Chronic Illness
Heart Disease, Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, Candida, Arthritis
Heart Attacks
A hallmark of hypothyroidism is accelerated hardening of the arteries. Broda Barnes, MD, PhD, was America’s thyroid expert in the 20th century. He followed thousands of his patients for decades and prevented more than 90% of predicted heart attacks that should have occurred based upon the Framingham Study. Dr. Barnes also reviewed more than 70,000 consecutive autopsies in Graz, Austria from 1930-1970. The autopsies showed that the rate of heart attacks went from one in 125 in 1930 to one in 14 in 1970. There was a marked decline in deaths from infections after antibiotics and anti-tuberculin drugs were introduced.
Increased susceptibility to infections is another hallmark of hypothyroidism. For millennia, more than half the world’s population died at an early age from infections – plagues, pneumonia, tuberculosis, etc. Dr. Barnes’ research showed those dying prematurely from infections were usually hypothyroid. With improvements in sanitation and the use of antibiotics and antitubercular drugs, many people began to survive their infections. Preventing the hypothyroid from premature death allowed them to live long enough to die of heart attacks. Dr. Barnes published his findings, Solved: The Riddle of Heart Attacks, but his research was dismissed by mainstream medicine.
Heart Failure
Resolution of heart failure using porcine thyroid (what we call desiccated thyroid) was first reported in 1918. I cite an article in my book published in the Journal of the American Medical Association in 1925 by Dr. G. Fahr entitled Myxedema Heart. Myxedema is the medical term for hypothyroidism. Dr. Fahr stated, “The shape of the heart in severe myxedema is so characteristic that Dr. Rigler, the roentgenologist [radiologist] at the hospital diagnosed the second and third cases in my series after examination of the roentgenogram alone.” Dr. Rigler described the characteristic appearance of the heart, “enormously dilated in all chambers.” Photos show the enlarged heart shrink to normal size after thyroid was given. (See Hypothyroidism Type 2: The Epidemic) link to the book website
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) and Fibromyalgia
Two of my teachers, Dr. Kraus and Dr. Sonkin, shook their heads at the diagnosis of CFS and fibromyalgia. They knew hypothyroidism was the major underlying cause. A majority of their CFS and fibromyalgia patients recovered when properly treated with thyroid. It can be that simple. I have since learned that low body voltage is a primary cause of fatigue, pain, and numerous other illnesses. Hypothyroidism is one of the primary causes of low voltage; chronic diseases, dental issues, and poor diet will result in low voltage. The use of many supplements, herbs, and IVs can be costly and often miss the root cause of the problem.
Candida (Candidiasis)
Fungus issues occur when the pH and voltage are low. This may be due to hypothyroidism or other causes of low voltage. There are some 1000 pathogenic organisms in the body at any given time ready to pounce when the immune system will allow it. When voltage drops, we see chronic infections set in. All the bugs move in when the voltage is low – yeast, bacteria, fungus, parasites. We use the Kaufman anti-fungal diet – starch and sugar are what yeast feed upon – and homeopathics to treat Candida. Thyroid increases immune function and helps the body to eliminate yeast.
Arthritis
In the first half of the 20th century, the primary treatment for all types of arthritis was thyroid hormone and it was commonly successful. Accelerated arthritis – be it Rheumatoid, osteo, or any of the forms – is a common sign of hypothyroidism. The most severe osteoporosis I have seen involve elderly chronic pain patients who have received prednisone for their arthritis for years. Prednisone inhibits thyroid metabolism. Often with arthritis I see leaky gut and food allergies which contribute to pain. My professional experience leaves no doubt that environmental toxins contribute significantly to arthritis cases. Prior dental work, especially root canals and metals in the mouth, also fans the fires of arthritic inflammation.
