Question: Recent blood work indicates my thyroid is somewhat low ( 0.61). I'm 64 years old. Is there a natural remedy or diet which will help raise this, or is a prescription drug the only choice?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Prescription medication is your preferred choice. Hypothyroidism is the medical term for an underactive thyroid gland. When this gland under-secretes thyroid hormone, you often become weak and tired, your hair thins, and you retain fluid.

Weight gain and brittle hair will progress to hair loss, dry flaky skin, cataracts, and nervous system changes, including depression. Without sufficient thyroid hormone replacement, more advanced cases will go on to develop congestive heart failure and other complications.

Thyroid hormone is required to have our bodies function normally. Without thyroid hormone, our metabolism and organ functions fail rapidly. There is no "natural remedy" for thyroid hormone replacement, and no diet will affect its course.

Beware, though, that thyroid deficiency can be related to iodine deficiency. Iodine is essential for thyroid hormone synthesis, and its deficiency will produce a goiter (an enlarged gland) and thyroid hormone deficiency. This is the reason our table salt is generally iodized. The iodine in table salt more than satisfies our body's minimal iodine requirements.

Modern replacement of thyroid hormone is very precise and can be adjusted to each individual using precisely manufactured, inexpensive replacement prescription medication taken once daily by mouth.