The thyroid is a small gland found in front of the neck right below the larynx, or adam’s apple. The function of the thyroid has to do with any bodily functions involving speed or rate. Some examples are thyroid influence on metabolism, heart rate, respiration rate, peristalsis (movement of food through digestive system), and body temperature. The thyroid can influence the function of the heart, brain, lungs, liver, kidneys, digestive system, and skin. The thyroid is influenced by the stimulation of the HPA Axis (The interaction between Hypothalamus and the Pituitary and Adrenal glands). The hypothalamus, located in the brain under the thalamus, secretes Thyrotropin Releasing Hormone (TRH) which stimulates the pituitary gland. This gland secretes Thyroid Stimulation Hormone (TSH), which in turn stimulates the thyroid to produce T4 (thyroxine) which then travels to the liver to be converted to T3 (triiodothyronine). Some T4 – T3 conversion occurs in the kidneys. Thyroid peroxidase (TPO) is an enzyme required to help for T4 and T3. Evaluation of the function of the thyroid via blood lab should always include checking the TSH, T4, T3 TPO. Without these tests, a full evaluation of the thyroid is impossible in order to treat any issues. When the thyroid becomes diseased, it’s function decreases (hypothyroidism), or increases, (hyperthyroidism). Hashimoto disease is an example of hypothyroidism as an autoimmune disease, and Graves’ disease an example of a hyperthyroidism autoimmune disease. Dysfunction of the thyroid can also occur without being an autoimmune response. Some Signs and Symptoms of Thyroid Conditions Fatigue Loss of outer 1/3 of eyebrows Constipation Weight gain or loss Depression Cold hands or feet Memory loss Low body temperature Trouble concentrating Loss or thinning of hair Blood pressure changes Dry skin If you have some of these symptoms or know that your lab values are off, please call for an appointment for a complete functional analysis of your thyroid so that we can provide proper treatment. Yours in health Dr. Don T. Henderson, DC,CCSP 615-371-1091 x13
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The USA is a powerful country in regards to finance, science, military strength, and technology. We rank in the top 5 in the world for all of these areas. These are areas we would want to be ranked number 1 in the world, but where do we rank in world health? A powerful country like ours one would think we rank at least in top 3 in the world, but we are definitely not. The latest world health ranking rates the USA as 16th in world health. How can this be?
Here are some statistics to ponder: Pharmageddon: -70-80% of Americans take at least one prescribed medication -USA has less than 5% of the world’s population, but we consume 52% of the world’s drugs and 80% of the world’s pain medication. -The American population consumes 71% of the world’s prescriptions written for depression and anxiety. -In the past 20 years, prescriptions filled by adults and children has increased by 85% while the total population in the USA has only increased by 21%. We are a sick nation. Cancer statistics: -40% of all women between ages 40-50 years old have microscopic breast tumors. -1 in 2 men, and 1 in 2.4 women will develop cancer in their lifetime. -1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer -50% of men 50-60 years old have microscopic prostate tumors. -100% of all people over age 70 have microscopic thyroid cancer tumors. -The fastest growing cancers are found in those under age 35. Just a few reasons for these statistics: -Environmental/ toxic exposure -Side effects from drugs because our liver can’t detoxify them -Poor nutrition -Lack of exercise -Weak microbiome -Broad use of antibiotics Functional medicine is about prevention; it is about treating a person before he gets sick. If a patient comes to the office is a sick state, the focus is on getting to and treating the root cause of the problem instead of just treating the symptoms. Drugs can be necessary in some instances, but not all. The body is a remarkable structure and machine. If given a chance if can take care of itself. So let that be your goal! Do your best to maintain a healthy, functional body. We are now doing DNA testing through AncestryDNA to analyze your raw data in order to treat and improve your health! Please call the office at 615-371-1091 x13 to set up appointment or if you have any questions. Have you ever wondered what the numbers on the stickers on fruit and vegetables mean? These numbers are the PLUs or price lookup codes that are used by the cashiers to ring up those items. They are not random numbers; they actually have meaning. What do they stand for?
A five digit number that begin with 9 means that the item is organic. A four digit number that begins with a 3 or 4 means the produce is probably conventionally grown. For example, lemons grown in the US labeled 4033 are conventionally grown, have good nutrients, but also come with a host of chemicals. Lemons coded 94033 are organically grown, and do not have the chemicals that the conventionally grown ones have. A five digit code that begins with the number 8 means the item is genetically modified (GMO) and have genes from other organisms. These sticker codes are not as common because PLUs are not mandated by any governing body, or companies may label these as conventional. Also, genetically modified corn, soybeans, canola, cotton, papaya, and squash are now widely sold in the US. Once you understand the codes, you can look at that little label (PLU) and know whether the produce you are about to purchase was treated with pesticides, genetically modified, both, or neither. Food quality is imperative and in prevention of disease. \\Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine supplement, is a nutrient that is important for good overall health and strong, healthy bones. It also plays an important role in making sure your muscles, lungs, heart, and brain work properly and helps with fighting infection. Vitamin D can come from sunlight, supplements, and a small amount from the foods you eat. Many people are deficient in Vitamin D, which could negatively affect their health. Why the deficiencies? Why should we supplement? What are the physiological effects if we don’t have a good level of Vitamin D?
Did you know that on a sunny day, if you are outside in shorts and a tee shirt for 30 minutes, you can get 50,000 units (1-25 OHD3) of the active form of Vitamin D? This is because the 7-dehydrocholesteral in your skin is exposed to UVB light from the sun. This converts to 25-OHD3 (25-hydroxy vitamin D) as an inactive form. Then the kidneys convert this to the active form 1, 25 dehydroxy vitamin D. According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control) , 32% of children and adults are deficient in Vitamin D. National Health and Nutrition Exam Survey showed children 1-5 years old are 50% deficient and 6-11 years old are 70% deficient. Life Extension Foundation conducted an analysis of 13,000 blood tests of Vitamin D supplement users in 2009 and found 85.7% had insufficient levels. These users were taking 600iu/day of vitamin D. Blood levels were below 50mg/ml, which is the minimum protective level. The threshold level should be 60-70 mg/ml. Why do we have such low levels of Vitamin D? Low stomach acid Surgical removal of small intestine Sunscreen use Lack of absorption due to lack of enzyme expression Simply not enough food or supplements with vitamin D Physiological effects and why we need Vitamin D Stimulate immune system response Increase microbial activity to enhance immune response Helps increase red blood cells Increase insulin receptors and insulin secretion Increase absorption of calcium and phosphates Increase osteoblast production for bone formation Decrease left ventricle hypertrophy in heart Decrease inflammation Vitamin D supplement should always be taken with Vitamin K2 to prevent hypercalcemia (increased calcium in blood). Vitamin K2 pulls calcium out of arteries, joints and kidneys and directs calcium into bone. Vitamin D levels should be tested once a year. If you don’t have the proper levels, find out why. Call Dr. Henderson’s office to have it checked. 615-371-1091 Hippocrates said long ago: “All disease begins in the gut.”
Dr. Henderson’s favorite saying: “Healthy gut, healthy body.” Why? The gut contains over 100 million nerve cells, produces over 95% of all serotonin, and houses 70-80% of immune system. It is the first line of defense to all conditions, from allergies to cancer. What is Intestinal Hyperpermeability? Intestinal hyperpermeability is commonly known as Leaky Gut. The small intestinal wall is made up of one cell layer. Digested food particles and nutrients will pass through the one cell layer or between the cells at the “tight junction”. These tight junctions will open and close depending on if food particles need to pass through. So, tight junctions provide a gate as well as a fence to keep molecules in or let them out. Intestinal hyperpermeability, or Leaky Gut, occurs when tight junctions open and stay open in the small intestine. When tight junctions open, too many undigested food particles, bacteria, viruses, yeast, etc. escape the small intestine, which results in an immune response. Is it common? Yes Many of the signs and symptoms of Intestinal Hyperpermeability, or Leaky Gut, are often written off as something other than leaky gut. Signs and Symptoms (Just to name a few) Bloating Fatigue Food sensitivities Constipation Joint aches Tachycardia Diarrhea Acne Asthma Intestinal disorder Hormonal disturbance Blood sugar issues PMS Insomnia Hypertension Head ache Depression The end result of Intestinal Hyperpermeability/ Leaky Gut is inflammation. Inflammation is what can lead to the signs and symptoms above. If you have any of these symptoms, give us a call so we can help! Yours in Health, Dr. Donald T. Henderson, DC, CCSP |
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