My story, my cure... - Page 6

[tanyalynn]

Originally Posted by Snow Cherries

I don't mean to threadjack, but how do you all know whether or not your body is properly processing all these various metals and toxins? How could one test for those levels?

You get sick and messed up and realize your kid's banging his head on the wall isn't normal and you luck into a good healthcare provider!

I amuse myself, sorry.

I had the help of a HCP who recognized that my progression of health problems, which for the most part hadn't been severe or debilitating (with meds, at times) were classic ways in which mercury messes with a person.

For me, in particular: enviro allergies, anxiety, intermittent depression, hypothyroid, adrenal fatigue (severe at this point, it had been slowly getting worse for about 2 decades).

I personally think Andy Cutler's use of hair tests specifically from Doctor's Data is the best, least invasive way to see, barring a clear health story. I actually didn't test myself early on because so many pieces just fell into place, I just tested my daughter later to make sure we didn't have anything else weird, like copper or lead, going on.

Andy Cutler wrote a book called Amalgam Illness, well, you can check out his website for more...
http://noamalgam.com/

I put a bit of a description and some discussion over in another thread, start at post 582...
http://mothering.com/discussions/sho...435848&page=30

The reason Cutler's approach for hair tests is important is that the majority of people with mercury issues will have quite low, sometimes undetectable, levels of mercury in their hair tests, but if you look at enough of the regular minerals (cal, mag, selenium, iodine, boron, etc) you'll see certain patterns that are not normal in the general population but are normal for people with mercury issues. Low hair mercury (I had a silly Greenpeace hair test done before my daughter was born, undetectable mercury was the result) doesn't mean anything.

[sprouthead]

pat- I'm interested in supping with kelp.. I saw that you add it to your shakes? I've been making my family's kefir into green smoothies... i think adding kelp would be an easy way to get some iodine into our diet, as i'm sure right now there's none.. i haven't read through the links you've posted, but is there one that addresses an easy way to add kelp? like, can i just buy powdered kelp or something and add a certain amount to our smoothies? we do a lot of soups and chilis, too, so i could probably add more there if i had to...

thanks!

[WuWei]

I add the kelp to tomato juice, per JR's suggestion. I tried adding it to our green smoothie, it absorbs a lot of moisture and the kelp itself becomes thick, sludgy, yucky, imo. And there is a slight amount of salty flavor. Some say fishy. When I mix it with tomato juice, I drink it quickly before it gets thickened. It just tastes like tomato juice.

For kids, I'm still experimenting. I believe soup will be the best bet. With some avocado to cream up the texture probably. I'm going to add it to lentils also. I include garlic and onion, so the flavor will be marginal and the texture hidden, I believe. Chili is another route. Basically, you need a thick but saltier liquid to hide it. Maybe guacamole? Also, I'm going to use the Nori sheets and add cooked rice and roll it up like sushi.

I've seen some sites with a bunch of kelp recipes too.

The kelp seems to have more consistent amounts of iodine. Avoid hijiki sea vegetables which have an issue with arsenic due to sourcing. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...lytip&dbid=264 But, the last links were for organic sources. (and cheaper than I found locally for retail)
http://www.sunfood.com/buy/1/101/Kom...anic-1446.aspx
http://seaveg.com/shop/index.php?mai...products_id=14
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/organic_kelp.htm


I'm only doing a teaspoon a day, work up to a maximum of a tablespoon (adult), per my reading. 1 tsp= 23% of the RDA for iodine.


Pat

[Annikate]

Originally Posted by TanyaLopez

You get sick and messed up and realize your kid's banging his head on the wall isn't normal and you luck into a good healthcare provider!

I amuse myself, sorry.

I'm sorry, but I just had to : at this. Tanya, I think that our experiences are waaaay too similar.

[mom61508]

What great info and story! Gives me so much hope!

Ok so here's my story.
At for months post partum my thyroid became swollen along with losing hair, fatigue, anxiety, irregular heartbeat(had that since 16), dry skin, brittle nails, dents in nails, irritability, constipation, joint and muscle aches, poor concentration, poor memory and maybe a little depressionI went to see doctor. he diagnosed me as hypothyroid my TSH was a 43!!!! Also before I got pregnant I had VERY irregular periods since about 16 and it took me 2 years to get pregnant.

I also had high antibodies diagnosing me with Hashis I was devastated! This was in Nov. My ND put me on nature throid and I do feel TONS better.I don't feel healthy just better. I had my levels tested 4 months ago TSH, T3, and T4 were "normal" but anitbodies were still high. She also said I have adrenal fatigue but can't address that yet because I'm nursing. I asked about taking iodine and she said NO. I've been reading a lot on iodine supp for 6 months now but have been scared to take the jump because I'm still BF and worry about hurting baby but I also worry she's not getting enough iodine. She seems healthy besides frequent constipation and bags under eyes.

I know along with thyroid issues comes a handful of deficiencies. Where do I start??? I have read that people with Hashis should caution using iodine. What about black walnut hull as a natural iodine source?
I'm currently taking a pre-natal(new chapter),nordic naturals fish oil(3 daily), berry greens by new chapter in water daily, 1 vitamin D3 but will switch to Carlsons Vit D liquid.

Thank you for taking the time to address my concerns

[Panserbjorne]

I think black walnut hull is pretty universally contraindicated in nursing. I know I would never recommend it.

Iodine (I believe) is *generally* safe while nursing provided you start slow and work your way up. However there are some instances in which it may be problematic and I would just want to make certain that yours isn't one. Your health care practitioner either reacted that way because for *you* it's not a good idea or because there isn't a ton of info at this stage about adding it during breastfeeding. Perhaps you could ask her why she reacted that way?

[lil_miss_understood]

nak

mom61508
are you taking selenium? talk to your nd about it... it has been shown to decrease antibodies in people with autoimmune thyroid conditions.
hth

[mom61508]

Hmmm I wonder why it's contraindicated during nursing? I get it from a Master herbalist and he's fine with me taking it Shoot I've been taking it for 3 months!!!!!

I'm not taking selenium but has just ordered some raw Brazil nuts :
I don't think my Nd not prescribing Iodine was because of my case I believe she just doesn't believe in it. She didn't even want me taking natural sources...kelp, dulse.

[mom61508]

What's a good brand of Liquid Dulse??? Couldn't find it at Whole Foods

[JaneS]

There is evidence that Hashimoto's is caused by subclinical gluten intolerance. See www.enterolab.com "Before the Villi are Gone" article on autoimmune disease.

Another alternative lab which I cannot remember right now has more info on this, I know my allergy dietician just did some seminars recently on it.

I think Dr. Brownstein uses iodine for Hashi's?

[Panserbjorne]

Originally Posted by mom61508

Hmmm I wonder why it's contraindicated during nursing? I get it from a Master herbalist and he's fine with me taking it Shoot I've been taking it for 3 months!!!!!

I'm not taking selenium but has just ordered some raw Brazil nuts :
I don't think my Nd not prescribing Iodine was because of my case I believe she just doesn't believe in it. She didn't even want me taking natural sources...kelp, dulse.

I have to say that just sounds odd....it's proven to be necessary for function....it's an essential nutrient. The new info isn't that we need it, it's that we need it in the quantities we do. We have known for a LONG time that it's an important nutrient. I can't believe that an ND simply doesn't believe in it!?!?! That doesn't make sense. I'd ask more questions.

Black walnut hull is contraindicated for a few reasons in pregnancy and nursing. One of the biggies is that it suppressed lactation. If you have a professional guiding you, again they have access to info that we on a message board do not. I dont' know your history. I just know that I would not personally put a nursing or pregnant woman on it.

[lil_miss_understood]

Originally Posted by JaneS

There is evidence that Hashimoto's is caused by subclinical gluten intolerance. See www.enterolab.com "Before the Villi are Gone" article on autoimmune disease.

Another alternative lab which I cannot remember right now has more info on this, I know my allergy dietician just did some seminars recently on it.

I think Dr. Brownstein uses iodine for Hashi's?

There is also evidence that it is caused by mercury. Probably one of the reasons why it is suggested that those with Hashi's not take iodine except under the direct guidance of a HCP.

[JaneS]

Originally Posted by JacquelineR

There is also evidence that it is caused by mercury. Probably one of the reasons why it is suggested that those with Hashi's not take iodine except under the direct guidance of a HCP.

with maybe mercury causing gluten intolerance too?

I thought I was read that iodine doesn't cause mercury chelation? Geez I would love it if it did, then I can say I *have* been chelating all this time!

[Panserbjorne]

Originally Posted by JaneS

with maybe mercury causing gluten intolerance too?

[springmum]

Originally Posted by WuWei

I add the kelp to tomato juice, per JR's suggestion. I tried adding it to our green smoothie, it absorbs a lot of moisture and the kelp itself becomes thick, sludgy, yucky, imo. And there is a slight amount of salty flavor. Some say fishy. When I mix it with tomato juice, I drink it quickly before it gets thickened. It just tastes like tomato juice.

For kids, I'm still experimenting. I believe soup will be the best bet. With some avocado to cream up the texture probably. I'm going to add it to lentils also. I include garlic and onion, so the flavor will be marginal and the texture hidden, I believe. Chili is another route. Basically, you need a thick but saltier liquid to hide it. Maybe guacamole? Also, I'm going to use the Nori sheets and add cooked rice and roll it up like sushi.

I've seen some sites with a bunch of kelp recipes too.

The kelp seems to have more consistent amounts of iodine. Avoid hijiki sea vegetables which have an issue with arsenic due to sourcing. http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?t...lytip&dbid=264 But, the last links were for organic sources. (and cheaper than I found locally for retail)
http://www.sunfood.com/buy/1/101/Kom...anic-1446.aspx
http://seaveg.com/shop/index.php?mai...products_id=14
http://www.tropicaltraditions.com/organic_kelp.htm


I'm only doing a teaspoon a day, work up to a maximum of a tablespoon (adult), per my reading. 1 tsp= 23% of the RDA for iodine.


Pat

Hmmm...so is soaking it the best way to reduce the arsenic content?

I've been toasting my nori/kelp and sprinkling it on my rice. I've also been eating more than a tblsp a day some days (some days none at all) So maybe I should back?

[mom61508]

I'm sure my ND believes in iodine as an essential nutrient but doesn't believe I'm deficient in it. She actually had me buy some iodine at walgreens and put it on my skin to see If it absorbed, it didn't. Sorry I made that unclear.
although I have read that it's not a good way to tell If someone needs iodine.

Sometimes I believe I'm lacking when I go back and think of all the bromide I drank citrus gatorade almost everyday along with lots of unhealthy breads. Our AZ water is fluoridated as well but I haven't drank tap water in 5 years but my teeth have fluoridosis which leads me to assume my body MUST be lacking iodine If I ingested all that fluoride.

I to have read that Hashis/gluten sensitivity go hand and hand. I'm trying to cut that out now but having a hard time have also read that any autoimmune disease Is an imbalance in the gut. Trying to find more info on that...anyone???

Thanks~Jada

[springmum]

Eden Organic (who sells organic sea vegetables) addressed the concerns of arsenic content here.I realize it is a study from the company that sells the product, but it does site other studies in the article (which I haven't been able to fact check)

[Panserbjorne]

I see. I actually think that the skin test is a pretty good indicator. Now when you say it didn't absorb...over how long a period of time? 2 hours? 24? That makes a difference.

IF you had been getting iodine all along all the halides wouldn't have bothered you as much so it's still *possible* that you didn't need it. But I would be suprised!

Flouride doesnt' necessarily displace iodine. IT kinda has "first dibs" so to speak. Most studies I'm aware of show that the halides take up residence and bind to the receptor sites in the absence of iodine. The reason supplementation works is that it readily ousts the halides. However given your symptoms I'd be shocked if you had sufficient stores.

[WuWei]

Originally Posted by JaneS

There is evidence that Hashimoto's is caused by subclinical gluten intolerance. See www.enterolab.com "Before the Villi are Gone" article on autoimmune disease.

Oy, Jane, you get a twin award with Tanya for "One More Thing For Me To Worry About", thanks!


:



Pat

[JaneS]

Pat,

Sorry!!

Also, the RDA for iodine (150 micrograms) is useless. All reports from the iodine experts say that we (especially as women to protect our breasts) need about the amount that Japanese get: 13.5 milligrams of iodine per day. Now this amount is just for maintenance, nevermind what might be needed to displace toxins and restock the body stores. I think the body stores 150 grams? I need to check this. That is why the orthoiodosupplement proponents say 50 milligrams a day is needed for at least 3 months to do this.

Originally Posted by Panserbjørne

I actually think that the skin test is a pretty good indicator.

Have you read this article by Dr. Abrahams explaining research on why he thinks it isn't?

The bioavailability of iodine applied to the skin
http://www.optimox.com/pics/Iodine/u...2/UNIOD_02.htm