Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

THYROID GLAND The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland responsible for many important bodily functions.

• The thyroid produces two hormones, Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3), that together act as the metabolic regulators of the body.

• In hypothyroidism, the thyroid is producing inadequate amounts of the hormone, which results in a slower metabolic rate.

• The Thyroid is associated to the Triple Warmer meridian and the Teres Minor Muscle.

• Thyroid hormone is made from the amino acid Tyrosine.

• The thyroid converts Tyrosine into the hormone Thyroxine (T4) using Iodine and Selenium.

• The liver converts T4 into its usable form T3.

• T4 has 4 iodine atoms per molecule.

• T3 has 3 iodine atoms per molecule.

The metabolism these hormones regulate includes:

• body temperature

• cell growth

• brain & nerve function

• absorption of nutrients and uptake & utilization by cells

Every cell in the body has a thyroid hormone receptor.

• Chlorine, Bromine and Fluorine occupy the same receptor site as Thyroxine; so, exposure to these chemicals can inhibit function of thyroid hormone at the cellular level.

The Pituitary is first signaled by the Hypothalamus to then signal the thyroid to make Thyroxine.

• The Pituitary releases a hormone called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) to do this.

• The farthest upstream you can look for thyroid dysfunction is the Hypothalamus.

• Hypothyroidism is when there is an inadequate amount of usable thyroid hormone resulting in slower metabolic rate that is associated with a stagnant weight, weight gain or difficulty losing weight.

• Hyperthyroidism (or over active thyroid) is when there is too much thyroid hormone in the body resulting in a faster metabolic rate (Grave’s Disease) and is associated with rapid weight loss.

• TSH is the common blood marker used by doctors to determine hypothyroidism, but it is not a good indicator.

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• breathing

• circulation

• appetite

• gut motility

• the breakdown of glucose & fats

• increased fatty acids & decreased cholesterol levels

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

Symptoms of hypothyroidism:

The Colorado Thyroid Disease Prevalence Study estimates that approximately 10% of the populace has hypothyroidism, which means over 13 million Americans have an undiagnosed hypothyroid condition.

According to David Brownstein, MD, blood tests actually miss up to 30% of hypothyroid cases, meaning he suspects that over 52 million adults in America actually suffer from hypothyroidism.

Other Unique Symptoms of a Hypothyroidism:

• People with hypothyroidism cry easily or can get emotionally upset easily and cannot stand to be watched, which is very common.

• Patients will have a metallic taste in their mouth, which can be an indicator for heavy metals. If they don’t go weak on a muscle test crossing the midline, that means the thyroid is under active.

• The outer third of the eyebrow will be thin or absent in people with low thyroid.

• The more severe the hypothyroid is, the lower the body temperature becomes, so they get cold easily.

• In rare cases of the thyroid being over active, their temperature is actually elevated. So, that’s commonly overlooked. These people are revved up and very active.

• The body temperature can be elevated in low progesterone, and the temperature can be depressed with excess estrogen; so, those are additional indicators.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism Include:

• Feeling hot with skin warm to touch

• Heat intolerance

• Eyelid swelling and Protruding eyes

• High basal body temperature

• Hypo- or hyper-tension

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• Difficulty swallowing

• Hoarseness

• Revved up

• Inability to be still

• Infertility

• Throat pain

• Diarrhea

• Depression

• Menstrual irregularities

• Muscle cramps & heavy menses

• Muscle weakness

• Nervousness

• Poor memory

• Puffy eyes

• Slower heartbeat

• Throat pain

• Weight gain

• Hypertension

• Eyelid swelling

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Hoarseness

• Hypotension

• Inability to concentrate

• Infertility

• Irritability

• Brain fog

• Brittle nails

• Cold hands and feet

• Cold intolerance

• Constipation

• Depression

• Difficulty swallowing

• Dry skin

• Elevated cholesterol

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

The TSH Test

A thyroid-stimulating hormone blood test, or TSH, is used to check for thyroid gland problems.

TSH is produced when the hypothalamus releases a substance called thyrotropin-releasing hormone.

TRH then triggers the pituitary gland to release TSH. When a THS level is elevated, that always means the patient is hypothyroid.

• Thyroid stimulating hormone test, is best between 0 and 3.

• The higher the number, the more sluggish the thyroid is.

• Anything above 3 means a sluggish thyroid, though some doctors go as high as 4.5 as an indicator.

• If it goes above 4, Armour Thyroid (which requires a prescription) is the best choice because it is natural, rather than Synthroid which is synthetic.

• Synthroid is synthetic and only contains T4, whereas Armour Thyroid contains both T3 and T4.

Axillary Temperature

A good indicator of the thyroid is the axillary temperature, where you put the thermometer in the armpit. Anything below 97.8 could be hypothyroid.

Muscle Test for Thyroid

1. Test the teres minor muscle as the indicator for thyroid.

2. If both are strong, to assess if they have hyperthyroidism, have them CL the sternal notch with one hand and TW 23 at the outer edge of the eyebrow with the other. If a leg muscle tests weak, it indicates the thyroid is overactive.

• An overactive thyroid can be hard on the heart.

3. Nutrition: Whatever tests weak, check to see which of the following strengthens:

• Iodine can treat both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid very successfully, because it is an adaptogen and can help if the thyroid is under or over.

• Thyrotrophin is the protomorphogen product by Standard Process.

• Armour Thyroid which contains T3 and T4.

Hashimoto’s Disease

• Hashimoto’s disease is an auto immune condition in which the body begins attacking its own thyroid gland as an invader.

• It is determined by the presence of elevated thyroid antibodies.

• It stems from leaky gut and benefits from a gluten free diet.

• Iodine and a proper ratio of T3 and T4 can also be helpful, which you can muscle test for.

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Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

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Triple Warmer

Thyroid

Laterally rotates and adducts the shoulder & stabilizes the humerus in the glenoid cavity

Upper two-thirds of the lateral border of the scapula

Greater tubercle of the humerus

With the elbow bent at 90° and a fists distance away from the shoulder, rotate the arm out in external rotation and push the forearm in to rotate internally as you cup the elbow

Both sides between the 2nd and 3rd ribs in the front and back

#8 on the zygomatic arch, just in front of the ears and #15 at the sternal notch

Iodine, Zinc, Selenium and Thyroid tissue

• Shoulder problems • Thyroid conditions • Digestive disturbances

• Postural sign is the hand will be turned in more on weak side when standing

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Meridian

Organ

Action

Origin

Insertion

Muscle Test

NL

NV

Nutrition

Indications

TERES MINOR - TRIPLE WARMER

NL

Insertion

Origin

NV

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

THYMUS

The Thymus gland, which has two lobes like the thyroid, is located in the upper chest, behind the sternum and in front of the heart.

• It is an important part of the immune system.

• It is directly connected to the lymphatic system via lymph dendrites.

• It produces several hormones associated with the immune system and T-lymphocytes, known as T cells, an important white blood cell.

• T cells protect the body from potentially deadly pathogens.

• Infraspinatus is the indicator muscle for the Thymus and the Triple Warmer is the associated meridian.

• If this muscle tests weak, the Thymus gland may be deficient in energy and function.

• The Thymus gland is often involved in adrenal exhaustion.

• There is no specific blood test for the Thymus gland, but elevated neutrophils and decreased lymphocytes indicates bacterial infection and is also seen in Thymus gland depletion.

• Elevated lymphocytes and decreased neutrophils indicate viral infection.

• According to Sheldon Dr. Deal, normal levels are Lymphocytes 25 - 40 and Neutrophils 55 - 65.

• Microorganisms thrive on B vitamins; so, B vitamins are not a good treatment option for the Thymus.

Signs & Symptoms of Thymus Imbalance Include:

• Asthma

• Shortness of breath

Things that can be helpful for the Thymus gland:

• Vitamin A is good for the Thymus gland; it strengthens the immune system and prevents atrophy of thymus tissue.

• Thymus glandular supplements may also be beneficial.

• Cleansing the colon, which is the seat of the immune system, can be done with enemas.

• Protein deficiency is often involved (on a blood test, the protein level should be 7.1 - 7.6).

• If protein is not shown in the blood test, subtract the albumin from the total protein to get the globulin level, which are always high when there is protein deficiency.

• Low hydrochloric acid or digestive enzymes may be a factor contributing to protein deficiency.

• The GI tract becomes alkaline when there is a deficiency of hydrochloric acid, which is necessary for the breakdown and assimilation of nutrients.

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• Neck pain

• Flushing

• Diarrhea

• Muscle weakness

• Double vision

• Neck swelling

• Facial swelling

• Blurred vision

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

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Triple Warmer

Thymus

Laterally rotates the shoulder & stabilizes the humerus in the glenoid cavity

Medial two-thirds of the infraspinatus fossa of the scapula

Middle facet of the greater tubercle of the humerus and capsule of the shoulder joint

With the elbow bent at 90° and the arm abducted 90° to the side, rotate the arm in external rotation, cup the elbow and push the forearm down (opposite of subscapularis test)

5th intercostal space near the sternum on the right. Bilateral T 12 in the back near the spine

On the sternum at the level of the thymus gland about 2 inches below the sternal notch

Vitamin A and Thymus Tissue

• Rotator cuff injuries • Difficulty reaching backwards and with shoulder elevation • Postural sign is the hand on weak side will be turned in more

Meridian

Organ

Action

Origin

Insertion

Muscle Test

NL

NV

Nutrition

Indications

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INFRASPINATUS - TRIPLE WARMER

NL

Insertion

Origin

NV

• Can’t raise arm overhead with palm up

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

IODINE

Iodine is an element and a trace micronutrient the body needs.

The Riddler point is on the sternal notch

It is comprised of 4 mineral compounds that are iodide sources: potassium iodate, potassium iodide, sodium iodate and sodium iodide.

It is essential for the production of thyroid hormones and, without it, the thyroid cannot manufacture them.

Iodine is abundant in marine vegetables such as kelp, seaweed, shellfish and fish.

Soil has iodine, though in lower amounts than the ocean, and the amount decreases in the soil the farther away from the ocean the soil is.

To combat against goiter (enlarged thyroid), which was prevalent in the mid- and western United States in the early 20th century, the US government began a program of supplementing table and cooking salt with sodium iodide or potassium iodide.

A recent study done in 2017 found that after the supplemented salt program was initiated in 1924, the average IQ increased 15 points within a decade.

Other countries have adopted programs of supplementing table salt with iodine as it is the easiest and most cost-effective way to improve overall health and thyroid health.

Current estimates are that about 2 billion people worldwide are still iodine deficient.

Every cell in the body has Iodine and Thyroid hormone receptors.

Taking higher doses of Iodine can prevent cellular uptake of radioactive material in cases where exposure to excessive radiation levels is imminent or has occurred (for example, Fukishima in Japan).

Health Benefits

• Growth

• Repair of tissues

• Improved thinking function

• Relieves fibrocystic diseases (breasts, uterus, other fibroid conditions)

• Improves and regulates metabolism (heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and weight)

• Cancer prevention - Iodine is anti-carcinogenic, cancer cells injected with iodine shrink or die

Signs of Deficiency

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• Prevents hypothyroidism

• Aids in cellular detoxification

• Regulate hormones

• Improved mood

• Healthy skin, hair and nails

• Supports a healthy immune system

• Developmental disabilities

• Intellectual impairment

• Infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery

• Signs & symptoms of hypothyroidism

• Slow steady weight gain that is difficult to lose

• Infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, pre-term delivery

• Slow growth

• Hair loss

• High blood pressure

• Increased heart rate

• Intellectual impairment

• Goiter (enlarged thyroid)

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

Food Sources

• Eggs

• Garlic

• Lima beans

• Grass fed cow's milk, cheese and yogurt

• Kelp, seaweed and Dulse (similar to seaweed but has more fiber and protein)

• Cold saltwater fish (Salmon, cod, sardines, tuna, haddock, halibut, herring, perch, sea bass)

Dietary Recommendations

• Recommended Dietary Allowance (RDA) by the US Institute of Medicine

• Infants up to 12 mos. - 110 - 130 micrograms

• Children 1 - 8 years - 90 micrograms

• Children 8 - 13 years - 130 micrograms

• US Food & Drug Administration recommends 150 micrograms daily for adults

• All body systems and cells require Iodine, not just the thyroid gland

• The thyroid gland uses about 70 micrograms daily

• The generally accepted upper safe limit of intake is 1,100 micrograms (1.1 gm)

• Increasing Iodine levels too high too quickly can trigger Hyperthyroidism or a Thyroid storm (a condition of hyperthyroidism where the heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature skyrocket to dangerously high levels)

Precautions

• Iodine should be increased slowly

• Common side effects include:

• Nausea / stomach pain

• Fever / joint pain / lymph node enlargement

• Use muscle testing to determine the appropriate amount per individual

• Some people are sensitive to iodine, muscle testing can help determine that

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• Swiss chard

• Summer squash (yellow & zucchini)

• Spinach

• Sesame seeds

• Iodized salt

• Shellfish (oysters, shrimp, lobster)

• Children 13 and older and adults - 150 micrograms

• Pregnant women - 220 micrograms

• Lactating women - 290 micrograms

• Swelling of the face and lips

• Severe bleeding or bruising

• Allergic reactions

• Runny nose / headache

• Metallic taste in the mouth

• Diarrhea

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

SELENIUM

Selenium is a trace mineral and an essential micronutrient.

• Its Riddler point is at the right shoulder acromion process at the end of the clavicle

• The thyroid and iodine require selenium to manufacture thyroid hormone.

• It is essential for proper metabolic function.

• It is a powerful antioxidant that is also antiviral and antibacterial.

• It aids in the manufacture of DNA.

• Selenium deficiencies are believed to take years to develop and are often found where the element is low in the soil.

• The best way to supplement Selenium is through foods.

• Vitamin E aids in the absorption and utilization of Selenium.

• According to the Life Extension Foundation, the use of selenium during chemotherapy in combination with vitamin A and vitamin E can reduce the toxicity of chemotherapy drugs.

Health Benefits

• Healthy metabolism

• Reduce oxidative stress in the body

• Improve cognitive function

• Improve cardiovascular function

• Helps prevent hardening of the arteries

• Improve thyroid function

• Strengthen the immune system

• May reduce the risk of miscarriage (often related to low thyroid function)

• Headache, nausea and vertigo from intracranial pressure may be improved by increasing Selenium

Signs of Deficiency

• Crohn's colitis

• Low thyroid function

• Muscle pain and weakness

Factors that affect Selenium absorption and utilization:

• Smoking

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• Aids in tissue & DNA repair

• May help prevent HIV from progressing to AIDS

• May protect against asthma

• Reduces inflammation - rheumatoid arthritis, gout

• Aids against psoriasis, lupus, eczema

• May help prevent cancer (prostate, colorectal & lung)

• Improved absorption of nutrients in the digestive tract

• Cardiomyopathy

• Asthma

• Arthritis

• Dandruff

• Infertility

• Joint pain

• Alcoholism • Stress • Lack of sleep • Processed foods

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

Food Sources

• Brazil nuts

• Pumpkin seeds

• Sunflower seeds

• Chia seeds

• All foods grown in soil contain some amount of selenium depending on how rich the quantity is in the soil the food is grown in.

Dietary Recommendations

• 40 - 55 micrograms daily

• 200 micrograms daily (approximately 2 Brazil nuts) are often supplemented for hypothyroidism

• 200 micrograms daily may help fight prostate cancer

• Safe upper daily limit is considered 400 micrograms

Precautions

Symptoms of Selenium Toxicity Include:

• Hair loss

• Nail loss

• Nausea

• Breath that has a garlic odor

Medications that interact with Selenium include:

• Anti-blood clotting

Selenium may decrease how well niacin works

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• Fish / Crab / Lobster

• Brown rice

• Wheat germ

• Whole grains

• Eggs

• Mushrooms

• Garlic

• Animal kidneys / beef or lamb liver

• Kidney failure

• Cardiac failure

• Respiratory distress

• Irritability

• Fatigue

• Nerve damage

• Metallic taste in the mouth

• Skin lesions

• Tremors

• Sedatives (barbiturates) • Birth control pills• Cholesterol lowering

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

BLADDERWRACK & KELP

Both Bladderwrack and Kelp belong to the family of brown algae seaweeds that grow in nutrient-rich environments making them nutrient rich.

Both are excellent sources of Iodine and have been used for treating goiter (enlarged thyroid).

Most kelp have flat or blade-like leaves with a root-like structure to anchor them.

Bladderwrack grows with fronds and a wide, prominent midrib.

Both may have spherical air bladders.

They grow very quickly and can be harvested frequently.

Both seaweeds are found in the oceans around the world.

Health Benefits of Bladderwrack and Kelp

• Promotes thyroid health

• Improves metabolism

• Aids in weight loss

• Aids digestion

• Anti-aging

Nutrition

• Kelp and Bladderwrack are one of the most nutrient dense foods.

• They contain all vitamins and minerals.

• Kelp has the highest concentration of calcium of all foods, 10 times more than milk.

How to use

• They can be purchased as supplements or as food.

• They can be taken internally and applied externally.

• Both internal and external use is beneficial for joint pain, inflammation and skin conditions.

Precautions

• People who are allergic to the Iodine should avoid Bladderwrack.

• It may exacerbate hyperthyroidism.

• Do not take if on a blood thinning medication as it has anti-clotting properties.

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• Reduces inflammation

• Strengthens bones

• Promotes skin health

• Beneficial for ulcers

• Lowers cholesterol

• Strengthens the cardiovascular system

• Helps blood sugar regulation

• Inhibits cancer cell proliferation

• Promoting smooth bowel movements

• Relieves excess gas, bloating and cramping

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

CARNITINE

Facts about Carnitine

• Its acupuncture test point is K 27

• The body generally makes its own sufficient amount of Carnitine in the liver and kidneys.

• In some cases, it needs to be supplemented and foods are the best sources.

• It is used throughout the body but concentrated in muscles and organ tissues.

• Carnitine is critical for energy production at the cellular level.

• Its function is in the metabolism of fatty acids.

• It transports long-chain fatty acids into mitochondria so that the fatty acids can be burned for energy.

• It transports the waste of this energy process back out of the cell.

• Carnitine is absorbed in the small intestine and conserved by the kidneys with excess carnitine excreted in the urine; so, even diets low in carnitine, have little negative impact on the body.

• A deficiency of Carnitine is a result of a genetic disorder or medical conditions, such as chronic renal failure.

• The body's ability to make carnitine is so effective that vegetarians don't show signs of deficiency.

• Athletes may take Carnitine to improve performance but research doesn't support an impact on improved performance or physical endurance by taking Carnitine.

Symptoms of Deficiency

• Muscle pain

Health Benefits

• Energy

• Improved exercise performance

• Improved sense of well-being

• Heart & Cardiovascular system health including peripheral arteries and small venous vessels

Food Sources

• Red meat

• Poultry

• The darker red the meat, the higher the amount of Carnitine.

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• Cardiomyopathy• Low blood sugar

• Male infertility

• Benefits renal disease

• Fatigue resulting from chemotherapy

• Weight loss

• Type 2 Diabetes

• HIV & AIDS

• Milk

• Cheese

• Fish

• Whey

• Whole wheat

• Asparagus

Biochemical Kinesiology Class 18

How to use

• L-Carnitine, Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine can be found as over-the-counter supplements.

• The body converts L-Carnitine into Acetyl-L-Carnitine and Propionyl-L-Carnitine.

• The effects and benefits of the different forms and whether or not they are interchangeable is unknown.

• It is best to get carnitine from foods.

• D-Carnitine is considered toxic because it inhibits L-Carnitine; they are mirror images of each other but only L-Carnitine is active in the body and is the form found in food.

Side Effects

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Upset stomach

Precautions

• Interacts with pivalate-conjugated antibiotics such as pivampicillin that are used to treat chronic urinary tract infections (UTIs).

• Anticonvulsants such as valproic acid, phenobarbital, phenytoin, and carbamazepine reduce blood levels of carnitine.

• L-Carnitine appears to decrease the effectiveness of thyroid hormone in the body.

• People on agents (medication or herbs) that slow blood clotting should not supplement with L-Carnitine as it increases anticoagulation.

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• “Fishy” body odor

• Muscle weakness

• Seizures

• Heartburn

• Abdominal cramps

• Diarrhea