8 Thyroid Myths Busted
Thyroid. A word that never meant too much to me until it meant EVERYTHING. Just like so many of my clients, at my worst, I was given labels including autoimmune thyroiditis and Hashimoto’s (among so many others).
I thank God every that at this horrendous time of my life. (Check out more about my story about where I started with autoimmune healingand thyroid disease healing.) I was fortunate enough to stumble upon Anthony William and his powerful information, and from that point on, my life was changed for the better.
I currently help clients all over the world with a myriad of health issues ranging from autoimmune conditions to vertigo and everything in between. Lately, however, I’m feeling pulled to put more energy and focus into informing others about their thyroids and the true cause of major issues related to them.
Very close to home, my best friend is going through newly discovered thyroid issues. I also recently got into a conversation with a woman at a park and we briefly connected about this topic. Right place at the right time? Yes. Coincidence? I think not! One thing for certain is that these questions and discussions are bringing me back to the start of my healing and motivating me to inform and empower others to heal as I have.
One incredible resource I must mention is the book “ Medical Medium Thyroid Healing.” I can’t recommend this book enough. Additionally, today, I also want to share some common myths about thyroid/thyroid conditions and provide you with accurate information right here and right now.
Busting 8 Thyroid Myths so YOU can be better informed and avoid the traps!
1. The body is attacking itself.
Whether you’re experiencing hypothyroid (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), “inflammation,” or another thyroid disorder, you are likely being told that your body is attacking itself. Not a chance! Your body knows better, and your body does better! Anthony William has shared over and over again that this theory is one of the biggest fallacies of our time. Our bodies are not faulty… our bodies are attacking the invaders trying to attack our bodies. See myth #2 for more about what is actually happening.
2. A thyroid problem is the ultimate REASON for a person’s illness.
Actually, a problematic thyroid is not the reason for illness, it’s another SYMPTOM! Anthony has shared with us that the underlying problem is not specifically related to the thyroid gland in your neck, but actually the thyroid VIRUS, aka, the Epstein Barr Virus (EBV). And as it turns out, this virus doesn’t just stop at our thyroids.
The virus causes many symptoms and conditions beyond what’s associated with the thyroid… its goal is to go even further and compromise your nervous system, causing dozens of mystery symptoms and wreaking further havoc on your health. -AW
Typically, EBV remains dormant until it is triggered by traumatic circumstances or events such as extreme financial stress, major stress in the workplace or at home, divorce, or even childbirth. Viruses can also be fueled by toxins, including what we’re exposed to in our environments as well as what we consume. (Anthony goes into greater detail about these triggers in his book “ Medical Medium Thyroid Healing.”) EBV is nearly always responsible for the weight loss or weight gain, hair loss, sleep issues, dry skin, heart palpitations, and other symptoms commonly associated with thyroid conditions.
3. Your illness is a result of inflammation.
Despite popular belief, inflammation is not a CAUSE or explanation of illness, but a symptom of injury and/or invasion of a foreign substance. Inflammation of the thyroid results from injury caused by the EBV cells as well as the presence of the EBV itself. The immune system creates antibodies to go after the EBV cells, which results in inflammation. As Anthony shares, the inflammation is PROOF that your body is working to protect you from this virus. Similarly, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis does not CAUSE hypothyroidism; it is simply a more advanced version of hypothyroidism. Truthfully, we can feel good that inflammation means that your body’s immune system is working hard to fight the virus.
4. Lab work / Blood testing is the be-all, end-all for thyroid dysfunction.
Although primary care physicians have become increasingly receptive to sending thyroid patients to an endocrinologist for blood work and even looking beyond just the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone), Anthony shares that most blood tests are outdated because they too heavily focus on the THYROID, when the problem is EBV.
These tests misdirect health-care professionals and patients, making everyone focus on one effect of the virus (impairment of the thyroid), rather than the much bigger picture that it’s a virus causing damage and wreaking havoc elsewhere in the body at the same time. -AW
Further, once EBV moves into your organs, blood tests might indicate a past infection of EBV, but not a current one. Even the best of medical professionals will then assume that the virus is no longer causing problems, when, in reality, the virus has actually gone deeper into the body.
This misinterpretation of EBV blood testing is how the virus has slipped through the cracks, preventing medical communities from understanding the full scope of EBV’s harm. With all due respect, it’s one of the greatest medical blunders of both history and our modern time. -AW
5. You will be “sick” for the rest of your life.
Thankfully, EBV is NOT a life sentence! Once you become informed about the true cause of your illness and learn what to do and how to address it, YOU then hold the power to improve your condition and regain control of your health and of your LIFE.
6. You will be on thyroid medication for the rest of your life.
Thyroid medications (like Levothyroxine) are not the answer because they do not actually heal the thyroid. Thankfully, even if you’re taking them now, there is absolute hope for you to be med-free moving forward! Healing foods and herbs not only have fewer side effects, but they are also much more effective at truly solving the underlying problems associated with “thyroid issues.” (It’s important to mention that if you have been on thyroid medication for a long time and are looking to gradually lower your dose, we recommend working together with us closely, as well as with an open-minded medical doctor.)
7. You should avoid cruciferous vegetables and even some fruits.
Many people are told that if they have a thyroid problem, they should avoid cruciferous vegetables such as kale, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and brussels sprouts because of the goitrogenic compounds.
Goitrogens are substances that affect thyroid hormone levels. They disrupt the production of thyroid hormone by interfering with iodine uptake in the thyroid gland. This causes TSH levels to rise which leads to rapid growth of thyroid tissue. This is a common cause of goiter.
Fruits such as peaches, pears, strawberries, and spinach are also advised against. This information is not correct! These foods are GOOD for your thyroid because the phytochemical compounds within them help to eliminate EBV.
If we’re talking about eliminating or reducing foods, we should be looking to eliminate virus-feeding foods such as eggs, dairy, and gluten. Avoiding gluten isn’t just necessary for the good health of those with “Celiac disease.” Studies have shown that going gluten-free can do wonders for your thyroid health as well as provide relief from symptoms of “autoimmune dis-ease.” (1)(2)
8. You need to steer clear from iodine!
Quite the opposite! Iodine is an antiseptic that kills off EBV, and many people are iodine-deficient. Anthony shares why there might be some confusion about iodine and the thyroid.
Because when iodine reaches the thyroid, it kills off virus cells at an accelerated rate, which can in turn temporarily elevate inflammation… this inflammation is often mistaken for an autoimmune response. -AW
Avoiding an iodine deficiency can also prevent other types of cancer while also fighting viral loads. (3) If you’re worried about getting enough iodine, you can take iodine supplements and add seaweed to your regular diet.
How do I know that the above thyroid myths are, in fact, myths?
Quite simply, my personal healing experience has been proof enough. I’ve also helped so many others to see the light and, as a result, see complete healing. I am SO thankful that I have learned the TRUTH!
While I’m at it, Reclaimers of Health is going to make a new commitment to bringing the truth of better thyroid function to the light. This might be in the form of a cleanse, or maybe a mini-course. I’m not sure what is coming, but I’m open to feedback and just know I am feeling moved to provide love and SUPPORT to those in need in this area.
Are you ready to begin your healing journey?
Book an appointment so we can work together on your next steps to reclaim your health!
References:
- Krysiak, Robert, Witold Szkróbka, and Bogusław Okopień. “ The Effect of Gluten-Free Diet on Thyroid Autoimmunity in Drug-Naïve Women with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis: A Pilot Study.” Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes 127, no. 07 (2018): 417–22. https://doi.org/10.1055/a-0653-7108.
- Loria, Keith. “ Food-Especially Gluten-Can Trigger Autoimmune Diseases.” Managed Healthcare Executive. Last modified February 2019. https://www.managedhealthcareexecutive.com/autoimmune-diseases/foodespecially-glutencan-trigger-autoimmune-diseases.
- “ Iodine Deficiency.” American Thyroid Association. Accessed November 5, 2019. https://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/.
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