sodium. Of these, magnesium
is by far the most important.

Magnesium versus Calcium
Calcium, a major mineral, needs magnesium in order to assimilate into the body. Calcium,
however, should never be taken on its own. Otherwise, it will pull magnesium out of body
parts in order to assimilate. This creates a greater magnesium deficiency and the person
will feel worse. This occurs with people who drink milk. Milk is about 8 calcium to 1
magnesium and it will create a magnesium deficiency.

Magnesium regulates the entrance and utilization of calcium in the cells. Without magnesium,
calcium remains in the body unused. This will result in calcium deposits in the joints
(often called arthritis), gallstones, kidney stones, and in extreme cases calcification of the
brain and other body organs and parts. This, in turn, results in loss of memory and loss of
ability to reason and eventually the termination of life. All of these conditions have frequently
been known to disappear after taking extra magnesium.

Again, magnesium and calcium must be in the correct proportions, otherwise the calcium
becomes a pollutant in the body causing heart disease, arthritis, hardening of the arteries,
senility, osteoporosis, and calcification of organs and tissues as described earlier, which
could eventually completely degenerate these organs and tissues. From this you can deduce
that it is contra survival to take calcium without magnesium. The rule is "Never take calcium
without magnesium. Calcium depends on magnesium for it to assimilate. Magnesium, on the
other hand, doesn't require calcium in order to function. In fact, in many cases, magnesium
taken on its own without any calcium will help you feel younger, more energetic, stronger,
and give you a multitude of other benefits, all as a result of the magnesium being present to
do its job.

What Depletes It?
Let’s take a look at what depletes magnesium: Modern stresses,whether chemical,
environmental or mental, frequently deplete magnesium reserves (which are often depleted
faster than calcium reserves). This can cause a magnesium deficiency and the resultant
symptoms of internal stress, even when the person does take magnesium supplements if
he takes more calcium than magnesium (which is very common). Extra magnesium can
often mean the difference between a stressed body and a completely relaxed one.
Magnesium depletion is a highly important issue, which will be crucial to understand.

The following are Magnesium Depletors. Learn them well and apply accordingly. The more
dominant they are in your life, the more magnesium your body will need. These items
dramatically speed up the depletion of your body's magnesium storage, and make it
necessary for much more magnesium to be consumed: Mental stress, Physical stress,
Coffee Sugar, High sodium diet, Alcohol, Cola-type sodas, Tobacco, High perspiration,
Medical drugs of all types, Low thyroid, Diabetes, Chronic pain, Diuretics, A high
carbohydrate diet, A high calcium diet.
Calcium? Yes. Can too much calcium be a problem? More than you ever thought possible.
Differently put, excess calcium can become a real problem. Excess magnesium,
on the other hand, is impossible. Excess calcium combined with low magnesium will
create osteoporosis and fragile bones.

The Proof?
Here is an amazing example: What country has the highest rate of milk consumption?
That’s right, it is America. Now another question: What country has the highest
consumption rate of calcium supplements? That's right, the answer is again America.
So obviously, you would say, America must have the lowest occurrence of osteoporosis
(calcium loss) of all countries, right? Believe it or not, the truth is the exact opposite! We
have the highest rate! Why? Taking more calcium will not fix a calcium deficiency,
which is quite evident from the statistics. Yet more magnesium will handle the calcium
deficiency as well as the magnesium deficiency itself.

*Insomnia or Restless Sleep * Irregular Heartbeat *Aggressive Behavior * Sleep- Wake up
Tired *Attention Deficit Disorder * Stress * Chronic Fatigue* Back Pain * Stroke*Stiff and
Aching Muscles * Jump at Sudden Sounds * High-strung, Jittery *Bones continue to go out
of Alignment * Anxiety * Confusion * Migraine Headaches * Muscle Weakness * Cluster
Headaches * Muscle Tics or Twitches* Weakness * Muscle Cramps *Hypoglycemia
* Muscle Spasms or Quivers * Diabetes * Hiccups * Nervousness *Pregnancy-related
Symptoms Hyperactivity* High Blood Pressure*Seizures*Osteoporosis *Angina Pectoris
* PMS *(Sharp Chest Pains and a feeling of being Suffocated)*Constipation * Heart Condition
* Kidney Stones * Exhausted from Physical Work or Exercise* Accelerated Aging
* Depression * Fading Memory, Senility * Heart Attack History *Leg Cramps

Angina
Angina (chest pains) is caused by a spasm in coronary arteries (the arteries that
supply blood to the heart). This spasm is caused by magnesium deficiency and
water-soluble magnesium is highly beneficial for this condition.

Asthma
Asthma is a condition where the bronchial passages go into spasm and interfere with
normal breathing. Magnesium comes to the rescue by relaxing the bronchial muscles.
Studies have shown that intravenous magnesium administered to asthmatics resulted
in rapid improvement in shortness of breath and wheezing. Often it stopped an attack
cold. Magnesium seems to make a major difference for asthmatics.

Backaches, Back Pain
Magnesium can relieve back pain in several different ways.
(1) Magnesium helps kidney function. Kidney stress is one of the causes of back pain.
(2) Magnesium helps relax the muscles. Muscle tension is another reason for back
problems. Magnesium also helps the assimilation of calcium, which could allow bones
to heal themselves.

Bone Alignment, Bones going out of Alignment
When magnesium is too low, this will cause the nervous system to be out of balance.
This, in turn, will keep muscles tight and prevent them from staying in a relaxed condition.
Magnesium restores balance to the nerves as well as the muscles, and thus makes it
possible for chiropractic adjustments to last longer and be more effective.

Constipation
Magnesium is very helpful in providing relief from constipation. High amounts of magnesium
have always been found to bring relief. In fact, the only time when water-soluble magnesium
didn't relieve this condition was when not enough of it was taken. Constipation, of course,
beyond its emergency address, should eventually be traced back to its underlying causes
and handled accordingly. Yet magnesium is the one quick solution that never fails to work
when immediate relief is needed.

Depression & Adrenal Function
Cortisol is one of the main hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol plays a key
role in the regulation of blood sugar levels. Stressful conditions, however, cause the adrenals
to overproduce cortisol, and when the adrenals are pushed into a relentless production of
cortisol, they end up in a stressed condition. Once the adrenals become overworked and
stressed, the body’s ability to retain magnesium drops down, as reflected in a greater loss
of magnesium through urinary excretion. For this reason, people with exhausted adrenals
will often require more magnesium to maintain inner balance. Magnesium is also needed by
the adrenals as a basic building block for the manufacturing of hormones.
Since stressed adrenals are often a forerunner of depression and mood disorders, anything
which supports adrenal function will help these conditions. Because magnesium supports
adrenal function, it can and was indeed found to have an antidepressant effect. While
further steps may be required to fully alleviate depressive states, magnesium s role in balancing
the body is vital and it has been proven to greatly enhance the effect of other nutrients
consumed and/or other steps undertaken.
Without sufficient magnesium one cannot keep the adrenals in balance, and a loss of this
balance can result in diabetes, hyper-excitability, nervousness, mental confusion and
difficulty coping with simple day-to-day problems. Depressed and suicidal people often
display inadequate levels of magnesium.

Diabetes
Insulin is the hormone which helps with the regulation of glucose (sugar) metabolism.
Magnesium has been found to improve insulin s response to dietary sugar, and improve
the action of insulin in regulating blood sugar levels. Magnesium deficiency seems to be
extremely common amongst diabetics, which makes it very important for them to supplement.
One of the reasons for this condition is the great amounts of magnesium lost through urine by
diabetics. Studies have shown that people with heightened magnesium levels were better
able to metabolize glucose. While magnesium will not by itself entirely normalize a major
disorder such as diabetes, it is still a vital nutrient for the diabetic. Lack of magnesium
can make diabetes worse, and produce a host of other unnecessary symptoms.

Fatigue
When we say energy, we usually mean the total energy produced by the body. Each cell
in the body is engaged in its own energy production process, and the total energy produced
by all our cells adds up to our total body energy. Magnesium plays a key role in the energy
process within each individual cell. When not enough magnesium is available, energy
production is inhibited, and the eventual outcome is fatigue and weakness.
Magnesium is vital for the maintenance of adequate energy levels. Magnesium also
helps in the storage of energy used by the cells. Without it you will again feel tired. This is
one of the causes of fatigue and chronic fatigue, and these will often clear up on taking the
magnesium drink. Magnesium (in the right amount and form) can provide vital help for
cases of chronic fatigue, as its presence in the body will make it possible for some basic
processes to properly occur, which will, in turn, enable the body to remedy other nutritional
imbalances. One of these key processes is the regulation of potassium. When magnesium
is lacking, potassium will be rapidly lost from the body, causing fatigue, heat exhaustion
and weakness.Without adequate magnesium available, the cells will be unable to breathe
properly and maintain the cycle of life, and, as a result, they will start weakening and
decaying, embarking upon a cycle of cellular death.
Moreover, considering the role played by the adrenal glands in the maintenance of proper
energy levels, along with the importance of magnesium in supporting the adrenal glands,
we can see at once that magnesium affects and regulates energy levels in more ways than
one. Always ensure sufficient magnesium intake occurs when attempting to repair energy
disorders.

Fibromyalgia
Fibromyalgia is common mostly amongst women. It is characterized by fatigue and
muscle pain throughout the body. It is sometimes accompanied by sleep disturbances,
headaches and other symptoms. Magnesium is the most important mineral needed by
people with fibromyalgia, and coupled with malic acid, it greatly helps in relieving this
condition. While most malic acid products come with magnesium, a water soluble
magnesium will often also be necessary for superior and more stable results.

Heart Attacks
Magnesium deficiency appears to be causing 215,000 fatal heart attacks in the U.S.
each year, and as many as 20,000,000 fatal heart attacks worldwide. Indeed, the cost
of magnesium ignorance is frequently fatal, and yet such ravaging results can be prevented.
The heart is a muscle. It follows the same rules as any other muscle, except the results are
more dramatic and life extinguishing. Calcium and magnesium control the heartbeat. Calcium
tenses the heart muscle; magnesium relaxes the heart muscle. The heart s pumping motion
is the alternating of this tensing and relaxing action. With a correct balance of calcium and
magnesium, the heart beats in a consistent manner. With a deficiency of magnesium the
heartbeat becomes inconsistent. It beats too fast or too slow or it races. This is a sign of
magnesium deficiency. Handle the deficiency and the heartbeat returns to normal. Nothing
else needs to be done. Just take magnesium. You don t have to know any more than that.
Racing heart, take magnesium. Heartbeat not normal, take magnesium.

Now we get to the serious part. A muscle can go into a spasm. It can go stiff and cramp.
The heart muscle can do the same. When it does, the spasm or cramp will cause the heart
to stop beating for a second, called a mild heart attack, or to tense up and lock causing the
heart to stop beating completely, resulting in death. Then we say the person died of natural
causes; he had a heart attack. No, he died of unnatural causes*ignorance and stupidity. He
died of a magnesium deficiency.

Any sign of heart trouble? Take magnesium.
There is always a long record of magnesium deficiency symptoms occurring before a heart
attack. To stress it again, without sufficient magnesium you will die, because your heart will
stop beating, and it will be called a heart attack. In America, heart attack is the number one
killer (cause of death), before strokes and even cancer. When a person dies from a heart
attack, never do they say, He died from a magnesium deficiency. The early signs of such
terminal extinction are racingheartbeats, or any unusual change in heartbeats, angina pains
and collapsing from exhaustion after heavy physical work or exercise, such as running a race
or playing football or basketball. Due to lack of magnesium, the heart muscle develops a
spasm or cramp and stops beating. This is because there is insufficient magnesium to
relax the heart for the next contraction.

Hiccups
Hiccups are the result of muscle spasms of the diaphragm and will disappear on taking
magnesium.

High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure (hypertension) this is the leading cause of stroke and a major cause
of heart attack. Consistently high blood pressure pushes the heart to work way past its
capacity. Besides the seriously elevated risk for heart attack and stroke, high blood
pressure can also damage the brain, eyes and kidneys. Many people with this condition
are not aware that they have it. Magnesium is needed by anyone with high blood pressure.
Half of all people with magnesium deficiency suffer from high blood pressure. This explains
why magnesium has proved to be so vital for this condition. Some people will need extra
nutritional support, but magnesium certainly remains a key nutrient for people with high
blood pressure and it will help to avoid further complications.

Hyperactivity and ADD
This condition is mostly caused by sugars and food additives. These stress the nervous
system and cause it to be hyper-excitable. This also affects attention span. Hyperactivity
and Attention Deficit Disorder can be dramatically corrected by eliminating refined sugar
products (sodas, candy, etc) and food additives. Since sugars and food additives can
potentially deplete magnesium from the body, magnesium deficiency was found to help a
percentage of those suffering from these conditions. Magnesium can relax the nervous
system, and reduce the hyper-excitability condition. Studies show that kids with magnesium
deficiency benefited greatly with ADD and hyperactivity.

Insomnia
This is one of the most common conditions today. Magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia
(inability to sleep), or make you wake up with muscle spasms or cramps or feeling tense and
uncomfortable. Magnesium can go a long way in relieving this restlessness, and make many
of the common sleep problems simply disappear. There are countless records on file attesting
to the effectiveness of the Natural Calm in relieving and resolving sleep disorders.

Irregular Heartbeat
Magnesium deficiency is the main cause of irregular heartbeat. If the heart beats more than
100 beats per minute (too fast) or less than 60 beats per minute (too slow), this is considered
an irregular heartbeat. Water-soluble magnesium has been found to act quickly in normalizing
and stopping irregular heartbeat. A daily intake of magnesium will act as a preventative.

Kidney Stones
Most common types of kidney stones are made of calcium and respond well to magnesium
especially the water-soluble form. This form of magnesium will help to dissolve the deposits,
and combined with B6 will help prevent the formation of new stones in the body.

Leg Cramps
Leg cramps are often caused by magnesium deficiency. Supplying the magnesium will help.

Migraines
Migraine headaches afflict millions of Americans. Women especially are prone to this condition.
These headaches most often occur during the menstrual period, but can also happen at other
times. Here again, magnesium comes to the rescue. Magnesium supplementation is key, as
low magnesium levels do cause migraines or make them worse. Taking magnesium can bring
extended relief in many cases, although it seems that it may work even better for prevention.
Consequently, maintaining proper magnesium levels on a regular basis is essential in preventing
or reducing the frequency and severity of migraine headaches. This, of course, is not limited only
to menstrual migraines.

Migraine and Cluster Headaches
Magnesium supplementation was found to reduce the frequency, intensity and length of migraines
or headaches in many studies. In some of them, the relief was complete. One reason for its effect is
by controlling excess calcium levels, which are a source of chronic headaches for some individuals.

Muscle Function & Disorders
Muscles also need both calcium and magnesium to function. Calcium tenses the muscles;
magnesium relaxes the muscles. Close your fist and clench it tight: that is calcium which permits
the tensing of the muscle. Now open and relax your fist: that is magnesium which permits the
relaxing of the muscle. All muscle action is that of tensing and relaxing and of gradients in
between each extreme.
Therefore, tense, tight muscles tell you what? That s right, there is a magnesium deficiency.
There is not enough magnesium in the system to cause the tense muscles to relax. Supply the
needed magnesium and the muscle will function as it should. It will stay relaxed until it needs
to function again.
Muscle spasms, muscle cramps, muscle jerks, muscle tics, eye tics and hiccups are all
caused by a magnesium deficiency. Take sufficient water-soluble magnesium and they will
disappear. It is not calcium that handles these difficulties, it is magnesium. Calcium is causing
the difficulties. Have you ever known anyone with tense back muscles? Probably their back was
continually aching and in pain, because the tense muscles will pull the bones out of place. Handle
the magnesium deficiency and the muscles will relax, the bones will go back into place and the pain
will disappear.

Nervousness & Nervous System Disorders
Magnesium is essential for the proper functioning of the nervous system. Without sufficient
magnesium the nerve cells cannot give or receive messages and become excitable and highly
reactive. This causes the person to become extremely sensitive and nervous. Lights can appear
to be too bright. Noises will seem excessively loud and the person will jump at sudden sounds like
a door slamming and will generally be on edge. Even slight noises can seem loud.
Nervousness is often caused only by a deficiency of magnesium. Handle the deficiency and in
many cases the nervousness will disappear.

Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a condition marked by severely reduced density of the bones. It affects mostly
women. The bones become fragile and break down more easily than they develop. Osteoporosis
is not a problem of getting insufficient calcium but of losing the calcium you have. Unquestionably,
magnesium is far more important than calcium in preventing osteoporosis. It is magnesium which
prevents calcium from being excreted, and helps its utilization by the body. Calcium would be entirely
useless without sufficient magnesium. The colossal consumption of dietary and supplemental calcium
has not reduced the rising incidence of osteoporosis in this country, regardless of the huge calcium
campaign. A recent survey revealed that milk drinkers were found to have more bone fragility and not
as otherwise promoted. Maintaining normal hormonal levels (such as with a natural progesterone cream)
and the avoidance of sugars, soft drinks, caffeine and smoking are also vital in preventing osteoporosis.
Magnesium helps prevent bone loss, and preserve the existing calcium. It is essential for high bone
density and the prevention of osteoporosis.

Physical Exhaustion
The person who collapses from physical exhaustion after a day of hard, continuous physical work
has a magnesium deficiency. Of course, he or she may have other deficiencies as well. What about
the person who collapses at the end of a race*he crosses the finish line and falls down? Well, what
caused that to occur? Right, it was a magnesium deficiency. Do you see how simple it is? Does it
work? Try it for yourself. Why not handle the magnesium deficiency before it happens and keep the
heart beating? It s not complicated. It s simple.

PMS
PMS (premenstrual syndrome) is largely a magnesium deficiency. Instant relief can be obtained by
taking magnesium. Too much calcium and not enough magnesium cause PMS. These result in
premature aging brought about by the calcification of the female body parts. Taking magnesium in
a water-soluble form will totally reverse this condition. The magnesium will gradually dissolve the
solidified calcium and help to assimilate it or to expel it from the body if the calcium is not needed.
Vitamin B6 (the active form) is also recommended for PMS.

Pregnancy-related Symptoms
Contractions occurring too early in pregnancy, weeks or months before the due date, are caused
by a magnesium deficiency and the presence of too much calcium. Taking the water-soluble
magnesium will relax the muscles and stop the contractions, and the pregnancy will continue
as normal until the due date. If the mother is deficient in magnesium, the baby will be deficient
as well. This can be dangerous for the baby, and even fatal. A magnesium deficiency in infants
an cause crib deaths or SIDS (sudden infant death syndrome). The heart stops beating. Why?
The answer is too much calcium, not enough magnesium. So make sure both mother and baby
are on water-soluble magnesium.

Premature Aging
By reversing calcification of body organs, magnesium is capable of slowing down aging, thereby
making you feel younger. Magnesium will not only correct PMS and prevent accelerated aging,
it could also energize you and make you lose weight; both are natural signs of younger age.
When magnesium is lacking, the entire body can become calcified. This is aging. It all starts
with the individual cell. First the cell ages; this leads to organ aging, and this, in turn, leads to
aging of the entire body.
The calcification process starts slowly and innocently, and gradually builds up over the decades.
Practically no soft tissue in your body is immune to calcification, including your various glands.
This process can begin in childhood, and sadly, in many cases, children start to display too
high cellular calcium levels. For a lot of people, a high calcium diet combined with low
magnesium amounts to "cellular suicide."
So, make sure you take enough magnesium to maintain proper levels in the body and avoid
any potential imbalance or danger from calcium dominance.

Senility
Senility calcification of the brain tissues will cause senility. Alzheimer s disease is also a
symptom of brain calcification. Water-soluble magnesium will be an essential supplements
in both cases.

Sleep
Natural Calm is a true breakthrough in the field of sleep and relaxation. It greatly exceeds the
common traditional supplements such as melatonin, calcium etc. It produces, in fact, results,
which are more consistent than any sleep supplement we have seen around.

The most surprising fact of all was that most of those consuming magnesium supplements were
STILL found magnesium deficient, which fully explained their ever-persisting sleep difficulties.
The use of usual sleep supplements did NOT seem to handle the deficiency in magnesium.
To add to the mystery, one can use magnesium supplements for years and STILL be deficient
in magnesium, and STILL experience sleep difficulties (amongst many other symptoms),
wondering why nothing else seems to work!
Too much dietary calcium will create a magnesium deficiency which is one of the reasons.
Environmental stresses which deplete magnesium reserves & increase the need for dietary
magnesium are another reason.

Stress
Magnesium and stress are closely linked. Stress depletes magnesium; magnesium counteracts
stress.When magnesium levels are low, the nervous system gets out of balance and the muscles
grow tight.This can also lead to elevated mental stress. At the same time, any stress, whether
mental or physical, will deplete magnesium. Magnesium gained its name as nature's anti-stress
mineral due to its helpfulness in combating internal stress and in the restoration of inner balance.
As expected, stress conditions involve extra nutrients and support, and require as well a
good-quality protein, the avoidance of sugar, and of course focusing on diversionary activities,
and should include addressing any mental factors that may be underlying the stress.
The Explanation? Too much dietary calcium will create a magnesium deficiency.

The Solution
Take: Water Soluble Magnesium Citrate (205 mg) works even in cases of highly impaired digestion.

posted 02-24-2002 06:35 PM            

Actually, if you are facing surgery and take any supplements, it is wise to check with your doctor in advance to see what his/her recommendations are in regards to those supplements.

Blessings!
Sara

posted 03-15-2002 01:39 PM            

They will do some pre-op tests a couple days before the surgery (complete blood panel, EKG, pregnancy test). The day of the surgery, they may allow you to walk into the operating room (I did). You will only lose about a teaspoon of blood during the procedure, so there's no need to donate your own blood pre-surgery because there's no risk of needing an emergency transfusion.

Tell your surgeon about all supplements you are taking and ask if they feel you should continue or stop at a particular point in the next few days. If you have a nutritionist/herbalist, speak with them as well.

The procedure itself typically takes two-four hours. It would take less time, but they pause before closing while your nodule(s) and/or thyroid are examined under a microscope for abnormal cells. This pathology is called a frozen section biopsy. They do this frozen section for each lobe separately (they did with me), so it could extend the surgery time. After the surgery is complete, they will do a full dissection of your thyroid gland to be sure there are no abnormal cells. The pathology report for this will be complete in about two weeks after the surgery.

Be aware that there is a slight chance that the frozen section biopsy will appear clean, yet abnormal cells may still be found after the total dissection is complete in a couple of weeks. This follow-up diagnosis of malignancy can happen because the frozen section is a quick look at one specific area of the removed tissue. If there are very few abnormal cells or if they're in an isolated area, they may not be discovered until the full dissection is complete. In these rare instances, a second surgery may be required (if you had only a partial thyroidectomy) to remove the remaining tissue.

Following surgery, you'll be in recovery (semi-conscious) for a couple of hours, and then you're typically in the hospital 1-2 days. You may have some nausea as the anesthesia wears off. The healing time at home can be as long as one-two weeks before returning to normal activity.

Everyone reacts to theses things differently, but I was pretty fortunate. I only let them keep me overnight in the hospital (and would have left the same day if I could). And I returned to work in 3 days, although this is NOT recommended by the docs. I was just bored at home.

You will notice that the skin of your neck is numb. The nerves that were cut during the incision will regenerate and the sensation will return to normal in a few weeks. There is some neck pain (like a dull ache) and swelling, but I only took regular tylenol for it. Your doctor may give you something stronger to ease your comfort. You can also put ice on your neck to keep the swelling down. It may feel like you have a sore throat, so drink lots of liquids and speak as little as possible the first couple days. The stitches are removed in a week (once they start itching), and your comfort level increases substantially after they're gone.

A "soft food" diet may be recommended, and is only necessary while you have feelings of a sore throat. It is up to you when you feel up to having foods with more texture.

Be prepared for some discomfort when driving, especially during that quick turn of the head before changing lanes. You may want to make other transportation arrangements for a couple of weeks after the stitches are removed.

I kept gauze (loosely attached on the sides with some surgical tape) or a 1/2 bandage loosely over my scar and covered lightly with a scarf to hold it in place so I minimized things from randomly brushing against the wound. Some folks are extra sensitive and don't want anything touching the wound, but I found it helpful to keep the pain minimal and to keep people from asking about it. And I also covered it with gauze at night so it wouldn't hurt if I turned in my sleep.

Also, after the stitches were removed, I was packing the wound with Vitamin E oil and some herbs that help reduce scars, so I needed the gauze to keep my clothes clean. The docs need it clean for observation, so you may want to limit yourself to only Vitamin E until your re-checks are complete. Then, if you want, but some Golden Seal capsules and Slippery Elm capsules. Open one of each and mix the powders together. You can apply this "people paste" to any open wound or burn that has been lightly moistened. (I use Vitamin E or Arnica cream/ointment for moistening.) The paste helps heal from the inside out, so you'll notice the skin healing beneath the wound before the surface heals. And scars are much reduced.

The incision/scar will get a bit puffy over the next six-eight weeks, and you may bruise a little. The puffiness will reduce in size as you heal. Once the incision is completely closed, you may break up the scar tissue formation by kneading and twiddling the scar (rub between your fingers in every direction you can manage for as long as you can take it). This is a bit painful, but I did it for about 10 months or so and my scar did not keloid and is now completely flat.

Homeopathy was extremely helpful to me, and it minimized my reaction to the anesthesia as well as my bruising and discomfort. I healed extremely fast, and now have a thin "smile" scar at the base of my neck that looks like a normal crease. If you are willing to use homepathic remedies, I've posted instructions on Page 1 of this Information Archive:

Look for my post of 9/10/01. You should start the Arnica Montana 1-2 days before your surgery for best results. It will definitely help with the bruising and swelling. Arnica cream or ointment during the healing process will also help with the bruising.

If they remove the full gland, you will have to be on thyroid meds for the rest of your life. If they remove your parathyroid(s), you may also have to start taking Calcium every day. Sometimes (even when they're not removed) the parathyroids are traumatized from the surgery, and your blood calcium levels drop a bit. So, they may have you taking Calcium supplements even if they leave the parathyroids intact.

Your doctor may or may not recommend RAI (radioactive iodine) ablation a few months after surgery as a follow-up treatment. This painless procedure may not be necessary if you do not have abnormal cells. The reason for it is to kill off any remaining thyroid tissue so that it's easier to treat you with thyroid meds. (That way the meds aren't conflicting with active tissue in your body, and you can be regulated easier.)

posted 03-16-2002 02:05 PM            

I Can't say I know everything, and I have not been tested for adrenals, myself. My doctor is going by symptoms. Here is what I know. The blood tests that could be run are:

Morning Cortisol. This measures your cortisol level at the point in the day when it SHOULD be highest. Even though you may get a normal reading on this, doesn't mean you are normal all day long. Also, if you had a particularly stressful drive to the doctor's office or had caffeine within several hours of the test, it could be inaccurate.

ACTH Stim Test. This starts with a morning cortisol as a baseline and then you are injected with a measured amount of ACTH, which tells you adrenals to produce lots of cortisol. Your cortisol is then measured 30 minutes later and one hour later to see how well your adrenals responded. Since this measures how well your adrenals respond to stress, it can be a good indicator of adrenal fatigue if interpreted properly. This is the test that the author of From Fatigued to Fantastic recommends. Teitlebaum suggests cortisol treatment with the following results: baseline of <=12 or half hour increases of < 7 or 1 hour increase <11 with a 1 hour cortisol level <28.

Non blood tests:

An all-day Urine takes an average reading of the day and may come out "normal" especially in cases of mild adrenal fatigue or erratic production of cortisol. I don't recommend this test.

Saliva based Adrenal Stress Tests take samples throughout the day can be a good indicator of adrenal response throughout the day. Since these tests is done at home or in your normal environment and then mailed in, you don't get the problem of being stressed over the dr. visit, and since several samples are taken throughout the day, you get a picture of how your levels vary. For example, "normal" is higher in the morning and diminshing throughout the day. You might have lower levels in the morning that climb in the afternoon and peak at midnight. This is a problem indicating that your are likely a night owl and don't handle things well in the morning and would liekly benefit from some adrenal support. That's just one example.

Symptoms that are indicators of adrenal fatigue. Based on Teitlebaum's criteria, if you have three or more of these, you likely have adrenal fatigue and he suggests treatment with low doses of cortisol: sugar craving, shakiness relieved by eating, dizziness (especially when you first stand up), moodiness, recurrent infections that persist longer than expected, high stress at the onset of illness, or low blood pressure.

Hope this helps!

posted 04-05-2002 03:55 AM            

Copy of my real letter:

To ... ......, MD
Endocrinology
Fax # (...) ... ....

From name
address
Phone number

Date

Dear Doctor .........,
HELP!
I had my TSH retested, June 14, ...., because I have increasingly been very tired, not wanting to wake up or get off a chair, and have been forgetting appointments due to mental fog.
I thought my TSH may have risen, and it had, to 1.38.
While my TSH may read low, I was feeling my best and losing weight at TSH .34, and now I am not losing and I am fatigued for no apparent reason.

I would like to try a higher dose again, as I again can barely push my self forward.
Right now my dose is Levoxyl 137 mcg.

I have been taking the thyroid med with water, in the morning, an hour before eating or drinking.
I had corrected my constipation with 200 mg. magnesium, nightly, which is not helping so much anymore. My feet are cool even in this heat. I am not otherwise ill.
I was first DXed with severe Fibromyalgia symptoms at TSH 2, and was disabled from it for several years as my TSH climbed to 5.6.
That all went away when I was at TSH .34.

Besides the thyroid med, I daily take 5 mg daily of Tri-Est FHT, about 12 hours apart from the thyroid med. I also take B complex, A-8000mg, E -400mg, C-500mg, 200mg selenium.

I hope you will permit an increase in thyroid med again, as it really seems the current dose is insufficient for me, personally. Please have the nurse leave a message if I am not available.
My drug store is .... ..... , (...) ...-....

Thanks very much!
name...... .......
include any insurance number
birthdate

posted 04-08-2002 02:08 AM            

Thyrolar: (all in mcg)
1/4 grain = 3.1 T3 + 12.5 T4 = T4 equivalency of 24.9 mcg
1/2 grain = 6.25 T3 + 25 T4 = T4 equivalency of 50 mcg
3/4 grain = 9.375 T3 + 37.5 T4 = T4 equivalency of 75 mcg
1 grain = 12.5 T3 + 50 T4 = T4 equivalency of 100 mcg
1 1/2 grains = 18.75 T3 + 75 T4 = T4 equivalency of 150 mcg
1 3/4 grains = 21.88 T3 + 88 T4 = T4 equivalency of 175.52 mcg
2 grains = 25 T3 + 100 T4 = T4 equivalency of 200 mcg
and so on

Armour: (all in mcg)
1/4 grain = 15mg = 2.25 T3 + 9.5 T4 = T4 equivilency of 18.5 mcg
1/2 grain = 30mg = 4.5 T3 + 19 T4 = T4 equivilency of 37 mcg
3/4 grain = 45mg = 6.75 T3 + 28.5 T4 = T4 equivilency of 55.5 mcg
1 grain = 60mg = 9 T3 + 38 T4 = T4 equivilency of 74 mcg
1 1/2 grains = 90mg = 13.5 T3 + 57 T4 = T4 equivilency of 111 mcg
2 grains = 120mg = 18 T3 = 76 T4 = T4 equivilency of 148 mcg
and so on...

posted 04-11-2002 08:36 PM            

A TRH test may be indicated if secondary hypothyroidism is suspected. Some patients may have low levels of circulating thyroid hormones and secondary hypothyroidism as a result of damage to the hypothalamic or pituitary control mechanisms that regulate thyroid function. The hypothalamus makes a small hormone called TRH that directs the synthesis and secretion of TSH from the pituitary gland. If these normal regulatory mechanisms are interrupted, the pituitary may not be able to produce appropriate levels of TSH and levels of thyroid hormones may decline, although the TSH remains appropriately normal.

The TRH test involves administration of a small amount of TRH intravenously, following which levels of TSH will be measured at several subsequent time points using samples of blood taken from a peripheral vein. Patients with normal function of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA) respond by increasing the levels of TSH following TRH injection. Patients with compromised HPA function may exhibit a delayed, blunted, or absent response to TRH administration.

posted 05-01-2002 06:21 PM            

You will be told to avoid iodine in your diet (salt, fish, seaweed, etc.) for a few days to a week before the RAI. The idea is to make any residual thyroid tissue hungry for iodine so that it absorbs as much of the RAI as possible. You will also need to be off of all thyroid medications for the same reason.

There are different approaches, depending upon your diagnosis. Many doctors will put you on Cytomel or some other form of T3 medication while you heal following your surgery and before the RAI. T3 meds are also known as "fast-acting" thyroid medication because it is quickly integrated by the body and is also quick to be metabolized.

Alternatively, Synthroid and other T4-only meds break down to T3, T2, T1, etc. as the body uses it. It takes 4-6 weeks for the body to balance after a dosage change of T4, but since Cytomel/T3 is already a breakdown product of T4 you don't have this waiting period.

So...they put you on Cytomel for a month or so before the RAI so you're not too hypo. Then they take you off the Cytomel for a week or so prior to the RAI to minimize the length of time you'll be uncomfortable. But, again, it depends on your diagnosis.

The weeks of hypothyroidism were uncomfortable, but at least they were temporary. Here's a short list of what I experienced:

Headache
Fibromyalgia-type pain including
- Body and Muscle Ache (mostly my back)
- Sore Legs
- Difficulty Walking (it got to where I could only shuffle along at one point)
Carpal Tunnel-type pain in hands and arms
Difficulty concentrating
Feeling cold all the time
Irritable moods
Constipation
Fatigue and feeling lethargic
Puffy, swollen face
Lack of coordination/vertigo
Palpitations

The good news is that I found Acupuncture to be a tremendous, immediate relief for the body ache/carpal tunnel/fibromyalgia pain. I was still able to work and function normally, but I tried not to push myself too much. Since I live in New York, I didn't have to drive anywhere, but the subway stairs took on a new meaning.

Your dosage will vary, depending upon whether the RAI treatment is for hyperthyroidism or for post-surgery thyroid cancer. For post-surgery RAI treatment, you are typically hospitalized for 1-2 days, but it depends on how low they want your radiation levels to be before you return home. I don't have children so, for me, it was an overnight hospitalization. Depending on how young your children are, they may have you stay longer.

Depending upon your dosage, you may experience some nausea. But keep drinking water and you will flush away the RAI quickly and return to feeling normal.

VERY IMPORTANT Bring sour, long-lasting hard candies (such as sour balls or lemon drops). You should eat these candies for at least the first 24 hours after receiving your radiation dose. Sour candy keeps the salivary glands productive, and you want to keep the radiation from settling in those glands.

I brought a laptop computer, a book, a really big hot/cold mug, and a water filter pitcher and electric kettle with instant soups and teas and snacks (nuts, dried fruit, etc.) that I like. (I brought the water filter pitcher because I remembered from surgery that the hospital tap water tasted funny.) I also brought comfy sweats so I didn't have to wear hospital gowns. I suggest bringing socks, comfy pajamas or a long-sleeve shirt/sweatshirt and sweatpants because the radiation can sometimes make you cold. A watch or travel clock is a good idea, too, so you can keep it by your bedside.

You can bring any food or clothing you want with you, but don't plan to take it home. The nurses will visit you intermittently to bring food and check your levels, but you're generally on your own. Hopefully, your room will have a window (mine did) so it doesn't really feel isolating.

They place lead shields around your bed (sort of like bedrails, except not attached), and you'll have to walk to and from the bathroom along a paper runner like a bride. They will ask you to sit when urinating and to flush the toilet twice. They were not happy about my bringing the electric kettle but they pretended not to know it was there. It was extremely helpful for me because I was able to drink gallons and gallons of water and soups without having to call for assistance.

When you go home, you'll be told not to get too close to children and not to let pets sleep on you for about a week. (They give you a list of instructions.) I slept in a separate room from my husband. Clothes that I wore in the hospital and at home, plus sheets etc. had to be soaked and washed several times before they could be placed with other clothing.

Then you usually stay hypo for a short time longer as they tend to do a follow-up thyroid scan within a few days of your hospital release. (You're already radioactive, so they just have to do the test.)

It passes quickly, I promise.

posted 05-13-2002 01:56 PM            

Symptoms of thyroid disease are subtle (particularly when looked at individually instead of as a group). To make things worse, modern culture has taught us to view many of these symptoms as "unimportant" and, worse, psychosomatic. Because of this, it is easiest to receive good medical treatment by preparing for that doctor's visit.

Before your doctor's appointment, compile as much information as you can. At a minimum, this should include:

1) A list of your symptoms and how they've changed over time

2) The medications and any supplements or herbs you are taking (and when you started taking them)

3) How your body reacts to various medicines, supplements, foods, etc.

4) Copies of any blood or other tests you have had completed

You may want to compile this information in a notebook and keep it current for future visits. It will give you something to refer to -- if you have a recurrence of symptoms, you will be able to look back to what your blood levels were at the time, or even read notes to yourself about how you resolved the problem the last time it occurred.

Review all pages of this Information Archive thread. It includes a Symptoms Checklist that you can print out and present to your doctor (1/5/01 for the Hypo symptoms, 5/6/01 for Hyper symptoms), links about Hashimoto's and other forms of thyroiditis (7/28/01), a link about smoking and thyroid (8/1/01), a Q&A to use to interview potential new doctors (11/2/01), 2 posts about antithyroid antibodies and selenium (2/12/02), and a ton of other useful things.

Write out a list of questions for your doctor. At a minimum, ask the following:

1) The proposed approach to treating you

2) What you should expect

3) When you should see some results

4) What course of treatment may be suggested if the initial efforts don't work (combining T4 and T3 meds, switching you to a different type of medicine such as Armour or Naturethroid, etc.).

5) Supplements you should consider taking (Vitamin B-complex, Selenium, Calcium/Magnesium/Vitamin D, Antioxidants such as Vitamins C and E, etc.)

Stay persistent. Ask for copies of all test results to keep in your notebook. You will get better by becoming your own advocate.