1. How many American may be affected by thyroid disease?
- a) 1 in 70
- b) 1 in 20
- c) 1 in 5
2. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is______________.
- a) The most common thyroid disease in the U.S.
- b) The first recognized autoimmune condition
- c) Both a and b
3. What is usually the first sign of hypothyroidism?
- a) Anemia
- b) Thinning hair
- c) Dry skin
4. Twenty per-cent (20%) of the thyroid hormone T4 is converted to T3 in the gut.
- a) True
- b) False
5. Dysbiosis can cause a lack of ___________, affecting the gut’s conversion of T4 to T3.
- a) Intestinal sulfatase
- b) Gluten
- c) Food allergens
ANSWERS:
1. c -The United States is seeing the number of new thyroid cases increasing and possibly affecting up to 1 in 5 people. Thyroid cancer cases have doubled since 1990 according to the American Cancer Society.
2. c – It is estimated that 90% of thyroid problems in the U.S. are caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the first recognized autoimmune condition. Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, also known as lymphocytic thyroidits, was reported by Dr. Hakaru Hashimoto in 1912. The symptoms of this disease can fluctuate between those associated with hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. The reason for this fluctuation is that when the immune system is actively attacking the thyroid gland, the destroyed thyroid tissue will release thyroxine into the blood stream in greater amounts. This leads to symptoms of hyperthyroidism – inability to gain weight, racing heart, and feelings of anxiousness, for example. When the attack subsides, there is less functioning thyroid gland and therefore less-than-normal amounts of thyroid hormone. This causes hypothyroidism symptoms – feeling sluggish, brain fog, gaining weight even when dieting and exercising.
Another important point to be made about this autoimmune thyroid disorder is that the immune system may not stop at just attacking the thyroid gland. Other organs, especially the brain (cerebellum) and the pancreas, are also at risk. It’s vital to diagnose and treat this condition as early and as completely as possible.
3. a – Anemia is typically the first sign of hypothyroidism. Anemia is diagnosed in 20-60% of patients with hypothyroidism. There are three different ways in which hypothyroidism can cause anemia:
- Low stomach acid (Hypochlohydria)
- Autoimmune destruction of intrinsic factor (IF) in the stomach lining
- Excessive menstrual bleeding
4.a – Twenty per-cent (20%) of T3 is converted from T4 in the gut. If the gut has become dysfunctional and inflamed, this conversion is interrupted and less T3 is available for use by the body. Gut (intestinal) health is essential for a normal metabolism. When the intestines are inflamed and affected by parasites and/or infections, thyroid hormone levels will be decreased.
5. a – Intestinal sulfatase. Thyroid hormones, T3S and T3AC, are inactive until they enter into the gastrointestinal tract and are acted upon by intestinal sulfatase. If there is an adequate amount of intestinal sulfatase, normal conversion of T3S and T3AC into T3 will occur. Intestinal sulfatase activity is reliant on a healthy gut microflora.