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In_the_Green
11-24-2010, 06:15 PM
Hi all,


I have some concerns I wanted to air with you all. For the past 2 years or so I have been about 80% raw and a vegetarian for about 5 years. This past July I noticed my hair was coming out in larger quantities and I grew concerned but throught it was temporary.

It has continued to thin and I am really starting to notice it. My hair just seems different overall (very weak) and for a short period its growing slowed significantly. I am used to having a full head of thick, wavy strong hair so seeing my head waste away is very distressing.

At first I thought I simply wasn't getting enough protein because I'm not a nut fan, I mostly stick with greens & fruits. I am also wondering if I didn't vary my greens enough. The green smoothies I did used a lot of kale in the evening one and spinach in the morning one. I came across this info about spinach and kale in a hypothyroid article:

http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/18912/2313/3

" Next, people with hypothyroidism are often told to avoid goitrogenic foods. Goitrogenic refers to the fact that these foods can increase your likelihood of developing a goiter by decreasing thyroid hormone production. Remember, a goiter is a lump in your neck, caused by an inflammation of the thyroid. It’s not pretty.
The funny thing about these foods is that the majority of them are very healthy, in general. The incidence of their consumption causing a goiter is gone if you take specific measures, most notably – cooking them.
Regardless, the following foods are considered goitrogenic: cabbage, broccoli, turnips, rutabaga, mustard greens, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, peaches, pears, strawberries, and radishes cauliflower, millet, and African cassava.
These foods should not be eaten in large quantities and generally not raw especially if you are on thyroid replacement hormones and still have a thyroid because they can negatively interact with your medication, nullifying its effects. Cooking seems to break down the enzymes enough to make the anti-thyroid effect a non-factor."

I have been hoping this is just a product of poor nutrition and stress. I think I was short in iron & protein in the summer and progressed to iodine deficiency. I am now taking supplements for b vitamins, 3-6-9 omega oils, iron and kelp (iodine). I really don't want to be hypothyroid, especially after making such healthy strides in my diet and seeing improvements in other areas of my health.

I suppose I should see a doctor, its just costly and frustrating because I do not have insurance. If I'm going to pay out of pocket, I really don't want to spend it on someone who might want to put me on drugs. Would seeing a naturopath or eastern medicine doctor be better? Thank you for taking the time to read this long post.

missyc
11-25-2010, 07:37 AM
I've had some blood sugar and what I believe to be thyroid issues as well since going more raw and doing a lot of juice fasting. I know I have a sluggish thyroid and adrenals and have had for some time. I'm still trying to figure out what I need to do to correct them.

DebB
11-25-2010, 10:46 AM
I'm also hypo (after being hyper and having thyroid killed - sigh - that's another story). I see a HOLISTIC M.D. and if they're all like my doctor, that's what I'd recommend.

It was a board certified endocrinologist that treated me and whose advice I followed (before internet) and I wish I never had - my current doctor told me, "That's a shame, I could have balanced out your thyroid in about 10 weeks."

Anyway - that's my recommendation. I believe you can Google holistic doctors as they have a website with a location link. Best wishes!! *Ü*

missyc
11-25-2010, 06:42 PM
I work with a Natural Doc but he doesn't approve of very much juicing and is totally against a raw food diet. I've been looking to find someone in my area that would work with me but so far, I haven't.

DebB
11-26-2010, 01:25 AM
Well, for what it's worth - my holistic doc isn't thrilled with my eating raw either, but he doesn't push it. When I told him I feel better eating this way, he let it go.

Personally speaking - I don't think I could find an MD here where we live that supports eating this way, but I sure love having this MD as my doctor and have him help me take care of my thryoid regardless of our differing views on eating.

I sure hope you find someone that you're happy with! *Ü*

missyc
11-26-2010, 06:59 AM
DebB- That's pretty much how it is for me, too. He doesn't approve, but he doesn't scold me for it either. My gynecologist supports my juicing and raw eating completely, though, because she does the same. She just doesn't specialize in natural, unfortunately.