01.25.11

How Hidden Thyroid Disease Can Impact Your Heart

Subclinical hypothyroidism impacts about 15 million Americans, most of whom do not realize their thyroid health is off balance. The problem is that even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms of low thyroid function, your heart health could be at risk.

Subclinical hypothyroidism has an impact on the lining of your blood vessels, your lipid profile, and ultimately your heart function, according to new research from the Isfahan University of Medical Sciences in Iran.

In a study of patients with either subclinical hypothyroidism or normal thyroid function, those who were subclinical had significantly lower HDL (good) cholesterol, higher triglycerides and higher C-reactive protein (CRP).

All of these are markers for increased risk of heart disease. For instance, when your triglyceride levels are too high, it can lead to hardening of the arteries and ultimately heart attack, heart disease or stroke. Elevated CRP, a marker for systemic inflammation in your body, is also associated with increased risk of heart attack and other heart problems.

So if you’re suffering from low-functioning thyroid, it’s important to take steps to get back into the healthy range, even if it’s only a mild case. How do you know if your thyroid is functioning at a subclinical level?

This condition is typically diagnosed when levels of your thyroid hormones are normal but your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is increased. This is generally a sign that your pituitary gland is working extra hard to keep your thyroid hormone levels up in the normal range. In time, and if left untreated, your TSH levels may continue to increase until your thyroid gland stops responding, and your subclinical hypothyroidism turns into full-blown hypothyroidism.

It’s a tricky situation because subclinical hypothyroidism may cause no symptoms at all, or it may lead to fatigue, memory problems, weight gain, dry skin, constipation and a range of other various problems that may seem completely unconnected.

If you notice any of these symptoms, have heart disease risk factors, or simply want to make sure your thyroid levels are in the healthy range, contact our office today for a free thyroid assessment.

Aside from heart disease, subclinical hypothyroidism has also been linked to heart failure, fractures, miscarriage and more, so addressing this often “silent” condition could be one of the most important steps you take for your health.

14th International Thyroid Congress (ITC), Paris September 11-16, 2010 — “The Comparison of Lipid Profile in Subclinical Hypothyroidism Patient and Euthyroid Subjects”

DocGuide.com September 17, 2010

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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

12.24.10

“Silent” Thyroid Troubles Increase Miscarriage, Fetal Death Risk

It’s well-known that untreated hypothyroidism can lead to miscarriage and other pregnancy complications. Now new research has shown that even subclinical hypothyroidism — a mild form of the condition that women are often unaware they have — increases the risk of miscarriage, and fetal death, as well.

In subclinical hypothyroidism, levels of circulating thyroid hormone are normal but thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are increased. The researchers found that the risk of miscarriage appears to increase as TSH levels increase and Free T4 — the major hormone secreted by the thyroid gland — levels decrease.

However, the levels only have to be slightly off — still appearing normal on a lab test — to put the woman at risk. As the researchers stated, “This is the first study to show a risk for miscarriage with thyroid levels in the normal range.”

This is sure to renew debate over whether or not women should be routinely tested for thyroid problems during pregnancy. Currently only those with risk factors for thyroid disease are screened, which means many women with subclinical hypothyroidism, or even full-blown hypothyroidism and minimal symptoms, are missed.

Adding to the problem, conventional lab tests to diagnose the disease can be misleading, labeling thyroid hormones as within the normal range when a problem still exists.

To learn more about thyroid health and pregnancy, be sure to read What Every Woman Needs to Know About Hypothyroidism During Pregnancy. And, if you experience any symptoms of low-functioning thyroid, such as fatigue, unexplained weight gain, constipation, joint/muscle pain, dry skin, or cold intolerance, be sure to have your thyroid health thoroughly checked, ideally before becoming pregnant.

Clinical Thyroidology for Patients October 2010, Volume 3, Issue 10

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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

12.10.10

Undiagnosed Thyroid Problems Linked to Fractures

Mild thyroid dysfunction, the type that occurs without most people realizing there is a problem, has been linked to an increased risk of hip fractures in men 65 and older.

Men in this age group with subclinical hypothyroidism or subclinical hyperthyroidism were at a two-fold higher risk of hip fracture, an injury that requires long-term nursing care in one out of five cases and can lead to potentially life-threatening complications.

Researchers estimated that 9 million people may suffer from subclinical thyroid dysfunction, a risk that grows as you get older. It’s estimated that up to 26 percent of elderly Americans may have subclinical hypothyroidism.

The condition is typically diagnosed when blood levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are normal but TSH levels are elevated, but it’s possible to have a low-functioning thyroid even if your lab tests come back normal.

Further, because symptoms are often minimal or, like fatigue, dry skin, constipation, muscle cramps and memory problems, often mimic those of many other conditions, the condition is incredibly easy to miss.

It’s too soon to know for sure whether mild thyroid problems are a true serious risk to your bone health, but studies have suggested that a low-functioning thyroid may impact bone turnover, thereby weakening your bones, while hyperthyroidism has been linked to bone loss.

Fortunately, dietary approaches and other lifestyle changes can help bring your thyroid function back into the normal ranges, and these approaches are often especially effective when started at the subclinical level.

Archives of Internal Medicine November 22, 2010; 170(21):1876-83

Reuters November 24, 2010

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The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado is passionate about improving the lives and lifestyles of individuals with Type II Diabetes and Hashimoto’s Disease. Call us at 303-302-0930 to schedule your complimentary consultation.

12.09.10

Holiday Foods for Diabetic, Gluten-Free Diets

At our Holiday Patient Appreciation event held December 8, our staff baked and served food appropriate for diabetic and gluten-free diets, like people with Hypothyroidism and Diabetes whom we serve.  In addition Chris Stewart from our staff did a cooking demonstration.  Here are all the recipes to enjoy during our holidays.  Some of these recipies have been adapted from recipes that appear at www.elanaspantry.com, which has several other good recipes.

Gluten Free Sesame Crackers
3 cups blanched almond flour
1½ teaspoons celtic sea salt
1 cup sesame seeds
2 eggs, whisked until frothy
2 tablespoons grapeseed oil

1. In a large mixing bowl, stir together almond flour, salt, sesame seeds, eggs and oil until well blended
2. Separate dough into two halves
3. Line two large (12 x 16) stainless steel baking sheets with parchment paper
4. Place one half of the dough in the center of each lined sheet
5. Cut another piece of parchment paper and place it over one of the balls of dough
6. Roll dough out between the two pieces of parchment paper , until it is ⅛ inch thick and covers the entire baking sheet; remove top paper and repeat process with the other piece of dough
7. Cut the dough with a knife or pizza cutter into 2 inch squares
8. Bake at 350° for 10-12 minutes, until golden brown
9. Cool and serve

Makes 96 crackers

Chocolate Bark
3 tablespoons grapeseed oil
6 tablespoons xylitol
2 cups pecans
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
½ teaspoon cayenne
½ teaspoon cinnamon
½ teaspoon nutmeg
3 cups dark chocolate chips 73% cacao

1. In a large skillet, heat oil and agave until bubbling
2. Add pecans and stir until they are well coated, then mix in salt and seasonings
3. Cook for 4 minutes, then remove pan from heat
4. Place nuts on a parchment lined baking sheet
5. Place sheet in a 400° oven and roast for 4 minutes, remove from oven and cool completely
6. In a separate saucepan over very low heat, melt chocolate
7. Pour chocolate into a parchment lined 13 x 9 glass dish
8. Break up the pecans and sprinkle over the chocolate
9. Using a metal spatula, spread the mixture evenly back and forth to ½ inch thickness
10. Allow to sit out until set, 1-2 hours
11. Cut into squares and serve

CHOCOLATE CHIP COOKIES – GLUTEN FREE
2 ½ cups blanched almond flour
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
¼ cup xylitol
½ cup grapeseed oil
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1 cup dark chocolate chips 73% cacao

1. In a large bowl, combine almond flour and salt
2. In a smaller bowl, combine grapeseed oil, agave and vanilla
3. Stir wet ingredients into dry
4. Chill dough in freezer for 30 minutes
5. Between 2 pieces of parchment paper , roll out dough 1/4 to 1/8 inch thick
6. Using a 2 inch cookie cutter or the top of a 2 inch wide jelly jar, cut out cookies
7. Bake at 350° on a parchment lined baking sheet for 5-7 minutes until brown around the edges
8. Cool for ½ hour
9. In a small saucepan, melt chocolate over very low heat, stirring continuously
10. Remove saucepan from heat and one by one, dip cookies into chocolate
11. Set cookies to cool on a parchment lined baking sheet –refrigerate if necessary to harden chocolate

Gluten Free Cranberry Bars
1 cup raw pecans
5 dates, pitted
1 tablespoon grapeseed oil
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
6 cups fresh cranberries, picked over (discard bad ones)
1 cup xylitol
1 tablespoon orange zest

1. Place pecans and dates in a food processor and pulse until coarsely ground
2. Pulse in oil and salt until mixture begins to form a ball
3. Press crust into an 8×8 inch greased baking dish
4. Bake at 350° for 8-12 minutes until lightly browned
5. To make cranberry topping, place 4 cups cranberries, agave and orange zest in a pot on the stove
6. Bring mixture to a boil, then cover and reduce to a simmer 10-15 minutes, until cranberries start to dissolve
7. Add remaining 2 cups cranberries and cook covered for 5 more minutes
8. Remove mixture from heat and allow to cool for 10 minutes
9. Pour mixture over pecan crust
10. Allow bars to set for 60-90 minutes
11. Serve

Gluten Free Almond Butter Blondies
1 (16) ounce jar creamy roasted almond butter
1 cup agave nectar
2 eggs
½ teaspoon celtic sea salt
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup dark chocolate chips 73% cacao

1. In a large bowl, with a hand blender, mix almond butter until creamy
2. Mix in agave and eggs
3. Add salt and baking soda
4. Mix well with hand blender until all ingredients are thoroughly combined
5. Mix half of the chocolate into the batter
6. Pour batter into a well greased 9 x 13 inch pyrex baking dish
7. Scatter the other half of the chocolate on top of the batter
8. Bake at 325° for 35 minutes
9. Serve

Lemon Lavender Cookies

1 ¼ cups blanched almond flour
¼ teaspoon celtic sea salt
¼ teaspoon baking soda
2 teaspoons dried lavender, finely minced
¼ cup grapeseed oil
3 tablespoons xylitol
1 tablespoon lemon zest

1. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl
2. Stir together wet ingredients in a smaller bowl
3. Mix wet ingredients into dry
4. Form ½ inch balls and press onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet
5. Bake at 350° for 7-10 minutes
6. Cool and serve

Makes about a dozen cookies

Almond Joy Chocolate Bark
1 ½ cups dark chocolate chips 73% cacao
½ cup almonds, toasted
¼ cup unsweetened shredded coconut (toasted at 350° for 6-8 minutes)

1. Melt chocolate over very low heat
2. Pour chocolate into a parchment lined 8×8 inch baking dish
3. Scatter almonds and 3 tablespoons of coconut over chocolate
4. Using a spatula spread the mixture evenly back and forth to  ½ inch thickness
5. Sprinkle remaining tablespoon of coconut on top of mixture
6. Place bark in fridge for 2 hours to set
7. Break into square bars

From the Cooking Demonstration

MY FAVORITE BRINED AND ROASTED CHICKEN

This takes 3-4 days to complete the brining process, but it is easy to put together on a week night and cook over the weekend.

To 4 quarts of water, add 3 tablespoons of kosher salt and 3 tablespoons of sugar.  Stir until dissolved.

In a small saucepan add ¼ cup of water, 2 bay leaves, and 1 dried New Mexico Chile.  Bring to a boil and cook for one minute.  Allow to cool and add to the salt/sugar mixture.  Add the chicken(s) to the brine and refrigerate for 2-3 days.  At the end of the brining remove the chicken and place on a metal rack over a baking sheet.  Refrigerate overnight uncovered.  This allows the skin to dry out and it will result in a great crisp, brown skin.

I stuff the chicken cavity with lemons and garlic or whatever is in my vegetable bin.  Rub the skin with melted butter or olive oil and bake at 400 degrees until done.  This results in a moist and flavorable chicken, either hot or cold.

BASIC VINAGARETTE SALAD DRESSING

2 Tbls Lemon Juice

1/3 cup Olive Oil

1 tsp KosherSalt

½ tsp Ground Pepper

Put all ingredients into a jar and shake until mixed.

I do lots of variations of this dressing.  I may add a clove of garlic, a teaspoon of Dijon mustard, any fresh herbs I have available.  I also may change the ratio of lemon juice to olive oil.  On the buckwheat pasta I like to use equal parts of olive oil and lemon juice.  Don’t hesitate to experiment!

SHAVED ZUCCHINI SALAD WITH PINE NUTS

This is a great no cook salad to accompany a protein

2 lbs small zucchini

1/2 cup chopped basil

¼ cup pine nuts

¼ tsp crushed red pepper

Vignarette Dressin

Using a vegetable peeler slice zucchini into ribbons, about 1/8 inch thick.  Place ribbons in large bowl.  Add pine nuts, basil and crushed red pepper.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Toss with vinagarette.

BUCKWHEAT PASTA SALAD

1 package Buckwheat Past

Roasted Red Peppers

Scallions

Cherry Tomatoes

Sliced chicken, steak or pork

Cook buckwheat pasta according to package directions.  Add desired vegetables and meat.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.  Add vignarette and refrigerate.  You may need to add additional dressing after the pasta sits.  This tastes best after a few hours to overnight.

The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado specializes in helping patients with Type II Diabetes and Hypothyroidism.  To learn more about our services go to www.drcredeur.com.  To schedule a free consultation, call 303-302-0933.

11.02.10

Is a Low-Functioning Thyroid Putting You at Risk of Heart Failure?

People with subclinical hypothyroidism — a condition in which levels of circulating thyroid hormone are normal but thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels are increased — are often unaware they have the it.

Many have no symptoms at all, and others are unaware that their fatigue, memory problems and other seemingly unrelated symptoms are due to a thyroid issue. Even if you’ve had your thyroid levels tested and the lab results came back normal, it’s still possible to have a low-functioning thyroid. In fact, it is often completely missed due to inadequate testing and a general lack of understanding of the complexities of thyroid function in the conventional medical community.

There is some debate over whether or not subclinical hypothyroidism needs to be treated at all, and to this I would stress absolutely. Many in this early stage of thyroid imbalance will go on to develop full-blown hypothyroidism if action is not taken … and will miss out on the vitality and energy they deserve in life.

However, another important reason to have ALL thyroid issues addressed is because of their link to serious health issues. Even at the subclinical level, hypothyroidism has been linked to heart problems, including diastolic heart failure and coronary heart disease.

So ignoring a thyroid imbalance, even a mild one, could be putting your heart health at risk. In fact, one study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism found that when subclinical hypothyroidism was addressed, it improved numerous heart disease risk factors, including reducing total cholesterol and LDL “bad” cholesterol levels and lowering body weight.

At least 15 million Americans are thought to suffer from subclinical hypothyroidism, many undiagnosed, so it’s a good idea to have yours checked — especially if you have other heart disease risk factors as well.

JAMA. September 22/29, 2010;304(12):1365-1374.

HeartDisease.About.com September 27, 2010